Lindisfarne Priory
Lindisfarne Priory
4.5
Historic SitesAncient RuinsPoints of Interest & Landmarks
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Ahead of your visit please make sure to check our website for full opening times, as they vary depending on the tide times. English Heritage is a Charitable Trust taking care of over 400 historic sites throughout England. Lindisfarne Priory is one of these very precious sites. A substantial site where almost 1400 years ago St. Aidan, brought here by King Oswald, chose Lindisfarne to build his church and bring Christianity to the ancient Kingdom of Northumbria. Follow those years through our museum and exhibition and then walk through St. Mary's churchyard to the dramatic ruins where you can walk in the footsteps of the monks who inhabited this 12C Priory and monastic buildings. Hours of opening may vary due to the tides. For your own safety please check the tide times carefully.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Michael O
    Lichfield, United Kingdom804 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A building with origins deep in early Christianity in Britain
    A priory built in a lovely locations with a vital story to tell about the early Christian communities in Britain. The ruins are atmospheric and so much is still standing as there were many attempts to totally destroy it. The small church as a huge story to tell and is very atmospheric.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 September 2023
  • Titch-the-Witch
    Romanel, Switzerland319 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A memorable visit
    The day we had available to visit Holy Island was the worst of our stay in Northumberland! That's life! However, having checked the tides, we drove across the causeway and discovered that the car park was rather expensive. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our stay on the island. We had an English Heritage Overseas Pass so visited the priory for free. The ruins are impressive and we enjoyed wandering around them. The walk down to the Lindisfarne Castle was lovely (despite the damp grass) although we didn't go into the castle itself. We spent some time in the grounds before heading to the café next to the shop-come-postoffice for a tea and crab sandwich. We appreciated the fact they gave a last serving time for meals according to the tide schedule so there was little chance of being stranded.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 September 2023
  • Anne Wren
    17 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely place to visit
    I love Holy Island! The castle is difficult to visit between tides but the church and priory are a delight. The locals are used to the necessary evil that are us tourists and it's well organised. A lovely place to wonder round
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 3 October 2023
  • Charlotte D
    26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Journey Through Time and Tide: Exploring Holy Island and Lindisfarne
    Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, is a serene and enchanting destination steeped in history and spirituality. Located off the coast of Northumberland in England, this tidal island is accessible by causeway, adding to its allure. Stepping onto Holy Island feels like entering a sacred realm, where ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes coexist in harmony. One of the island's highlights is the Lindisfarne Priory, a ruined monastery dating back to the 7th century. The priory's weathered stone walls stand as a testament to centuries of history, and exploring its remains offers a glimpse into the island's rich religious past. Aside from its historical significance, Holy Island is also renowned for its natural beauty. The coastal scenery is simply breathtaking, with panoramic views of the North Sea and surrounding countryside. Visitors can embark on scenic walks along the shoreline, immersing themselves in the tranquility of the island's rugged landscape. Another notable feature of Holy Island is its tidal nature, which adds an element of adventure to any visit. The causeway leading to the island is only accessible at certain times of the day, depending on the tide. This tidal rhythm imbues Holy Island with a sense of mystery and wonder, as visitors must plan their journeys accordingly to avoid being stranded by the rising waters. Overall, Holy Island offers a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Whether you're drawn to its ancient ruins, stunning vistas, or sense of tranquility, a visit to this sacred sanctuary is sure to leave a lasting impression.
    Thank you, we are so pleased you enjoyed your visit.
    Written 23 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 April 2024
  • John G
    Ensenada, Mexico5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing friendly staff and a great day out for all!
    I visited the ruins on one of my adventure days exploring the sights of the UK. I entered the Priory and was greeted by a lady named Tina. She was both pleasant and very knowledgeable. Nothing was too much for her. She gave me local knowledge before I entered the Priory and I was in need of an item thar I could not find and both Tina and Dell helped me with my item. I ended up spending over ÂŁ100 in the gift shop. Amazing day out made extra special by these 2 staff and fge others. I would absolutely recommend this tourist destination to anyone! Thank you again Tina and Dell
    Hello, Thank you so much for this lovely review. It was a pleasure to meet you. We are so pleased we were able to help you out. We hope we will see you again sometime.
    Written 14 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 5 May 2024
  • Gillian W
    22 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A day out to a special place.
    The Holy Isle/Lindisfarne...such a special place. Take your car and check the tide timetable...do not think you might just make it!!! Car park takes card payment, its a short walk into the village. Selection of coffee spots and cafes, winery, visitor museum and Church all add to the things to see when you are there. I would recommend taking a picnic and walk out to the castle or sit by the harbour area. When we left we queued for a while to get back onto the northbound A1. I'm guessing this could be a big wait at busy times. something to factor in.
    Thank you for your review. As informative as it is we can only comment on Lindisfarne Priory.
    Written 28 June 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 May 2024
  • Michael K
    London, United Kingdom544 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful ruin
    Now in the care of EH, the priory was built as an outpost of Durham Priory in the 12th century and was an important local community right up to the Dissolution in 1537. On this site Aidan founded the first community, having been invited to come from Iona by King Oswald, in 635. Shortly afterwards the most famous saint of Celtic Christianity, Cuthbert, joined the community. The priory became a pilgrimage destination, and is most famous for the Lindisfarne Gospels, created here. When the Vikings made a devastating attack in 793 Cuthbert’s body was removed to Durham for safe keeping. The present structure was built on the same site in roughly 1150. Now a beautiful red sandstone ruin, the site is still evocative of those early times. We can imagine how terrible it must have felt that it was all destroyed by order of the king. Only with the passage of time can we begin to appreciate the calm and spirituality of the place. It’s an important place for understanding English history and culture. EH gives good, succinct explanations in the small museum and on site.
    Thank you for your review. We hope you enjoyed your visit with us, and yes, it is a beautiful ruin. Henry VIII didn't order the Priory to be ruined. He was obsessed by the Scots attacking by sea, so he placed a garrison on the site of the Castle and used the Priory church knave to store his weapons. He made the monks fortify the outer walls in case of attack. The Priory church was intact until the late 1600's, when the person that owned the site sold the lead from the roof and, of course, this was the start of its demise.
    Written 28 June 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 June 2024
  • Sandra N
    Forest of Dean, United Kingdom54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Majical spiritual Lindisfarne
    Loved the experience of driving over the causeway when the tide was out. Wandering around the island is majical, so much to see. Don't miss the Lindisfarne Heritage Centre and the view looking over to the small harbour. Be prepared to pay upwards of ÂŁ16 each for fish 'n chips or even a crab sandwich !
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 30 June 2024
  • Middletonlass
    Banbury, United Kingdom273 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting ruin
    Holy Island is a full day visit, there is so much to see from the National Trust Castle at one end to the English Heritage Priory at the other, not to mention the causeway to get over, the views and the village. The Priory is free to walk around the outside but the inner part is only by ticket. Fascinating ruin set next to the newer church and graveyard with lovely views across the bay. Interesting attached museum and shop.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 31 July 2024
  • Rita P
    Lincoln, United Kingdom330 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Past Priory Life
    We bought a ticket which allowed us entry into both the museum and priory, along with a guide book which cost an extra ÂŁ5. Additionally, the local guides were full of information and explained to us about school life. The museum has many interesting facts about island life both past and present, and artefacts from the Viking raid. The priory is breath-taking to walk around, and is clearly signposted as to what room is where, but it would be difficult to explore some areas for those with walking disabilities. An enchanting place and worth exploring while on the island.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 August 2024
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GuatemalaGringo
Manchester, UK57 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 • Couples
Visited the wild and windswept island of Lindisfarne in late April, had a lovely if cold walk around to the castle, beach and the village centre. We finished at the historical priory which we wrongly believed our National Trust membership would give us free access to, unfortunately not the case as it’s run by English Heritage Fair enough but when we realised it would be £14 each to visit the ruined ruins we politely declined and decided to view them from above at the observation point. Looking in we wondered how on earth they can charge £14 when the museum is closed and all you’re getting is a few Information boards for your dollar. Surely a price adjustment should be made considering the much lauded museum isn’t accessible due to covid restrictions!
Written 29 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are sorry you were disappointed with Lindisfarne Priory. It appears that you asked about National Trust members having free access but may have looked at the admissions board for the entry price rather than query it with a member of staff. The entry fee has actually been discounted to allow for the museum being closed. The price ÂŁ14 you are quoting is for 1 adult plus a ÂŁ4.50 Guide Book and including the donation to allow us to claim Gift Aid to visit both the Museum and the Priory Ruin. There are a range of entry fees to choose from e.g. with or without the Guide Book, with or without Gift Aid, Adult, Senior, Student or Families. Once again we are sorry you were disappointed and apologise if there was any misunderstanding of the information available to you.
Written 20 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

