Ammon News - A tiny island with a castle and three pubs can only be visited twice a day, when the tide is out.

Named Holy Island, the tourist destination has been used as a place of worship, with a 12th century priory that is still used as a pilgrimage point today.

The Northumberland island is home to a National Trust castle, but is cut off to the rest of the world when the tide washes over the causeway.

Those wishing to travel to the island must be sure of the safe crossing times, which change each day and are updated online.

At the island, also known as Lindisfarne, visitors are treated to breathtaking sea views, with cosy cafes and the island’s famous Mead.

In February 2020, a report showed that three pubs and a hotel were operating, as well as the island’s post office.

Along with the castle, there is a historic church, nature reserve and beaches that are well worth a visit.

The National Trust, which operates Lindisfarne Castle, describes the building as: “A castle that’s not a castle on an island that’s not an island.”

Visitors can cross the causeway to visit the castle, which is free entry for National Trust members, or £8 for non-members.

The castle was converted into a holiday home by famed architect Sir Edwin Lutyens for founder of Country Life magazine, Edward Hudson.

And October is the perfect time to book a trip, as British art duo Heinrich and Palmer are set to transform the castle into an art installation using video, lighting and sound.

Both artists have created an installation inspired by the island’s dramatic Northumberland coastline and the island’s history.

The castle sits at the island’s highest point - Beblow - and was built in 1550 using stones from Lindisfarne Priory, which went out of use around the same time.

The secret bolthole was originally the home of Saint Cuthbert, said to have held the power of spiritual healing.

A wonderful coastal walk has been named in his honour, listed as one of ‘Scotland’s Great Trails’, St Cuthbert’s Way.

Medieval monks who inhabited the island were famed for their mead, which they believed would fortify their body for God.

The secret recipe remains with a family who continue to produce it.

Not only that, but the island is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and home to a wealth of wildlife within its tidal walls, including at the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve where you can spot seals.

*MIRROR