Alnwick Castle - The Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle

The Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle

This exciting tour explores Holy Island, scene of the first Viking invasion of Britain, and Alnwick Castle (filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey) before returning north to Edinburgh via the beautiful Borders.

Our scenic drive towards the historic border town of Berwick-on-Tweed follows the sweeping coastline of the North Sea. Soon we cross the ancient Scotland / England border into Northumberland. Lindisfarne or Holy Island is a tidal island settled around AD 635 by Irish monks who had moved to Scotland. From here the Christian message spread throughout the north of England. In 793 a fierce Viking invasion heralded the beginning of the Viking Age.

A fun day out in the safe hands of our friendly guides

Getting off the beaten track in the Wee Red Bus

The path to Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island

'In 793 a fierce invasion of Holy Island heralded the beginning of the Viking Age'


Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you will have plenty of time to enjoy a short walk to 16th century Lindisfarne Castle, visit the Priory where the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were created and to enjoy the spectacular views to Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands. * See note at bottom of page regarding tidal access to Holy Island.

Photo stop on the Holy Island tidal causeway

Statue of St Aidan

Lindisfarne Priory

Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve

After a short drive we arrive at Alnwick Castle and Garden around lunchtime. Here you can take advantage of our 33% discount (no pre-booking required) – Castle only adult £13.60, 5-16 yrs £7.60, Garden only adult £10.80, 5-16 yrs £5.60, Castle and Garden combined visit (not available to the general public) adult £22.50, 5-16 yrs £13.10. Please note this special discount is only available on the day itself and does not apply if you pre-book the Castle or Alnwick Garden independently in advance of the tour.

This magical place – the Windsor of the North – is one of Europe’s finest castles and has been at the centre of many historical events, from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and the English to the intrigues of the Guy Fawkes plot.

Its sumptuous setting and exquisite architecture has famously been used as a filming location for ‘Downton Abbey’, ‘Harry Potter’ (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), ‘Robin Hood Prince of Thieves’, ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Blackadder’.

Visit the Downton Abbey exhibition featuring costumes, photography and props from the series and revisit some of your favourite Harry Potter filming locations. There are guided historical and film tours as well as costumed actors in the castle grounds. Check the events board on entry to make the most of your time here.

Alnwick Castle - stunning Harry Potter and Downton Abbey filming location

'Alnwick Castle has famously been used as a Harry Potter filming location'


There are numerous fun and interactive activities for children and we will stop here for a minimum of 2.5 hours so you can fully appreciate and enjoy this amazing castle. Next door to the castle is the world-renowned Alnwick Garden. The fabulous Grand Cascade, Walled Garden and Poison Garden are part of an expansive network of formal planting which attracts visitors from all over the world.

Alnwick Castle State Rooms

Alnwick Garden

The tour returns north through scenic Border country following in the footsteps of feuding clans and families, known as Border Reivers, who fought a series of violent raids across the border hills until the end of the 16th century. We stop for refreshments and an opportunity to admire the beautiful rolling landscape which nestles between two historic and proud nations.

* Please note the crossing to Holy Island is dependent on tidal conditions and is always at driver discretion. Your driver will ensure that crossing times allow for a healthy safety margin. If the tour is unable to cross in the morning then we will endeavour to visit in the afternoon or stop at Bamburgh beach and the impressive castle instead.

COVID-19 information

Safe Travels

This business has confirmed that they have implemented, and will ensure ongoing compliance with, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels protocols. The Safe Travels stamp is based on self-assessment and it is not a certification.

From £69 per adult


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

April — October

Contact details

Heart Of Scotland Tours

Tours depart Stand ZE
Waterloo Place
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 3BQ

Tour information

Starting

  • Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh & The Lothians
  • Edinburgh - City Centre

Length

1 Day

Transport

  • Small coach

Type

  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Ancestry
  • Architecture
  • Castles
  • Film and TV
  • Geology
  • History

Tour prices


From £69 Per Adult £36 Per Child £66 Concession

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Heart Of Scotland Tours

Tour company information

Heart Of Scotland Tours

Our 5-star, award winning guided tours are carefully designed to give you lots of variety by including the best-loved sights as well as hidden gems that many tourists never see. Enjoy the spectacular mountains of the Highlands, ancient castles, beautiful lochs and some of the best views in the world. We look forward to welcoming you onto our famous 16 seat Wee Red Buses to experience and enjoy the essential Scotland together.

Opening times

Our phone line is open from 07.00 to 21.00 every day +44(0)131 228 2888
Or book online at heartofscotlandtours.co.uk

Other tours from this company

Visit🐉 Loch Ness and the Highlands
🐉 Loch Ness and the Highlands

🐉 Loch Ness and the Highlands

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

Jump aboard for this classic one day tour to Loch Ness. Travelling through spect...

VisitStirling Castle, Highland Lochs and Whisky
Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs and Whisky

Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs and Whisky

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

Follow in the footsteps of great Scottish heroes on this historic and scenic day...

VisitRosslyn Chapel, the Borders and Hadrian's Wall
Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders and Hadrian's Wall

Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders and Hadrian's Wall

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

The tour travels to the amazing and mysterious 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, acro...

VisitThe Best of Scotland in a Day
The Best of Scotland in a Day

The Best of Scotland in a Day

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

Our signature tour combines all that’s great about Scotland into a classic day t...

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.