(The links to all the parts in the series are at the end of this post)
June 09, Sunday
As usual, we started the day around 8.30 am. Today, we went to the Holy Island, about 55 miles / 90 km north of Newcastle.
The Holy Island, also called Lindisfarne, is a tidal island located in a remote part of Northumberland. We reached there around 10 am.
It's called a tidal island because it's a raised piece of land above a waterbody connected to the mainland with a man-made causeway. Every day, tides of the North Sea wash over the causeway, making the island inaccessible.
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| The causeway leading to the Holy Island. |
When I first read about this, during the preparation for the trip, I was a bit worried - what if we get stranded there?! Soon, I came to know that the timings of the tide are predictable.
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| The timings when the causeway is not submerged and it's safe to cross to the island. |
Around 200 people are residents of this island. However, about 650,000 people visit it every year.
An absolutely enchanting place, it's steeped in history, natural beauty, tranquillity and spiritual significance.
SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY
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| St. Aidan of Lindisfarne |
St. Cuthbert is another name that is associated with the island, where he was a bishop in 684 AD. There are many miracles associated with his name.
Another historical event was in 793 when the Vikings invaded, marking the beginning of the Viking age in Europe. Their attack on the monastery sent shockwaves through the Christian world.
LINDISFARNE PRIORY
After visiting the museum, where one gets a good idea of the history and pivotal moments associated with the place, we went to see the Lindisfarne Priory.
The ruins of the medieval monastery offer a glimpse into the island's religious past and the lives of the monks who once resided there.
The atmosphere is serene, and the architecture is stunning. A perfect place for reflection and photography!
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| The view on the right side while walking from the priory to the castle |
LINDISFARNE CASTLE
This is an imposing 16th-century structure perched on a rocky hill. It offers panoramic views and a glimpse into its tumultuous past.
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| The Lindisfarne Castle |
The castle actually came up as a fort built using the stones from the priory by Henry VIII to defend against Scottish invasion.
(The dissolution of the monasteries, or the suppression of the monasteries, was a process set in motion between 1536 and 1541 by Henry VIII wherein he disbanded Catholic monasteries, priories, convents, and friaries in England, Wales, and Ireland; seized their wealth and disposed of their assets.)
After James I took over power in England in 1603 and combined the thrones of Scotland and England, the use of the castle declined. Soon it became a place of tourist attraction.
In 1901, famous architect Edwin Lutyens refurbished the property. (He is the same person who built a number of buildings in India's capital of Delhi during British rule.)
WALLED GARDEN
She was a celebrated British horticulturist, garden designer, craftswoman, photographer, writer and artist who has been credited with creating over 400 gardens in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.
NATURE RESERVE
We then walked to the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. We walked up to the Lindisfarne Cone, the white structure that can be seen at the far end of the photo above.
However, we were not lucky enough to spot any rare and migratory birds during our walk.
EMMANUEL HEAD
This structure served as a navigational aid for shipping and is likely the earliest such daymark on the English coast. My friend Henry went down the cliff to pick up some rocks (some not too small) that he found quite interesting.
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| We are on our way back. The white Lindisfarne Beacon can be seen as a small speck. |
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| The lush green meadows. |
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We left around the Holy Island around 3 pm. On our way back, we stopped by Bamburgh Beach, about 15 miles (25 km) from the Holy Island.
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| The Bamburgh Beach |
What struck me was the lack of any buildings or trees along the vast stretch of coast. The shoreline was clean and expansive, and the waters were clean.
Most of the people had come there for a picnic or to fly kites, play games, walk their dogs, or play with them.
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| The Bamburgh Castle |
Perched majestically on a rocky hill overlooking the beach is the Bamburgh Castle, one of the most iconic and historically significant fortresses in England. We just saw it from the beach.
It has a history that spans over 1,400 years, having been built by the Normans on the site of a former Celtic fort.
TYNEMOUTH LODGE HOTEL
From the beach, we headed back home around 5 pm. We stopped by at the Tynemouth Lodge Hotel. It is roughly 55 miles (90 km) south of Bamburgh Beach.
This is a very, very old pub, established in 1799. Pubs are so much a part of British social and cultural life, aren't they? A place for people to socialise, share news and views, and even do business!
