Cambridge House
It was 635AD when Saint Aidan first crossed the causeway to Holy Island and – likely smitten by its beauty, remoteness and rich potential for undisturbed contemplation – decided to start a monastery here.
Expect the same seduction as you near Cambridge House. Part of a row of period cottages on the tiny village of Lindisfarne, a stay here means you can enjoy privileged access to A-List historical sights.
Behind its classic stone facade, Cambridge House delivers interiors that are chicly contemporary, yet still retains the charm and character of the original period property. That includes an airy, open-plan kitchen and dining space accompanied by slick dark navy cabinetry and furniture. And indeed the sitting room, whose vintage iron-legged coffee table contrasts with a svelte, modern log-burning stove built neatly into the wall. This cosy den is a great place for families or friends to relax together in slumberous comfort.
All four bright, spacious bedrooms – one of them on the ground floor – can be configured with twin or super-king beds as required. Two are en-suite to allow for total comfort and the others share a big bathroom with a tub.
Outside, the property benefits from an enclosed private back garden where you can relax, chat or plot your next adventure! There’s ample bike storage here too should you wish to pedal around. That might be a good idea, what with there being so much to see.
One of Holy Island’s undoubted headline attractions is its ruined 11th-century priory (built after Vikings attacked the original), offering a chance to learn about how Aidan and Saint Cuthbert pioneered Christianity’s spread across the world. Then there’s the renovated, visible-for-miles castle, with its 1900s-style society rooms.
You’ll also find the award-winning Gertrude Jekyll Garden and a pretty harbour where upside-down herring boats form sheds. If possible, sip some of the renowned Lindisfarne Mead, still concocted from a secret recipe, and cross to Hobthrush, a still-dinkier tidal isle where St Cuthbert supposedly retreated for extra peace. Seals often rest on the sandbanks here.
While the Priory and castle can be busy with tourists by day, other parts of the two-square-mile island are much emptier. That includes some starkly beautiful white-sand beaches and two obelisk-style lighthouses. Lindisfarne village also offers one or two enticing cafes, pubs and shops.Shadowed by a pilgrim’s path, the causeway road is safe to cross long enough to easily enable drives to Bamburgh Castle or Coast Path pub walks on days out – keep an eye on the changing tide times though to allow yourself ample time to return! You may however, simply prefer to stay put: resting and relaxing in this uniquely spiritual place.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
Cambridge House (sleeps 8) can be let in conjunction with Cambridge House Cottage Number One (sleeps 2) and Cambridge House Cottage Number Two (sleeps 4).
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Three steps to main access door.
Small utility room with hanging rail, combined washer/dryer.
Kitchen with 3/4 dishwasher, ceramic hob, electric oven, microwave, large fridge/freezer, small island unit. Dining table seating up to eight.
To the right of the dining room is a ground floor bedroom with:
Bedroom one with zip and link bed which can be configured to a 6' super king or 3' twin beds, side tables, chest of drawers, wardrobe with storage and hanging rail. Wall-mounted Smart TV.
En-suite bathroom with large walk-in shower (electric shower), heated towel rail, basin and WC.
To the left of the dining room is an inner hall and central stairwell, with main door leading to the rear garden (2 steps)
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Sitting room with two large sofas, armchair, wood burning stove with logs supplied. It is imperative that the log burner is not over-loaded - strictly 2 logs only. Large Smart TV.
FIRST FLOOR
Stairs to the first floor with handrail.
Bedroom two with zip and link bed which can be configured to a super king or 3' twin, side tables, dressing table, built-in cupboard with shelving and hanging space, wall-mounted Smart TV.
Bedroom three with zip and link bed which can be configured to a super king or 3' twin, side tables, chest of drawers, wardrobe with storage and hanging space, wall-mounted Smart TV.
Family bathroom with bath, basin and WC.
Bedroom four with zip and link bed which can be configured to a super king or 3' twin, side tables, dressing table, wall-mounted Smart TV. Separate dressing room with hanging and storage space.
En-suite bathroom with large walk-in shower (rainforest head), heated towel rail, basin and WC.
