Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip
Overview
Available languages
9 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Combine movie magic and historic wonder on this small-group trip through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. You will visit the picturesque seaside village of Bamburgh and take in the superb views of the 5th century Bamburgh Castle. But it is Alnwick Castle that’s the true star of this show. It’s not only a key filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey; it’s also a historic location of epic conquests and royal splendor. Take this trip and become enthralled by Scottish & English borders regions.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local English Speaking Guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Entrance fees to Alnwick Castle (can be purchased at check-in)
Tips
What To Expect
Bamburgh Castle
Passing gentle rolling hills and dramatic coastline, we’ll cross the border with England to explore Bamburgh in the heart of Northumberland. The mighty Bamburgh Castle was the seat of the early Kings of Northumbria in the 5th century.
Alnwick Castle
In the afternoon, have your broomsticks at the ready as we’re off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England. A long, rich history and magnificent medieval architecture makes it a film lovers’ dream.
Options
Tour incl. Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle Entrance: Alnwick Castle was built 950 years ago. Its purpose was to control the perilous borders between Scotland and England.
Tour excl. Alnwick Castle
Reviews
430 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful
christinl303,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The ride was great! Tim was great, very informative and fun. I have always felt very comfortable and safe. He has a lot of knowledge that he shared with us in a very funny way. The two castles were great. The village around it rather quiet and quite little to see, but we were also there on the last open day. Nevertheless, they were also very beautiful! All in all really a great tour that you can really only recommend. ❤️ For Tim: please stay so fun and informative, because that made the ride even more beautiful. 😊
Castles trip
126enyas,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an incredibly fun trip, while driving fun facts and stories are told and you see a lot of beautiful things. The castles are really beautiful inside and out, there is plenty to do and get your comb at both castles for food and drinks.
Perfect
bolzancamila,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was wonderful, the most beautiful places I've ever seen! The guide Rich very friendly and friendly! I hope to come back one day 😍😍
Best day tour from Edinburgh
F8538MUashleys,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was well organized and so fun!! Rich was the best guide..very friendly and knowledgeable. It was the perfect day to visit the castles and see the countryside. 10/10
Our driver was better than your driver. 😉
Companion37490459645,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visiting the castles was what we hoped they would be. Rich in history and breathtakingly beautiful. What made the tour even better was our driver, Ry. He was so helpful and kind, provided loads of additional history about Scotland along the journey, and his positive attitude made the whole day perfect, from start to finish. He even provided us with his Scottish playlist! 🎶♥️ He was the best!
Great Fall Tour!
T2560WSjennyl,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ry was an excellent tour guide going above and beyond the usual touring facts. He loves his job and his pride for his country shined throughout the day.
Fall tour of Northumbria!
806adinl,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ry is a great tour guide and has great stories to tell! We had plenty of time at each destination. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would definitely do it again!
Highly recommended!
Voyager12303077365,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00RY was really a great guide, he provided us with interesting facts and the musical background during the ride was absolutely fitting. All in all a very nice trip. Both castles were so beautiful. Recommendation!
With a punch of magic we are off to the castle by the sea.
teneyap2023,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00THANK YOU RY. This was the peak experience to end my tour of scotland. With you amazing playlist and knowledge of each castle. I would recommend this to anyone
Incredible scenery and top guide!
marymG1528PP,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip! We got to see amazing castles and felt as if we were on a film set. It was incredible. Moreover, during the drive our wonderful tour guide Charlie would tell us about history and point out interesting facts of the places we were passing by. Highly recommended! Thank you Charlie! 😊
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Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd