Embarking on a journey through the captivating Scottish Borders and northern England, this full-day tour from Edinburgh promises an immersive exploration of the region’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. Travelers will cross the border, guided by a knowledgeable expert who delves into the intriguing past and present of each remarkable destination. From the impressive Melrose Abbey to the grand Alnwick Castle and the picturesque Howick Hall Gardens, this comprehensive excursion offers an exceptional value with comfortable transportation and all entrance fees included. For those seeking to uncover the hidden gems that lie just beyond Edinburgh’s limits, this tour presents a compelling opportunity to discover the enchanting wonders that await.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Edinburgh visits the Scottish Borders region, crossing into England to explore Melrose Abbey, Alnwick Castle, and Howick Hall Gardens.
- The tour is led by a live, English-speaking guide and lasts 10.5 hours, providing in-depth commentary on the history and highlights of the region.
- Highlights include the intricate carvings of Melrose Abbey, the grand state rooms and gardens of Alnwick Castle, and the picturesque Howick Hall Gardens.
- Alnwick Castle, the second-largest inhabited castle in England, offers a glimpse into the Percy family’s history and features locations used in the Harry Potter films.
- The tour includes comfortable transportation, all entrance fees, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing a hassle-free and comprehensive experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Details
- Highlights
- Melrose Abbey
- Alnwick Castle
- Howick Hall Gardens
- Transportation and Inclusions
- Pricing and Booking
- Tour Duration and Departure
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Edinburgh
- More Tours in Edinburgh
- More Tour Reviews in Edinburgh
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Edinburgh we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Details
The tour is a full-day excursion from Edinburgh that departs from the city and lasts 10.5 hours, with a live English-speaking guide providing commentary throughout.
Travelers will cross the Scottish border into England during the tour. The highlights include visiting Melrose Abbey, one of the most beautiful ruins in Europe, exploring Alnwick Castle – the second-largest inhabited castle in England, and taking a walk through the Gardens of Howick Hall.
Transportation and entrance fees are all included in the tour price. Priced at $84.35 per person, the tour allows travelers to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Edinburgh.
Highlights
Travelers on this tour can look forward to crossing the Scottish border into England, visiting the stunning Melrose Abbey, exploring the impressive Alnwick Castle, and strolling through the picturesque Gardens of Howick Hall.
At Melrose Abbey, they’ll discover the final resting place of Scottish kings and one of the most beautiful ruins in Europe.
Alnwick Castle, the second-largest inhabited castle in England, has been lived in for over 700 years and served as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies.
The tour also includes a visit to Howick Hall Gardens, the home of the famous Earl Grey tea.
With a range of fascinating highlights, this day tour offers an in-depth exploration of the Scottish Borders and northern England.
Melrose Abbey
After crossing the border into England, the tour makes a stop at Melrose Abbey, one of the most impressive and historically significant abbeys in Scotland.
This Gothic-style monastery, founded in the 12th century, served as the final resting place for several early Scottish kings and is renowned for its intricate carvings and architectural beauty.
Visitors can explore the abbey’s impressive ruins, which include the remains of the nave, transept, and choir. The site also features a serene garden, providing a peaceful respite.
As one of the highlights of the Scottish Borders region, Melrose Abbey offers a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history and the country’s religious heritage.
Alnwick Castle
Following the visit to Melrose Abbey, the tour continues onward to the second major highlight of the day – Alnwick Castle, the 2nd-largest inhabited castle in England.
Alnwick Castle has been home to the Percy family, the Dukes of Northumberland, for over 700 years, and its grand architecture and historical significance make it a must-see attraction for visitors to the region.
Visitors can explore the impressive state rooms, marvel at the ornate ceilings, and even recognize some of the castle’s locations from the Harry Potter films.
The tour also includes a visit to the Castle’s captivating gardens, which feature a treehouse, a grand cascade, and a poison garden showcasing deadly plants.
More Great Tours NearbyHowick Hall Gardens
The tour also includes a visit to Howick Hall Gardens, the ancestral home of the Earl Grey tea.
Visitors can stroll through the lush, tranquil gardens, which showcase a diverse array of plant life and offer picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
The gardens feature a mix of formal and informal landscapes, with manicured lawns, scenic woodland walks, and a stunning walled garden.
Guests can explore the estate’s history and learn about the origins of the famous Earl Grey tea, which was first blended using bergamot oil from fruits grown on the property.
The peaceful setting of Howick Hall Gardens provides a delightful contrast to the grandeur of Alnwick Castle, completing the cultural experience of this day tour.
Transportation and Inclusions
As part of the tour, transportation between the key sites is provided, allowing participants to relax and enjoy the scenery as they travel from Edinburgh through the Scottish Borders and into England.
The tour also includes the services of an English-speaking guide who’ll provide commentary and historical insights throughout the day.
This comprehensive tour package includes:
- Comfortable transportation in a climate-controlled vehicle
- Knowledgeable, English-speaking guide to enhance the experience
- Entrance fees to all the featured attractions, including Melrose Abbey and Alnwick Castle
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for the traveler
With all the logistics taken care of, guests can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the rich history and stunning landscapes of this captivating region.
Pricing and Booking
For this tour, prices start at $84.35 per person. Booking can be done online, allowing travelers to reserve their spot and pay later.
On top of that, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for those with changing plans. This makes it easy for visitors to secure their spot on this exciting day trip from Edinburgh without having to worry about unexpected schedule changes.
The tour covers a lot of ground, from the Scottish Borders to the historic Alnwick Castle in England. With transportation, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees included, this tour provides excellent value for the price.
Whether you’re interested in architecture, nature, or Harry Potter film locations, this day trip has a lot to offer.
Tour Duration and Departure
This full-day excursion from Edinburgh covers a significant amount of ground, with a duration of 10.5 hours.
Departing from the Scottish capital, the tour whisks visitors across the border into England, allowing them to explore the historic Alnwick Castle and the picturesque Scottish Borders region.
The tour is led by a live, English-speaking guide, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.
From Edinburgh: Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Tour
Recap
This comprehensive tour from Edinburgh offers an excellent way to explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of the Scottish Borders and northern England.
With visits to the magnificent Melrose Abbey, the impressive Alnwick Castle, and the picturesque Howick Hall Gardens, travelers will be immersed in the region’s captivating heritage.
Comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive pricing make this tour an exceptional value for those seeking to discover the enchanting beauty of this captivating area.
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