Lindisfarne, the Holy Island
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, an isolated, peaceful spot off the Northumberland coast: this beautiful, atmospheric place is a jewel in the North England crown.
Since 653AD there has been a Christian presence on the island, beginning with St Aidan's foundation, moving from Iona. The contemplative grace of the Iona style flourished here, on this small island accessible at every-changing times of the day, depending on the mercy of the sea over the causeway. The
Priory is now in ruins, but with an English Heritage museum centre attached, it is an extraordinary place to visit. Home to St Cuthbert, destroyed and rebuilt, with a modern church on the site, the Priory is a testament to the endurance of Christianity in the UK.
In the 8th century Lindisfarne was home to the peak of medieval illustrated Bibles, with the Lindisfarne Gospels. Now kept as a national treasure at the British Museum, they have toured the UK, and have certainly left their legacy on Lindisfarne.
Monks are often known by the alcoholic beverages they produce for both consumption and sale, from Trappist beers to infused gins. Lindisfarne's speciality is its mead. Now the mead centre has moved away from the Priory itself, into the main village. You can still visit a centre to find out more about how mead is made, and taste a variety of samples (over 18s only).
You might have thought that a honey-based liqueur were a simple thing, but the sheer range on offer demonstrates the skill of the craftsmen as well as the richness of the traditions and raw materials which lie behind the drink.
Over the other side of the island is
Lindisfarne Castle . Managed by the
National Trust , there are shuttle buses from the Priory and car park. Built with stones from the Priory after Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, the castle stands in proud contrast to the ruined Priory. Perched on a volcanic mound known as Beblowe Craig, it's a striking building. Originally a fort to defend Britain from its northern neighbours, it has been converted into an Edwardian country house, with architectural changes by Lutyens.
The central area of the island is well-signposted, pointing visitors in the right directions for the major site. The island is small, and therefore easy to explore. Wander round the perimeter, visit the castle, roam the roads or explore the shore. It's all possible on the small island.
The practicalities of visiting the island are relatively straightforward. The essential piece of planning is to check the causeway tides, and under no circumstances to try driving through incoming waters. Islanders are used to their environment, and timetables on site are comparatively flexible. You could walk from the mainland, but it is a good 5km to the main part of the island. There is a good amount of parking just before you get into Lindisfarne centre. For those who don't want to walk, affordable buses run to the major sites.
Back on the mainland you can look out across the bay and match up the landscape to the useful information panels set out.
Every day is different in terms of access, as you have to rely on the tide. The scenery is fabulous though, with broad sands emerging from the waters, a long causeway to travel, and the additional small islands offshore offering new places to explore.
Lindisfarne is an ethereal place, with the weight of British historical change wrapped up in one small island - the political development of the UK, textual and artistic excellence, administrative change as Durham became the religious centre, and religious change as orders waxed and waned, and saints were formed. A perfect place for a family holiday, or a retreat.
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72892 - 2023-01-26 02:06:01