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Scottish Borders and Northumberland: Alnwick Castle Tour
4.8
365 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
(365 Ratings)
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Ryanwi411ia
Jul 27, 2025
Great time with Tiegan the Scottish witch checking out Harry Potter history - We had a great time with Tiegan and really enjoyed the tours of Alnwick castle. All the info Tiegan provided through the trip aswell the excellent recommendations were great to checkout each stop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janekn9091pl
Jul 20, 2025
Wonderful Castle Day - My husband booked this day trip as part of our Scottish honeymoon, and we could not have loved it more! Ry had a truly impressive knowledge of Scottish history, and an incredible talent for storytelling that made the rides to the castles feel short! He also had great recommendations for each castle to make sure that each visitor on the tour was set up for success. I am also traveling with an allergy (gluten), and between the sandwiches I packed and the gf options at each establishment I was well fed all day :) the second castle even had a gf sandwich option— though I opted for the brownie, which was incredible. I would recommend Ry’s tour to anyone! 5 stars!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrewww5306qp
Jul 20, 2025
- Ry was a fun and very knowledgeable tour guide and both Bamburgh and Alnwick Castles were incredible! Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Prer909
Jul 20, 2025
- Fantastic tour. We got good enough time to enjoy the castles, get some good food and just absorb the natural beauty these places have to offer. The drive from Edinburgh is a bit long but it's made fun with all the fun facts Ry tells and the brilliant playlist he has put together. Ry drove us through some beautiful places and mixed facts with humor to make things fun. Of course being in Hogwarts is a magical experience.. they offer a tour highlighting all film locations, if you get to do that with Alex, you are in luck. She is wonderful and funny! It was a day very well spent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennycristal
Jul 19, 2025
- It was an excellent idea to have taken this tour. It is everything you expect from a tour, transport cute and comfortable, informative and convenient. Alanwick Castle loved it. Dave was our guide and was excellent, gave us a lot of important information, and traditional music along the way. I'd take this tour again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ramonpatlan
Jul 19, 2025
- Dave was amazing, he gives a lot of great insight about history and culture, you really can tell how much he loves his job and his heritage. Thanks to him I want to come back soon and see more about Scotland
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Amysw1387by
Jul 17, 2025
Run, run as fast as you can.... to book a tour with Lord Torva Farquaad! - Torva was an engaging and entertaining guide! Top Dad jokes and historical knowledge! Epic 90's English playlist and sing-a-long made this day even more memorable!
Would 100% recommend this well balanced day tour combining spectacular Northumbrian coastal scenery, history and quaint villages!
Definitely worth the add on to enter both castles to maximise the amount of history you can discover on the tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brendond830
Jul 15, 2025
Best worst dad jokes from not a dad - Beautiful trip through Scotland to just beyond the border with England. Torva our tour guide has the BEST worst jokes (think dad jokes, but since he is not a dad… they are just jokes). Never chuckled so much while learning about history. If you can, try and get on his tour, you will not regret it.
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J7233ymjoshuac
Jul 15, 2025
Lord Farquaad is a gem! - Lord Torva Farquaad is AMAZING! Full of knowledge and funny anecdotes. He made this tour one for the memory books! Absolutely loved it and want to tour with him again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guide06202281217
Jul 5, 2025
Lovely, lovely!! - The countryside was beautiful as was Alnwick! The view of the ocean at Bamburgh was lovely as well. Our tour guide Ry did a great job getting us around and entertaining us with stories and music while we traveled.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
