England’s tidal causeways (check the timetables!)

Holy Island, Ava Lily

England has many tidal causeways, where at low tide you can walk to the islands. But at high tide, they get cut off from the mainland.

Always check tide times (and dog beach bans) before travel to avoid cars getting stranded and coastguards having to rescue you. It’s also advised to avoid crossing in wind, rain or fog.

St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall

This causeway (above image) is linked to the town of Marazion, managed by the National Trust. In 1755, a Lisbon earthquake caused a tsunami. The sea rose 6 feet in 10 minutes, rising and falling for 5 hours, causing loss of life and property.

No dogs are allowed on the island during warmer weather (due to lack of shady areas) and some dog beach restrictions apply.

Burgh Island, Devon

This lies off the South Devon coast, near the village of Bigbury-on-Sea. It only has a hotel (used in Agatha Christie period dramas) and a pub. At high tide, there is a unique sea tractor, to ferry guests to and from the island.

Mersea Island, Essex

This looks like a Caribbean island, but is just 9 miles south of Colchester! It connects to the mainland via the Strood, a causeway that floods at high tide. Like Norfolk and Suffolk, it’s famed for its pretty pastel-coloured beach huts.

Lindisfarne, Northumberland

Also known as Holy Island (due to a rich history of hermit saints living there in the past), this has a rapidly-rising tidal causeway, often covering the road in minutes. Local signs provide guidance, reminding travellers of the next tide.