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Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & the Kingdom of Northumbria from Edinburgh

Holy Island
Duration: 9.5 hours

Included

  • Digital translations
  • Knowledgeable Driver-Guide
  • Luxury Modern air-conditioned coach

Excluded

  • Entrance to attractions
  • Food and Drink

Important information

Where is the departure point?

Your Alnwick tour departs from Castle Terrace outside the NCP Car Park, Edinburgh, EH1 2EW. Check-in opens 15 minutes prior to the stated departure time and closes 5 minutes prior to the stated departure time. We recommend that all passengers arrive as close to 08:30 as possible to allow enough time to be seated.

Are the optional extras included?

Optional extras are not included in the tour price.
The price of your one day tour from Edinburgh includes the services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced Driver-Guide, and transportation on one of our luxury modern air-conditioned coaches.

All optional extras - attraction entrance fees, loch cruises, food and drinks, etc - are not included in the price of your tour. This is to allow our guests the freedom to choose which optional extras they would like to take part in on the day. We have negotiated a discounted rate for the above attractions which are visited whilst on tour.

Optional extras for your tour (From April 2025) are as follows:
Alnwick Castle - Adult: £16.50, Child: £9.25. Child under 4 years and under can go free.
Alnwick Garden - Adult: £13.50, Children: free of charge
Alnwick Combined Ticket - Adult: £27.75, Child: free of charge
Lindisfarne Priory - Adult: £10.40, Concession: £9.00, Child: £6.30

Do I need to pre-book optional extras?

No, you don't need to worry about pre-booking any of the optional extras.

All the optional extras can be booked on the day and your Driver-Guide will advise you of how to book. We negotiate discounted rates for you, ensuring you'll always get a great deal at Scotland's top visitor attractions.

Please note that many visitor attractions and accommodation providers may not accept card payments, so please ensure you have plenty of cash with you on the day. If you have any questions about this please contact our Reservations Team - open 07.00 - 21.00 daily.

Is the tour is English?

Yes, all of our tours are in English. Your tour will be taken by an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly English speaking Driver-Guide.
You can access a digital translation of your tour via the link in your confirmation email, or contact our Reservations Team to request one.
Digital translations are available for this tour in the following languages: French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin).

What should I bring with me?

As we like to give you as much time off the coach as possible with the opportunity for walks, we recommend you bring warm and/or waterproof clothing, wear comfortable walking shoes and take sun-block or a hat for sunny days.

Don't forget your camera to capture all the lovely scenery and wildlife you'll encounter on your tour!

Since we cannot allow hot food on our buses you could also bring a cold packed lunch with you to make the most of your time at each stop, this would be particularly time-saving in the busier months!

Can children travel on this tour?

We welcome children over 4 years old on our tours, and children aged between 4-16yrs are eligible for the concessionary rate. We regret we are not able to carry children under the age of 4.

Will I see the Harry Potter Castle?

Of course! Your one day tour from Edinburgh visits Alnwick Castle, which features in the Harry Potter films, where we will stop for lunch and to explore its grounds. Alnwick Castle has also featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and also popular British comedy series 'Blackadder'.

How accessible are the locations?

Some of the locations may cause accessibility issues due to their geography and architecture. If you are a wheelchair user or have restricted mobility, we would recommend getting in touch with us for more information.

Highlights

More information

Our one day tour from Edinburgh takes the scenic coastal route south into the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria in North-East England; once the most important centre of religious learning and arts in the British Isles. Visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and explore the medieval market town of Alnwick and its stunning castle.

Visit Alnwick Castle, as featured in Harry Potter & Downton Abbey

Our first stop is Holy Island, connected to the mainland by a causeway which leads into the quaint island village of Lindisfarne, from where there are stunning views of Lindisfarne Castle, (which dates back to 1550). Spend time wandering through the ruins of its Priory where the magnificent Lindisfarne Gospels were produced, sample some of the world-famous Lindisfarne 'Mead' brewed by Monks on the island, and enjoy the tranquillity for which the island is renowned.

We continue south on to the bustling market town of Alnwick, whose greatest building is the medieval Alnwick Castle*. Enjoy time in the town centre or remain at the castle complex where there is something for everyone. Home of the Percy Family for over 700 years, Alnwick Castle is considered one of the finest castles in England and proudly known as “The Windsor of the North”. Visitors can step into the unexpected in the spectacular Alnwick Garden, with its wonderful Grand Cascade and Poison Gardens. It's grounds were also used in the Harry Potter films.

In the mid-afternoon we begin the drive north to cross the River Tweed into the historic border town of Coldstream. If time permits during this journey there will be a stop at Flodden Field, one of the best preserved battlefields in Northern Europe and scene of the infamous battle of 1513 which ended in victory for the English and the death of James IV, King of Scots.

Please note:

Tour Overview

  • Duration: 9hrs 30mins
  • Total Distance: 167 miles
  • Pick up: Castle Terrace outside the NCP Car Park, Edinburgh, Check in: 8:30am. Departure: 8:45am.
  • Group size: 16 - 53
  • Availability: April-October
  • Minimum age: Travellers need to be at least 4 years-old