Visiting the Farne Islands and Lindisfarne - advice please

hdh74

Hi,

We are currently looking at booking a holiday in Northumberland and would like to take in both the Farne Islands and Lindisfarne.
Has anyone done this, please?

I'm wondering how far in advance I'll need to book boat trips - ideally we would like to know what the weather might be like, but don't want them all to be booked up.

Also, has anyone done the drive across to Lindisfarne? Hubby - aged 70 - is a little nervous of how much of it is single-file and how the passing is achieved on a sea causeway.

Thank you.

DullGreyGuy

Done Lindisfarne, we drove. Dont remember too much about it so shows it wasnt that scary, there are wide passing places along the causeway. There are a ton of videos online of people driving across or talking about it so you can see for yourself. Obviously things get busier as you get near the end of the safe crossing times so if you avoid them there are less issues with oncoming traffic and dont leave after the time it says its not safe to cross. 

mr_stripey

Lindisfarne is lovely. The drive across the causeway is fine and as long as you are not attempting it outside of the safe crossing times then you won't have a problem.

If possible, it is worth spending some time on Lindisfarnre after the tide comes in and all (or most) of the tourists have headed back. This might mean an overnight stay but it allows to really experience the isolational beauty of the place.

If you know the dates you are going to be there you can check the tide times now to get a rough idea of a plan.

For the Farne's you can book with one of the boat operators (example https://www.farne-islands.com/) but they can be very weather dependent.

We've done it a few times and never pre booked - just turn up and pay on the day at the plethora of kiosks on the quay in Seahouses.

When are you planning to go? 

hdh74

Thank you very much @dullgreyguy - very helpful

Thank you very much @mr_stripey - that's really useful info. We plan to go in May. 

mr_stripey

hdh74 said:

Thank you very much @dullgreyguy - very helpful

Thank you very much @mr_stripey - that's really useful info. We plan to go in May. 

I don't think you need to worry about pre booking the boat trip if you are planning to be there outside the school holidays.

It's a cracking part of the world. Barmburgh is a must visit - the catle and beach are spectacular. Dunstanburgh Castle (or rather the ruins of it) is also a lovely walk if you don't mind a bit of a hike.

If you were planning to stay overnight on Holy Island then you probably do want to book that as there isn't a lot of accomodation available (from memory) but it is THE ultimate Lindisfarne experience to be there when the tide is in and the hordes have gone back to the mainland.

hdh74

mr_stripey said:

hdh74 said:

Thank you very much @dullgreyguy - very helpful

Thank you very much @mr_stripey - that's really useful info. We plan to go in May. 

I don't think you need to worry about pre booking the boat trip if you are planning to be there outside the school holidays.

It's a cracking part of the world. Barmburgh is a must visit - the catle and beach are spectacular. Dunstanburgh Castle (or rather the ruins of it) is also a lovely walk if you don't mind a bit of a hike.

If you were planning to stay overnight on Holy Island then you probably do want to book that as there isn't a lot of accomodation available (from memory) but it is THE ultimate Lindisfarne experience to be there when the tide is in and the hordes have gone back to the mainland.

Brilliant. Thank you for all the tips. x

jimbo6977

The county council publishes the safe crossing times here 

https://holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk/

Hoenir

A few years back stayed on Lindisfarne for 4 nights in a B&B. Accomodation is extremely limited. When the tide comes in and tourists are gone. Is a wonderfull place to be. 

Inner Farne Islands are worth a visit. Walking amongst the birds are as fly around you with no fear on marked paths is a joy. Recommend breeding season which is May , June, July.  The Islands are National Trust so there's a landing fee payable to them as well as the cost of boat trip. 

On the boat trip, whatever the weather, the swell can be considerable as the boat heads out to where Grace Darling performed her heroics. 

hdh74

Thank you @jimbo6977 and @Hoenir - that's very helpful. Looking forward to it now.