Lindisfarne Castle
Walking out to a castle on a rock, on an island the tide cuts off twice a day, feels like a genuine expedition. The inside is small, so the lime kilns and the walk do a lot of the heavy lifting.
Holy Island is cut off by the tide twice a day. Always check the council's official times (also on our crossing times page) and the signs at the causeway before you cross; times can change and the tide can be affected by weather.
The short answer
Lindisfarne Castle is on Holy Island (TD15 2SH). It's looked after by the National Trust and a paid attraction. Opening hours follow the tides; on the late September 2026 days checked, the castle opened 10am to 1.30pm with last entry 45 minutes before closing, and the garden was open all day. Tickets: Adult £13 (£14.30 with Gift Aid), child (5 to 17) £6.50 (£7.20), family of 2 adults and up to 3 children £32.50 (£35.80), family of 1 adult and up to 3 children £19.50 (£21.50).
What you actually see
A small fort went up on the Beblowe crag around 1549, and Elizabeth I had it strengthened in 1570 and 1571. Edward Hudson bought it in 1901 and had Edwin Lutyens turn it into an Arts and Crafts holiday home, with a walled garden by Gertrude Jekyll. The National Trust has looked after it since 1944.
Known for: Roman Polanski's Macbeth (1971) and Cold Feet.
Tips before you go
Plan the whole day around the council's safe crossing times, not the castle's hours. The castle is occasionally open while the causeway is closed, which is not the same thing as you being able to get there.
Where Lindisfarne Castle is
Holy Island, TD15 2SH. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Lindisfarne Castle
Bamburgh Castle
5.0 miles south-east as the crow flies · Bamburgh · Paid entry
The Craster Arms, Beadnell
9.6 miles south-east as the crow flies · Beadnell · Stay or eat here
Preston Tower
11 miles south as the crow flies · Chathill · Paid entry
Chillingham Castle
11 miles south-west as the crow flies · Chillingham · Paid entry
Berwick Ramparts (Elizabethan Town Walls)
11 miles north-west as the crow flies · Berwick-upon-Tweed · Free to wander · Free
Berwick Castle
11 miles north-west as the crow flies · Berwick-upon-Tweed · Free to wander · Free
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Berwick and Holy Island
Events at Lindisfarne Castle
- Nothing listed at Lindisfarne Castle in The Northumbrian Almanac right now. It is refreshed every week.
Our guides that include Lindisfarne Castle
Questions people ask about Lindisfarne Castle
How much does it cost to visit Lindisfarne Castle?
Adult £13 (£14.30 with Gift Aid), child (5 to 17) £6.50 (£7.20), family of 2 adults and up to 3 children £32.50 (£35.80), family of 1 adult and up to 3 children £19.50 (£21.50). Free for National Trust members.
When is Lindisfarne Castle open?
Opening hours follow the tides; on the late September 2026 days checked, the castle opened 10am to 1.30pm with last entry 45 minutes before closing, and the garden was open all day. Winter and 2027 dates not published; check before you go, and check the council's Holy Island safe crossing times too.
Is Lindisfarne Castle good for kids?
Walking out to a castle on a rock, on an island the tide cuts off twice a day, feels like a genuine expedition. The inside is small, so the lime kilns and the walk do a lot of the heavy lifting. Time needed: 2 to 3 hours, including the mile each way from the car park.
Is there parking at Lindisfarne Castle?
Pay and display car park in the village (not National Trust; card or pay by phone), about a mile's walk from the castle. There's a drop-off point at the castle gate.
Can you take a pushchair to Lindisfarne Castle?
Partly. There's a space to leave buggies and big bags at the castle, because the way in is a steep cobbled ramp and steps.
Are dogs allowed at Lindisfarne Castle?
On short leads in the grounds; assistance dogs only inside.
Is there a café at Lindisfarne Castle?
None at the castle, but there's a picnic area with tables and deckchairs. Food in the village.
Are there toilets at Lindisfarne Castle?
One toilet at the castle.
Is Lindisfarne Castle worth visiting on a rainy day?
Not really. Most of it is outdoors, so save it for a dry day.
What is Lindisfarne Castle famous for?
Roman Polanski's Macbeth (1971) and Cold Feet.
Sources
All the castles
39 castles on a map
Open the map and filters →For the bairns
The printable passport
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