Our first stop after entering England’s border from Scotland was Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. It was a half-day trip. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England. I was curious with how it is possible that you can drive to an island. Now that I’ve been there, I understand how it works. I didn’t do any research prior to the trip as I wasn’t the one planning. All I had to do was to get my parents and myself to Newcastle, England from Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia ;p
Expensive rescue!
The timing to reach there and to leave the island must be right. So you have to properly plan your journey there. You must check the tide times and weather carefully. Tide tables giving the safe crossing periods are published by Northumberland County Council. You don’t want to get stuck in the water, it’s not cheap to rescue you! It costs over £2,710 or more for sea rescue while £5,710 or more for air rescue.
Little Island with Small Population
Surprisingly, there were less than 200 people living on this island (27 March 2011 according to Wikipedia). When we were there, the place was filled with summer holiday tourists. It was a bright sunny windy day which was great to spend the summer here.
Only those with permits can drive in the town. Otherwise, you have to park at the designated public parking space and pay for your parking. Then, you will have to walk all the way to the main area where you will be greeted with scenic views. It’s a place for historical tourism and birding trip.
Historically Interesting
You will certainly be greeted with the view of Lindisfarne Castle when you’re there. How can you miss it? We did walk up to the castle but we didn’t go into the castle. This island has a recorded history from the 6th century AD. It was an important centre of Celtic Christianity under Saints Aidan, Cuthbert, Eadfrith, and Eadberht of Lindisfarne. From here, the Christian message flourished throughout the world.
Angel of the North
After the Holy Island, went to do a bit of shopping in Newcastle, and early dinner, we stopped at Angel of the North before heading home. It stands at 20m (66 ft) tall with a wingspan of 54m (177 ft). It is larger than that of a Boeing 757 aircraft. The sculpture is indeed huge! You can feel how big it is when you are under it. Amazing!
The Angel of the North is a contemporary sculpture by Antony Gormley, located in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England… Completed in 1998, it is believed to be the largest sculpture of an angel in the world…
Wikipedia
We were lucky to have good weather and nice sunset when we were there. The wind on top of the hill was very strong and chilly though. We took some photos and left.
So that’s the end of the day. We returned the rented van the next day.