Edinburgh Holy Island and Alnwick Castle Tour

This popular very small group tour of around 12 passengers 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. You will enjoy stunning views along the Northumberland coastline before arriving at Alnwick Castle for a minimum of two-and-a-half hours (33% 'on the day' discount for Heart of Scotland Tours customers/no prebooking required). On Holy Island you may want to include the beautiful short walk to Lindisfarne Castle and a visit to the picturesque Abbey.

Meeting Point

Waterloo Place

Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1, UK

This tour departs from (and returns to) Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie's Restaurant).
Please arrive no later than 08.45.

What's included:

• Local guide
• Driver/guide
• Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach
• Live commentary on board
• Very small group tour - average group size of around 12 passengers

Not included:

• Food and drinks
• Attraction Entrance Fees

What to expect:

Duration: 9 hours

Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve

Northumberland, TD15 2SP

Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve protects a stretch of coastline, including the dunes of Lindisfarne (Holy Island).

Pass by without stopping

Lindisfarne Priory

Church Lane, Northumberland, TD15 2RX

During your time on Holy Island (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) you will have time to visit Lindisfarne Priory (entrance at own expense).

1 hour, 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Lindisfarne Castle

Northumberland, TD15 2SH

During your time on Holy Island (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) you will enjoy wonderful views to Lindisfarne Castle. If you choose to make a short visit, entrance will be at your own expense.

1 hour, 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle Bamburgh, , Bamburgh, NE69 7DF

Enjoy views over to Bamburgh Castle from Holy Island.

Pass by without stopping

Farne Islands

, , Northumberland, NE68 7RQ

Enjoy views to the Farne Islands from Holy Island.

Pass by without stopping

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle Drive, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ

Arriving at Alnwick Castle around lunchtime you’ll stop here for a minimum of two-and-a-half hours. This amazing castle, one of Europe’s finest, has been the centre of many historical events – from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and English to the intrigue of the Guy Fawkes plot. Its sumptuous setting and exquisite architecture has famously been used as a filming location, including the Harry Potter movies (Hogwarts) and Downton Abbey. Visit the new Downton Abbey exhibition featuring costumes, photography and props from the series and enjoy ‘Harry Spotter Tours’, revisiting some of your favourite scenes. Next door to the castle is the world-renowned Alnwick Garden, several acres of beautiful parks, woodland walks and the Poison Garden.

2 hours, 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Alnwick Garden

Denwick Lane, Alnwick, NE66 1YU

During our stop at Alnwick Castle (minimum 2.5 hours) you will also have time to visit the world-renowned Alnwick Garden; several acres of beautiful parks, woodland walks and the Poison Garden.

2 hours, 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Northumberland National Park

Hexham, NE46 1BS

The return home takes you through beautiful Border country and Northumberland National Park. We will stop for refreshments and to stretch legs along the way.

15 minutes

Coldstream

Coldstream

We stop for refreshments and an opportunity to admire the beautiful rolling landscape which nestles between two historic and proud nations.

30 minutes