477, Berwick Upon Tweed to Holy Island

Journey Overview

It’s quirky, it’s charming and it’s remarkable! The 477 bus from bustling and beautiful Berwick Upon Tweed to Holy Island is something else! The service runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays only with the route including a causeway that is only accessible during low tide (so make sure you plan ahead!).

The bus makes its way out of Berwick down the A1, past stoned cottages and terraced houses, rural churches and villages, before crossing the railway’s East Coast Mainline and then along the road, with fields either side, towards the Island with excitement and anticipation building on-board! The road meanders with fields either side and then the causeway comes into view on the horizon, with marshland appearing and wildlife aplenty. The causeway is a mile and a half long with truly spectacular views of the coastline. Into Holy Island, with its cobbled, stone walls, pretty flowers and small, friendly community and so much to see and do from St Aidan’s Winery to Lindasfarne Priory.

Check out further down this page, some of the great attractions on this route and also be sure to go onto this link to find out more about fares and inspiration…

A Fab Day Out!

Begin your morning in Berwick-upon-Tweed by strolling along its historic Elizabethan town walls, some of the best-preserved in Europe. From here, you’ll get sweeping views over the River Tweed, the iconic Royal Border Bridge, and out to the North Sea. As you wander through the cobbled streets, explore the town’s mix of English and Scottish heritage, reflected in its architecture and layered history. Pop into a local café for a pastry and coffee—one with views over the estuary if you can—before heading down to the riverside for a peaceful walk along the quayside, watching fishing boats bob gently in the water. The Berwick Barracks, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, offer a glimpse into 18th-century military life and often house local exhibitions and art displays.

Then make your way toward the causeway to Holy Island, ensuring you’ve checked the safe tide times. The crossing itself, flanked by shimmering tidal flats, feels like a passage into another world. Once on Lindisfarne, begin by visiting the evocative ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, where early Christian monks once lived and worked, and where the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were created. The nearby heritage centre offers context to the island’s spiritual significance.

Meander through the village, browsing its handful of shops selling local mead, crafts, and books, as well as St. Aidan’s Winery with its wide range of handcrafted mead, rum beer and fruit wines from Lindisfarne Mead. Then walk to Lindisfarne Castle, perched dramatically on a craggy hill with panoramic views across the island and beyond. Converted into a holiday home by Edwardian architect Edwin Lutyens, the castle is small but atmospheric, with gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll. Finish your scenic sojourn by walking along the windswept beach, watching seabirds wheel overhead and soaking in the wild, elemental beauty of this unique tidal island before the tide creeps in once more and it’s time to catch the bus back to brilliant Berwick!

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