It was Saint Aidan and the monks from Iona who established the famous monastery here, atop the volcanic mound known as Beblowe Craig. The monks also formed the first school in the area and trained missionaries from here to spread the Gospel around England. Saint Cuthbert then
continued this work and later Eadfrith (the Bishop of Lindisfarne) scribed the famous Gospels from here that are now housed in the National Museum as one of our most important works. But it was only after the Norman conquest that monks from Durham dubbed this as the ‘Holy Island’.

These Benedictine Monks went on to build Lindisfarne’s second monastery, the ruins of which can be seen today. The present parish church (built on the site of the original monastery) contains stonework of pre-1066. This is without doubt a location of absolute religious significance and is the destination for numerous pilgrimages, ranging from individual, small groups (and even entire diocesan pilgrimages of several thousand people) and it can be seen from miles around.

A wonderful destination for pilgrimages groups, Tours for Churches offer 3 and 4 day tour options. Please call us for more details and prices.

3 Day Lindisfarne Pilgrimage (by Coach) from only £259pp*

Morning Afternoon Evening Day 1 Depart from church by coach to Berwick-upon-Tweed (or a nearby location) for hotel check in, dinner and some free time. Day 2 Coach transfer to Holy Island for the day, with time to explore the churches, the Priory, castle and other ruins before returning to the hotel. Day 3 Return home, stopping off for lunch en route.

*Subject to availability.

Tour Extension to 4 Days

You can easily extend your Lindisfarne pilgrimage to 4 days enabling you to include a visit to the stunning Bamburgh Castle situated on the Northumberland coastline, where you will enjoy dramatic views of the Farne Islands, Holy Island and the Cheviot Hills. The return route can also detour to take in the historic town of Alnwick.

Please note: 4 and 5 day pilgrimage tours that include York, Durham and Lindisfarne are also available.