1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders

1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders

By The Hairy Coo

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Overview

Explore the castles of the rugged ‘Viking Coast’ within Berwickshire and Northumberland as you cross the Border between Scotland and England. Step back in time at the spectacular Alnwick Castle – the real Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Enjoy the beautiful rolling hills of Sir Walter Scott’s Borders countryside and allow your Guide to immerse you in Scotland’s history with tales of Robert the Bruce, the ‘Outlaw King’.

This tour is ideal for both fans of Harry Potter and history buffs alike, looking to explore a more of Scotland and into Northern England.

Activity location

Holy Island
- Holy Island, United Kingdom

Meeting/Redemption Point

Burns Monument
- 1759 Regent Road
- EH8 8DR, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Mon, 22 Dec

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What's included, what's not

Regular Comfort Breaks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and storey telling throughout
WiFi on board
No children under the age of 7 allowed
Bathroom on board
Ticket to Alnwick Castle (seasonal: 28/05 2025 – 23/10 2025, prices may vary): GBP 20.00 per adult. Combo-ticket to Alnwick Castle & Gardens: GBP 35 per adult.

Know before you book

Public transport options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
This tour in an air-conditioned midi-coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks
No animals allowed on tour, including guide dogs.
For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.
Depending on tidal access to Holy Island, the stop at Holy Island may be in the morning or the afternoon

Activity itinerary

Scottish Borders (Pass by)

Departing Edinburgh, we travel south through the rolling, beautiful hills of the Scottish Borders. Hear tales from your Guide about the infamous Border Reivers, who raided villages and settlements in this part of the country for centuries – friends to neither the Scots nor the English! You’ll see for yourself why Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s greatest cultural figures, loved this landscape and you will learn why it became his home.

Holy Island

Next, we set our sights on Holy Island, a place steeped in spirituality and history. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, Holy Island boasts the iconic Lindisfarne Castle and the ancient Lindisfarne Priory. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this sacred island, where the interplay of history and nature creates a truly magical atmosphere. *Please note that access to Holy Island is dependant on low tide, and we may instead visit in the afternoon.

Alnwick Castle

3h
Admission ticket not included

It’s then on to the magical Alnwick Castle. A dream come true for Harry Potter fanatics from around the world, you will have plenty of time to explore the corridors, great halls and courtyards of the real school of witchcraft and wizardry, Hogwarts! See where Harry learned to fly and to play Quidditch in the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. You might even wish to take part in their famous Broomstick Training sessions with the resident Wizarding Professor! (Please note: Alnwick Castle will be closing for the season on October 24th, 2025)

The Alnwick Garden

3h
Admission ticket not included

Some guests may prefer to explore breathtaking Alnwick Gardens, originally developed by the Duke of Northumberland in the 18th Century and redeveloped by a charitable trust over the past 20 years. Or indeed, the charming village of Alnwick itself which is home to the largest second hand book shop in the UK.

Bamburgh Castle

30m
Admission ticket not included

We’ll stop in the picturesque village of Bamburgh and enjoy spectacular views of the imposing Castle overlooking the bay. Take yourself back in time and imagine Viking longships attacking this strategic stronghold in the 10th Century! Or, enjoy local ice-cream in the sun as you stroll along the beautiful beach. *We may visit Bamburgh at the start of the tour, depending on tidal access to Holy Island

Edinburgh (Pass by)

On our journey back to Edinburgh, you will hear tales from your Guide about the infamous Border Reivers, who raided villages and settlements in this part of the country for centuries – friends to neither the Scots nor the English! We will drop you off in the city centre, our estimated arrival time is 6:30 PM. Please note that this can be impacted by traffic and other factors outwith our control. We recommend leaving 2 hours between the expected arrival time and any onward travel or reservations, as we are not able to offer individual drop-offs.

Location

Activity location

Holy Island
- Holy Island, United Kingdom

Meeting/Redemption Point

Burns Monument
- 1759 Regent Road
- EH8 8DR, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

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