Visit intriguing Rosslyn Chapel, explore the town of Melrose, journey to the Scottish Borders, and see Hadrian’s Wall on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Rosslyn Chapel has always been mysterious, and has achieved worldwide fame since the publication of The Da Vinci Code. This beautiful and highly ornate 15th-century chapel has long been the subject of speculation about its origins and the meanings of its famous stone carvings. Visit the charming town of Melrose for lunch, then cross the ancient Scotland/England border at Carter Bar. Follow in the footsteps of feuding clans and families, known as Border Reivers, who fought a series of violent raids here until the end of the 16th century. Then visit one of the world's most important Roman monuments: Hadrian’s Wall. Travel to Housesteads Fort (National Trust) in Northumberland National Park, the best preserved Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy a free nature walk along one of the most dramatic and photographed stretches of the wall. Upon returning to Edinburgh, stop in the Border market town of Jedburgh to stretch your legs and take photos of the famous abbey.

Brace yourselves, we’re heading south into enemy territory! Passing gentle rolling hills and dramatic coastline, we’ll cross the border with England to explore Bamburgh - the laid-back seaside village in the heart of Northumberland. Don’t get deceived by its sleepy looks – the village and the mighty Bamburgh Castle was the seat of the early Kings of Northumbria in the 5th century. Run down to the beautiful beach to get some fresh air, imagine Viking longboats approaching the coast for a raid and try to keep up with the area’s turbulent history recounted by your Guide. In the afternoon, have your broomsticks at the ready as we’re off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England, home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family for over 700 years. A long, rich history and magnificent medieval architecture makes it a film lovers’ dream as seen in Downton Abbey. After a magical afternoon in Alnwick, we’ll make our way back over the border and into Scotland where we will regale you with tales of the turbulent past before arriving into Edinburgh in the early evening.

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.

Discover an imposing Norman fortress in the center of Newcastle upon Tyne, a rugged reminder of northern England's turbulent history. This was no baron's stately home. Newcastle Castle is a grim reminder of royal authority where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed. It is where the story of Newcastle began and the reason the city got its name. During your visit, enjoy the most commanding views over the city of Newcastle and the River Tyne. See Newcastle's most historic buildings, the Castle Keep and its 13th-century gatehouse the Black Gate, which were once part of a much larger fortress. Marvel at how much of Newcastle Castle has remained intact despite its tumultuous history. Today, you can explore the ancient passageways and chambers where kings walked and villains were imprisoned. Find the marks left by the inhabitants through the ages and learn the fascinating story of the Castle Garth community that grew up around the ruins. The two buildings that remain were cut off from each other by the Victorian railways of the 19th century — an unfortunate side effect of the North East's trailblazing role in the Industrial Revolution. Exhibits guide visitors through the Castle's history over the years: from settlement in Roman times, to medieval stronghold, to use as a modern day museum and everything in between.

Your full-day tour begins in Edinburgh and continues further south through the Scottish Borders, where you’ll stop at Melrose Abbey. This is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ruins in Europe. The heart of Robert the Bruce is said to be buried at the Abbey, which is also the final resting place of a number of other Scottish Kings. From here it's on to England, where you'll have lots of time to explore the tour’s main attraction, Alnwick Castle. Alnwick is the 2nd-largest inhabited castle in England, having been lived in for over 700 years. It’s filled with fascinating things to see and mysteries to uncover. You may recognize it as a location from some of the Harry Potter films.

Find out more about the Romans and Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World-Heritage Site, on this half-day tour. Head to the frontier of the Roman Empire while being close to an urban center on a guided tour that focuses on the east end of the wall, Segedunum, now called Wallsend. Visit the Great North Museum as well and discover its varied artifacts. After meeting your guide at Newcastle Central Station, make your way to Segedunum, a fort home to fantastic reconstructions of the Roman way of life, such as a section of the wall which can be viewed and walked along. Once there, step into the Roman world and learn about this fantastic, ruthless but creative culture that conquered much of the known world. Following your fort visit, go to the Great North Museum in Newcastle, which has one of the largest collections of Roman artifacts in the north of Britain. As your guide interprets them, get an insight into Roman life at the northern frontier of the empire. After your guided tour of the museum, you'll be taken back to central Newcastle where you will be able to enjoy the city center. Your guide will be happy to point you in the direction of key sites or cafes and restaurants. This half-day tour can be taken in the morning or afternoon.

