Things to do on Holy Island
Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, is a tiny isle a mile or so off the coast of Northumberland. Its history is one of ancient monks, medieval Christian pilgrims, and Viking raids.
If you’re after things to do on Holy Island, keep reading as we’ll show you around this rather mysterious location. It's only a short drive from our Berwick and Haggerston Castle holiday parks — 13 and 6 miles away respectively!
What’s on Holy Island?
A small but vibrant community live on Holy Island. You’ll get to venture through the quaint little village and admire the craft shops, eateries, and art galleries run by the locals.
Lindisfarne is religiously and historically significant, so no visit would be complete without experiencing the Castle and Priory.
Lindisfarne Priory
St. Aidan founded this ancient settlement in the 7th century and it was once one of the most important religious centres in England. As you explore the ruins, you’ll see some of the beautiful architecture still standing, such as the ‘rainbow archway’.
From the ruins, you can look out at the sea and spot the Farne Islands. Learn about its rich history through interpretive displays and guided tours.
When you’ve soaked up the local history, pop into the gift shop and museum to check out the collections that include Anglo-Saxon relics and archaeological finds.
Lindisfarne Castle
Built in the 16th century, Lindisfarne Castle was once used as a coastal defence against Scottish invasion. Since then it’s seen a colourful history, including use as a lookout post for the Royal Navy, a home for lighthouse keepers, and even a holiday home until the 1960s!
Today you can walk around the castle and experience the unusual mixed architecture and winding passages. There’s a craggy garden outside that’s maintained according to the original plans, with wildflowers to enjoy as you sit and take in the stunning surroundings with a picnic.
Lindisfarne Scriptorium
If you’re an art lover looking for things to do on Holy Island, stop by the Lindisfarne Scriptorium. The island's idyllic setting makes it the perfect destination to enjoy a day of art appreciation! The scriptorium showcases the original work of local artists and craftspeople, all with a religious, spiritual, or natural theme.
You can buy calendars, cards, art books, and prints as a souvenir of your visit — or as the perfect gift for loved ones!
You’ll find it in a quaint building in the main town area along Marygate.
Celtic Crafts
Over the road from the Scriptorium, you’ll find this gorgeous family-run shop, nestled inside a building that dates back to the 1600s. You’ll want your spending money handy again, as this shop is filled with local pieces celebrating Celtic people and their crafts! Choose from books, stained glass pieces, and fine silver and gold jewellery.
Boat trips to the island
When the tide is going down, the sea reveals a causeway; a path from the mainland to the island called ‘Pilgrim’s Way’. While you can cross the causeway by foot or by car, be sure to check the tide as it will put the road out of action for a good few hours.
That’s why we think it’s best to travel in nautical style - by boat! For unique things to do, Holy Island boat trips are an unforgettable way to see the surrounding area.
Billy Shiel's Boat Trips
For a 4.5-hour trip, including two hours on the island itself, you can book with Billy Shiel’s between May and October.
Sailing from Seahouses, you’ll jump aboard Glad Tidings or St Cuthbert (the tour operator’s two boats) and enjoy sailing toward the beautiful island of Lindisfarne. On the way, you’ll have a chance to spot some amazing wildlife! Keep your eyes peeled for grey seals, nesting seabirds, and even dolphins playing in the water.
This trip is perfect for whole families including furry friends. On your way back, revel in the sights of the coast and Bamburgh Castle.
Holy Island walks
As far as things to do on Holy Island go, walks are right up there with the best. Here are some walks for you to consider when you pay a visit:
Upper Foreshore Circular Walk
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: easy, slight hills, dog friendly
The shortest of the circular walks, it makes for a relaxed, leisurely stroll, perfect for families with dogs. Make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes for this walk, as it can get a little uneven near the shoreline!
Start at the Chare Ends car park and walk right, out of the village. You’ll come to a bench that overlooks the gorgeous, rugged shoreline and meets where the Pilgrim’s Way connects the isle to the mainland. The path follows along the fenced area and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot lazy seals basking in the sunshine during the summer months, so have your camera handy!
Once you reach a small clearing after around 10 minutes or so, take the path down Lewins Lane and then onto Marygate. You’ll find the car park where you started up ahead.
Lindisfarne Priory and Foreshore Circular Walk
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: easy to moderate, some steep parts
This circular’s a little longer and takes you past the priory with some steeper areas to navigate.
Exit Chare Ends car park away from the village as before. When you reach the bench this time, follow the narrow path onto the sand and make your way along the rocky area. Eventually, you’ll reach the old lifeboat station building — walk past here to continue your walk, or pop into the museum here.
The path will start moving uphill and you’ll reach a churchyard. Walk through here and you’ll see the church, priory, and a statue of St Aidan. When you’ve marvelled at the historical buildings, continue on to the market square, turn right at the Pilgrim’s coffee shop and you’ll find yourself back in the village!
Holy Island Beach and Castle Circular Walk
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: difficult, only for seasoned hikers
Only brave adventurers should try this hike, as you’ll explore rocky, steep terrain and dunes around the perimeter of Holy Island.
You can start at the Chare Ends car park and away from the village. Once you reach the gate showing the tide timetable, you can walk through the dunes and follow the rugged path around to the rocky shoreline, a hidden cove, and Emmanuel Head (which is a white pyramid-shaped mark that stops ships hitting the island).
Follow the cliff tops around the island until you reach the castle. Explore the grounds and continue on the path until you see the village up ahead. Follow the road until Green Lane, and here you’ll find plenty of cafes to stop and refuel yourself after a challenging walk!
Start planning your Great British break
Related Posts
Things to do in Seahouses
Things to do in Eyemouth
Things to do in Eyemouth
Things to do in Berwick-upon-Tweed
Important information
New holiday homes from £34,995 – UPDATED 28 February 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As of 28 February, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan-y-More, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay,
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
*New holiday homes from £34,995 with free 2025 site fees – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a new 2-bedroom Willerby Ellerton holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories. Free Site Fees 2025 offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 1 January 2025, completing by 31 December 2025.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2025 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price and free site fees 2025 offer is available at Marton Mere and Berwick.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
*New holiday homes from £29,995 with free 2025 site fees – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a new 2-bedroom Willerby Ellerton holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories. Free Site Fees 2025 offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 1 January 2025, completing by 31 December 2025.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2025 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price and free site fees 2025 offer is available at Craig Tara, Far Grange, Haggerston Castle, Orchards, Cleethorpes Beach and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments for 7 years
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion.
An example of how ‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-loved holiday homes from £14,995 with free 2025 site fees - UPDATED 6 February 2025
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 1 January 2025, completing by 31 December 2025.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Craig Tara, Far Grange, Haggerston Castle, Orchards, Cleethorpes Beach and Wild Duck
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2025 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Owner’s 'Appy Meal Deal for £7.99
All day, every day* - collection only
Only available to Owners staying on park
Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink
Upgrade to regular cod or haddock^ for £3
Owners can use their discount on top of this offer
Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan y Mor, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cala Gran, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.