of Lindisfarne
Holy Island lies of the coast on Northumberland, about 8 miles south of Berwick-on-Tweed. It is in fact only what has been called a 'part-time' island. At each high tide, the sea floods over a connecting land-bridge which consists of sand and mud-flats.
Until the third quarter of the 20th century it was only effectively approachable on foot and a line of poles across the flats marked it out for those who would cross- for the main part inhabitants of the island and pilgrims. In 1954, a causeway was opened up to allow for access by motor-vehicle, and much of the islands independence was lost. The modern raised roadway which crosses to the island was built in 1965. Even so, those wishing to cross from the mainland should check with the tide tables which are posted at either end of the causeway. At its lowest point, refuges have been erected at the side of the road; these are essentially huts on stilts, but several times each year unwary motorists have to use them.
Holy Island occupies an area of 1350 acres,with a population in 2004 of 142. Apart from a spur of sand-dunes (the 'Snook') stretching westward to within about one mile of the mainland, the main part of the island is roughly an oblong which is roughly 1 1/4 miles from west to east and nearer to 1 3/4 miles north to south. The main human habitation is Holy Island village (where virtually all the population lives) which is situated to the southwestern quadrant of the island. There are about 150 dwellings in the village, of which over half are second homes or holiday lets. The community is very much dependent on tourism. About 70,000 vehicles cross to the island every year, and wisely, access to vehicles is restricted to inhabitants and also those staying in the village; the remainder are provided for by a large car-park about 1/4 mile to the north. The major tourist attractions are the Priory and the Castle- the letter is situated on a rocky crag about one mile to the east. The major role of tourism is evidenced by the fact that the village sports two hotels, two pubs and a large number of private shops, selling mainly souvenirs.
There is also a visitor centre attached to the Priory, dispalying Lindisfarne history, and with a wide range of goods for sale. The spiritual heritage is maintained in the Retreat Centre. A place of tranquility free for all to enter is the Lindisfarne Gospel Garden; themed on the famous illustrated Gospels; the idea of Newcastle City Council and opened in 2003
Away from the village much of the land is poor-quality land which supports sheep-farming. At the northern end of the island lie a continuation of the sand-dunes which stretch out toward the mainland, the so-called 'Snook'. Theses dunes are quite high (up to 60 feet) and are covered in marram-grass. The is a rich variety flora and fauna, such that most of the island is a declared National Nature Reserve.
At the southern end of the island there are outcrops of dolerite rock which feature in the rocky crag on which the castle is perched and also the 'Heugh' at the southern end of the village. In between is a low-lying inlet, the 'Ouse' which forms a natural harbour, still used by a few fishing boats
 Sheep Farming |
 Sand-dunes |
 Market Place |
 Harbour lobster-pots |
