---
title: 1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders
lang: en
type: tour
city: Edinburgh
country: United Kingdom
price: 70
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.72
reviews: 90
duration_minutes: 600
languages: [en]
free_cancellation: true
schedule_checked: 2026-10-01
data_updated: 2026-10-01
canonical: https://guidekin.com/uk/edinburgh/tours/1-day-alnwick-castle-holy-island-scottish-borders/
---

# 1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders

**Guidekin's take:** Cross the border from Edinburgh for Alnwick Castle, Holy Island and the Scottish Borders. Air-conditioned coach transport, live commentary and regular comfort stops are included; Alnwick Castle tickets cost extra and children under seven cannot join. 4.72 from 90 reviews at €70 per person for 10h.

## Overview

Explore the castles of the rugged ‘Viking Coast’ within Berwickshire and Northumberland as you cross the Border between Scotland and England. Step back in time at the spectacular Alnwick Castle – the real Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Enjoy the beautiful rolling hills of Sir Walter Scott’s Borders countryside and allow your Guide to immerse you in Scotland’s history with tales of Robert the Bruce, the ‘Outlaw King’. 

This tour is ideal for both fans of Harry Potter and history buffs alike, looking to explore a more of Scotland and into Northern England.

## Before you book

- Meeting point: We meet in front of Burns Monument,
- Starts 08:15: one departure a day
- Children from €67: ages 7 to 17

## Key facts

- Price: from €70 per person
- Duration: 10h
- Rating: 4.72/5 from 90 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Free cancellation (see policy below)
- Recommended by 94% of travellers (share of four- and five-star reviews)
- Operator: The Hairy Coo

## What's included

- Regular Comfort Breaks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout

## Not included

- WiFi on board
- No children under the age of 7 allowed
- Restroom on board
- Ticket to Alnwick Castle: GBP 20.00 per adult. Combo-ticket to Alnwick Castle & Gardens: GBP 35 per adult.

## Itinerary

1. **Scottish Borders** (pass by, no stop) - Departing Edinburgh, we travel south through the rolling, beautiful hills of the Scottish Borders. Hear tales from your Guide about the infamous Border Reivers, who raided villages and settlements in this part of the country for centuries – friends to neither the Scots nor...
2. **Holy Island** (1h) - Next, we set our sights on Holy Island, a place steeped in spirituality and history. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, Holy Island boasts the iconic Lindisfarne Castle and the ancient Lindisfarne Priory. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this sacred island, where the...
3. **Alnwick Castle** (3h) - It’s then on to the magical Alnwick Castle. A dream come true for Harry Potter fanatics from around the world, you will have plenty of time to explore the corridors, great halls and courtyards of the real school of witchcraft and wizardry, Hogwarts! See where Harry learned to...
4. **The Alnwick Garden** (3h) - Some guests may prefer to explore breathtaking Alnwick Gardens, originally developed by the Duke of Northumberland in the 18th Century and redeveloped by a charitable trust over the past 20 years. Or indeed, the charming village of Alnwick itself which is home to the largest...
5. **Bamburgh Castle** (30m) - We’ll stop in the picturesque village of Bamburgh and enjoy spectacular views of the imposing Castle overlooking the bay. Take yourself back in time and imagine Viking longships attacking this strategic stronghold in the 10th Century! Or, enjoy local ice-cream in the sun as...
6. **Edinburgh** (pass by, no stop) - On our journey back to Edinburgh, you will hear tales from your Guide about the infamous Border Reivers, who raided villages and settlements in this part of the country for centuries – friends to neither the Scots nor the English! We will drop you off in the city centre, our...

## Schedule

- Runs: Tue, Thu, Sat
- Departures: 08:15
- Schedule last checked: 2026-10-01
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

## Meeting point

We meet in front of Burns Monument, at 1759 Regent Road, Edinburgh. 
What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined 

CHECK-IN IS AT 8 AM, BUS DEPARTS 8:15 AM. 
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:ChIJC_gl04nHh0gRCPrSgMGGCAI

## Good to know

- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
- There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
- This tour in an air-conditioned midi-coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
- There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
- There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks
- No animals allowed on tour, including guide dogs.
- For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.
- Depending on tidal access to Holy Island, the stop at Holy Island may be in the morning or the afternoon

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