13 Things to do on Holy Island

We love visiting Holy Island and try and visit at least once a year. It’s fab for a day trip with lots of indoor and outdoor options to fill a full day. Staying over is also pretty special and once the day trippers leave, it’s so calm and peaceful.

Always check tide times and leave in plenty of time - you don't want to be caught out! Also be aware that Holy Island is fairly seasonal so check opening hours of venues direct if you'd like to visit.

13 Things to do on Holy Island

= Dog Friendly

1 - Lindisfarne Priory & Museum

This is a really interesting museum with items discovered on the island including a necklace made of ancient sea lilies which are over 300 million years old. The priory is fab too with lots of easy to read info boards so you know what you’re looking at. FREE for EH members or admission fee applies.

2 - St Mary the Virgin Church

Just next to the Priory and worth popping into with places to reflect and opportunities to learn more about the island’s history. FREE to visit.

3 - The Lindisfarne Centre

This museum is fab with interactive activities including rubbings, puzzles and games to see if your hand is steady enough to write the Lindisfarne Gospels. Really informative museum and fun too. Small admission charge applies.

4 - Pilgrims Coffee

My favourite coffee shop on the island - their coffee beans are roasted in-house and super fresh.

5- St Aiden's Winery

I love this shop and they always offer free tastings of their famous Lindisfarne Mead.

6 - Lindisfarne Castle

A quirky Castle with a wonderful history and well worth a wander around. Don’t miss the views from the roof terrace - you can usually easily spot seals from here. Free for NT members of admission applies.

7 - Tuck into Crab Sandwiches & Local Seafood

An island speciality and sold pretty much everywhere. Expect to pay around £15.

8 - Gertrude & Jekyll Garden

A cute walled garden to walk around and admire. Free to visit.

9 - Listen for the Screaming Seals (St cuthberts Island)

Take a seat looking out over to St Cuthbert's Island and listen to the seals - they are especially loud in the early evening.

10 - Pilgrim's Gelato

Lush ice cream to enjoy as you walk around the island.

11 - Bird Watching in the Nature Reserve and at the Harbour

12 - Shop Local (mostly )

I love a potter around the little gift shops, galleries and home crafts sold by islanders. 

13 - Visit a Beer Garden / Pub

They’re a real sun trap! The Manor House Beer Garden offers the best views imho.
Check the tides: https://holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk/ Fancy staying over? Check out my reviews of our posts featuring stays at the Manor House and the Crown and Anchor.