Twice a day, the North Sea reclaims a three-mile stretch of tarmac, submerging it beneath the waves and cutting off access to one of the UK’s most atmospheric destinations, Holy Island. The Holy Island Causeway, also known as the Lindisfarne Causeway, links the Northumberland mainland to the beautiful and mystic island, but only at low tide. When the tide rises, the road vanishes beneath the sea, becoming completely impassable, with water levels deep enough to engulf a large car.
Drivers approaching the causeway will notice a sign warning that the road narrows but near this point, the sea reaches its highest, spreading across the flat landscape and erasing all trace of the road. Stretching across three miles of open tidal flats, the journey takes around 10 minutes by car but timing is everything.
Before setting off, it’s essential to check the safe crossing times published daily on the Visit Northumberland website, as misjudging the tide can leave travellers stuck on either side of the causeway or worse, caught in rising water.
What makes the Lindisfarne Causeway even more remarkable is the sheer beauty of the journey itself. With vast skies, wide tidal flats, and the silhouette of the island rising in the distance, the drive offers a surreal sense of travelling through time and tide.
The ever-changing seascape provides unforgettable photo opportunities and a peaceful sense of isolation if you time your trip right.
Located roughly halfway between Edinburgh and Newcastle, and just a short drive from the Scottish border, the Lindisfarne Causeway is more than just a curious road. It’s the gateway to Holy Island, a small island steeped in history and unspoiled natural beauty.
The island is home to the beautiful and haunting ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, once a major centre of early Christianity, and the 16th century Lindisfarne Castle, that is perched dramatically on a rocky hilltop.
The ruins also include the famous “rainbow bridge”, an arch that soars skyward, acting as a spectral remnant of a long lost tower. Visiting the island, you’ll also be able to admire stunning landscapes, from mudflats, to salt marshes and majestic sand dunes.
Helen, from Dumfries and Galloway wrote on TripAdvisor: “The drive across the causeway was quite an experience. When the time came for us to leave because the tide would be coming in and cutting us off from the mainland we stopped off at a nearby restaurant to watch the landscape change.”
Another visitor, Sandra also said: “Loved the experience of driving over the causeway when the tide was out. Wandering around the island is magical, so much to see. Don’t miss the Lindisfarne Heritage Centre and the view looking over to the small harbour.”