An “ethereal” part of the North East has been revealed as one of the best places in the UK and Ireland to celebrate summer solstice this year.
The coastal Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland was featured in one of The Guardian’s latest travel guides and was described as being “steeped in spiritual significance”.
It comes as the publisher has selected the top “atmospheric” destinations to mark the longest day of the year.
For 2024, the summer solstice will occur on Thursday, June 20 at 21.51 BST (20.51 GMT).
@alanamccafferty Day trip to the holy isle of Lindisfarne. #theholyisland #lindisfarne #berwick #england #visitengland #nationaltrust #nationaltrustuk ♬ Stolen Dance (Instrumental) - Milky Chance
Why is Holy Island of Lindisfarne among best places to celebrate summer solstice?
The Guardian commented: “Celebrate sunrise on the longest day by crossing (at low tide!) the causeway to ethereal Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, an area of outstanding natural beauty steeped in spiritual significance.
“Sleep on the island and watch the crowds of daytrippers disappear.”
Visitors can also see the “quiet that descends as the tide rises and cuts the place off from the mainland.”
If you are looking for somewhere to stay overnight, the publisher recommends Eden cottage, an outdoor space “perfect for a midsummer night’s feast”.
5 Perfect Spots for a Summer Staycation
10 of the UK and Ireland’s best places to celebrate summer solstice
- Glastonbury, Somerset
- Orkney
- West Sussex
- The Lake District
- Snowdonia (Eryri)
- Northumberland
- County Donegal
- Norfolk
- Cornwall
- Suffolk
Recommended reading:
- North East coastal spot among Britain's best breaks in 2024 - tempted to book?
- ‘Magical’ castle at North East coastal spot among England’s prettiest places
- 'A calm base for walkers' - North East coastal pub among UK's best short breaks
What is the summer solstice?
Royal Museums Greenwich explained: “The summer solstice occurs in June in the Northern Hemisphere and marks midsummer: the 'longest day' and 'shortest night' of the year.
“On this day, the number of hours of daylight are at their maximum, while the number of hours of night are at their minimum.
“However, while most people consider the summer solstice to be a day, it is in reality an exact moment in time that falls upon that day.
“This moment comes when whichever hemisphere you're in is most tilted towards the Sun.”
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