Main Content
![tripadvisor logo]()
Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & the Kingdom of Northumbria
Departure point:
Edinburgh
Duration:
1-Day Tour
Time:
8:45am - 6:15pm
Price:
From: £47
Departs:
Daily (April - October)
Accommodation is payable on arrival
We offer a free accommodation booking service.
If you would like to book your own accommodation, please select 'Tour Only'.
Please select your requirements:
Our one day tour from Edinburgh takes the scenic coastal route south into the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria in North-East England; once the most important centre of religious learning and arts in the British Isles. Visit the Holy Island* of Lindisfarne and explore the medieval market town of Alnwick and its stunning castle that features in both Harry Potter and Downton Abbey!
Our first stop is Holy Island, connected to the mainland by a causeway which leads into the quaint island village of Lindisfarne, where there are stunning views of Lindisfarne Castle, (which dates back to 1550). 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.
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. Its grounds were also used in the Harry Potter films.
In the mid-afternoon we begin the drive north to cross the River Tweed into the historic border town of Coldstream. If time permits during this journey there will be a stop at Flodden Field, one of the best preserved battlefields in Northern Europe and scene of the infamous battle of 1513 which ended in victory for the English and the death of James IV, King of Scots.
Please note: this tour might run in reverse due to tide times.
Tour Overview
Duration9hrs 30mins
Total Distance167 miles
Pick upOutside Green Ensign Ewart Pub, Edinburgh at 8:45am.
Group size16 - 32
AvailabilityApril-October
Minimum ageTravellers need to be at least 4 years-old
Tour Highlight
Optional Extras:
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Gardens, Lindisfarne Priory
Please note: Due to tide times on the following dates this tour will not be visiting Holy Island:
25th October, 26th October.
A couple of things To know
Included
- Digital translations
- Knowledgeable Driver-Guide
- Luxury Modern air-conditioned coach
Not Included
- Children under 4
- Entrance to attractions
- Food and Drink
Unique Trip
“Crossing into England and seeing the countryside as well as the coast made for a wonderful excursion. Taking the Highway out to Holy Island was picturesque as well a the fascinating fact that the Highway disappears at high tide and reappears at low tide making it accessible for a limited amount of time each day. The Castle Alnwick was in phenomenal condition considering its age, while the Abbey ruins had terrific views. The village itself is worth taking some time to explore.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the departure point?
Your tour departs from outside the green Ensign Ewart pub, at 521-523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PE.
View a map of our departure point.
You can also find us by Edinburgh Public Transport
Check-in opens 15 minutes prior to the stated departure time and closes 5 minutes prior to the stated departure time. We recommend that all passengers arrive in this window as tours must depart on schedule.
Are the optional extras included?
No, optional extras are not included in the tour price.
The price of your one day tour from Edinburgh includes the services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced Driver-Guide, and transportation on one of our luxury, modern, air-conditioned coaches.
All optional extras - attraction entrance fees, loch cruises, food and drinks, etc - are not included in the price of your tour. We will provide a link when you have booked your tour to allow you to pre-book any optional extra you wish for your tour.
Optional extras for your tour (From April 2023) are as follows:
- Lindisfarne Priory - Adult: £8.60. Concession: £7.70. Child: £7.60.
- Alnwick Castle - Adult: £13.60, Student: £12.60, Child (16 & Under): £7.30.
- Alnwick Gardens - Adult: £10.80, Student: £9.75, Child:£5.50
- Alnwick Combined Ticket - Adult: £22.50, Concession: £21.00, Child (16 & Under): £7.60
Do I need to pre-book the optional extras?
No, you don't need to worry about pre-booking any of the optional extras.
All the optional extras can be booked on the day and your Driver-Guide will advise you of how to book. We negotiate discounted rates for you, ensuring you'll always get a great deal at Scotland's top visitor attractions.
Please note that many visitor attractions and accommodation providers may not accept card payments, so please ensure you have plenty of cash with you on the day. If you have any questions about this please contact our Reservations Team on +44 (0)131 226 6066 - open 07.00 - 22.00 daily.
Please note entry tickets to Alnwick Castle are non-refundable.
Is the tour in English?
Yes, all of our tours are in English.
Your tour will be taken by an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking Driver-Guide.
You'll find a digital translation of your tour through a link on your confirmation email.
Digital translations are available for this tour in the following languages:
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Italian
- Russian
- Chinese (Mandarin)
What should I bring with me?
As we like to give you as much time off the coach as possible with the opportunity for walks, we recommend you bring warm and/or waterproof clothing, wear comfortable walking shoes and take sun-block or a hat for sunny days.
Don't forget your camera to capture all the lovely scenery and wildlife you'll encounter on your tour!
Since we cannot allow hot food on our buses you could also bring a cold packed lunch with you to make the most of your time at each stop, this would be particularly time-saving in the busier months!
Can children travel on this tour?
We welcome children over 4 years old on our tours, and children aged between 4-16yrs are eligible for the concessionary rate.
We regret we are not able to carry children under the age of 4.
Will I get to see the Harry Potter Castle?
Of course! Your one day tour from Edinburgh visits Alnwick Castle, which features in the Harry Potter films, where we will stop for lunch and to explore its grounds.
Alnwick Castle has also featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and also popular British comedy series 'Blackadder'.
You may also like
From £41
Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery
Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery
From £52
The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience
The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience
Departure point:
Edinburgh
Duration:
1-Day Tour
Time:
8:45am - 6:15pm
Price:
From: £47