Lindisfarne Castle

I had done zero research before visiting Lindisfarne Castle, so it came as a bit of a shock to see it described as a 'holiday home' on the National Trust sign at the entrance! I think I was expecting an ancient castle in a state of ruin. Instead, it is presented as it would have looked in the early 1900s after it was bought by Edward Hudson, founder of Country Life, and reconfigured by his friend Edwin Lutyens, a leading architect.

Lindisfarne Castle was built in 1549 on the site of Lindisfarne Priory, which had been dissolved by Henry VIII in 1537. It remained in military use until 1819 when the garrison was disbanded and the fort was used as a coastguard station. This continued until 1878 when it was left uninhabited until Hudson came along.

Hudson envisioned Lindisfarne Castle being a place for relaxation, enjoyment, and creating memories. He challenged Lutyens to fit a modern holiday home within the neglected fort's Tudor ramparts. So successful was the architect that Hudson went on to entertain famous musicians, writers, poets, artists, and even royalty at Lindisfarne Castle.

Today, it is fascinating to visit and get a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous who stayed there.Read more