The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
High Days and Holidays
From holy days to holidays on the magical Northumbrian island of Lindisfarne.
From the collection of:
Overview
Lindisfarne is a haven for saints, wintering birds and a once exotic breed – the tourist. The monks have long since vanished, but the world famous island-brewed mead still fortifies the spirit of these modern pilgrims. Magnus Magnusson, better known as the presenter of TV quiz show Mastermind, guides us around the island and its majestic castle, once a Tudor fort, restored for the founder of Country Life magazine by the Arts and Crafts architect, Edward Lutyens.
This is the second of a two-part Tyne Tees Television documentary, first broadcast on 5 January 1986. Lindisfarne featured in Roman Polanski’s darkly humorous and menacing film ‘Cul-de-sac’ in 1966. Its star-studded cast descended on the island for the shoot, including Jack MacGowran and Lionel Stander as stranded gangsters, their car marooned in rising tides on the causeway (a fate that still besets visitors to the island). Donald Pleasance and Françoise Dorléac played the oddly-matched couple whose home was in the fairy tale castle perched on Beblowe Crag.
Related
Watch for free
Across the Causeway Across the Causeway
Amateur film 1975 6 mins Location: Holy Island
Explore the remote and peaceful Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the northernmost part of England.
Watch for free
Time and Tide Time and Tide
Documentary 1985 26 mins Location: Holy Island
The private face of a windswept island off the Northumbrian coast revealed by TV Mastermind presenter Magnus Magnusson.
Watch for free
A Taste of Northumbria A Taste of Northumbria
Amateur film 1979 16 mins Location: Holy Island
A tour of Northumberland that reminds us that what once protected us, now itself needs protecting, as does the surrounding wildlife.
Watch for free
County of Northumberland County of Northumberland
Amateur film 1963 19 mins Silent Location: Holy Island
The toe-dipping delights and tranquillity of the Northumbrian Riviera and beyond.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.
Watch for free
Edgar Wright on The Running Man Edgar Wright on The Running Man
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces.
Watch for free
Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 69 mins
Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.
Watch for free
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.