Anyone done this type of travel? How did it go? How did you get to the Island once in the area? I've read about a taxi service from Berwick-upon Tweed. We don't plan to drive but want to get some info from those who have done the trip and know 1st hand how this works. Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
It’s a wonderful place. I have been numerous times, but always driving my own car.
I presume that you have checked the tide timetable for the day that you are hoping to make this trip to ensure that you can get on and off at suitable tides? You can easily spend half a day or more on the island, but you wouldn’t want to be stuck there until midnight! Public transport tends to be more cautious with the tides than private vehicles.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
1888 posts
I've also always gone by car. Have a look at the Holy Island website which has details of how to get to Holy Island by public transport.
There is also this blog of someone who used public transport to get there.
Jennifer has already flagged up about checking tide times for when you are planning to visit. The island is reached by tidal causeway and tides come in very quickly. The 477 bus times depend on safe crossing times and there are some days it doesn't run.
You can get an up to date information about servive 477 from the Border Buses website.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6615 posts
We too had a car when we went there last month. We left before the tide came in, went to Bamburgh castle, then came back to the causeway when the tide was in.
Posted by
OP
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
373 posts
Thanks all. We are just too nervous to drive over there. You can get everywhere with a bus or car or tour. But it is causing me MUCH more planning. Yes, I know about the tides. I checked with Woody's Taxi from Berwick-upon-Tweed and they are charging 40 GBS per person. I'd forgotten about the Border Busses. I will check there and see what they charge. That might be a better option. You only think it would be 1/2 a day to look around the island? I'd planned to arrive and stay on the island and go to explore what we could on our own and then pay to get into the castle and then leave. I figured we'd need a long time to see it fully.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
1888 posts
You can hit the high spots of the ilsnad in half a day (between safe crossing times) and most visitors do this. As well as the castle, don't miss the ruined Priory in the village with its museum as well as St Mary's Church next to it. If you are planning to walk around the island, then this will take more time. Staying on the island is a great idea as it is completley different once the tourists have departed for the day and people who have done this say it has been the highlight of their visit. .
Posted by
OP
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
373 posts
Wasley, Thanks so much for the advice of the Border Buses. That's just the thing for us! I feel like that will save us a bundle from what was quoted at 40 GBP per person from Woody's Taxi Service in Berwick. I was worried. That was a lot!
I think I'd probably like to explore the Island after the Castle closes and we can just relax and explore the areas and not be rushed.