Day trip

From Edinburg: Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle Day Tour

Activity provider:Heart of Scotland Tours
Day trip

From Edinburg: Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle Day Tour

Activity provider:Heart of Scotland Tours

From US$ 85.25 per person

Eco-certified

Accompanied by traditional and contemporary music, explore Holy Island, the site of the first Viking invasion of Britain and Alnwick Castle, the film site of Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, before returning north to Edinburgh via the beautiful Borders.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 9 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Visit Holy Island overlooking the beautiful Northumberland coastline
  • Have fun at Alnwick Castle, the Windsor of the North
  • Go with costumed guides on a historical and magical tour of Alnwick Castle
Full description

Follow the sweeping coastline of the North Sea on a scenic drive towards the historic border town of Berwick-on-Tweed. Cross the ancient Scotland/England border into Northumberland and visit Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, a tidal island settled by Irish monks from Scotland circa AD 635. From here the Christian message spread throughout the north of England. In 793 a fierce Viking invasion heralded the beginning of the Viking Age. Take a short walk through an area of outstanding natural beauty to 16th century Lindisfarne Castle, and visit the Priory where the Lindisfarne Gospels were created and enjoy the spectacular views of Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands. You may also wish to buy some delicious souvenir Lindisfarne Mead from St Aidan’s Winery. Arrive back at Alnwick Castle at lunchtime after a short drive. This magical place (the 'Windsor of the North') is one of Europe’s finest castles and has been at the center of key historical events – from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and the English to the intrigues of the Guy Fawkes plot. Alnwick Castle's sumptuous setting and exquisite architecture has famously been used as a film location for ‘Downton Abbey’, 'Harry Potter' (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), 'Robin Hood Prince of Thieves', 'Elizabeth' and 'Blackadder'.

Enjoy ‘Harry Spotter Tours’ and revisit some of your favorite scenes. Go with costumed guides on a historical and magical tour. Be sure to check the events board on entry to make the most of your time. With fun and interactive activities for children, you'll have 2.5 hours to fully appreciate and enjoy the castle. The tour returns north via the beautiful Border country and, subject to timing, may also visit the East Lothian coast to the south of Edinburgh.

Includes
  • Group tour (maximum 16 passengers)
  • Live commentary on board
  • Driver/guide
  • Transport by comfortable Mercedes mini-coach
  • Entrance fees
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities (optional)

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Participants

Date

Meeting point

Bus Stop ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ.

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Important information

Know before you go

  • Please note, children under 5 years of age are not allowed on this tour
  • As part of this tour, you're eligible for a 25% 'on the day' discount for at Alnwick Castle (not applicable if you prebook the Castle or Alnwick Garden independently in advance of the tour)
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 171 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Service
    4.8/5
  • Organization
    4.8/5

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Star rating:

We were just a very few people, and Keith guided us. He did a really good job although the weather became very dark. At first we were all a bit uncertain where is the meeting point, and they should send a list before the trip where should we buy the online tickets, just to make us calm.

May 30, 2023

Excellent use of time so that the driving did not dominate the day. The driver's almost non-stop patter was irritating at times but I appreciated that he gave honour to the history and events that caused Lindisfarne to be named Holy Island. The priory was inspiring and the Alnwick gardens were beautiful and well worth the fee, even more so with the 10% reduction for being on a Heart of Scotland tour (which actually toured places in England :)

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May 30, 2023

Wonderful day trip over the border. This is a very good tour as there is plenty of time to walk around Alnwick Castle. George is the man.... he is an encyclopaedia of relevant information with a smattering “tasteful” humour. Highly recommend to anyone thinking of taking this one.

May 30, 2023

Product ID: 25836