"Come to me, all who are weary and whose load is heavy - I will give you
rest." - Matthew 11-28
Welcome Visitor
Dear Visitor, " "
From across the vast expanse of cyberspace, welcome to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne!
Note: Our beautiful, historic island lies in a very remote part of Northumberland. The Island is tidal, in that it is separated from the mainland by the North Sea twice daily. In the event of an emergency phone: 999
Reserve Manager for Lindisfarne & Newham NNRs, Andy Denton reported: "On Saturday 9th April 2022, a wildfire was reported within the NNR on the Links of Holy Island. The Northumberland Fire Service and Coastguard promptly arrived and managed to put the fire out quickly. The vegetation across 2 acres was scorched and turned to ash. Luckily the fire took place in an area dominated by Marram and Pirri-pirri Bur and fortunately no one was injured; but there will have been several ground nesting birds on eggs within this area. As it is still early in the season these birds will have the opportunity to nest again."
"If visiting the NNR do not have any fires, don’t use camping stoves and don’t discard any cigarettes."
A tidal Island: Lindisfarne is a tidal island reachable via a paved causeway only when the North Sea tides permit. Safe times to cross are predictable and can be found here: Crossing Times . Study them carefully or consult your accommodation provider.
Lindisfarne versus Holy Island: Locally the island is rarely referred to by its Anglo-Saxon name of 'Lindisfarne'. After that murderous and bloodthirsty attack on the monastery in 793ad (carried out by Vikings who had journeyed from Horderland in Norway) its local name of Holy Island is probably derived from the ensuing observations of Durham monks: 'Lindisfarne - truly a 'Holy Island' baptised in the blood of so many good men.... But its more appropriate title is, 'The Holy Island of Lindisfarne' - a little lengthy for most maps!
Lindisfarne is a place of uniqueness: Lindisfarne is internationally famous both for its medieval religious heritage and also its more recent picturesque 16th century castle. These, together with most of the community, are located on the Southern part of the island - the main focus for tourists and holidaymakers. Many are also attracted by the peace and tranquillity which pervades the Island and the remote Northern conservation area, with more than its fair share of quiet beaches and unique natural history.
People visit the Island from all walks of life: We have a wide range of visitors which includes: bird-watchers, walkers, fishing-parties, artists, writers, photographers and film-makers, historians and natural historians, scientists, journalists, industrialists, politicians, actors, theologians, wildfowlers, yachters, golfers (resting overnight in-between the excellent nearby Northumberland golf courses) as well as thousands of Christian and non-Christian pilgrims.
Do not be misled into thinking that you can see it all in a day's visit: Even a couple of overnight stays at one of the Island's excellent hotels, guest-houses and retreats will be sufficient for the briefest overview. Often the majority of the guests sharing accommodation with you will, like yourself, have started with a day visit. Thousands return year after year smitten by the spiritual enchantment of a special very place sought out by man (and woman!) since prehistory.
To avoid disappointment, try and book ahead: There are barely 40 letting rooms on the island and demand can far outweigh availability throughout the year - particularly in the main season, weekends and bank holidays. When you do decide to stay, do make sure that you book accommodation as far ahead as possible. Our accommodation register lists a range of places both on the Island and nearby mainland. Please note that camping and caravanning is not permitted on the Island.
Above all we are a community: new visitors should note that there is a small, friendly Northumbrian community living on the island. However, although tourism is a major industry here there are still a large number of islanders who derive their living from a vast range of other means - including fishing, farming and writing as well those who have now retired.
Be a welcome visitor: The island is our home. Do not expect it to be like the city. Expect to meet country life and nature in the raw at times. Please keep to the footpaths provided, use the litter bins, do not disturb the sheep, seals or other wildlife or wander onto private premises. Keep dogs on leads and under control.
We trust and hope that you enjoy your visit to our web site. Perhaps at some future stage we can also look forward to you visiting our Island. If you do, please be a welcome visitor and treat our home with respect.
Kind Regards,
Friday 25th February 2023
