Lindisfarne is famous as the birthplace of Christianity in Anglo Saxon England. The ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, an 11th-Century Benedictine Church and Monastery, are still visited by pilgrims today. The island is joined to the mainland by a 3-mile long causeway and crossings can be made at low tide. The island is 21⁄4 miles long and about 11⁄2 miles broad, and a very pleasant walk can be taken round the whole island starting from the village and taking in the priory, the castle and the limestone cliffs at the north end which form a nature reserve for many sea birds. There are some beautiful sandy beaches, and the island has a few shops, a Post Office, tea rooms, pubs and approximately 200 residents. There is also the brewery which makes the famous Lindisfarne mead and honey!