gail h
9 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
Talk about a sitting duck!!!!
Got up especially early to get onto holy island as soon as the tide would allow to make the most of it!
When we arrived at the car park which we had to use as it's a small village and access is actively discouraged we found we were allowed 3 hours for ÂŁ4.50 or ÂŁ7.50 for a full day. 3 hours seemed like we would be clock watching and given that it was only 9am and the tide allowed us to stay till 2pm we had 5 hours to wander round. Settling for the 3 hour rate we went to the Priory. It didn't open till 10 and was around ÂŁ9 each .deciding to walk to the castle 1st along a lovely walk and then a steep climb up. the castle was closed because of covid which we knew. would have been a further ÂŁ9 each . To see the Priory and the castle a total of ÂŁ36 add on the car park for 3 hours and it's over ÂŁ40 and that's just for 2 people for a mornings activities!
Back over in bamburgh and going into the lovely atmospheric church with a detailed history of the arrival of Christianity beautiful stained glass windows and lovely decorations and all for free. I wouldn't like to take a family to holy island!! Surely we should be allowed to view our heritage on these sites without getting a mortgage to do so!!!
Written 2 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. I can only comment on Lindisfarne Priory as this is its TripAdvisor page and not for the entire island. We are sorry that you were so disappointed with us. On the date of your visit our museum/exhibition was still under the lockdown rules and unable to open. The Priory, however was open and tickets for entry, to be pre booked online, were offered at a discounted price to compensate for this. As a charity we can assure you that we are very grateful for every admission fee or membership purchased. This helps to ensure that English Heritage can take care of and preserve over 400 historic sites not only for the present but for future generations to enjoy. Many of our sites remain free for all to enter.
Written 18 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

