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Yesterday was a mix of times and tides. First we venture the high tide flood-prone causeway from the Northumberland mainland to get to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne which has a long history of pilgrimage dating back to St Cuthbert who ran a monastery there in the 7th century.
We see the poles in the mudflats which track the pilgrims’ path but decide the car is the preferable option. There is an impressive 16th century former fort, Lindisfarne Castle, perched up high overlooking the sea.
Much bird life to be seen with a special bird watching centre on the walk to the castle. Local artist John Tierney opened a gallery here last year to showcase his beautiful watercolours of the area.
It’s a bit early for one of the famous crabmeat sandwiches from local post office cafe, so we have a quick cuppa and freshly baked scones at Lindisfarne Hotel before heading back to mainland.
It’s a short trip down to Bamburgh Castle, also in a spectacular setting, the former Royal Seat of the Kings of Northumbria. However inside it is the early vacuum cleaner that catches the eye.
Still time to take in spectacular Alnwick Castle, which has been in the Percy family for 700 years and was the setting for the Downton Abbey Christmas special last December.
We are fortunate to be able to combine the history, architecture, art and spectacular State Rooms with a Downton exhibit, complete with the dining table still set as it was for the dinner in the Downton episode.