Lindisfarne

Agrandir le plan

Shortened history of the castle:

The border region between England and Scotland has been for centuries what could be called very volatile. Numerous wars raged between the English and the Scots, and the area was the frequent target of Viking raids. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is separated by a tidal causeway which may only be crossed at low tide. This made it an ideal location for a castle.

By Tudor times a fort with strong fortifications was constructed on Beblowe Crag, between 1570-72. This forms the basis of the present castle. Elizabeth I remodelled the fort, reinforcing it and providing artillery emplacements. When James I became king, he unified the Scottish and English thrones, and the need for the castle declined.

In the 19th century the castle was used as a look-out for coastguards. It became a tourist attraction for architects and antiquarians.

In 1901 the building was purchased by Edward Hudson, owner of Country Life magazine, which published innumerable articles on English country house and rural themes.

Opening times and additional information:

Castle:
13 Feb - 21 Feb : from Monday to Sunday (10am-3pm)
13 Mar - 31 Oct : from Tuesday to Sunday (10am-5pm)
Garden:
Open all year from 10am to 5pm (Closed on Mondays)

Castle is open some weekends in January, November and December (tide dependency), contact castle for details. Email: lindisfarne@nationaltrust.org.uk

Prices:

Adult £6.60
Child £3.30
Family £16.50 (£15)
Garden only: adult £1.50 - child free

The castle is accessed by a steep climb around the rocky base of the hill.