With its sweeping sea views and ancient ruins, Holy Island could be straight out of a fairytale – and visitors have the chance to stay in one of its original coastguard cottages
When it comes to escaping the noise of everyday life, there are few better places to do so than Northumberland, which has long been recognised as one of the most beautiful places in the country to reconnect with nature, enjoy views of coast and countryside, and immerse yourself in rich history. And one place offering the best of all three is the magnificent Holy Island, otherwise known as Lindisfarne.
This spectacular beauty spot is cut off from the rest of the country twice a day as the sea tides swallow up the causeway leading from the mainland out to the island. There is so much about Lindisfarne, from the breathtaking natural beauty of its landscape and surroundings to its ancient ruins, that makes it feel “otherworldly” – a word used by English Heritage, who manage Lindisfarne Priory on the island.
But even regular visitors to Holy Island may not be aware that this is not the only presence English Heritage has on the island – the charity also owns a holiday cottage here, giving travellers the opportunity to enjoy a unique stay in one of Northumberland’s most awe-inspiring places. Coastguard’s Cottage, as its name suggests, is one of the island’s original coastguard dwellings.
Boasting unspoiled views out to the fairytale-like Lindisfarne Castle and beyond to the Farne Islands out at sea – a must-visit for anyone visiting this part of Northumberland via a boat trip from the seaside village of Seahouses – this popular stay is located right in the heart of the Holy Island village. It’s therefore ideally placed to explore all of the island’s treasures, whether visiting its world-renowned historical attractions or enjoying its serene scenery on a peaceful walk.
Priced from £620 for a three-night long weekend stay with only a couple of dates left to book in December before it’s not available again until May 2026, Coastguard’s Cottage has space for up to six people with three bedrooms. Also home to a kitchen, diner, and a sitting room with a log burner ideal for cosying up in front of during winter stays, as well as a sheltered rear garden to enjoy in the warmer months.
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Guests at Coastguard’s Cottage will receive a luxury hamper, as well as entry to all English Heritage sites and most events and 10% off in the charity’s shops and cafés during their stay. But this isn’t the only unique getaway to be had on Holy Island.
The National Trust also owns two cottages on the island that are available to book for a winter stay, both of which are dog-friendly for those looking to bring their four-legged friends along on their trip. The first is Glen House, which is ideal as a cosy retreat for couples with its single bedroom and is priced from £484 for two nights.
The second is St Oswalds Cottage, a Grade II listed dwelling overlooking the harbour that can accommodate up to five people and two dogs. Designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens for Edward Hudson, who at the time owned the island’s castle, this cottage gives guests the chance to stay in a slice of Holy Island’s rich history at cost starting from £659 for two nights.
Elsewhere on the island, the village is home to a small handful of other holiday cottages, including Curlew Cottage which is available to book via the Sykes Holiday Cottages website. Priced from £604 for seven nights and described as “cosy and welcoming” and a “gorgeous” place to stay by its guests, it’s is a popular choice with only a select few dates left to book this winter.
Over on fellow booking website holidaycottages.co.uk, another characterful option is Britannia House, a cottage dating back to the 18th century described as “steeped in history and charm”. With space for up to five guests and a dog, Deja Blue overlooks the village green on Holy Island where Queen Elizabeth II planted a tree during her visit in 1958.
Priced from £582 for a seven-night stay with spaces quickly filling up for 2026, Britannia House is one of just three cottages listed for Holy Island on holidaycottages.co.uk, with the others to choose from being Tidal Cottage from £819 for seven nights, and St Coombs Farmhouse from £1,305 for seven nights. For more accommodation options, it’s worth checking out the picturesque village of Bamburgh half an hour away by car which has its own share of unique places to stay.
