A sanctuary of peace & tranquility
Discover a haven that soothes the soul and allows for moments of profound reflection
On an island of
ever-changing tides.................
Our Story
St Cuthbert's Island
Marygate House stands as a beacon of peace and serenity on
Holy Island of Lindisfarne. We welcome all seeking solace and spiritual nourishment. Our mission is to provide a sacred space for contemplation and renewal, inviting guests to connect with their inner selves and the tranquility of nature.
Marygate House is a christian retreat house which is run on the principle monastic hospitality since 1970, enabling people of all backgrounds to visit and retreat on Holy Island, regardless of circumstances. From here walk out onto the coastline, with its wading birds and ever-changing tides, or through the ancient sites of the Priory and St Mary's Church.
Holy island where sky and sea touch, has a rich history of being a place to drown out the noise and connect with the divine.
The House
Marygate House is a large Georgian house located in the centre ofHoly Island's village. There are seven bedrooms with shared bathrooms and toilets.
Click the links or the photo icons to see the house in more detail
Individuals come for many reasons. People come on retreat, to pray and take time to listen to God on this wonderful island. We can offer guidance and support, but many come with their own programme to follow.
We are pleased to make arrangements to suit the individual in as far as we can. Some people come for a rest from busy lifestyles, or to recover from significant life events or illness. Others come to clear their minds to think something through, or to get ready for a big life event.
We have a minimum stay of two nights.
In following the Desert and Celtic saints, we seek to offer generous and unconditional welcome to those who stay with us.
We are a non-denominational Christian retreat house and enjoy the company of guests reflecting a glorious diversity of Christian belief and practices. This diversity, of course, allows for strongly held beliefs on a variety of subjects, including gender and sexuality. In welcoming all here, we ask guests to take care for each other in conversations, particularly in the dining and common room, respecting the integrity and sincerity of other Christians whose beliefs and ways of living differ from our own.
The Wardens are more than willing to discuss in confidence any matters anyone wishes to raise with us regarding these guidelines.
Our Newsletter
Our future vision
Click the map to see our future vision plans.
Sign up to our Marygate House newsletter and stay connected with life at the retreat house.
You’ll receive updates on our latest happenings, upcoming events, and glimpses of the
rhythms of life on Holy Island.
History
Lindisfarne, the ‘Holy Island’ lies to the north of ancient, royal, Bamburgh and the tidal estuary-like mud flats of Budle Bay. The island is a 'thin place' where heaven touches earth and though Holy island is its usual name (given by the monks of Durham), it is still also known by its more ancient name of Lindisfarne. It is also accessible from the main land at low tide by means of a causeway. It is 5 miles from the A1 road.
To the south of the more modern road-surface causeway, a series of stakes mark the old route across to the island called the ‘Pilgrims Way’ which was used in ancient times by visitors to the great Christian centre of Lindisfarne. Again this could be crossed only at low tide, a situation perfectly described by Sir Walter Scott:
"For with the flow and ebb, its style
Varies from continent to isle;
Dry shod o’er sands, twice every day,
The pilgrims to the shrine find way;
Twice every day the waves efface
Of staves and sandelled feet the trace."
To find out more about St. Cuthbert's Way Churches click here
To find out more about St. Cuthbert's Way click here
Community Cross of Nails
The CCN is a worldwide network of some 260 churches, charities, chaplaincies, peace-building and retreat centres, schools and other educational and training organisations, all inspired by the Coventry story of destruction, rebuilding and renewal, and active in reconciliation in their own ways.
The three guiding principles are: Healing the wounds of history; Learning to live with difference and celebrate diversity; and, Building a culture of justice and peace.
They are guided by the words, ‘Father, forgive’ and we pray the Litany of Reconciliation on a regular basis. Marygate Retreat House became a partner in 2023. Holy Island is a place where we practice these guiding principles as we work as ‘Christians Together’ (drawn from the Roman Catholic, Anglican, United Reformed and New Monasticism [Community of Aidan and Hilda and Northumbria Community] traditions) here in Mission and Ministry.
We run occasional reconciliation themed retreats. Community of the Cross of Nails - Coventry Cathedral
"Companions"of Marygate House
The word Companions (with its meaning of 'breaking bread with others')
as hospitality is something dear to us here, we are supported by a growing
group of people including those from different denominations, backgrounds
and beliefs.
If you feel a special "pull" to this Holy Island, or to the work of Marygate House here, perhaps you would like to join the Companions of Marygate House.
This is a new venture for us and, as new members join, i'm sure it will evolve and become more involved. At present, Companions support the House financially (£25, £10, £5 or "other" donation per month), are invited to an annual day in the summer and will (soon watch out for the news) be invited to a free bed and board "working week" here.
The Companions of Marygate House is open to all who wish to support the work of this Retreat House.
If you want to join Companions at Marygate or make a one off financial gift, click the donate button or donate by bank transfer.
Our Vision
Click the poster to see a larger version of our plans.
Marygate House is a not-for-profit retreat centre for those wishing to stay on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne for a time of peace, rest and refreshment. Now, after 55 years of providing solace and support, Marygate House is itself in need of some 'TLC'. We are working on ambitious plans to take us into the next half-century, make the building more environmentally sustainable, more comfortable for our guests and more accessible for visitors with special needs.
We would love your input into how we can make Marygate House even more comfortable for future guests. Please leave a comment in the box below.
Come find rest with us
Individual Stays - Time for Self
Whether you are navigating a life-changing event, or simply seeking clarity an individual retreat at Marygate House offers a gentle space to pause, breathe and listen for the still small voice of God. The wardens are able to offer a listening ear and pray with guests on request, and there is a daily cycle of shared prayer. and worship across the island to which all guests are welcome
Group Retreats - Journey Together
Gather your group for a shared time of rest, reflection and renewal. Marygate is a Christian retreat house, but we are also open to hosting other groups who wish to explore life's deeper questions, and we have a particular ministry around the arts and the way community can be developed through creativity. On request, one of the team at Marygate House will be able to facilitate your group retreat. We can accomodate up to 15 guests.
