Lindisfarne - Lindisfarne

Lindisfarne (said Holy Island) is a tidal island in Northumberland, joined to the mainland by an elevated road, but twice a day it is isolated from the tides.

To know

Lindisfarne was a fishing community for many years, with agriculture and lime production of some significance as well. Tourism became important during the 20th century. The island is known for its crab sandwiches.

The holy island has been considered one of the northern wonders of the country and the Lindisfarne Gospels is among the treasures of Britannia. In addition, it is home to the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve.

Background

The history of the island has long been linked to that of the abbey founded by Saint Aidan around 635. Lindisfarne became the base of the evangelization of northern England and the abbey was erected as a bishopric.

On June 8, 793, a Viking raid, the first recorded in historical documents, deeply upset the life of the island: the monks fled and in 1000 the bishopric was transferred to Durham. The priory was re-established in the Norman period as a Benedictine foundation, until it was suppressed in 1536 by Henry VIII.

Territories and tourist destinations

Due to its small size, Lindisfarne has a limited number of streets. Those present are narrow and often packed with tourists. The only parking available is located at the beginning of the island (before the town) and is well signposted. The cost for a stopover of up to three hours is £ 4.40 (2008). Some b & bs on the island offer a parking space for their guests, but it is always better to inquire at the time of booking.

From the car park there is a shuttle bus service to the castle (not available every day, especially in winter).

However, the best way to visit the island is to walk. Maps are available on the island, many also suggest tourist routes.

How to get

Before planning a trip to the island, it is essential to check the tide forecasts on the dedicated page of the island's website.

By car

The island is connected to the mainland by an elevated road, but remains isolated from the tide twice a day. Once you have reached the island, it is advisable to consult the sign affixed near the parking lot where the timetables are shown last safe steps on the road.

To reach Lindisfarne take the main coastal road A1 from which you exit into the small town of Beal (which appears as if it consists only of the Plow Hotel and a petrol station, all on the east side of the road). The junction is referred to as "Holy Island".

By bus

Local bus service 477 connects the island with Berwick-upon-Tweed. Connections are reduced during the winter months and may in any case undergo daily variations depending on the tides. Before traveling, it is advisable to consult the transport company.

On foot

The Pilgrim's Crossing (passage of pilgrims) is well signposted, but taking the journey on foot between the mainland and the island, passing over the sand and mud can be dangerous due to the tides and it is therefore desirable to undertake it only if accompanied by an expert guide.

How to get around

By public transport

From the car park there is a shuttle bus service to the castle (not available every day, especially in winter).

By car

The only parking available is located at the beginning of the island (before the town) and is well signposted. The cost for a stopover of up to three hours is £ 4.40 (2008). Some b & bs on the island offer a parking space for their guests, but it is always better to inquire at the time of booking.

What see

55.669167-1.8008331 Lindisfarne Abbey (Lindisfarne Priory), TD15 2RX, ☎ 44 1289 389200. 6,50£ (2017). Apr-Sep 10:00 - 18:00, Oct close at 17:00, Nov - Tue Sat-Sun 10: 00-16: 00. Monastic complex now in ruins erected by Saint Aidan around 635. This region became the base of the evangelization of northern England and was also successful in sending an apostolic mission to Mercia. The monks of the communities of Iona settled on the island. At the beginning of the eighth century the abbey also became a center of cultural production, with manuscripts in Latin and Anglo-Saxon, the manuscript of the Songs of Lindisfarne it is an example of this and features Celtic, Germanic and Roman illustrative elements.

55.66906-1.784592 Lindisfarne Castle (Lindisfarne Castle), TD15 2SH, ☎ 441289389244, @[email protected]. 7,40£ (2016). Tudor Castle from the 16th century, it was converted into an Edwardian palace. The building is located on a rocky mound which offers (weather permitting) excellent views of the island, Bamburgh Castle and part of the North Sea surrounding the island. The castle is now owned by the National Trust.

Events and parties

• Holy Island Festival. at the beginning of July. A week of events, shows and concerts. 

What to do

• Admire the sunrise. Wake up early to watch the sunrise. Go to the hills at the southern tip of the island: you will see beautiful sunrises behind the castle. The effect is even more extraordinary when there is high tide and unique plays of light are created. 
• Birdwatching. Much of the island and the tidal areas are protected areas where more than 300 bird species have been observed. Among these the branta bernicla, the duck wigeon and the teal. 
• Observe the seals. During high tide it is possible to spot seals off the island's beaches. 

Shopping

There aren't many shops on the island; those present are mostly tourist and souvenir.

• 55.67116-1.800431 Celtic Crafts, ☎ 44 1289 389033, @[email protected]. Shop with Celtic-inspired jewelry, clothing, books, and other souvenirs. 
• 55.67117-1.800182 National Trust Shop, Marygate. Shop with island souvenirs and local products. Some plants are also for sale in the garden of the shop. 
• 55.67071-1.802173 Lindisfarne Mead (St. Aidan's Winery), ☎ 44 1289 389230. Winery and distillery famous for the production of mead. The products also include beer, liqueurs, preserves and porcelain objects. 
• 55.6702-1.800574 Island Store. Shops on the island with food and souvenirs. 

How to have fun

Once on the island, a stop to taste the Lindisfarne mead is certainly recommended (Lindisfarne Meade) produced directly on the island at St Aidan's winery. Mead is basically composed of water and honey fermented with yeast to transform part of the honey into alcohol.

Where to eat

Average prices

• 55.67111-1.800811 Pilgrims Coffee House. Small and cozy café where you can enjoy a cup of roasted coffee on site (Tuesdays and Thursdays) accompanied by tasty sweets. 
• 55.67121-1.802712 1^st class food @ Holy Island, @[email protected]. from 9:00. English / Scottish breakfasts, sandwiches, soups, salads and other dishes featuring crabs and other fish and shellfish. 
• 55.67132-1.799523 The ship Inn, @[email protected]. Pub with garden and some rooms. 

Where stay

Lindisfarne has numerous small Bed & Breakfasts and other family-run guesthouses and a few small hotels.

Average prices

• 55.672-1.80051 Lindisfarne Hotel, ☎ 44 1289 389273. Small hotel with one room equipped for people with reduced mobility. 
• 55.66988-1.801172 Belvue Guesthouse Holy Island, Chare Ends, ☎ 44 1289 389500. Downtown hotel .

High prices

• 55.66988-1.801173 Manor House Hotel, Market Square, ☎ 44 1289 389207. Downtown hotel (adjacent to the abbey) with ten bedrooms. 

Safety

Check the tide times carefully: the risk is not only to get stuck on the island, but to be reached by the tide on the way to the island. Scrupulously respect the times indicated on the Lindisfarne site and not undertaking a journey beyond the time of the last safe passage.

How to keep in touch

Internet

In some places on the island, such as alla Pilgrims Coffee House, a free internet connection is available.

Around

• Berwick upon Tweed North;
• Amble, Alnmouth is Alnwick South;

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Lindisfarne
• Commons contains images or other files on Lindisfarne