OUTSIDE
The property benefits from an enclosed private garden to the rear with a 6ft. close-boarded fence. This is a combination of patio, lawn and planting. An outside tap is available.
To the front access is a gravelled drive with private parking. Log store and secure bike storage for up to eight bikes.
There is private parking for up to four cars.Location
Experience the delights of island life during your stay on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The tidal island is cut off from the mainland twice a day, but fear not as the island has a good range of shops and eateries. Although there is no supermarket, you will find '1st Class Food' which is a one-stop post-office, shop and café stocking a good supply of basic grocery essentials and local foods as well as tasty ready meals for those times when you want a quick meal. Coffee and light lunches can also be enjoyed at the popular Pilgrims Coffee House & Roastery, or try Island Oasis coffee shop. For hearty evening meals on the island, you can choose from two traditional pubs - The Ship Inn or The Crown & Anchor.
The island also offers a number of small independent shops. Holy Island Crafts and Celtic Crafts both have a delightful range of handcrafted gifts and jewellery, and a trip to the island wouldn’t be complete without calling into Lindisfarne Mead shop. Inspired by meads of the 7th Century and the island's rich history, the famous Lindisfarne Mead is a unique drink produced on Holy Island and can be purchased in the shop.
Just over the causeway, you will find The Barn at Beal for lingering lunches savouring the catch-of-the-day or informal dining and a craft beer at The Bothy bar (please check seasonal opening times).
You can get ‘corner shop’ provisions from the Londis Lindisfarne Service Station on the A1 (5 miles), or 11 miles will take you to the village of Belford which offers a range of local amenities including the Sunnyhills Farm Shop which sells fabulous local produce as well as serving excellent coffee and tasty food. Food fans will be delighted by the wealth of local goodies on offer here including Doddington Dairy ice cream, Northumberland cheeses, Lindisfarne Oysters, Chainbridge Honey, and Craster Kippers to name but a few.
More extensive amenities can be found in the Elizabethan walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed (14 miles) which has a mix of high street and independent shopping, as well as two large supermarkets, a Marks & Spencers food outlet and a good selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants.
The town of Berwick-upon-Tweed is also served by the main East Coast rail line with regular services to Edinburgh and Newcastle for a city day out.
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Bath
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Dog friendlyTwo dogs are welcome but they should be clean before accessing the property, and should be kept to the ground floor only. They are not permitted on the furniture or in the bedrooms. An outside tap is available.
- EV chargingRefer to Important Information for further details.
- Enclosed garden
- HairdryerA hair dryer is supplied in each double bedroom.
- HeatingOil fired central heating. Underfloor heating through the ground floor. Wood burning stove in the sitting room.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels provided
- Open fire/ Woodburning stoveLogs supplied. It is imperative that the wood burning stove is not over-loaded - minimum two logs at any given time.
- Outside space
- Walking distance to a beach (under 1 mile)
- Walking distance to a pub (under 1 mile)
- Wi-FiFibre broadband is available with a back-up 4G hub. Mobile coverage is reasonable.
All Amenities
Important Information
There are two complimentary EV charging points in the parking bays to the front of the property. These are available for use by guests staying at Cambridge House, Cottage Number One, and Cottage Number Two. For safety reasons, please only use the dedicated charger for car charging at this property. Discover alternative electric vehicle charging points here.
Holy Island is cut off from the mainland twice a day during high tide. During high tide, the causeway is completely submerged and it is impossible to cross. It is imperative that you adhere to the safe crossing times and do not attempt to cross during the unsafe periods when travelling to and from the island. Please check timings carefully: holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Things to See & Do
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Experiences
Inspired by the wealth of brilliant activities on offer in the North of England and the South of Scotland, we offer an exciting collection of experiences for you to enjoy while holidaying with us. From snorkelling with seals around the Farne Islands to barefoot pilgrimages to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, each experience has been drawn from our in-depth local knowledge and is exclusive to C&C guests.
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With numerous additions to make your stay extra special, from doorstep deliveries of regional hampers and fine wines to daily housekeeping, the arrangement of dog sitters, and the organisation of chefs for special occasions, we have all the finest contacts to help make your stay smooth and enjoyable.
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