cwguy

Four of us are heading to Northumberland the first of December. We are staying for a week in Corbridge and then going to a Edinburgh. On Sunday we are heading out bright and early for Lindisfarne so we will get there within the time period for the tide. We definitely want to see the Priory and my question is should we also see the Castle. We will arrive on the island around 8:30 and have time to walk round the village and beach (weather permitting) and the Priory opens at 10 plus we have the opportunity for a private tour of the Castle. Our issue is that we have to leve the island by 12:30 to miss the high tide so should we just do the Priory or should we push it nd do both? Any feedback would be helpful. Also one more question: the forts along Hadrians Wall (except Housesteds) are only open on weekends so which Forts would you choose to see in one Saturday? We know we can't do them all and would love feedback on the best. During the week we will do walks along the Wall and see Housesteads. Thanks.

janisj

>>On Sunday we are heading out bright and early for Lindisfarne so we will get there within the time period for the tide.<<

Well you definitely won't be leaving <i>bright</i> and early since the sun won'y be up yet. It is nearly a 2 hour drive. Sunrise is about 08:30 in December.

If you mean Sunday 7 Dec -- the open times out to the Island will be 06:30-12:50. 8:30 - 12:50 will be more than enough time do do both.

But in December I personally wouldn't make definite plans to visit Holy Island. I certainly wouldn't want to be on the causeway in a winter storm.

>>which Forts would you choose to see in one Saturday?<< You'll have plenty of time to see as many as you want. Housesteads is the most time intensive and since you would visit it on a week day -- you won't have any time constraints for the others. Vindolanda and Chesters are the next two largest and you'll have plenty of time for both plus more on on Saturday. Exploring Chesters can be VERY wet since the graded walkway only goes a short distance and most of the site you'll be walking through grass.

ESW

There is also Corbridge which is build to the south of the wall and is also a good one to visit. It has excellent granaries and also town.

Vindolanda has reconstructions of both stone and turf walls.

Chesters has a very good bath house and Housesteads of course is famous for its latrines...

Lindisfarne Priory won't take very long. If you have chancce it is worth trying to see Lindisfarne Castle too as this was restored by Edward Lutyens to be a holiday retreat for a wealthy London bachelor.

Gardyloo

I was not especially impressed with the castle - it's one of those places that look better from the outside than inside; also it's quite wee.

As much as I enjoy Lindisfarne, I'd also mention that nearby Bamburgh is a much more eye-popping experience, with its remarkable castle overlooking the village and football pitch. VERY much worth a stop, and if the castle is open for tours, so much the better.

Old photo - http://gardyloo.us/bamburghcastle2.jpg

janisj

If it was me (and Especially in December) I'd look to Bamburgh over Lindesfarne. The draw of Holy Island is just wandering around the village and the beach w/ a short visit to the priory . . . none of which would be fun on most December mornings.

Bamburgh is open on weekends in Dec. from 11:00-4:30 (I'd really choose Alnwick but it is closed for the season).

Morgana

Lindisfarne is a very special place and I'd definitely visit if you have the time. I always get a thrill just driving over the causeway and seeing the 'refuges' for those that don't time the tides properly!
Please note that whereas you used to be able to park in the centre of the island you now have to park in a car park on the outskirts of the village unless you have a disabled sticker. Whilst it is a pleasant walk in the summer from the car park to the village and beyond, it could be a little 'bracing' out of season.
Rather than rushing things could you not visit Lindisfarne/Bamburgh during the week you are in Corbridge?
It is also quite a long walk from the car park right up to the castle so allow yourselves plenty of time if you decide to visit.
In fact the walk to the castle is so far that a minibus service (charges) runs from the car park to the castle during opening times, but I have no idea if it will be running in December.
In the summer we also like to sit and watch the seals just off the beach, but I wouldn't advise any sitting in December!

cwguy

Thank you for all the advice. We have waterproof hiking books, pants and jackets plus warm long underwear so we are preparing for all kinds of weather. Based on the advice we will do the Priory and the Castle and then when we leave the Island we will head to Bamburgh as well. We plan to go to Ainwick on another day so we can see the town and castle. If the weather is really terrible we will go to Bamburgh and skip the Island all together but we are going to be optimistic. Thank you all so much. Any additional advice is always welcomed. We will be in England November 28-January 3 And will be in Chester, York, Corbridge, Edinburgh, the Lake District, Pickering for Christmas and then Dorset for New Years.

dotheboyshall

< We plan to go to Ainwick on another day so we can see the town and castle. >

Castle is closed in winter.

http://www.alnwickcastle.com/opening-times

janisj

>>We plan to go to Ainwick on another day so we can see the town and castle.<<

As I mentioned a few posts up, and dotheboyshall's link -- Alnwick Castle and Gardens are closed in December.