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
473 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Maybe find an alternate tour for more comfort
Jennifer M,
Oct 9, 2025
- 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
- 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.
My tour guide was Sam,...
Ryan C,
Sep 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00My tour guide was Sam, and he was awesome. Holy Island was really cool, and there’s a lot more to do at Alnwick Castle than you might think. This was for sure one of my favorite tours while in Edinburgh, and I highly recommend both the tour and the tour company.
Missed Final Stop
Ronnie d,
Sep 8, 2025
- Viator
3.00Don't be fooled by the itinerary which says you'll be going to the Flooden Battlefield. We had plenty of time to go there but didn't, because something about the van not fitting. Makes me wonder why they sent us out in a vehicle that couldn't get the job done! At least if they would have substituted a spot of equivalent interest, but instead we just made an extra coffee and restroom stop on the way back to Edinburgh. Disappointing!
Wonderful. Highly recommend.
Dave S,
Aug 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00Loved loved loved this trip. Our guide Jada was so nice and kind and cheerful and full of information about the area and the history.
Related Experiences
Operated by Timberbush Tours