1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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 (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.
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
Reviews
64 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great day out
Helen D,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Paul was very informative about where we were going and the history of the area we travelled through.
Louise The Hairy Coo
Jenny G,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Louise from The Hairy Coo made this a wonderful day… very informal and fun.. thank you Louise ❤️ would do one with u again
Great tour
Heather A,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible scenery on this tour, holy island is spectacular. Alnwick castle was incredible, Hamburg’s castle breathtaking. Fair warning, it’s a long walk up to Bamburgh castle
The driver was lovely and...
Vicky O,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The driver was lovely and entertaining and knowledgeable! We had decent time at each place, it was well organised
Peter our best advisor
abdulrahmanaE9541OR,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip to the Highlands from Edinburgh with Peter was absolutely unforgettable. He is hands down the best guide we have ever had. From the very beginning, Peter made everyone feel comfortable and included. What makes him special is his storytelling—he shares amazing history and fun stories in such an engaging way that you never get bored. He also makes sure to respect everyone equally, never showing any kind of racism or favoritism. Instead, he celebrates all cultures by playing music from different countries, which created such a fun and friendly atmosphere on the bus. Peter also has a great sense of humor, keeping the whole group laughing throughout the journey. The trip felt less like a tour and more like an adventure with a friend who truly cares about giving you the best experience.
Needs more history
BrendaH40,
Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00It was a good way to get to see some sites. Our driver did not "do" history, which for us is the only reason we want a tour. It teaches us. The bus was very small, not the big orange one they showed. It was uncomfortably small for all day in the seat. Plenty of bathroom breaks.
David and the seals
29cathleenm,
Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David was very entertaining and wonderful. He really enjoys his job and it shows. Full of facts and anecdotes. Really loved feeding the seals.
Lots to see
Denise S,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If you are a Harry Potter fan, this tour is for you. Craig was an awesome tour guide and driver. Highly recommend.
Fun Trip
David S,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an enjoyable day visiting the Scottish borders, Holy Island, and Alnwick Castle. Craig our driver was very engaging and accommodating as we needed bathroom stops. The people on the bus were very friendly and we laughed throughout the day with Craig as the ring leader.
Amazing!
Explorer309308,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a trip you definitely need to do if you are in Edinburgh! Nice roadtrip with lots of stories and NOT alot of hopping off-hopping on . You have plenty time to explore everywhere you stop. Places are unbelievably beautiful, with Alnwick castle is something. Lots of history there and great for Harry Potter fans! Our guide was Peter, and this trip wouldnt be the same without him. He made the most of it, with alot of interesting stories, very funny and helpful. Defintely recommend! With Peter!
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