Crossing the Causeway to Holy Island: A Guide from Brunton House & Cottages

A visit to Northumberland would be incomplete without experiencing one of its most magical adventures — the crossing to Holy Island of Lindisfarne. This tidal island, just off the Northumberland coast, is connected to the mainland by a causeway that disappears beneath the sea twice a day. For guests staying at Brunton House & Cottages, a trip to Holy Island is an unforgettable day out — but it’s one that must be planned with care and respect for the tides.

Timing Your Crossing

The safest and most reliable way to plan a car journey to Holy Island is by using the official Northumberland County Council tide timetable: holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk. This site lists daily safe crossing windows for vehicles — based on years of tidal observation and local knowledge. Never ignore these times, as each year cars are stranded by drivers who misjudge the tide. The incoming water moves quickly and unpredictably across the flats.

However, do not use the car crossing times for walking! The Pilgrim’s Way — the traditional walking route — follows wooden poles across the sand and mudflats and becomes impassable long before the road floods. Walkers must work from the same tide data but calculate their own, shorter safe window. Allow generous time either side of the lowest tide and always check conditions carefully before setting off.

How the Tides Work

There are two high tides and two low tides every day, caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. The height and timing of the tides vary with the lunar cycle and the time of year — meaning no two days are exactly the same. Weather and atmospheric pressure can also affect sea levels. Even experienced locals treat the causeway with caution, as the North Sea doesn’t always behave predictably!

The Pilgrim’s Route

The Pilgrim’s Way is not just a scenic route — it’s a spiritual one. For centuries, travellers have followed this path to reach the holy site of Lindisfarne Priory, where St. Aidan founded his monastery in 635 AD. The walk across the sands feels timeless and contemplative, connecting you directly with centuries of devotion. Midway, you’ll see the refuge hut, a small wooden structure raised on stilts to protect anyone caught by the tide — a stark reminder of nature’s power.

If the sea does trap unwary visitors, local lifeboat crews from the RNLI stations at Seahouses and Berwick-upon-Tweed are on hand to rescue them. These stations are manned by volunteers and funded entirely by charitable donations — true local heroes dedicated to keeping our coastline safe.

A Glimpse of History

Look carefully along the beaches and you’ll still see massive concrete blocks, relics from the Second World War. These defences were placed to prevent German landing craft and tanks from using the sands as an invasion route — a striking reminder of how this peaceful coast once stood on guard.

Staying Nearby

Our luxurious Brunton House & Cottages, offer the perfect base for exploring this extraordinary coastline. After a day of adventure on the causeway or walking the pilgrim’s path, return to your warm cottage, enjoy the peace of the countryside, and reflect on the magic of Holy Island — where sea, sky, and history meet in a place unlike any other.