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Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria

4.6 · 539 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor 88% of star-rated reviews are 4★ or 5★ Edinburgh Operated by Timberbush Tours Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before
Duration
9h 30m
Group
Shared tour
Guide languages
English
Start & pickup
08:45 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Booking
Instant confirmation · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take

The coastal route from Edinburgh links Holy Island with Alnwick Castle and the poison gardens at Alnwick.

Air-conditioned coach travel and live commentary are included; attraction tickets and food are extra. 4.58 from 539 reviews at €64 per person for 9h 30m.

How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Price and inclusions

One price for every traveller: €64 per adult.

Included and not included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Live commentary on board
  • Knowledgeable driver-guide
  • Food and drinks
  • Attraction Tickets
  • Gratuities
  • Restroom on board
  • WiFi on board
  • Entrance to Lindisfarne Castle
  • Entrance to Alnwick Castle

Children from €62 (ages 4 to 16). Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 3 October 2026.

Reviews

4.6
539 ratings
Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor

88% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 477 of 539

Star breakdown of all 539 ratings

5 stars
419 · 78%
4 stars
58 · 11%
3 stars
33 · 6%
2 stars
12 · 2%
1 star
17 · 3%

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the guides and castle visits; Holy Island can feel rushed or be missed because of tides.

Praised

  • Knowledgeable guides who mix regional history with stories and humour
  • Alnwick Castle and its gardens as highlights of the visit
  • Holy Island and the coastal and countryside scenery along the route
  • Guides offer practical tips on making the most of each stop

Complaints

  • Some find the stops unhurried, while others want more time to explore Holy Island
  • Holy Island omitted due to tides with little advance notice
  • Confusion over separate tickets for Alnwick Castle and garden visits
  • Reports of delayed refunds after cancelled departures

Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (13 June 2025 to 1 October 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.

Latest reviews

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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.

Meeting point and route

Meeting point

Where
Our Edinburgh tours depart from Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW, outside the NCP Car Park. What3Words Address: ///casino.cove.works · Open in Google Maps
Departure
08:45 daily; scheduled through September 2027 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Return
This activity ends back at the meeting point
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
Timberbush Tours; booking and payment are completed on Viator

Itinerary

About this tour, from the operator

Explore the scenic coastal route between Edinburgh and the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. Visit Alnwick Castle, see Holy Island, taste some Mead brewed by monks and explore the magnificent poison gardens at Alnwick.

Walking, children and accessibility

The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.

Walking and health

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children

  • Minimum age is 4 years old.

Accessibility

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.

Good to know

  • Food not included bring or buy your own
  • Children from €62 ages 4 to 16

Cancellation policy

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

  • 1+ days: Full refund
  • 0-1 days: No refund
From €64 per adult