Holy Island, where Aidan founded Lindisfarne's monastery in 635 and Cuthbert later served as monk-bishop—but the tidal causeway must be checked before any visit.
People and clans in this story
People: St Aidan, King Oswald
Aidan and the mission from Iona
In 635 King Oswald summoned Aidan from Iona to serve as bishop in Northumbria. Aidan established his monastery on Lindisfarne, which became a centre for the conversion of the kingdom and connected the religious worlds of Iona, northern Britain and Northumbria.
Cuthbert at Lindisfarne
Cuthbert joined the community at Lindisfarne in the 670s, became its prior and was made bishop in 685. He was first buried here after his death in 687; the later cult around his shrine helped make Lindisfarne a major place of pilgrimage and learning.
What survives
The visible priory ruins are mainly from the twelfth century, built long after Aidan and Cuthbert. English Heritage's museum and interpretation connect those later remains to the earlier Anglo-Saxon monastery, while a modern monument marks Cuthbert's original burial place.
What to look for while you're here
- The priory's surviving rainbow arch and the difference between the medieval ruins and the earlier monastery they commemorate.
- The modern monument marking Cuthbert's original burial place.
- St Cuthbert's Isle just offshore, associated with his period of retreat and reachable only with careful attention to tides.
Before you go
- Holy Island is accessible by road only during safe low-tide crossing periods.
- Never cross outside the published safe times; check both causeway tides and priory opening hours for the travel date.
- Pay-and-display parking is about a five-minute walk from the priory.