Holy Island

Thursday 15th June 2023

Today we ventured across the tidal causeway onto Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle.

Actually the island really an island and the castle isn't really a castle, but was built as a holiday home for Edward Hudson, founder of Country Life magazine.

It's important to check times of the tides if coming here as several motorists a year are caught out by the tide and end up having to have an embarrassing conversation with their insurance company.

Once here, there is a large p & d carpark and the village is only a short walk. It is of course very touristy, but it's still an interesting place to spend the day. 

We could go in the castle as it's National Trust, but after a mile walk to get there, it's a heck of a climb up to it and Sue wasn't going to do that.

But we walked to the base, took photos and found a bench to sit on.

There are spectacular views all around and Bamburgh Castle can be seen in the distance across the bay although some sea mist obscures it slightly today.

Also nearby is the Gertrude Jekyll walled garden which whilst only small, is worth a visit.

It hosts lots of perennials which must be sufficiently sheltered by the walls from the elements.

We can't leave the island until the tide goes out, so we've come back to Ed for late lunch and a nice cuppa tea.

About 4 pm should see us able to get off.

We actually were able to cross the causeway about 3.30 pm and made our way to Budle Bay Farm and a very relaxed site with fantastic views over the bay facing west and expectation of a good sunset hopefully.

Holy Island causeway

Holy Island Priory

Lindisfarne Castle.

Lindisfarne Castle

Gertrude Jekyll walled garden

Gertrude Jekyll walled gardeners hut