Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria
Overview
Available languages
9 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Explore the scenic coastal route between Edinburgh and the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. Visit Alnwick Castle, see Holy Island, taste some Mead brewed by monks and explore the magnificent poison gardens at Alnwick.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 4 years old.
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Digital translations in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian & Mandarin available on request.
Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your tour's departure time.
Due to tide times on the following dates this tour will not be visiting Holy Island: 26th September, 25th October, 26th October
Customers do not need to pre-book admission tickets to optional extras. These can be purchased during the tour from the driver-guide and are not included in the price of the tour.
Our coaches do not have restrooms. However, frequent comfort breaks are included at stops with restrooms.
Please note: from 3rd December 2024 our Edinburgh tours will depart from NCP Castle Terrace, EH1 2EW.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Live commentary on board
Knowledgeable driver-guide
Food and drinks
Attraction Tickets
Gratuities
Restroom on board
WiFi on board
Entrance to Lindisfarne Castle
Entrance to Alnwick Castle
What To Expect
Lindisfarne Priory
Spend time wandering through the ruins of its Priory where the magnificent Lindisfarne Gospels were produced, sample some of the world-famous Lindisfarne 'Mead' brewed by Monks on the island, and enjoy the tranquillity for which the island is renowned Due to tide times on the following dates this tour will not be visiting Holy Island: 16th May, 31st May, 14th June, 15th June, 30th June, 14th July, 28th August, 26th September, 25th October, 26th October
Alnwick Castle
We continue south on to the bustling market town of Alnwick, whose greatest building is the medieval Alnwick Castle*. Enjoy time in the town centre or remain at the castle complex where there is something for everyone. Home of the Percy Family for over 700 years, Alnwick Castle is considered one of the finest castles in England and proudly known as “The Windsor of the North”. Visitors can step into the unexpected in the spectacular Alnwick Garden, with its wonderful Grand Cascade and Poison Gardens. It's grounds were also used in the Harry Potter films.
Options
Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & The Kingdom of Northumbria from Edinburgh
Reviews
477 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Relaxing Coastal Tour
R3990WBjackr,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very peaceful and relaxing tour. Jada was our very friendly driver and guide, she did a fantastic job. Holy Island is just a fascinating place, Alnwick Castle and Gardens are picturesque. I suppose if I had one minor nitpick, it would be that we could’ve spent a little more time on Holy Island. It didn’t necessarily feel rushed, but the bulk of the day is spent at Alnwick Castle and Gardens. You could probably shorten that part slightly to extend the stay at Holy Island and not miss anything. But that might just be my own personal preference.
Ticking of the bucket list
Jackiwho,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic day out despite the,weather being unkind. Andrew T was a brilliant guide . Knowledgeable and funny as well he shared many extra insights into Scottish history
Us driver is Mary she...
zhn2nnrfyf,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Us driver is Mary she very nice person and gentle This trip is very interesting and so cool I like the castles and the nature, the sea and the seals
Excellent day
Adriana S,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Neil is a magnificent guide, between stories and music the day flew by! Alnwick is beautiful (highly recommended the Poison Garden) and Holy Island too.
Stunning views
agnieszkakS2836EA,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great day on my trip with Timber! We visited all the places as planned and everything ran smoothly. Our driver, John, was funny and such a good storyteller — he knows a lot about the places we visited and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Very positive and friendly guy! I wouldn’t hesitate to go on another tour with Timber again. Highly recommend! 🌟//Agnieszka
Loved it
212liettev,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John A. & Jamie, respectedly guide & driver, were very knowledgeable and all the side stories that accompanied the historical facts made the trip very interesting.
Maybe find an alternate tour for more comfort
Jennifer M,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The locations were incredibly beautiful. Holy Island and Alnwick Castle were beautiful spots and we had great Scottish weather for our day. Our host / driver was John. Although he was friendly, he spent a lot of time talking about his mom and how she grew up He spoke about Sean Connery and The Outlander series. He spent about 30min discussing what food people eat in Scotland Perhaps too much filler conversation instead of pointed conversation about the sights we were seeing. I would share that the bus was new and clean but soooo crowded I’m 5’4” and my knees touch the seat in front. Too tight for such a long day. (My husband is 6’2” and was quite uncomfortable) We found his driving to be very fast, somewhat erratic. I’m not sure I will book Timberbush tours again.
Perfect weather, tour, and Guide!
Jared L,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A nice day traveling to southern Scotland and northern England. Ainwick castle was amazing. We had three hours there and I could spend even more time. The coach was comfortable and our guide John was very pleasant! Great recommendation of stopping by the “poison garden” inside Ainwick gardens. He loved to tell stories about the history and it was very enjoyable! We were lucky to have fantastic weather too.
Alnwick castle is gorgeous. Must go
995yousifs,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was amazing. It was my favorite place I’ve been to on this trip and I’ve been on a couple other tours. John A. Was a great tour guide and provided very nice history, information, and stories about places we were passing by and was very helpful. The tickets were not too expensive I think they were well priced. Overall very worth it very great time. The Alnwick castle is so beautiful.
Recommend!
lain5542,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Adam was really friendly and positive. I was surprised to hear he’s only been giving tours for 6 months; you’d think he was a seasoned veteran. He was respectful of our time which I appreciated. All of the stops felt appropriately timed (like the right about of time at each place). However I do think it’s difficult to fully enjoy Alnwick Castle plus the gardens; I’d suggest only buying the castle ticket or at least googling the gardens first to see if that’s something you want to prioritize
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Operated by Timberbush Tours