It's like any other pub. But this one serves only beer. No meals, no music, no TV, no games. The only sound one can hear is of people talking. I was told that it is a very popular place. Not surprisingly, it was quite crowded.
(To be continued)
Links to all the posts in the series
01 - Departure (June 05, Wednesday)
02 - Dockwray Square, Tynemouth (June 06, Thursday)
03 - Cresswell Pele Tower (June 07, Friday)
04 - Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum (June 07, Friday)
05 - Boulmer Beach, Zamorins (June 07, Friday)
06 - Beamish Museum (June 08, Saturday)
07 - The Holy Island of Lindisfarne (June 09, Sunday)
08 - Linhope Spout Waterfall (June 10, Monday)
09 - London, Wanstead (June 11, Tuesday)
10 - London City (June 12, Tuesday)
11 - BBC (June 12, Tuesday)
This might just be my favorite post on your travels yet. :D I don't know what else to add because I'm so awed. Be well!
ReplyDeleteHi Darla - thank you. Even for us, the visit to the island was perhaps the most memorable.
DeleteAmazing that so many people visit, though I can see why from your pictures. The flowers are especially pretty.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a great place of natural beauty, so calm and peaceful.
DeleteAn interesting read and seems a fascinating spot for an outing with family and friends. Do you have to walk to faraway places like Lindisfarne Castle and the white conical structure? The only scary thing is the threat of tide submerging the causeway. Were there any incidents when the tide did not act predictably?
ReplyDeleteYes, that's quite some distance. Like around 3 km I think.
DeleteNot sure if the tides have come unexpectedly
I have heard of those islands that are blocked off at high tide. What a great place to visit. At least tides are very predictable.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's nice that they are predictable. But there are still many who disregard the info and get stranded there!
DeleteI enjoyed each and every photo and all that you took time to write for us. These are fascinating and very well done.
ReplyDeleteIt's a rather amazing and historic island. In spite of the helpful signage, still irresponsible people have to be rescued on the causeway. Just selling beer wouldn't suit me but I am sure the pub has a good atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteStunning travelogue. Thanks for sharing these photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteOh, yes, I did read about people having to be rescued after being stranded on the island.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, the place has a good ambience.
Hi Pradeep - I went in the 1970s - it's changed a lot since then ... I went with my father - it was HOT, HOT ... not even the North Sea could keep the temperature down!! So pleased you and Henry had such good times - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThe visit to Lindisfarne was definitely one of the best moments of the trip.
DeleteWow, this place looks amazing from the castle, to the nature reserve, to the sheep on the hill, thank so much for these images, felt like a real escape reading your page!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Midori
https://www.midorilinea.com/blogs/midori-linea/panda-village-koala-world
Hi Midorilinea - Thank you for the comments. It was a great place. One of the best places we visited.
DeleteQuelle belle île ! Un endroit charmant, tranquille et chargé d'histoire. Le pub aussi a l'air accueillant et sympa. Vous avez vraiment visité des endroits très variés durant vos vacances ! Amitiés.
ReplyDeleteWow I loved all the pictures you have clicked, I am inspired by the way you take so much effort in writing the content, its like I walked with you, thank you so much for this beautiful post... would love to read your other posts on travel...
ReplyDeleteHi Genevive - Thank you for those kind words! Holy Island was definitely one of the most memorable places we visited - serene and spiritual. Thank you so much for your interest in reading my posts. A few more parts are pending. But I haven't been getting the time to revise them and post them.I shall post the next one hopefully by the end of the week.
DeleteLindisfarne is a special place.
ReplyDeleteLindisfarne is a special place to visit. My first memor of the crossing is from my childhood. My dad drove to the crossing to see the tide times and if we could cross. The tides were not in our favour but the driver of the car in front of us thought he would chance his luck with the incoming tide....
ReplyDeleteLuckily he realised the error of his choice and speedily reversed back to safety.
Many years later with my hubby I drove over the causeway, it was a special moment... a pilgrimage :-)
Hi CherryPie - Thank you for the comments. Lucky, the driver realised the mistake and backtracked. For us too the trip to the island was so memorable.
Deletehaving problems with my comments... I hope it is saved for you to read.
ReplyDeleteThe Blogger platform does act up occasionally. That's quite frustrating. Your comment was indeed saved. It was published and I replied to your comment as well. Thank you.
Delete