Things to see and do in the garden

Visit Holy Island in winter

A Christmas trip to Holy Island is a very special experience. Though the Castle is closed for the winter, there’s still a lot to see and do.

Christmas shopping becomes a pleasure at our shop on Marygate in the village; As well as Christmas cards, decorations and produce, we've got lots of inspiration for presents - plants for gardeners; books for history buffs; gear for ramblers; toys for children; kitchenware for cooks; and more.

What better place for a get-away-from-it-all walk than an island cut off from the mainland by the tides? Whilst the Castle is closed, the land around it is open, so your walk could take in the small but perfectly formed walled garden and the extraordinary Lime Kilns telling of Lindisfarne’s industrial past out on the headland of Castle Point.

Gazing out to sea will blow the cobwebs away, or you can enjoy the views down the coast or across to the Farne Islands - you might even spot a seal or two.

A mindful moment

This tranquil garden was created by Gertrude ‘Bumps’ Jekyll on the site of a vegetable patch that once provided the castle’s soldiers with food.

It’s a peaceful place to sit and admire the view and listen to the bees buzzing from bloom to bloom in the summer, or watch the flocks of wading birds and geese flying past the castle during the winter months.

If you spot a plant that you love and would like to take home with you to your own garden, the chances are we will have it in the plant section of the shop in the village.

Preserving Jekyll's vision

Jekyll's original planting scheme was restored by the Trust in 2003. With its geometric layout of paths and beds, the garden is always interesting to look round.

The combination of hardy annuals, colourful perennials and heritage vegetables provide glorious sights and scents in the summer and a leafy, sheltered oasis all year round. It's green, sustainable and wildlife friendly.