One of the most unusual places in England, Holy Island is accessible by car only at low tide via a causeway. It has strong ties with the early Christian church and also with the Vikings. The island is located 120 mi/190 km north of York.
The Lindisfarne Gospels, now at the British Library in London, were probably written and illuminated at the priory AD 715-720. The ruined priory is a dramatic structure on the bleak skyline, as is the well-preserved Lindisfarne Castle, perched on a volcanic crag. This was originally a Tudor fort and was converted into a private residence by Edwin Lutyens, with gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll (two great Victorian designers).
Bamburgh castle is one of the best in the country, in excellent condition after having been restored in the 18th and 19th centuries; it is an occupied castle and apartments can be rented (it's even licensed for wedding ceremonies).
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