1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders
71 Reviews
4.87 out of 5 stars Based on 71 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
|
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
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Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Edinburgh, Scotland
10 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
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.
What's Included
- Regular Comfort Breaks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout
- WiFi on board
- No children under the age of 7 allowed
- Restroom on board
- Ticket to Alnwick Castle: GBP 20.00 per adult. Combo-ticket to Alnwick Castle & Gardens: GBP 35 per adult.
Meeting Location
Meeting point
1759 Regent Road
Edinburgh EH8 8DR, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
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 dependent on low tide, and we may instead visit in the afternoon.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Alnwick Castle
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)
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
The Alnwick Garden
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 store in the UK.
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Bamburgh Castle
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
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
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.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 33 travelers
- Operated by a business
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-30740P8
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.87
71 reviews
Average 4.87 out of 5 stars based on 71 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
5 stars
63
4 stars
7
3 stars
1
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1 star
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Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the 1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Regular Comfort Breaks.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout.
The following is NOT included:
- WiFi on board.
- No children under the age of 7 allowed.
- Restroom on board.
- Ticket to Alnwick Castle: GBP 20.00 per adult. Combo-ticket to Alnwick Castle & Gardens: GBP 35 per adult.
Q:
What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
The minimum age to participate is 7. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the 1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for 1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Regular Comfort Breaks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout
- WiFi on board
- No children under the age of 7 allowed
- Restroom on board
- Ticket to Alnwick Castle: GBP 20.00 per adult. Combo-ticket to Alnwick Castle & Gardens: GBP 35 per adult.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 33 travelers
- Operated by a business
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