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Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

4.7 Great 177 reviews
|
9h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
177 reviews
5
136
4
31
3
3
2
4
1
3
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended by 94% of travellers: 167 four- and five-star reviews

Overview

Guidekin summary

Visit Holy Island and Alnwick Castle, following the Northumberland coastline and returning through the Borders. Air-conditioned mini-coach transport and live commentary are included; attraction entry costs extra, and children must be at least five. 4.66 from 177 reviews at €82 per person for 9h.

From the guide

This popular very small group tour of around 12 passengers explores Holy Island - scene of the first Viking invasion of Britain - and Alnwick Castle (filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey) before returning north to Edinburgh via the beautiful Borders. You will enjoy stunning views along the Northumberland coastline before arriving at Alnwick Castle for a minimum of two-and-a-half hours (33% 'on the day' discount for Heart of Scotland Tours customers/no prebooking required). On Holy Island you may want to include the beautiful short walk to Lindisfarne Castle and a visit to the picturesque Abbey.

Schedule & Availability

Runs Thu, Sun
Departs: 09:00
Scheduled through October 2027

This tour runs Thu, Sun, departing at 09:00. 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

Local guide
Driver/guide
Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach
Live commentary on board
Very small group tour - average group size of around 12 passengers

What's Not Included

Food and drinks
Gratuities
Attraction Entrance Fees

Itinerary

Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve Stop 1
protects a stretch of coastline, including the dunes of Lindisfarne (Holy Island).
Pass by
Lindisfarne Priory Stop 2
During your time on Holy Island (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) you will have time to visit Lindisfarne Priory (entrance at own expense).
1h 15m
Lindisfarne Castle Stop 3
During your time on Holy Island (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) you will enjoy wonderful views to Lindisfarne Castle. If you choose to make a short visit, entrance will be at your own expense.
1h 15m
Bamburgh Castle Stop 4
Enjoy views over to Bamburgh Castle from Holy Island.
Pass by
Farne Islands Stop 5
Enjoy views to the Farne Islands from Holy Island.
Pass by
Alnwick Castle Stop 6
Arriving at Alnwick Castle around lunchtime you’ll stop here for a minimum of two-and-a-half hours. This amazing castle, one of Europe’s finest, has been the centre of many historical events – from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and English to the intrigue of the Guy Fawkes plot. Its sumptuous setting and exquisite architecture has famously been used as a filming location, including the Harry Potter movies (Hogwarts) and Downton Abbey. Visit the new Downton Abbey exhibition featuring costumes, photography and props from the series and enjoy ‘Harry Spotter Tours’, revisiting some of your favourite scenes. Next door to the castle is the world-renowned Alnwick Garden, several acres of beautiful parks, woodland walks and the Poison Garden.
2h 30m
The Alnwick Garden Stop 7
During our stop at Alnwick Castle (minimum 2.5 hours) you will also have time to visit the world-renowned Alnwick Garden; several acres of beautiful parks, woodland walks and the Poison Garden.
2h 30m
Northumberland National Park Stop 8
The return home takes you through beautiful Border country and Northumberland National Park. We will stop for refreshments and to stretch legs along the way.
15 min
Coldstream Stop 9
We stop for refreshments and an opportunity to admire the beautiful rolling landscape which nestles between two historic and proud nations.
30 min

Departure & Return

Start point

This tour departs from (and returns to) Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie's Restaurant). Please arrive no later than 08.45.

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End point

This tour departs from (and returns to) Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie's Restaurant). Please arrive no later than 08.45.

Additional Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Very small group tour - average group size of around 12 passengers
  • Minimum age is 5 years old
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions (unless it is unsafe to do so), please dress appropriately
  • Please inform us 7 days in advance if you are bringing a service animal

Cancellation Policy

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

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund

Compared with other Day Trips from Edinburgh

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #76 of 90€829h4.66 (177)shared
Stirling, Highlands & Distillery in Spanish€7712h4.98 (405)shared
Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William€5412h4.93 (6417)shared
Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands€5412h 30m4.92 (6699)shared

Ranked #76 of 90 in Day Trips from Edinburgh by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €54 to €940, median €77; typical length 10h. 26 of 90 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 90 Day Trips from Edinburgh

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