The Open Gate

The Open Gate is a house of Elizabethan origin, built around 1568, and it is the island's oldest inhabited house. Tradition says that the stones to build it came from the nearby Benedictine priory, which was finally abandoned by the monks in 1536. It has been a farmhouse, a family home and more recently a guest house called 'North View'. The Open Gate is now the main house of the Community of Aidan and Hilda and serves mainly as a retreat and guest house.

There are six guest rooms for individuals who come for retreat, spiritual guidance or study. There is an organized retreat programme running throughout the year, but there is also the possibility for retreatants to come on a personal or silent retreat.

The Open Gate as a retreat house offers organized retreats as well as it offers guests to come for a personal retreat, which can also be a silent retreat. Spiritual guidance is available on a donation basis. Please ask at the time of your booking if it is possible to have a personal/silent/guided retreat at the time you wish to come.

Clicking the link below will open another window showing a Google Map of Holy Island village. The Open Gate stands on the south-western corner of the junction of Marygate and Crossgate Lane. You can also zoom out and explore the surrounding area.

Open Gate Location

Room Options & Costs

Rooms

On the first floor: 1 double and two twin-bedded rooms with en-suite
On the second floor: 1 large bed-sit with sofa, double bed, table and chairs, with ensuite shower room and kitchenette, and 2 small single bed rooms, with a shared shower room.

Prices per Night for 2012

Twin or double room with en-suite £70 single occupancy £45
Large top-floor bed-sit £80 single occupancy £55
Small single rooms on top floor £35 (shared bathroom)

Catering

All costs include breakfast which is an extensive buffet style continental breakfast with:

various cereals
breads
fruit juices
yoghurts
fruit
tea and coffee

Management Team

Revd Ray Simpson (founder guardian and author)
Revd Graham and Dr Ruth Booth (wardens)
Naomi Ackland (Manager)

These prices are based upon a minimum stay of 2 nights. A deposit of £20 per person per night. For those on low income a concessionary rate may be agreed.

Voyagers

All Voyagers (i.e. full members of the Community of Aidan and Hilda) pay a fixed sum of £25 pppn. Payment on booking.

However if you feel that you wish to make a further contribution this is at your discretion.

Evening Meals

All organised retreats in the Community programme will be provided with Full Board which is included in the retreat price.

If we are fully booked, try having a look at the Lindisfarne.org.uk website.

Date Stamp

Updated 26-09-2011