The ‘Lundgren’ name of our business originates from Rob’s Scandinavian routes, a Swedish island in the middle of the Baltic Sea called Gotland. Gotland is immersed in Viking history. We still have relatives who live there and we can’t wait to visit one day.
Because of our Swedish and Viking heritage, it’s particularly exciting for us to live less than an hour’s drive from the first place that was invaded by the heathen warriors in AD 793. This very special place of course is The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the cradle of Christianity and birthplace of the Lindisfarne Gospels. It’s a tiny island just off the north-east coast of Northumberland that can only be reached twice a day when the tide is out but of course, much easier to reach by boat, especially a Viking Long Boat sailing from the shores of Scandinavia. The island was ransacked all those years ago, monks savagely killed, taken as slaves and its wealth callously stolen by the Danes. It was this event that started the Viking era in Britain that followed for many years to come.
While I might add that we don’t condone such violent behaviour, it is important to recognise and remember history in its true form. This is why we always include the broader history of the island on our tour of Lindisfarne. It is just as important to include the great stories of St Aidan and St Cuthbert who both played a major part in introducing Christianity to the area and beyond.
As a themed guided tour business, Rob’s aim is to inform and perform to his audience – that’s why he dresses in costume as a Viking Warrior and goes by the name of ‘Ragnar’. Rob has 2 costumes, one considered more authentic and another which plays to the theme of ‘The Last Kingdom’, a fabulous Netflix series based on the Bernard Cornwell novels. So you’ll find that Rob’s trip to Lindisfarne and Bamburgh is no ordinary guided tour – its a performance and an interactive one at that. You get to hold his authentic (blunted) sword – we really don’t want any nasty accidents and insurance claims! You also get to sample Lindisfarne Mead – Skål! I don’t want to give too much away; it’ll spoil the surprise but suffice to say, you are sure to have fun!
So after visiting Lindisfarne, your coach journey will take you further south down the coast to the ancient capital of Northumbria and it’s greatest stronghold, Bamburgh Castle. This is a magnificent fortress built 45 metres above sea level on a bed of volcanic rock. From the grounds, you are able to see Lindisfarne Castle, the Farne Islands (a bird and seal sanctuary) and the UK’s best stretch of coastline. That should be reason enough to visit but
Rob will continue his Viking theme as it was featured heavily in The Last Kingdom as ‘Bebbanburg’, the old Anglo Saxon word for Bamburgh. Bamburgh was also attacked by the heathen army but it was never taken by them. If you’re familiar with TLK, you will know about the brave warrior who was Uhtred. Rob will tell the true story of Uhtred the bold of Bebbanburg.
Again, ‘Ragnar’ will feature the broader history of Bamburgh Castle but a tour would not be a ‘Lundgren tour’ unless FUN is included. An opportunity to be crowned ‘King or Queen of the North’ is enjoyed by all who participate and our trip includes entry to the castle and its impressive King’s Hall.
If you are lucky enough to come on our Viking tour and enjoy some of the best scenery in the UK, I’m sure you’ll understand why this is our favourite trip experience!
As Uhtred would say, “Destiny is all!”
June 28th, 2022
