The small team of Iona monks entered Northumbria at the request of the mighty Anglo-Saxon king Oswald. Aidan received the call in 635 A.D. with his renowned zeal for Christ. He asked Oswald for a tiny tidal isle off the mainland to establish a monastery and learning center. This island would be sanctified as Lindisfarne.
For over 1500 years, pilgrims have visited Lindisfarne and referred to it as “The Holy Isle.” Aidan’s evangelistic mission was a great success amongst the English that would eventually rule Great Britain. Poised on the Scottish and English border, a voyage to the Holy Isle is a trip back in time. Come and visit a true thin place through your own pilgrimage or missions trip.
Overview
- Learn the history of Aidan and visit the monastery he founded.
- Worship with the local congregation that embodies the spirit of Lindisfarne.
- Visit idyllic castle on Holy Isle.
- During low tide, walk the Pilgrims Walk from the mainland to the island.
- Spend some concentrated time praying for others in the ancient Abbey grounds.
Itinerary
Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.
- Day 1
After we greet you at the airport, we will travel south to the borderlands of England and Scotland. You will immediately be able to appreciate the beauty of the countryside. Along the way, we will visit the picturesque Melrose Abbey, the center of Christianity in the region. Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s great liberator, had his heart buried within the Abbey. You will have time to explore the hamlet of Melrose before we settle in for the evening. Prepare for a fantastic week. - Day 2
The Borderlands is a distinct region marked by centuries of disputes. We begin our day by driving south into England through the Northumberland National Park. From there we’ll venture to Chester’s Roman Fort, a prominent site along Hadrian’s Wall. Then we head back to the park and enjoy our lunch in the charming town of Bellingham. In the afternoon, we will take a leisurely nature walk from the town center to the Hareshaw Linn waterfall. Then it’s back across the border to Scotland for a quiet evening. - Day 3
Our journey today will take us to the historic town of Berwick–upon-Tweed. The northernmost town in England, Berwick played a centuries-long role in the Border Wars. To this day, Berwick remains a market town, and it is a hub of local activity. We will spend the day taking in the well-preserved walls, churches, and architecture of this vibrant town. - Day 4
Today we visit The Holy Isle. The monastery of Lindisafarne was founded by St. Aidan, who had been sent from Iona at the request of Northumbria’s King Oswald in 635 A.D. Lindisfarne became the center of Christian missions in northern England and had a significant impact on the history of Britain. We will learn about Lindisfarne’s history, saints and island life while the tides hold. - Day 5
There are precious few moments in our lives when we can stop and rest in God’s presence. This Saturday, we visit Lindisfarne for a very different experience. Today we come as pilgrims in search of Thin Places, places where heaven meets earth. We start our day with a Eucharist service. You will have the day to walk, think, journal, explore and spend time in prayer. Before we leave we will gather in the sanctuary for evening prayer. May Christ meet us in a significant way on this day. - Day 6
Our next destination on our borderland journey is the thriving city of Edinburgh. A city filled with stories of saints and sinners, heroes and scoundrels, royalty and poverty, Edinburgh will stir your imagination. We will introduce you to the history, architecture and culture that make Edinburgh a one-of-a-kind place. - Day 7
Your last full day in Scotland will be spent exploring Edinburgh. Whether you want history, sacred space, hiking, shopping or just wandering, the day will be yours to decide. - Day 8
You have spent the last several days discovering borders. You have crossed country and cultural borders. You have straddled the boundaries of ocean and land, day and night, heaven and earth. You have walked in the steps of royalty, saints, storytellers and sages. Our prayer is that as you cross back over the borders of your daily life, you will do so with the peace that passes all understanding. May ”thin places” abound for you back home.
Legacy Location
Legacy in Lindisfarne and East England
- *This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.
