Raiders of the Lost Priory
Ramble around the Holy Island of Lindisfarne as our guide provides the perfect introduction to the island and it history.
Explore island stories from past and present. Discover the island’s connections with the Saxon monks and saints that would lead to the name Holy Island, as well as the Viking raid that began the Viking era in Europe. Walk amongst the ruins of the medieval priory and listen to stories about the archaeological discoveries on the island. A fantastic overview experience of the island for both those on their first trip to Lindisfarne as well as frequent visitors to the island.
Trace the footsteps of monks, saints and Vikings along one of the British coastline’s most dramatic sites.
*PLEASE NOTE:
- The tours will take place during an open tide on the island, but please check the tide times here when planning your day.
- This tour requires entry to Lindisfarne Priory, free to English Heritage members and associated organisations. Please purchase your ticket here before the day of the tour.
- This walk does not go out to Lindisfarne Castle, but our Castle Walk add-on will be running when the tides are suitable and can be booked alongside this tour.
Duration | 1 hr 30 mins
Starting Point | Village Cross, Lindisfarne
Pricing | Adult - £12, Child - £6
Carers - Free
DIRECTIONS & MORE DETAILS BELOW
GETTING HERE
LOCAL SERVICES
BUS
The 477 bus runs to and from the island from Berwick-upon-Tweed on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Check here for bus times.
TAXIS
Taxis are available to, from and on the island. Please take the causeway tide times into consideration when planning your visit to the island. Check here for taxi services.
FROM EDINBURGH
BY CAR
Follow signage for A1 east out of Edinburgh, down the coast, and across the border. Continue on the A1 past Berwick-upon-Tweed until signage for Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Approximate drive time: 1 hr 30 min
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Please refer to local transportation options above.
FROM NEWCASTLE
BY CAR
Follow signage for A1 north out of Newcastle, continue on the A1 until signage for Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Approximate drive time: 1 hr 10 min
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Please refer to local transportation options above.
PARKING
The main car park on Lindisfarne is the Chare Ends Car Park at the end of the causeway just before the village. Parking machines accept either cards or cash. Accessible parking can be found at the Green Lane Car Park in the village, and Blue Badge must be displayed.
TOUR DETAILS
BEFORE YOUR RAMBLE
Ensure that you have obtained entry to Lindisfarne Priory at least 15-30 minutes prior to your tour, either online here or at the Priory Museum.
Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads and owners must bring their own bags.
This tour is completely outdoors, so please keep that in mind when preparing for your ramble. The island is often windy so please bring appropriate clothing.
This tour covers different terrain including paths through fields and some inclines, so please wear sturdy shoes designed for walking.
This tour is run at a leisurely pace, and covers roughly a mile.
Toilets are located at two points in the village. This tour does not pass by these toilet facilities so please plan ahead if needed.
CAUSEWAY & TIDE TIMES
The causeway to the island is cut off by the sea twice a day. Our tours on the island will only occur during an open tide and will provide enough time to leave before the tide comes in. Private tours can be booked during a closed tide.
ACCESSIBILITY
As the terrain of the island includes inclines, rocky paths, and immovable turnstiles, if you’d like to inquire about a more accessible version of this tour, please contact us about booking privately for an altered tour.
If you have any questions about the tour route or if you’d like to book the private tour option, please don’t hesitate to contact us through this site or email.
TOUR STARTING POINT
This tour begins at the village cross in the main square (indicated by the walker icon above), near to the Priory Museum and the churchyard of St Mary’s. Our guide will be there approximately 15 minutes before the tour begins. Please arrive having booked your entry to Lindisfarne Priory.