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Bamburgh and Lindisfarne Day Tour: Explore Prehistoric Settlements and Historic Fortifications
5.0
11 Ratings
Bamburgh
Discover the rich history of Bamburgh and Lindisfarne on a day tour. Explore prehistoric settlements, historic fortifications, and iconic landmarks, including Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne Abbey.
Discover the rich history of Bamburgh and Lindisfarne on a day tour. Explore prehistoric settlements, historic fortifications, and iconic landmarks, including Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne Abbey.
Duration:
1 day
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Bamburgh Castle - Discover the King of Castles in the North East of England.
- Lindisfarne Priory - Described as the cradle of Christianity in England discover the story of the Island of Lindisfarne
- Bamburgh Castle - Discover the King of Castles in the North East of England.
- Lindisfarne Priory - Described as the cradle of Christianity in England discover the story of the Island of Lindisfarne
What's Included
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off - Please notify us of where you are staying in Newcastle.
- Transport by private vehicle
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off - Please notify us of where you are staying in Newcastle.
- Transport by private vehicle
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Drinks
- Lunch
Additional Information
Human settlements have been present in Bamburgh and Lindisfarne since ancient times. Bamburgh Castle, as a stronghold of the Kingdom of Northumbria, served as the hub of England’s largest kingdom during the 7th and 8th centuries. Over time, the Castle became an integral defense against Scottish invasions, eventually transforming into the formidable…
Human settlements have been present in Bamburgh and Lindisfarne since ancient times. Bamburgh Castle, as a stronghold of the Kingdom of Northumbria, served as the hub of England’s largest kingdom during the 7th and 8th centuries. Over time, the Castle became an integral defense against Scottish invasions, eventually transforming into the formidable structure visible today. Lindisfarne is renowned for the Lindisfarne Gospels and for being among the first places in the UK to suffer Viking raids. It has been termed the birthplace of English Christianity due its monastic significance in the dark ages. The tour might visit Lindisfarne at varying times depending on tidal conditions to ensure a safe passage back to the mainland. The tour also includes Bamburgh Village, with the remains of the monastery and St. Aiden’s Church being notable tourist attractions.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please contact us if you have any health problems and we will be able to advise on the suitability of the tour
Location
Bamburgh
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
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1 star
Dave_t
Sep 28, 2025
Alex was so knowledgeable - Alex was great with coordinating our pickup and knew all the details about the sights we were visiting. He covered the history and archeology and modern day politics. His stories were interesting and relevant.
Review provided by Viator
C9367bsmelanieb
Aug 15, 2025
Excellent and memorable day out - We booked the tour with Alex as we were very interested in seeing both places. He was friendly, extremely knowledgeable and brought the history and archaeology of both places alive. Nothing was too much trouble. The transport he provided was modern and comfortable. He made the most of a full day’s excursion. Would highly recommend Alex and his tours without hesitation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carlos_b
Aug 13, 2025
A chance to tour with an archaeologist - This private tour with Tommy, an archaeologist, to see Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle was the most amazing 1 day historical tours I've experienced. We spent the drive to the Holy Island talking about his digs and research in the area and about all the centuries of history. Though I had read a lot beforehand, the opportunity to talk about all the details for hours was awesome.
The tour is tailored to what you want to explore - and I was equally excited to wander around the ruins of Lindisfarne and Bamburgh. After wandering the towering ruins of the monastery, we stopped for lunch, and then explored the grounds and buildings of Bamburgh castle.
If you're a fan of Vikings and the Last Kingdom, this tour is your chance to set your feet in those scenes, and should not be missed.
Review provided by Viator
Christopher_c
Jun 20, 2025
Bamburgh and the Holy Island - Our guide, Alex, is a professional archeologist and his knowledge of early English history was amazing. The weather in June was lovely and our trip was excellent. We loved seeing Bamburgh castle, Lindisfarne, Northumberland and the coast.
Review provided by Viator
377bradleyf
May 14, 2025
Great insight from a professional archaeologist and historian! - Alex has an impressive depth of knowledge in both the history and archaeology of the sites he tours. As an American with limited background in British history, I found it incredibly helpful how he put everything into context in a way that was easy to follow and engaging. One of Alex’s greatest strengths is his ability to read the room—he knows when to dive into detail and when to keep things light, making the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grace_d
Apr 19, 2025
Illes tours is the one to use for Northern England and Scotland. Fantastic information and an excellent tour guide. - Alex shares so much more than the historical sites. He shares the history of the area and the cultures that populated it back to prehistoric times. Bamburgh and Lindisfarne are complex sites. There is much to see and more to understand about the different groups controlling the locations. I am very pleased with the information Alex shared and the kindness with which he treated us as clients. This is a top-level tour and tour guide.
Review provided by Viator
Leah_m
Apr 17, 2025
Lindisfarne & Bamburgh with Alex - Alex was a fantastic host and guide. The trips through Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle were exceptional and full of great information and history. I highly recommend Alex and Iles Tours for any of the tours in the Newcastle region.
Review provided by Viator
I5770nfsylviah
Mar 17, 2025
Visits to Medieval and later Lindisfarne Abbey and Bamburgh Castle - Given that it was the very beginning of the season, I was fortunate to be the only person on this day trip. I had a wonderful day with him: starting from the pickup from my hotel in Durham (and eventual return there); to travel in his comfortable new vehicle; to the thoughtful choice of route which would interest me; to the extensive knowledge he displayed of the sites visited as well as other features seen en route; and to the venues for morning and lunch and the delicious food options. I was very impressed with the level of detail he provided on all aspects of the sites, and especially his academic ability to satisfy my particular interests in the earlier history and archaeology of the region. I recommend him very highly indeed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
403daphneh
Nov 30, 2024
Amazing day with Iles Tours! - We went to Bamburgh Castle, Ad Gefrig and Holy Isle with Alex. It was a great day trip from start to finish. Alex was very kind and had so many interesting stories to tell us and knowledge to share. He could answer all our questions. But above all he is a very great and fun guy. We will definitely see him again next year for another day trip. Thanks again Alex!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Braddenw2022
Aug 4, 2024
Time and Money Well Spent: Fascinating Tour, Marvelous Historical Sites, Excellent Guide - We spent a delightful day with Alex on a private tour of New Castle, Bamburgh, and Lindisfarne. Not only was Alex extremely knowledgeable about the history of these places, he also enthusiastically conveyed the information, sparking our interest and more questions about what we were seeing. To top it off, Alex is an excellent conversationalist and dinner partner, and we enjoyed talking with him about a plethora of topics related to the society of present-day England and its North. We could sense the great love he has for the North, its culture, and its history, which facilitated our curiosity and learning. Frankly, we could have engaged in dialogue with him all day-- that's how interesting we found his tour-- and regretted only that the day had to end, and we had to move on in our travels. I think we can say that our day with Alex to see Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island was one of the top highlights of our entire UK trip. If we are ever back in New Castle, Durham, or Northumberland, we will be sure to engage his services again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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