Sign in
View all 8 photos

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland and Borders Small-Group Tour

4.8 Great 314 reviews
|
9h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
314 reviews
5
261
4
38
3
9
2
2
1
4
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended by 95% of travellers: 299 four- and five-star reviews

Overview

Guidekin summary

Travel through the Scottish Borders to Kelso and Alnwick in a small shared group capped at sixteen passengers. Mini-coach transport and a driver-guide are included; Alnwick Castle entry is included only with the castle-entry option. 4.75 from 314 reviews at €77 per person for 9h.

From the guide

Discover the beauty of the Scottish Borders and Northumberland on this full day tour from Edinburgh. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury 16 seat Mercedes mini coach as you journey through rolling countryside to the charming market town of Kelso, home to Scotland's largest market square and the historic ruins of Kelso Abbey. Continue south to Alnwick, where you can choose to explore the magnificent Alnwick Castle (admission optional), famous for its appearances in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, or spend your free time discovering the town's independent shops, cafés and famous bookshop.
The tour also includes a scenic drive along the spectacular Northumberland Coast, with stunning sea views and historic landscapes, before returning to Edinburgh.

Tour options

The operator sells this tour in 2 versions. Prices are the operator's current list for two travellers; the calendar shows the exact figure for your date and party.

Tour Only (no castle entry)

from €77 / person
Guide: English

Small-Group Tour Only: Please select this option to book our small-group tour only. This option does not include admission to Alnwick Castle.

Tour with castle entry

from €116 / person
Guide: English

Please select this option to join our small-group tour with guaranteed admission into Alnwick Castle.

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departs: 08:45
Scheduled through October 2027

This tour runs daily, departing at 08:45. Scheduled through October 2027. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked October 1, 2026.

What's Included

Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
Admission fee: Alnwick Castle (if option selected)
Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers)

What's Not Included

Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Admission Fees: unless specified.

Itinerary

Kelso Abbey Stop 1
Travel through the scenic Scottish Borders to the charming market town of Kelso, home to Scotland’s largest market square. Enjoy time to explore the town and visit the impressive ruins of Kelso Abbey, one of the country's most important medieval landmarks.
40 min
The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Stop 2
Journey along the breathtaking Northumberland Coast, known for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and spectacular sea views. Keep your camera ready as you pass some of England's most beautiful coastal scenery.
10 min
Alnwick Castle Stop 3
*If you have selected the option with admission to Alnwick Castle, this will be included in tour price (upgrade to Gardens ticket available on arrival). If you have selected the tour only option, please pay on arrival. Tickets subject to availabilty. Cross the border into England and visit the magnificent Alnwick Castle, one of the UK's most iconic fortresses and a famous filming location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Explore the castle and grounds with a pre-booked admission ticket (recommended), or spend time discovering the town's shops, cafés and renowned second-hand bookshop.
3h
Dunbar Stop 4
Say goodbye to England as we return to Scotland, traveling through the picturesque Scottish Borders into East Lothian and the town of Dunbar. This charming place is the birthplace of John Muir, the renowned naturalist and conservationist. You'll have a brief opportunity to explore the town before we resume our journey back to Edinburgh.
25 min

Departure & Return

Start point

Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ Check in closes 15 minutes prior to departure

Open in Google Maps
End point

Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ Check in closes 15 minutes prior to departure

Additional Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding.
  • Check in closes 15 minutes prior to departure. This tour will depart from inside Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
  • In order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers.
  • Alnwick Castle - If you have selected the package option, we reserve tickets for you and this will be included in tour price. You can upgrade to include Gardens available on arrival.
  • We recommend booking Alnwick Castle tickets in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. If you have selected the tour option that does not include entry to Alnwick Castle, we cannot guarantee access to the castle. Tickets must be purchased on arrival and are subject to availability.
  • Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
  • Please note that on 12 and 13 September 2026, Alnwick Garden will be closed due to a flower show. Entry to Alnwick Castle only will remain open.

Cancellation Policy

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

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund

Explore Edinburgh

Day Trips from EdinburghScottish Highlands from EdinburghPrivate ToursLoch Ness from EdinburghWhisky ToursGhost Tours & VaultsWalking ToursIsle of Skye from EdinburghFood ToursEdinburgh Castle ToursHarry Potter ToursSt Andrews from EdinburghOutlander ToursHiking & Arthur's SeatPub Tours & Pub Crawls

Explore United Kingdom

Excursions in London
From € 77 / person