Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour From Edinburgh

Exploring the historic Scottish Borders region from Edinburgh, the Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour offers an engaging 9.5-hour experience for history buffs and film enthusiasts alike. Guests explore the rich past of Bamburgh Castle and the iconic Alnwick Castle, whose impressive architecture and famous film cameos captivate visitors. Along the scenic coastal route, the tour weaves together the intriguing narratives of these iconic landmarks, leaving participants eager to uncover more about the region’s captivating heritage. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or simply appreciate grand historic sites, this immersive tour promises to transport you through time and space.

Key Points

• This 9.5-hour tour from Edinburgh explores the Scottish Borders, including visits to Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle, and the town of Coldstream.
• The tour features a live English-speaking guide and provides optional entry to Alnwick Castle and Gardens, highlighting filming locations for popular TV shows and movies.
• Participants can enjoy the rich history and architecture of the sites, with the opportunity to enjoy scenic coastal views along the Scottish Borders.
• The tour is suitable for adults, children, and seniors, with clear guidelines for age-related restrictions and a focus on family-friendly participation.
• The tour has received positive reviews, with high ratings for the guide, transportation, service, and organization, though some suggestions for longer stops at various locations have been noted.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh offers visitors an opportunity to explore the historic sites and stunning landscapes of the region.

This 9.5-hour tour costs from $78.55 per person and includes stops at Bamburgh, Alnwick Castle, and the border town of Coldstream.

Participants can expect a live English-speaking guide, optional entry to Alnwick Castle and Gardens, and the chance to learn about filming locations for popular TV shows and movies.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is both flexible and likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to reserve your spot in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting with the tour’s departure point in Edinburgh, visitors embark on a journey to explore the historic sites and stunning landscapes of the Scottish Borders region. The first stop is the coastal town of Bamburgh, where guests can admire the impressive 5th-century Bamburgh Castle. The tour then continues to the highlight of the day – Alnwick Castle, known for its appearances in the Harry Potter and Downton Abbey franchises. Guests have 3 hours to explore the castle’s grand interiors and stroll through its meticulously landscaped gardens. Afterward, the tour travels along the Scottish Borders coast, offering scenic views, before reaching the border town of Coldstream.

Stop	Duration
Bamburgh	45 minutes
Alnwick Castle	3 hours
Coldstream	N/A
Scenic Views	N/A

Tour Experience

What can visitors expect from the tour experience on the Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour? An immersive exploration of historic sites with the guidance of a live English-speaking tour guide.

Audio guides in multiple languages are also available for those who prefer. The tour offers the opportunity to:

• Discover the filming locations used in beloved shows like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey at Alnwick Castle.
• Explore the impressive 5th-century Bamburgh Castle.
• Admire the scenic views along the Scottish Borders coast.
• Optionally enter Alnwick Castle and Gardens for a deeper dive into the region’s history and culture.

Throughout the 9.5-hour journey, visitors can expect personalized attention and a well-organized itinerary to make the most of their time.

Transportation and Meeting Information

Visitors can convene at the designated meeting point of 60 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB, where they’ll be welcomed by check-in staff in blue high-visibility vests. Transportation for the tour is provided via bus or coach, and the departure time is 8:15 am. Participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in process.

Departure Time	Starting Location
8:15 am	60 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB

Arrival Time	Arrival Location
Varies	Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders

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Participant Information and Restrictions

The tour is suitable for adults aged 17 to 59, children aged 5 to 16, seniors aged 60 to 99, and students with valid identification.

However, it isn’t suitable for children under 5, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

There are no maximum age restrictions, but children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

• The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5.
• Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.
• There are no maximum age restrictions.
• Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have provided a positive overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 for the Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour, based on 126 reviews. The tour’s guide and transportation received average ratings of 4.3 and 4.5, respectively, while the service and organization were rated 4.5 and 4.4 on average. Positive feedback highlights the scenic views and engaging guides, though some reviewers suggest longer stops at the various locations.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.3/5
Guide	4.3/5
Transport	4.5/5
Service	4.5/5
Organization	4.4/5

Exploring Bamburgh Castle

On the way to Alnwick Castle, the tour makes a stop at the captivating Bamburgh Castle, a majestic 5th-century stronghold perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the North Sea.

Visitors can explore the castle’s rich history, including its role in the Wars of the Roses and its use as a film location.

The tour provides an opportunity to:

• Admire the castle’s impressive architecture and impressive defensive features
• Learn about the castle’s storied past as a seat of power for the Northumbrian kings
• Enjoy panoramic views of the dramatic coastline and the picturesque village of Bamburgh
• Discover the castle’s connections to popular media, such as the Harry Potter films

This stop offers a glimpse into the region’s fascinating heritage and sets the stage for the tour’s next destination, the iconic Alnwick Castle.

Discovering Alnwick Castle

After exploring the historic Bamburgh Castle, the tour proceeds to the iconic Alnwick Castle, one of the most recognizable and well-preserved castles in the UK.

Visitors spend three hours exploring this impressive 11th-century fortress, which has served as a filming location for beloved franchises like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. The knowledgeable guide shares insights into the castle’s rich history and architectural features.

Guests can also choose to explore the award-winning Alnwick Gardens, known for their stunning landscaping and unique water features.

With ample time to wander the castle’s grand halls and picturesque grounds, this stop is a highlight of the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provider allows outside food and beverages to be consumed during the journey and at the various stops along the itinerary.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

The tour company does offer discounts for group bookings. Customers can save by booking multiple tickets together, with group sizes typically starting at 4 or more people. The exact discount amount may vary, so customers should check with the provider for current group pricing.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Stop Along the Tour?

The tour spends about 45 minutes at Bamburgh, 3 hours at Alnwick Castle, and an unspecified amount of time at Coldstream and along the Scottish Borders coast. The duration at each stop may vary based on the tour schedule and group needs.

Are There Any Optional Add-Ons or Upgrades Available?

There are optional add-ons available for this tour, including entry to Alnwick Castle and Gardens. Visitors can choose to explore these sites at their own pace during the 3-hour stop at Alnwick Castle.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Audio Guide?

Yes, the tour offers audio guides available in several languages, including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. Customers can request their preferred language when booking the tour.

Recap

The Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh provides a captivating 9.5-hour experience, allowing visitors to explore historic landmarks like Bamburgh Castle and the iconic Alnwick Castle. Guided by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour offers an immersive journey through the region’s rich history and stunning scenery, making it an ideal choice for both history buffs and film enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: