Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
This popular very small group tour of around 12 passengers explores Holy Island - scene of the first Viking invasion of Britain - and Alnwick Castle (filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey) before returning north to Edinburgh via the beautiful Borders. You will enjoy stunning views along the Northumberland coastline before arriving at Alnwick Castle for a minimum of two-and-a-half hours (33% 'on the day' discount for Heart of Scotland Tours customers/no prebooking required). On Holy Island you may want to include the beautiful short walk to Lindisfarne Castle and a visit to the picturesque Abbey.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Very small group tour - average group size of around 12 passengers
Minimum age is 5 years old
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions (unless it is unsafe to do so), please dress appropriately
Please inform us 7 days in advance if you are bringing a service animal
What To Expect
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve protects a stretch of coastline, including the dunes of Lindisfarne (Holy Island).
Lindisfarne Priory
During your time on Holy Island (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) you will have time to visit Lindisfarne Priory (entrance at own expense).
Options
Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle
9 hour mini-bus tour to Holy Island and Alnwick Castle
What‘s Included
Local guide
Driver/guide
Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach
Live commentary on board
Very small group tour - average group size of around 12 passengers
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Attraction Entrance Fees
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
173 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful experience
laurentlX3203IP,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Would do it again because it was a very good time
Gorgeous tour with a great tour leader (Angela)
101SG,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I had an absolutely fabulous time with our guide Angela on this day trip. One thing I really, really liked was that she turned on some lovely Scottish folk songs during the trip, between educating us on the history of Scotland, the Vikings, etc. It's nice to have a break, and just sort of take it all in and reflect. She was extremely knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor, so listening to her talk was also a real pleasure, and I learned a lot. She wove the ancient past with the more recent past (Vikings and up to the 1500s) so we really got a lot of history in context. I loved it. So, why the 4 instead of the 5? Heart of Scotland states on their website that their tours "average 12." Our trip had 15, and listening to others, it was clear that there are a number of tours that go up to 15 (or maybe even 16). One reason I chose this tour was that it seemed smaller than others. So please, either limit your tours to 12/13 or state on your website that some tours go up to 15/16. I would still have signed up and might go on tours with them again, but I didn't like that miscommunication.
Great time, Great castles...
Ashley L,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great time, Great castles and priory, beautiful country. Our guide was wonderful and full of lots of information.
viking coast
jkkdbm,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00we had a beautiful weather day, there is not enough time to go to the priory ruins and the castle, it is a long walk. we did the priory and we were there on a sunday, things were closed. Alnwick castle was gorgeous! By changing return routes our guide Euan was able to give us more time to explore. Well worth it, the interior rooms are stunning and a working castle.
Lots of historical info
Marilyn S,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Angela was a wealth of information about the area. We chose Lindisfane castle as there wasn't tine to visit the priory or museum. The tour of Alnwick castle was great, so much to see. All in all, this was a great tour.
Scottish Pride in England
MA O,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the tour with great history, wonderful beauty, and a lot of fun. Angela, our guide, was warm, fiercely, proud of her country, well informed and knew how to be a fabulous hostess. Her stories, facts and music made the day fly by. The contrast between Holy Island and Alnwick Castle were perfect juxtapositions. It added great interest to the day which seemed to fly by.
The Wee Red Bus and drivers are the best!
Suzanne S,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Heart of Scotland tours are just exceptional. This was the second of two we took and both were so well organized and comfortable. Our guide/driver was Angela and she combined history and knowledge of the area with music in a marvelous way. The pace, sites and value of this tour were unsurpassed. You absolutely cannot go wrong with this company. The vans are perfect as is group size. What a great way to enjoy the Borders area. Recommend!
Great tour!
jeffreyhR8785VM,Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00In a brand new bus went out with our tour guide Angela. She was super enthusiastic and knew a lot about places we visited. She interspersed stories with music to match. Highly recommended!
Beautiful Lindisfarne and the Harry Potter castle.
547arildt,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a lovely trip in the sunshine to Lindisfarne, Alnwick Castle, and Bamburgh Castle. Our guide was very friendly. One hour on Lindisfarne is far too little on a 9-hour tour (with 4 hours of driving). Luckily, we were planning to return to a three day stay at Lindisfarne on our own the following week, so we didn’t stress. We had plenty of time at Alnwick Castle and Gardens, and really enjoyed ourselves there. On the way back, we stopped by Bamburgh, since Coldstream was closed (?). I only had time to walk to the beach and around the castle before we started the drive home. We took a detour on the way back. If I were to mention one thing, I found it unnecessary to make a detour through Edinburgh when the two main destinations were in another country. There was also a detour through Dunbar, without a stop. Personally, I would have preferred to spend that extra time on Lindisfarne.
Excellent Experience
James V,Jul 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The host was so friendly and dedicated to I making us understand the history. The tour was well worth it.
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Operated by Heart of Scotland Tours Ltd