Recently Viewed
Scottish Borders and Northumberland: Alnwick Castle Tour
4.8
435 Ratings
Edinburgh
Immerse yourself in movie magic and historical grandeur on a day trip from Edinburgh to Alnwick Castle. Explore the Scottish Borders and visit iconic filming locations from Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
Immerse yourself in movie magic and historical grandeur on a day trip from Edinburgh to Alnwick Castle. Explore the Scottish Borders and visit iconic filming locations from Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
Duration:
9 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Bamburgh Castle - Passing gentle rolling hills and dramatic coastline, we’ll cross the border with England to explore Bamburgh in the heart of Northumberland. The mighty Bamburgh Castle was the seat of the early Kings of Northumbria in the 5th century.
- Alnwick Castle - In the afternoon, have your broomsticks at the ready as we’re off to…
- Bamburgh Castle - Passing gentle rolling hills and dramatic coastline, we’ll cross the border with England to explore Bamburgh in the heart of Northumberland. The mighty Bamburgh Castle was the seat of the early Kings of Northumbria in the 5th century.
- Alnwick Castle - In the afternoon, have your broomsticks at the ready as we’re off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England. A long, rich history and magnificent medieval architecture makes it a film lovers’ dream.
- Coldstream - After spending time in Alnwick, we make our way back over the border and in to Scotland. On our drive home we’ll regale you with tales of the turbulent past before arriving into Edinburgh early evening.
What's Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local English Speaking Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local English Speaking Guide
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees to Alnwick Castle (can be purchased at check-in)
- Tips
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees to Alnwick Castle (can be purchased at check-in)
- Tips
Additional Information
Experience the enchantment of cinema and the allure of history on this small-group tour through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. Explore the charming coastal village of Bamburgh and enjoy the stunning views of the 5th-century Bamburgh Castle. However, the highlight of this journey is Alnwick Castle, a prominent filming site for Harry Potter and…
Experience the enchantment of cinema and the allure of history on this small-group tour through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. Explore the charming coastal village of Bamburgh and enjoy the stunning views of the 5th-century Bamburgh Castle. However, the highlight of this journey is Alnwick Castle, a prominent filming site for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, as well as a historic landmark of grand conquests and regal magnificence. Embark on this tour and be captivated by the regions of the Scottish and English borders.
- Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
- It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
- Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
- Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
- The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
- If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
- The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Location
Highland Explorer Tours
High Street
This tour will depart at 8:15 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
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
4.8
(435 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Amy_t
Dec 18, 2025
Super pretty - Comfy shoes and a rain slicker came in handy. Super pretty, the castle on the sea was amazing, loved the whole experience.
Review provided by Viator
Christinl303
Oct 24, 2025
Wonderful - The ride was great! Tim was great, very informative and fun. I have always felt very comfortable and safe. He has a lot of knowledge that he shared with us in a very funny way.
The two castles were great. The village around it rather quiet and quite little to see, but we were also there on the last open day. Nevertheless, they were also very beautiful!
All in all really a great tour that you can really only recommend. ❤️
For Tim: please stay so fun and informative, because that made the ride even more beautiful. 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
126enyas
Oct 22, 2025
Castles trip - It was an incredibly fun trip, while driving fun facts and stories are told and you see a lot of beautiful things. The castles are really beautiful inside and out, there is plenty to do and get your comb at both castles for food and drinks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bolzancamila
Oct 22, 2025
Perfect - It was wonderful, the most beautiful places I've ever seen! The guide Rich very friendly and friendly! I hope to come back one day 😍😍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F8538muashleys
Oct 22, 2025
Best day tour from Edinburgh - The tour was well organized and so fun!! Rich was the best guide..very friendly and knowledgeable. It was the perfect day to visit the castles and see the countryside. 10/10
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Companion37490459645
Oct 21, 2025
Our driver was better than your driver. 😉 - Visiting the castles was what we hoped they would be. Rich in history and breathtakingly beautiful. What made the tour even better was our driver, Ry. He was so helpful and kind, provided loads of additional history about Scotland along the journey, and his positive attitude made the whole day perfect, from start to finish. He even provided us with his Scottish playlist! 🎶♥️ He was the best!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T2560wsjennyl
Oct 21, 2025
Great Fall Tour! - Ry was an excellent tour guide going above and beyond the usual touring facts. He loves his job and his pride for his country shined throughout the day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
806adinl
Oct 21, 2025
Fall tour of Northumbria! - Ry is a great tour guide and has great stories to tell! We had plenty of time at each destination. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would definitely do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyager12303077365
Oct 21, 2025
Highly recommended! - RY was really a great guide, he provided us with interesting facts and the musical background during the ride was absolutely fitting.
All in all a very nice trip.
Both castles were so beautiful.
Recommendation!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H2065bsrobertm
Mar 11, 2026
Rip-off - You advertise tour prices at "From $87.52 per adult" but charge for 1 Adult x $94.36, and 1 Senior x $90.25 , 1 Child x $90.25. WITH Alnwick Castle entrance fees your total shows 1 Adult x $172.30, 1 Senior x $168.20, 1 Child x $168.20. HOW do you calculate that increase when the castle website shows that they only charge £22.00 for an adult, £17.90 for seniors and just £11.60 for a child?
Review provided by Tripadvisor
More activities from this operator
