Lindisfarne Priory

School visits

Lindisfarne Priory was one of the most important centres of early English Christianity, with monks settling here in AD 635. Follow in the footsteps of the Anglo-Saxon monks and learn more about monastic life, explore this fascinating site and discover how the once magnificent priory was victim to a brutal Viking attack.

Please note: Lindisfarne Priory is located on Holy Island and is only accessible to visitors during certain times of the day, according to the tides. Please check tide times before booking your visit. 

Curriculum links

A visit to Lindisfarne Priory offers curriculum links across three key stages:

  • KS1-3 History: Local History Project
  • KS2 History: Britain's settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots; the Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England
  • KS3 History: The development of church, state and society in medieval Britain 1066-1509

Free Self-led Visits

We offer free entry to qualifying learning groups. On a free education visit, you can lead your visit in your own way to fulfil your curriculum objectives. Explore the 12th century Priory ruins, from the cellars and kitchens in the West Range to the dramatic 'Rainbow Arch'. Learn more about the 1,400 year history of Lindisfarne in the museum, including the Priory's Saxon origins, the story of St Cuthbert, and a devastating Viking raid. 

Please note: Lindisfarne Priory is located on Holy Island and is only accessible to visitors during certain times of the day, according to the tides. Please check tide times before booking your visit. 

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Plan Your Trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: Pay and Display car park located approximately five minutes’ walk from the site.
    • MUSEUM: The museum explores the story of St Cuthbert and the 1,300 year history of Lindisfarne Priory. The collection includes the Viking Raiders stone, depicting the Viking raid on Lindisfarne in AD 793.
    • TOILETS: The nearest toilet facilities are a short distance away in the village.
    • LUNCH: Students are welcome to bring packed lunches and picnic on the grass. 
    • SHOP: The shop sells a selection of English Heritage gifts and souvenirs. Please bring your students in small groups.

    Site Map

    Lindisfarne Site Map

     

  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer free self-led education visits during school term time*. 

    *Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    Lindisfarne Priory is located on Holy Island and is only accessible to visitors during certain times of the day, according to the tides. Please check tide times before booking your visit. 

    • April-3 November: Monday-Sunday 10-5pm
    • 4 November-23 February: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 24 February-2 March: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 3 March-30 March: Wednesday-Sunday 10-4pm

Learning Resources

  • Lindisfarne Priory Teachers' Kit (KS1-4+)

    Use this Teachers' Kit to support a free self-led visit to Lindisfarne Priory. Discover the story of St Cuthbert, explore art and architecture or use your senses to find out more about nature in and around the priory. 

  • Lindisfarne Priory Handling Collection (KS1-KS4+)

    Explore what life was like for monks at Lindisfarne Priory using our handling collection. Book the collection through our education bookings team and use these resources to support your visit. 

  • A Mini Guide to Medieval Monks

    Find out more about different medieval monastic orders with our short animation.

  • Postcard from Lindisfarne Priory

    Take to the skies above Lindisfarne Priory to discover the site and its surroundings.