The Holy Island of Lindisfarne - Travel Information

A TIDAL ISLAND: Holy Island is linked to the mainland by a long causeway. Twice each day the tide sweeps in from the North Sea and covers the road. Tide times and heights can be accurately predicted from the phases of the Moon. Severe weather can produce offsets, particularly with strong winds from the North and Northeast. The causeway crossing times are forecasted 'safe' crossing times. Nevertheless, travellers should remain vigilant if crossing near the extremeties. MAINLAND WEATHER FORECAST 2008 CAUSEWAY CROSSING TIMES BUY THE ISLANDERS' TIDE TABLE Climatic charts indicate that Holy Island, on average, is one of the driest parts of the country. It is a rain-shadow area. But yes, of course it rains - sometimes!

BY ROAD: Proceed along the main A1 roadway to the crossroad at Beal which is approximately 8 miles South of Berwick-upon-Tweed and about 60 miles (halfway) between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Edinburgh. (Note: Viewed from the A1 road, Beal appears to consist of `The Plough Hotel' and `Lindisfarne Services' both on the East or seaward side of the road.) - `Holy Island' is signposted East from Beal - distance about 5 miles. BY RAIL: The nearest mainline station is at Berwick-upon-Tweed on the London (Kings Cross) to Edinburgh GNER line. A public bus service operates from the station to the Island although the frequency varies considerably from Summer-to-Winter and according to the prevailing tide. A taxi service is also available either from the station or from the Island.

LOCAL BUS - Route 477: A bus service operates to the Island from Berwick Station on most days during Summer months but sometimes as few as once a week between September and May. REGIONAL BUS (Routes 505/515): This regional service operates between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Berwick-upon-Tweed. Buses will stop, on request, at Beal. From the Beal crossroad there is a 5 mile walk to the island unless your journey is timed to coincide with the above route 477 Holy Island bus from Berwick-upon-Tweed or the Holy Island Minibus service. LINDISFARNE CASTLE SHUTTLE: When the castle is OPEN an island-based MINIBUS SERVICE runs throughout the village between the two car parks and Castle with convenient stopping off places for passengers inbetween. LOCAL TAXI AND MINIBUS: There are several local taxi and minbus service. Our link here takes you to a regular provider with intimate knowledge of the tides and local conditions. They are able to suit most requirements from collection at the nearby airports of Edinburgh, Newcastle and Edinburgh and Berwick mainline railway station - even from the bus stop at Beal! AIR TRAVEL: Our nearest airports (about 65miles) are Edinburgh and Newcastle which also have links to the country's main international airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester etc..). If booking a flight here, or anywhere, do try the following link. They advise us that their prices really are discounted and the site will receive a small sponsorship commission for each booking! Please let us know if its true. THE CAUSEWAY: As mentioned above, Lindisfarne is a tidal island and may be only be accessed via a metalled causeway. Tidal closure affects all forms of transport. A car park is located on the Beal side of the causeway together with tide and crossing information. Tidal information is also available from the English Tourist Information Centre (Phone:01289 330733). A copy of the causeway opening times is reproduced on the LINDISFARNE CASTLE WEB SITE. For those visiting more frequently, you may PURCHASE the "Islanders' version" in a convenient booklet from the Lindisfarne Electronic Bookshop'. Guests shold also be provided with causeway crossing times when confirming bookings with their hotel or Guest House. PILGRIMS CROSSING: A clearly marked route links the mainland to the island across the sands and mud. Newcomers are cautioned against using this route unless accompanied by a person with local knowledge. Never attempt this route at dusk or on a rising tide! Open times are NOT published for the Pilgrims' Way. TIDAL WARNING: Tide times are subject to vast variations throughout each month and in particular during strong winds. Tide tables can only be advisory. Ensure that you observe the warning signs particularly along the road side. The tidal currents can be very strong. Should you become stranded use the refuge boxes provided. FOR THE CAUTIOUS: A visit to the Island is always an adventure. Over 650,000 people visit the island without any problems.

Updated: December 2008