Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Places to go

Things to do

Accommodation

Travel & planning

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with warmer, longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

Be inspired by Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club or follow authentic suggestions from locals to see the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway like Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on the Channel 4 series Where to next? Plan your perfect trip to Scotland with these itineraries.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

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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.

From £69 per adult

Departure days

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

April — October

Book now

Contact details

Heart Of Scotland Tours

Tours depart Stand ZE
Waterloo Place
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 3BQ
View tour provider details

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

Tour gallery

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.

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Visit Heart Of Scotland Tours

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

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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.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Places to go

Things to do

Accommodation

Travel & planning

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with warmer, longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

Be inspired by Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club or follow authentic suggestions from locals to see the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway like Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on the Channel 4 series Where to next? Plan your perfect trip to Scotland with these itineraries.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter