
Discover more at Lindisfarne Castle
Find out when Lindisfarne Castle is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
With plenty of places to run around and explore, there’s lots to do outside at Northumberland’s Lindisfarne Castle. Explore the summer flowering walled garden created by Arts and Crafts designer Gertrude Jekyll in the early 20th century, step further back in time to uncover the island’s industrial past at the Castle Point lime kilns and see the island's curious boat sheds.
The garden is moving towards its summer splendour with blossom buds forming on the apple tree that grows against the stone wall, the roses showing new growth and the daffodil and tulip shoots beginning to appear in the borders.
Take a seat on one of the new benches, created from northumbrian oak trees that were lost during Storm Arwen, and admire the view back towards the castle. Look out for the first bumblebees searching for nectar amongst the early flowers, and listen for the seals' ghostly howls drifting over the island.
Outside of the castle, there is a lot to explore. Wander across the field and take a seat in the garden, listen to the sounds of the sea and perhaps the ghostly 'singing' sound of the seals on Ross Sands drifting over the island.
If the kids need to run off some energy go for a walk around the castle headland where they can skim stones, watch birds and fly kites. With impressive views back towards the castle, the headland is great spot to stop for a picnic.
Wander around the 15 fascinating boat sheds on the island – there are 3 by the castle and 12 in the harbour. Originally used for storage, the boats have been repaired and replaced over the years but they remain one of the most popular attractions on the island. Stop by to snap a picture of these famous upturned vessels.
Past the castle, 20 minutes’ walk from the car park on Holy Island or a five-minute walk from the gates of the castle site, lies a reminder of Lindisfarne’s surprising industrial past.
The 19th-century lime kilns at Castle Point – once used to turn limestone quarried elsewhere on the island into quicklime – are a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This designation was made in recognition of the national significance of the site. They’re some of the largest examples of their kind anywhere in the country and the largest actively conserved kilns in the area.
You can walk around them, look into the arches at the bottom of the structure to see where the quicklime was extracted and pass under the wagonway which linked the kilns to the harbour.
Follow the path to the top of the kilns and look down into the wide openings to see where the limestone and coal would have been poured. The views from up there are spectacular too.
You can also see the remains of the jetties where coal was imported and where the quicklime exported. Trace the routes of the wagonways that linked the quarry and the jetties to the kilns.
The Gertrude Jekyll Garden is a small yet perfectly formed jewel in the landscape. This tranquil garden was created by Gertrude ‘Bumps’ Jekyll on the site of a vegetable patch that once provided the castle’s soldiers with food. The garden is slumbering at this time of year, but will be ablaze with colour in the summer. Look out for shoots starting to appear, and the apple trees blossom in late April if the weather is kind.
It’s a peaceful place to sit and admire the view and listen to the bees buzzing from bloom to bloom in the summer, or watch the flocks of wading birds and geese flying past the castle in the autumn, winter and spring months.
If you spot a plant that you love and would like to take home with you to your own garden, the chances are we will have it in the plant section of the shop in the village.
Jekyll's original planting scheme was restored by the Trust in 2003. With its geometric layout of paths and beds, the garden is always interesting to look round.
The combination of hardy annuals, colourful perennials and heritage vegetables provide glorious sights and scents in the summer and a leafy, sheltered oasis all year round. It's green, sustainable and wildlife friendly.
Find out when Lindisfarne Castle is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
The garden is a peaceful spot throughout the year, find out what there is to see at this time of year.
From the Kitchen and cosy Dining Room to the views from the Upper Battery, explore inside Lindisfarne Castle to imagine how residents lived in centuries past.
Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Lindisfarne Castle in Northumberland from bird and seal spotting to flying a kite and skimming stones in the sea.
Discover the history of Lindisfarne Castle and its surrounds, from the area’s industrial past and curious boat sheds to the castle’s renovation and its dedicated caretakers.
Your dog is welcome to join you on the many walking routes on Holy Island and the land around Lindisfarne Castle, a one pawprint rated place. Find out what to be aware of and the facilities available.