Originally known as Lindisfarne and often described as ‘the Jewel of the Northumberland Coast’, Holy Island is only accessible across a causeway at low tide. Adjacent to the ruins of the Benedictine Priory, which was destroyed by Henry VIII, is a visitor centre commemorating the life of the monks. The stones from the Priory were used to build the unforgettable Lindisfarne Castle. As well as its many historic attractions, Holy Island is situated at the heart of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Extensive dunelands, intertidal sand and mud flats, saltmarsh and ancient raised beaches support a wide variety of plant life and attract vast numbers of birds.