Northumberland village among UK’s prettiest for winter break

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland is home to less than 200 people and is cut off by the sea twice a day.

It was recommended for its glorious late sunrises and early sunsets during winter, according to a travel expert.

Not to mention its white-sand beaches, “enormous” skies and spectacular priory and castle.

Introducing the latest seasonal travel guide, The Telegraph’s Sarah Baxter wrote: “I love going away in Britain in winter, ideally somewhere small, quiet and seasonally appropriate – the sort of village that might show up on a classic Christmas card.

“Weekend activities on offer should include trying to successfully light the log burner (or finding the nearest fire-warmed pub) and watching whatever weather is occurring outside, to decide if a walk – coastal, woodland, frosty, blowy – is in order.

“A winter village break can be both comforting and refreshing. And also cheap: low-season rates in cute honeypots are invariably a bargain compared to summer.”

Take a look at all the UK’s prettiest villages for a winter getaway via The Telegraph’s website.

5 Perfect Spots for a Cosy Winter Staycation in the UK

Why is this pretty Northumberland village best for a winter weekend break?

When visiting Lindisfarne this winter, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Sarah shared: “Around 160 people live on little one-village tidal island Lindisfarne, cut off twice a day by the sea – there are few better places for off-season solitude.

“The island is magnificent, with its crag-top castle (closed for winter), the Lindisfarne Priory ruins (open weekends), white-sand beaches and enormous skies.

“Enjoy winter’s late sunrises, early sunsets, storms, stars and, maybe, Northern Lights, as well as huge flocks of migratory geese.

“Then join the locals for coffee at Pilgrim’s or a pint at the Crown & Anchor Inn.”

If you are looking for a place to stay, Sarah recommends the cottages at the Grade II-listed Cambridge House.

Over on Tripadvisor, Pilgrims currently has a “very good” 4.6/5 rating based on 1,456 reviews.

A recent customer said: “A splendid, artisanal coffee experience! A quirky space serving incredible coffee to visiting caffeine-seeking pilgrims. Cheerful, positive service from clearly knowledgeable staff. The spiced coffee loaf was lovely and the sausage rolls superb. Did I mention the coffee is incredible?!”

Another praised: “The coffee is superb, well roasted and brewed. The cakes are great, and interesting as many are different to anything I’ve had before such as St Cuthbert cake and breakfast bread – both are excellent. Finally the location in a walled garden offers a wonderfully serene place to simply enjoy the moment.”

Meanwhile, the Crown & Anchor Inn boasts 380 “excellent” reviews on Tripadvisor.

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Someone who recently dined at the pub posted: “Best meal we have had in a long time. We had the veggie spaghetti and the pork followed by the cheese board. Amazing, thank you.”

This happy guest added: “They state that they serve proper fish and chips and they certainly [do]. My husband , who frequently chooses to eat fish and chips particularly said they were the best he had had in a long time. I chose the cod which was equally delicious.”

Will you be heading to the pretty village of Lindisfarne this winter? Let us know in the comments below.