The Holy Island of Lindisfarne with autistic children is an absolute blast! Holy Island is located off the northeast coast of England, is a serene and historically rich destination perfect for families, including those with autistic children. The area is typically referred to as Northumberland and is very close to the Scottish Borders. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.
Watch our day Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island of Lindisfarne with our autistic children here. Watch how our day went at Holy Island from start to finish on our Instagram stories highlight here.
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Getting To Holy Island of Lindisfarne
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is accessible by a causeway from the mainland, which is only passable during low tide. You will have to check the tide times regularly to make sure you know when you are safe to drive, and when you aren’t. You can find the tide times online and in some nearby towns on notice boards. Check tide times carefully to plan your visit and avoid being stranded, this happens more often than you’d think. Driving is the most convenient option, and parking is available near the village. The parking in the village is not to be used by visitors and you must only use the car park that you’ll see on your left when you drive in. It is huge with plenty of parking. You can walk into town from there within just a couple of minutes.
Where to Stay
There are several accommodations on the island, ranging from cozy B&Bs to holiday cottages. Choose a quiet, comfortable place that suits your family’s needs, preferably with easy access to outdoor spaces. Alternatively, you can stay on the mainland nearby and drive to Holy Island of Lindisfarne – this is what we did and I am glad, because when the tide is over the road you have no options to leave and this sounds like a bad idea with autistic children.
Family-Friendly Activities on Holy Island
Lindisfarne Castle
Explore the historic Lindisfarne Castle with its stunning views and peaceful surroundings. The castle is less crowded during early mornings or late afternoons.
Lindisfarne Priory
Visit the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, a serene location perfect for a leisurely stroll and some historical exploration. You can walk around the grounds and graveyard area for free, to enter the actual priory ruins you have to pay to go in. There is a booth to pay there on the spot. Despite looking beautiful, the weather was really hard to manage with autistic children when we went. There was a really strong, cold wind making it something like 3 degrees so we just walked around the priory grounds and did not go into the paid part.
St. Aidan’s Winery
Taste the famous Lindisfarne Mead and explore the gift shop. The winery is a calm and sensory-friendly environment.
Holy Island Beach
Enjoy a quiet day at the beach. The open space and calming sound of the waves can be very soothing. The beaches in this area are spectacular, I really recommend making some time to check out some of the nearby beaches.
Nature Walks
Take advantage of the island’s numerous walking trails. The quiet and scenic routes are perfect for a relaxed exploration. We found the parts if the Island that we walked to be really easy, even with two strollers in tow.
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve
Explore the diverse wildlife and scenic views. The reserve offers plenty of space for children to run around and engage with nature. The reserve is absolutely gorgeous and is home to so many birds and other animals that need the reserve to survive.
The Lindisfarne Centre
Learn about the island’s history and heritage through interactive exhibits designed to engage all ages.
Pilgrims Coffee House
Relax with a cup of coffee and some delicious homemade treats in a quiet, family-friendly environment.
Birdwatching
Lindisfarne is a fantastic spot for birdwatching. Bring binoculars and enjoy spotting various bird species in their natural habitat.
Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Activity on Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Island Village
Stroll through the village, explore local shops, and enjoy the quaint, peaceful atmosphere. We walked around a lot of the village and stopped for lunch at 1st Class Food & Post Office. The team there were really welcoming and went out of their way to help us and make sure we had everything we needed. The food was really good, it is all homemade which to us adults is a massive pro, but for autistic Luke who wanted a standard sausage roll (think Greggs) he wouldn’t eat the lovely home made one he was given for lunch.
Getting around Holy Island of Lindisfarne with Autistic Children
Getting around Holy Island of Lindisfarne with autistic children is fairly easy. You can drive or take a taxi right on to the island and park in the very big car park. If your autistic child has a blue badge, parking will be free. It is a very quick and easy walk to get into town and find cafes and shops in the village and you can then head further into the island (by walking) and see the priory and other tourist attractions.
Is Holy Island of Lindisfarne Autism-Friendly?
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne offers a generally autism-friendly environment due to its natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and the slow pace of life. However, it lacks specialized autism services, so families visiting with individuals on the spectrum should plan ahead, especially in terms of healthcare and support. The island’s serene and open spaces can provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience, particularly for those who appreciate nature and history.
Things That Make Holy Island Stand Out
- Access to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is primarily by car or organized tours due to its remote location and the tidal causeway. Public transport options are limited, and the unique nature of the tidal causeway requires careful planning to ensure safe crossing times. For families with individuals on the autism spectrum, driving can provide more control over the environment and timing.
- Lindisfarne Castle: The castle is a popular historical site, but it can get crowded during peak tourist seasons. However, visiting during off-peak hours or in the early morning can provide a quieter experience. The castle itself is relatively small and may involve some walking on uneven terrain.
- Lindisfarne Priory: The ruins of the priory offer an open and spacious environment where visitors can explore at their own pace. The site is generally quiet and can provide a peaceful experience.
- Natural Environment: The island is surrounded by natural beauty, with beaches, tidal flats, and walking trails that offer plenty of space and tranquillity. These outdoor activities can be ideal for individuals with autism who enjoy nature and need a break from sensory overload.
- Tidal Causeway: The island is accessible via a tidal causeway, which can be an interesting experience for some but may also require careful planning. The causeway is only accessible at certain times of the day, depending on the tides, which adds an element of adventure but also requires planning due to timing.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need.
- Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
- Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. You might also consider our England PECS cards to add to your collection.
- Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne with autistic children offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that cater to the needs of children with autism. From historical sites to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit and create lasting memories in this beautiful and tranquil destination.