Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation 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
What To Expect
Scottish Borders
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.
Options
1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
76 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
ended up having a way better experience
Culture22023241199,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I ended up having a way better experience than I expected. Our guide, Breezer (sorry if I’m spelling that wrong), was super nice and shared tons of interesting info. I’d totally recommend this tour even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan.
Great 1 day trip!
amandapW8194WU,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful day! Weather was fantastic and our guide, Fraser, was entertaining and informative, We had a blast!
Fantastic trip to Alnwick Castle!
KristiM273,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Craig, our tour guide, was excellent! Not only was he knowledgeable about the places we went, but he was very nice and conscientious for the whole group. Not only that, but he also gave us excellent recommendations on where to buy specific gifts that we were looking for. Above and beyond for sure!!
Must see!
Lauren H,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had so much fun traveling to the Holy Island and getting to stop at the beach! The tour is so much bang for your buck! The tour guide was phenomenal with the history and fun facts!
Oner of the best full day tours I've ever taken!
Ailsa D,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00William was our driver/guide and the best story-teller you could wish for. He's a lovely man, and considerate of the varied needs of passengers. He gave us options. He played great curated music, that fitted with his verbal themes. Love, love, loved it all. 11 out of 10!!! Personally I could have done with another 30 mins in Holy Island, but Hey - It was the most wonderful day - Honestly.
Scotland Tour
Silvb90,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took a Highlands tour with our guide Fraser, who stood out for his friendliness, expertise, and deep knowledge. I absolutely recommend him for your guided tours here in Scotland. Thank you, Fraser!!
Top
GlobeTrotting730289,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Brandon and Dougie were very Nice !
Great experience
brunohH3300PY,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hairy Coo is excellent! It has the best tours and guides. I've already taken two, one with Nick and one with Steve. Very fun, entertaining, and with lots of information! Thank you so much!
To do absolutely! Thank you Nick!!!
Farid L,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Frankly it was a great day! We were in a small group and Nick is really a TOP guide! Super nice, funny, and who knows his country well. Thanks to it we have or discover beautiful places, beautiful landscapes, and a good mood on the bus! Thanks also to those who were with me that day , you were really cool! THANK YOU!
Great wee day out even for local Edinburgh people
mairij2018,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00An amazing day out. Very informative well worth a visit. Great day out
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