settrington19
Scarborough, UK43 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
The ladies toilets nearest the museum are unbelievably horrendous. Having paid over ÂŁ4 to park and then another ÂŁ12+ to go in the Priory, you would expect toilets to be a little bit better than when the Priory was first built in the Middle Ages. What a terrible impression overseas visitors must have of these primitive ablutions. They are a disgrace to Northumberland. We deserve better in this day and age. We had taken our cousins visiting from America & we were ashamed to go in there & to say that places like this still exist in the UK.
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry that your visit to the island was such a disappointment but this is the review page for Lindisfarne Priory not the whole of the island! The car park and the toilets are run by Northumberland County Council so please complain to them. As a charity, English Heritage look after over 400 historic sites across England. Many of these are free to everyone to visit. Our staff are dedicated, hardworking and knowledgeable about the site and the island. Unfortunately your low rating and this review of the 'island's facilities' on this page, only reflect our performance.
Written 19 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

middleclasslass
North Yorkshire, UK148 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Couples
We have an English Heritage membership - ÂŁ15 entry without - and visited the Lindisfarne Priory & Museum during the Easter holidays expecting it to be busier but we got in straight away and there was plenty of parking still on the island.

The museum has plenty of history on the life of St Cuthbert, including some good artist illustrations of what the wooden monastery would have looked like in his time and also what his cell on Inner Farne would have looked like. There are photographs of the possessions found in his tomb: the cross, the stole and the comb, plus photographs of his wooden coffin.

There are Anglo Saxon stone crosses in the museum which were found on the site of the Priory and artist illustrations of how they were painted and used.

For once the ÂŁ5 guide book was actually worth buying! Many of the English Heritage books of abbeys I have purchased concentrate on the architecture where as this one has more information on the life of the people of this place over the centuries.

The stones of priory itself were not of particular interest to me but all the same it was meaningful to walk on the land where the old monastery would have been.