Themed Spiritual Rests
Join others for a shared time of rest, reflection and renewal through our themed retreats. Marygate House offers creative and themed retreats led by experienced facilitators, space for reflection, creativity and spiritual growth. The rhythm of the island with its tides, sacred history and natural beauty offers an abundance of material for connecting with their journey, the turning year and life's deeper questions.
Events
Wardens and friends of Marygate House host various events and themed retreats through the year. Coming up we have:
Advent Retreat: Origin Stories
Wednesday 3rd to Friday 5th December 2025
Join us on Holy Island for a 2 night retreat facilitated by our in-house team
as we enter Advent.
With an option to stay on at Marygate for a further night to take part in our wreath-making workshop wiith Fox Tale Floral Creations on Saturday 6th December.
Suggested donation: £220 (£180 per person if sharing)
Stay an extra night until Saturday and attend the wreath making workshop
(tuition and material included) cost £350 (£290 if sharing).
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Wreath Welcome
Joy of crafting your own Christmas wreath. All fresh season foiliage & decorations.
Step-by Step guidance in a friendly workshop.
Everything you need provided just bring yourself!
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Sat 6th December 2025, 10 am - 12 noon
Cost £45
"Preparing heart and home for the season of Christ's coming".
New Year Party
Step away from the noise of the world and welcome the year ahead
in the peace and beauty of Holy Island.
"A house party with a difference"
a time for reflection, friendship, celebration and hope
8 Course "Tasting Menu" on New Year's Eve
4 Nights Full Board £425
Wintering Candlemass
A Retreat for Candlemas Marygate House, Holy Island
31st January to 3rd February
This is for you if:
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You struggle to allow yourself to rest and slow down
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You have experienced loss, change or transformation and feel the need to find "ground"
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You long to connect more deeply to nature's mystery and the Church and Earth's cycle in your life.
Suggested Donation; £335
includes full board and materials
Even Sparrows
To come
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In the footsteps of St Aiden
Peace and reconciliation in today's world
with Revd. Canon Dr. Sarah Hills, Vicar of Holy Island and previously Canon for Reconcilation and Leader of
The Community of the Cross of Nails at Coventry Cathedral
Come share stories and learn more about reconcilliation: a time for rest,
restoration and learning in fellowship
27th February to 2nd March 2026
Full Board £320 (£280 sharing)
Safeguarding
Marygate House wants to provide a safe, happy and supportive environment of hospitality and welcome in which all God's people can grow and develop in their Christian commitment.
Those who work for and support Marygate House, whether volunteers or paid, are crucial to ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect and valued at all times, whether they be children, adults at risk, adults who are vulnerable in a residential context, survivors of abuse or offenders.
Marygate House has a responsibility to ensure that all guests and visitors are cared for and protected by providing effective training and appropriate support. To this end Marygate House is committed to being a Safe Space.
Please see our website: marygatehouse.org.uk for the full Safeguarding Policy or ask a member of staff for a paper copy.
If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical attention, please call the emergency services on 999 - DO NOT DELAY.
If you think that a child or adult is at risk of harm but is not in immediate danger, please call the Local Authority helpline for Safeguarding: 01670 536 400
Contact
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Getting here...
Marygate House.
Holy Island,
Northumberland
TD15 2SD
Tel: 01289 389246
Wardens Number: 07386 886925
Holy Island causeway safe crossing times
Please check the safe crossing times and ONLY cross during the published safe crossing times.
Getting here By Road
Most people come to Marygate by car.
Approach the Island by way of the A1. Turning East off the A1 about 12 miles south of Berwick on Tweed at Beal. After driving on to the island and entering the village, turn right on Marygate. Marygate House is on the left. see the map above. Just enter our Post Code 'TD15 2SD' into a sat nav.
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If you drive a fully electric car (BEV) there are now four Type 2 7kv public charges in Green Lane car park a five minute walk from Marygate House. You need your own type 2 cable.
Please Ensure you only cross during the safe crossing times.
Safe Crossing Times.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Berwick-upon-Tweed
Most retreatants who travel by train complete the journey by Taxi from the railway station.
By Bus
There is a bus from Berwick Railway Station to Holy Island. Bus Time Table. Buses only run on Wednesdays and Saturdays, except during the summer season.
St. Cuthbert's Way
Many pilgrims who walk the St. Cuthbert's Way from Melrose to Lindisfarne time their journey to arrive on a Friday, they then stay in Marygate House until Sunday.
Walking the Pilgrim's Way
Walk the Pilgrim's Way (or The Poles) across the sands onto the island. The walk is approximately 3 miles and takes around 75-90 minutes. It is possible to walk across the sands directly on to the island, but there are some Do's and Don'ts:
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DO NOT use the council’s safe crossing tables for Holy Island as a guide for when the Pilgrim’s Way is walkable. They are intended for cars crossing on the causeway road which has a longer ‘dry’ time than the Pilgrim’s route.
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DO NOT Cross at dusk, in the dark or in bad weather conditions.
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Do wear suitable clothing. Wellies or barefoot are the best footwear options.
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Do keep to the poles.
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Do start walking about two hours after the published safe crossing time for the causeway opens.
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Don't attempt to walk both ways in one tide.
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Never start once the tide has started to rise.
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Be prepared and remember there is a soft muddy section in the centre of the walk.
For more instructions on how to walk the Pilgrim's Way follow this link
"Come away and Rest a while"
(Mark 6:31)