Day trip to Lindisfarne Castle

We visited Lindisfarne castle recently reopened after a conservation programme lasting 18 months. (Lindisfarne Castle on the National Trust website)

To allow repairs to be apparent and to let plaster dry, the castle was not yet furnished, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see the interior in a raw state and also to view an installation by Anya Gallaccio, the Turner Prize nominated artist, whose beautifully crafted work was inspired partly by Gertrude Jekyll's plantings in the castle garden.

The intention was to get onto the island by 9.50 am before the tide closes the causeway, to see the castle when least crowded (NT members free. Group rate for non-members £6.50 payable on the day). There was an opportunity to see other buildings on the island. The causeway was open again by about 2.00 pm.

We asked the members who planned to travel in their own cars - please offer lifts.

We met at the village car park (parking charges apply) at about 10.00 am and walked to the castle (about 15-20 minutes). There is a shuttle bus from the village to the castle field gate (£2.50 return).

While some preferred to bring a picnic, there are many opportunities for fodder and watering on the island - ranging from fairly haute cuisine to crab sandwiches.

The booking form circulated to members is available as a downloadable PDF for reference.