What‘s Included

Meeting and Pickup

What To Expect

Reviews

• As my short attention...

  Michelle G,

  Oct 9, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  As my short attention span teenage daughter just told me, “Alex is low key the GOAT.” The man brings history to life with such genuine passion that it’s impossible not to get swept up in it. Our adventure touring Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne today is already a special family memory. Thanks Alex!

• Alex was so knowledgeable

  Dave T,

  Sep 28, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Alex was great with coordinating our pickup and knew all the details about the sights we were visiting. He covered the history and archeology and modern day politics. His stories were interesting and relevant.

  

• Excellent and memorable day out

  C9367BSmelanieb,

  Aug 15, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We booked the tour with Alex as we were very interested in seeing both places. He was friendly, extremely knowledgeable and brought the history and archaeology of both places alive. Nothing was too much trouble. The transport he provided was modern and comfortable. He made the most of a full day’s excursion. Would highly recommend Alex and his tours without hesitation.

• A chance to tour with an archaeologist

  Carlos B,

  Aug 13, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This private tour with Tommy, an archaeologist, to see Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle was the most amazing 1 day historical tours I've experienced. We spent the drive to the Holy Island talking about his digs and research in the area and about all the centuries of history. Though I had read a lot beforehand, the opportunity to talk about all the details for hours was awesome. The tour is tailored to what you want to explore - and I was equally excited to wander around the ruins of Lindisfarne and Bamburgh. After wandering the towering ruins of the monastery, we stopped for lunch, and then explored the grounds and buildings of Bamburgh castle. If you're a fan of Vikings and the Last Kingdom, this tour is your chance to set your feet in those scenes, and should not be missed.

  

  

  

  

• Bamburgh and the Holy Island

  Christopher C,

  Jun 20, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Our guide, Alex, is a professional archeologist and his knowledge of early English history was amazing. The weather in June was lovely and our trip was excellent. We loved seeing Bamburgh castle, Lindisfarne, Northumberland and the coast.

• Great insight from a professional archaeologist and historian!

  377bradleyf,

  May 14, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Alex has an impressive depth of knowledge in both the history and archaeology of the sites he tours. As an American with limited background in British history, I found it incredibly helpful how he put everything into context in a way that was easy to follow and engaging. One of Alex’s greatest strengths is his ability to read the room—he knows when to dive into detail and when to keep things light, making the experience enjoyable for everyone.

  

• Illes tours is the one to use for Northern England and Scotland. Fantastic information and an excellent tour guide.

  Grace D,

  Apr 19, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Alex shares so much more than the historical sites. He shares the history of the area and the cultures that populated it back to prehistoric times. Bamburgh and Lindisfarne are complex sites. There is much to see and more to understand about the different groups controlling the locations. I am very pleased with the information Alex shared and the kindness with which he treated us as clients. This is a top-level tour and tour guide.

  

  

• Lindisfarne & Bamburgh with Alex

  Leah M,

  Apr 17, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Alex was a fantastic host and guide. The trips through Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle were exceptional and full of great information and history. I highly recommend Alex and Iles Tours for any of the tours in the Newcastle region.

  

  

• Visits to Medieval and later Lindisfarne Abbey and Bamburgh Castle

  I5770NFsylviah,

  Mar 17, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Given that it was the very beginning of the season, I was fortunate to be the only person on this day trip. I had a wonderful day with him: starting from the pickup from my hotel in Durham (and eventual return there); to travel in his comfortable new vehicle; to the thoughtful choice of route which would interest me; to the extensive knowledge he displayed of the sites visited as well as other features seen en route; and to the venues for morning and lunch and the delicious food options. I was very impressed with the level of detail he provided on all aspects of the sites, and especially his academic ability to satisfy my particular interests in the earlier history and archaeology of the region. I recommend him very highly indeed.

• Amazing day with Iles Tours!

  403daphneh,

  Nov 30, 2024

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We went to Bamburgh Castle, Ad Gefrig and Holy Isle with Alex. It was a great day trip from start to finish. Alex was very kind and had so many interesting stories to tell us and knowledge to share. He could answer all our questions. But above all he is a very great and fun guy. We will definitely see him again next year for another day trip. Thanks again Alex!

  

  

  
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