As I have an English Heritage membership it was definitely worth the visit but if I had paid ÂŁ15 I probably would have felt ripped off as it takes less than an hour to walk around. Check tide times on the Northumberland Council website.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. Like many people you have glanced at the admission price board and naturally focused on the first column. This shows the price for entry plus a guide book. The cost for an adult to enter the museum/exhibition and the Priory ruin is actually ÂŁ9. We are trying to get this issue rectified. We really do appreciate your support as a member and indeed everyone who pays the admission price. This enables English Heritage to preserve and protect over 400 sites. Many of these are are free to all to visit.
Written 27 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rafal W
Skoki, Poland1,456 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
Founded in 7th century on the tidal island off the northern coast of England by comer from Iona Island, Irish monk Saint Aidan, sits Lindisfarne Priory. Request came from King Oswald, ruler of Northumbria. Lindisfarne became base for Christian evangelism in North England and Mercia. Lindisfarne Priory was also, like many other monasteries, centre of copying books.The team of illuminators and calligraphers from Holy Island has made, now famous, manuscript known as Lindisfarne Gospels. The Viking raid from year 793 during of which priory was looted and pillaged is often taken by modern historians as the beginning of the Viking Age but it was the Danes who sealed fate the Irish monastery. Still, despite Danes raids from the first half of the next century Priory flourished. It was the advance of the Danes to the north and fall of Kingdom of Northumbria in 875 that made Irish monks flee. Monastic life on Holy Island was re-established by Durham Priory in 1093, nearly three decades after Norman conquest. New, Benedictine congregation took over the remains of earlier, Irish monastery, and continued until its suppression in 1536. Due to the boarder warfare of the 13th and 14th centuries monks of Lindisfarne Priory were forced to fortify and man the priory, remains of such fortifications are still visible. The Lindisfarne Priory was relatively small religious house compare to other, richer one from other parts of England. Humble, monastery church was built around 1150 in late Romanesque, early Gothic style. In 14th century some alternations took a place there. After Dissolution of Monasteries priory slowly fell into disuse. Church's central tower has collapsed in the late 18th century, Priory's stone work was cannibalised by the locals or used for construction of small fort near the priory. The only way to get there leads via periodically flooded causeway connecting Holy Island with the rest of England. There are buses going every second day from Berwick Upon Tweed to Holy Island, but this time I've rented a car. While travelling to and from Lindisfarne one have to remember and follow rules regarding crossing the causeway or somebody may find oneself trapped in the middle of it by high tidal waves. The day I'd visited Lindisfarne priory was cloudy, windy and rainy. Under the dun skies of North Sea Holy Island looked grim and inhospitable. Same like in case of Whitby, advance ticket booking was required. It was worth seeing it, however, it didn't impress me that much like other monasteries that I've seen before.
Written 23 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Simon B
Poole, UK87 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
Historic site that is well wort a visit. The museum is informative, telling the history of St Cuthbert, St Aiden and the Vikings that first landed in 793. Not a lot left of the Priory, but the ruins give you a feel of the size of it.
The island gets very busy, we went late September, so best to go out of school holidays. Also check the tide timetable as the causeway to the island will be cut off at high tide.
Written 1 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this great review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your visit.
Written 5 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Vince H
Skelton-in-Cleveland, UK529 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
The Priory is owned and run by English Heritage. Although derelict and in ruins, the priory still gives some sense of what life would have been like hundreds of years ago for St Aiden and his followers who inhabited Lindisfarne. The structure is still impressive and inspiring. It is testament to the building skills of the local labourers and masons that the rock arch still stands intact to this day. The ticket price includes entry to a lovely museum which we found very informative and with detailed information relating to the history of the Priory. We found the whole visit to be good value for money.
As a side, it is worth mentioning that a visit to Holy Island is altogether an experience not to be missed. The whole island has an atmosphere of peace and tranquility which is rarely experienced in the modern world. You are able to just switch off and soak up the atmosphere. A perfect place to spend a few hours away from the hubbub of daily life.
Written 19 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the lovely review.
Written 3 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

John C
Sheffield, UK257 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2021 • Couples
Lindisfarne is an atmospheric & evocative place, & the Priory is at the heart of it. The visit starts with a tour of the museum, which tells the story of Holy Island clearly & interestingly, then after an exit through the gift shop, you can wander around the remains of the Priory, which are quite spectacular.

Everything was well organised, so a very worthwhile time was had by all
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review. We really do appreciate your comments.
Written 15 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

AlinaRC
Hertfordshire1,773 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022
The beautifully atmospheric ruins of the priory are a must see on a visit to Lindisfarne, or even the North East of England. The most dramatic feature is the rainbow arch, a surviving part of the central tower. This isn't the Lindesfarne that St Cuthbert would have known, what we see now was built in the 12th century, when the threat of attacks from the sea was reduced. Apart from the tower, the other striking feature is the west front, which you arrive through to enter the church. If you have also visited Durham cathedral, much of the architecture will look very similar. While not as dramatic, its worth taking some time to explore the working areas - where bread was baked, beer brewed and horses stabled. It has one of the most intact set of service buildings of any in the UK. There are glorious views across the harbour and to the castle.

The area is administered by English Heritage, who also run a visitors centre which gives an account of the history. Both are open till 5pm in the summer, tides permitting. There are benefits to going at the start or end of the day, depending on tide times if you want some quiet to enjoy the atmosphere. We had it more or less to ourselves visiting at 4pm. On the practical side there are no toilets onsite - there are free public toilets a couple of minutes walk from the visitors centre. There is a charge to visit unless you are an English Heritage/ Cadw member. English Heritage do a professional job managing the monument. Only slight irritation was the amount of 20th Century clutter, signs, more signs, boards that seemed to get into every photograph.
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David T
Weybridge, UK215 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
Interesting ruins but in a very commercialised setting. Extremely windy. You have to park in the poorly maintained main car park for the Island at a cost of ÂŁ6. Tickets had to be purchased at the same tills used by the museum gift shop so there was a long queue.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Lindisfarne Priory - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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