Spend 5 glorious days exploring the very best of northern England on this exciting multi-day tour. Discover the beautiful East Lothian coastline and the amazing Alnwick Castle, spend some time in the city of York, and explore nature in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Visit the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, travel to the shores of Ullswater,, said to be England's most beautiful lake and much more along the way. Day 1 Your tour starts with a beautiful drive down the magnificent East Lothian coastline as you travel towards the walled border town of Berwick Upon Tweed. After stopping to admire the fortifications, continue to Alnwick Castle, whose magnificent interior and gardens have appeared in many films and television programs. Leaving Alnwick behind, travel towards the City of York on the Great North Road, and arrive in York in the late afternoon. [Overnight in York.] Day 2 This leisurely day gives you the flexibility to spend time exploring the medieval heart of York, a city whose rich history goes back to the time of the Romans, Vikings, and the Normans before traveling to the North Sea coast of Yorkshire. Your journey begins in the late morning when you head for the magnificent North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Lunch will be in Whitby, a bustling fishing port and the inspiration for the fertile imagination of author Bram Stoker. After lunch and free time in Whitby, travel to the fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay*, a perfectly preserved conservation village of winding lanes and narrow alleys before returning to York. [Overnight in York. * The mini coach cannot access the main village because of local restrictions. The coach will drop you at the top of the village and you must walk down (and back up!) a steep hill to reach the old village center. Day 3 Head west in the morning into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Established in 1954, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats, and rich cultural heritage. Continuing West, your route takes us through the Northern Dales, a beautiful area of natural beauty that is the center of the Dales cattle trade. Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to taste the flavors of Yorkshire when you visit the town of Masham, home to two of Yorkshire's best-known breweries, and the cheese-making center in historic Hawes. The final leg of the journey takes you high up into the remote hill of the Yorkshire Dales before descending into the lively market town of Keswick, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation and are then free to explore this charming town. [Overnight in Keswick.] [**During July this tour may stay in Windermere instead.] Day 4 After breakfast, head a short distance out of town to the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought by many to have been built over 5,000 years ago. Then travel on to the shores of Ullswater, described as England’s most beautiful lake, for a forest walk to see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. Continuing south over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass, stop at Lake Windermere for a leisurely cruise on the lake or simply eat lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and lakes. After lunch, travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water, arriving at the picturesque conservation village of Hawkeshead. After exploring the village, take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, and enjoy some free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. Return to Keswick In the late afternoon. [Overnight in Keswick.] Day 5 Leaving the Lakes behind, start your climb towards Hartside Pass, at over 1900 feet above sea level, with the hills and mountains of Scotland and the English Lake District easily visible on a clear day. Follow the route of the old sheep drovers road between England and Scotland, stopping at Hadrian's Wall along the way, and crossing the border into Scotland and towards the town of Jedburgh for refreshments by the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. The final stop of the tour is at the world-famous Scott’s view with stunning views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot hills that form the border between Scotland before continuing North to Edinburgh.

Travel to Hadrian's Wall with this tour from Newcastle. Stroll along a piece of history as you learn more about the Roman period. Eat a delicious lunch at Twice Brewed. Choose from group and private options that are with or without pickup and drop-off. Journey from Newcastle to Hadrian's walk. Start your tour at Steel Rig and walk the 2 1/2 miles to the Roman fort of Housesteads. See milecastles and the wild geography of the region as you walk. Get a view of what Roman life was like at Hadrian's when you visit the Roman fort of Housesteads. Find out more about the history of this fort, including its old name and how it was fortified by Germanic troops from Belgium and the Netherlands. Stop for lunch at Twice Brewed for some fantastic local food. Proceed to Vindolanda, an old Roman supply base that has been extensively excavated.

Journey back in time on this private trip from Newcastle. Explore Bamburgh Castle with a guide, visit Ad Gefrin, the first whiskey distillery in England, and learn about the ancient Kings of Northumbria at the Anglo-Saxon Museum. Leave Newcastle and head out into Northumbria. First, visit Ad Gefrin, and learn about the early process of distilling whiskey. Next, explore the Anglo-Saxon Museum. Learn about Northumbria's history as a powerful kingdom in the British Isles and hear stories of its cunning and ferocious kings. Next, travel to Bamburgh to visit St. Aidan’s Church and Bamburgh Castle. Explore these ancient sites before returning to your accommodation at the end of the day.

Explore one of the most captivating medieval families in the British Isles as you take a tour of the castles of Alnwick and Warkworth. See the current residence of the Percys known for its world-famous poison garden on this guided tour. Learn about both castles which were residences of the Percy family, a powerful noble family of Northern England in the Middle Ages. Hear how the castles were used by the Earls of Northumberland and powerful lords in English history. Walk around Alnwick castle which is featured in the Harry Potter movies, most famously as Gryffindor's common room and parts of Hogwarts. Hear how the castle was used as a border castle, fighting the Scots on the Anglo-Scottish border. Visit Warkworth, the Percy family's original fortress, which picturesquely sits next to the Coquet River. Admire its church, one of the best-preserved Norman Churches in England.