Lindisfarne, la Holy Island

Holy Island

The island is an island only half the time: a tidal causeway links it to Northumbria at low tide and cuts it off from the world for the remaining hours. The monastery was founded here in 635 by the Irish monk Aidan, sent from Iona at the request of King Oswald, and became the base for the Christianisation of northern England. In 664, Abbot Colmán represented the Gaelic party there at the Synod of Whitby. Cuthbert, patron saint of Northumbria, was a monk and then abbot here.

Getting there : Access by the causeway at low tide only — tide times are essential

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound