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
Showgirls is a Western Showgirls is a Western
Short documentary 2025 2 mins
In this mini video essay, BFI contributor Maha Al-Badrawi explains why Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls is a rhinestoned, stilettoed Western.
Watch for free
Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion
Short documentary 2026 22 mins
Filmmaker Andrea Luka Zimmerman and curator Matthew Barrington discuss Frederick Wiseman’s High School with Sandra Hebron.
Watch for free
Hard, Cracked the Wind Hard, Cracked the Wind
Horror 2019 17 mins
A haunting with words is the lure between life and death for a young Cornish poet.
Watch for free
A Last Resort A Last Resort
Comedy 2022 17 mins
Rose is desperate to celebrate her 60th birthday in style, but her daughter Genevieve is struggling to ignore some recent tragic news about her mum.
Watch for free
Seagull Seagull
Horror 2022 6 mins
Seagull is a recovering drug addict who is about to have a very strange night on The English Riviera.
Watch for free
The Walk The Walk
Drama 2023 12 mins
Adeel Akhtar portrays a man on a weekly trek to his nearest JobCentre, entering a state of purgatory through barriers put in place by the system.