While this road doesn’t sound real – it certainly is, there are a dozen over the world but for the UK – there is only one which leads to the ‘Holy Island’ – but some get stuck
For many, this sounds like a made up road, something you may hear about but never see.
But for some living on the northeast coast of England – this isn’t a fairytale but the only road connecting to ‘Holy Island’. The Lindisfarne causeway is swallowed by the north sea twice every day and at certain parts of the day – you may not even be able to tell where it is located.
It sure is magical – but is very dangerous. For visitors, the disappearing act is part of the allure. The drive itself feels surreal: a strip of road gliding over glistening sands, marked by wooden poles that guide you towards the island.
READ MORE: Trendy spot on stunning 3-mile beach is ‘UK’s best and only beach bar’READ MORE: Major airline issues strict ban on popular electronic item for all passengers
At low tide, it looks like an open invitation; at high tide, it’s as if the road never existed. And it happens fast, the sea doesn’t creep in politely, it races across the sand and covers the tarmac in minutes.
“The Lindisfarne Causeway is unlike any other road in the UK. If you’re planning to drive it, always check the official tide timetable first – don’t rely on sat-navs. The sea comes in quickly, and once the water starts covering the road, it’s already too late, said experts at Show Plates World.
Why do people choose to go?
With Holy AIsland having so much history and charm – many run to the opportunity to visit and the tidal road is the only way. The island is home to the haunting ruins of Lindisfarne Priory which is birthplace to Lindisfarne Gospels and the well known castle.
Pilgrims travelled to the island for centuries and today, visitors are continuing the tradition – some travel by car while others walk across the tidal sands at a low tide.
However, besides the history of the island – it also offers sandy beaches that stretch on for miles, attracting huge flocks of migrating birds and the village pubs serve Northumberland seafood.
The island even produces its own mead, first brewed by monks hundreds of years ago. But for a lot of people, it’s just for the thrill the tidal road brings.
How long do you have before the road disappears?
The causeway is only safe to cross during low tide, usually for around seven hours between each high tide. That means two “safe windows” every day, published by Northumberland County Council. Locals swear by it, tourists sometimes ignore it and that’s when trouble strikes.
Each year, unlucky or overconfident drivers end up stuck in the refuge box halfway across, waiting for the tide to drop or at worst, the coastguard to pluck them to safety.
It’s certainly a road trip you can never forget and one of the most unforgettable drives in Britain, but if you are travelling to Holy Island, make sure you check low tide times, otherwise you could end up stranded for a few hours