Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour From Edinburgh

Exploring the captivating landscape and rich history of the Scottish Borders region has never been easier than with the Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh. This comprehensive tour whisks travelers away to uncover the 5th-century Bamburgh Castle, the iconic Alnwick Castle that has graced the silver screen, and the charming border town of Coldstream. With knowledgeable guides providing insightful commentary, visitors can enjoy the cultural heritage of this enchanting area. The seamless transportation experience ensures a comfortable journey, leaving participants eager to discover more about the hidden gems that await along the tour’s itinerary.

Key Points

• 9.5-hour tour from Edinburgh exploring the Scottish Borders, including visits to Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle, and the border town of Coldstream.
• Tour highlights include seeing filming locations for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, as well as the opportunity to explore the historic Alnwick Castle.
• Comprehensive transportation via comfortable, air-conditioned bus or coach, with a knowledgeable guide providing insights and commentary throughout the journey.
• Optional entry fees for Alnwick Castle and Gardens, allowing visitors to fully experience these attractions at their own pace.
• The tour offers a captivating blend of medieval history, stunning architecture, and scenic landscapes along the Northumberland coastline and in the Scottish Borders region.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This 9.5-hour excursion from Edinburgh takes visitors on a journey through the stunning Scottish Borders region, allowing them to explore the iconic Bamburgh Castle, the renowned Alnwick Castle, and the charming border town of Coldstream.

Along the way, guests will witness the impressive 5th-century Bamburgh Castle and have the option to visit the filming location for both Harry Potter and Downton Abbey – Alnwick Castle.

The tour also includes a stop in Coldstream, a picturesque border town. With transportation provided by bus or coach, this tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, showcasing the best of the Scottish Borders in a single day.

Itinerary

The tour departs Edinburgh and heads east towards the Scottish Borders, allowing guests to take in the stunning countryside along the way.

The first stop is Bamburgh, where visitors can view the impressive 5th-century Bamburgh Castle.

Next, the group will spend 3 hours exploring the renowned Alnwick Castle, which has served as a filming location for popular TV shows and movies like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

After Alnwick, the tour will make a stop in the border town of Coldstream before returning to Edinburgh.

Throughout the journey, guests will have access to downloadable audio guides to enhance their understanding of the history and significance of each location.

Transportation

Getting to the various destinations on this tour is provided via a comfortable bus or coach.

The journey from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders covers a distance of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, while the drive to Bamburgh Castle is around 1 hour.

Afterward, the group will spend 3 hours exploring the renowned Alnwick Castle before heading to the border town of Coldstream, a trip of roughly 75 minutes.

The transportation for this tour includes:

• Spacious, air-conditioned buses or coaches
• Professional, experienced drivers
• Ample legroom and storage for luggage
• Scenic views of the Scottish countryside along the way

Inclusions

The tour package includes comprehensive transportation and guiding services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.

Specifically, it provides transportation via bus or coach, with the total duration of the journey being approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. The tour also includes the services of a knowledgeable guide who’ll provide insights and commentary throughout the excursion.

Plus, the package comes with downloadable audio guides that allow participants to explore the sites at their own pace.

If the optional ticket to Alnwick Castle and Gardens is selected, the entry fees for these attractions are also included in the package. However, the cost of food and drinks isn’t covered.

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Exclusions

Aside from the comprehensive transportation and guiding services, the tour package doesn’t cover the cost of food and drinks for participants. This means that tour-goers will need to plan and budget for their own meals and refreshments throughout the day-long excursion.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 years of age.

The exclusions for this tour include:

• Food and drinks
• Entry fees for Alnwick Castle and Gardens, unless the optional ticket is purchased
• Accommodations for the duration of the tour
• Activities or attractions not specified in the included itinerary

It’s important for prospective travelers to be aware of these exclusions when deciding whether this tour aligns with their needs and budget.

Bamburgh Castle

Perched majestically on a rocky outcrop, Bamburgh Castle commands a striking presence along the Northumberland coastline, captivating visitors with its 5th-century origins and centuries-old history. This impressive castle has weathered many battles and has been the seat of numerous powerful dynasties, including the kings of Northumbria. Visitors can explore the castle’s grand state rooms, explore its rich past at the museum, and soak in the breathtaking coastal views from the castle’s ramparts. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a picturesque backdrop, Bamburgh Castle is a must-visit destination that will leave a lasting impression.

Feature	Description
Construction	Dating back to the 5th century
Architecture	A mixture of medieval and Victorian styles
Key Attractions	State rooms, museum, coastal views
Significance	Seat of the kings of Northumbria

Alnwick Castle

Though overshadowed by the grandeur of Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle stands as an impressive architectural marvel in its own right, serving as a key filming location for various cinematic productions, including the Harry Potter and Downton Abbey franchises.

During the 3-hour visit, guests can explore the castle’s expansive grounds and interiors, which include:

• The Alnwick Castle Gardens, renowned for their intricate design and stunning floral displays
• The Treehouse, an award-winning structure that houses a restaurant and visitor center
• The Courtyard, where visitors can witness historical re-enactments and demonstrations
• The State Rooms, boasting exquisite furnishings and artwork that showcase the castle’s rich history.

Coldstream Border Town

After exploring the grandeur of Alnwick Castle, the tour makes a stop at the quaint border town of Coldstream, situated along the River Tweed and straddling the boundary between England and Scotland. Coldstream is a charming town with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Visitors can stroll along the Main Street, admiring the Georgian architecture and browsing the local shops and cafes. The town is also home to the Coldstream Guards, the oldest regiment in the British Army, and visitors can learn about its storied past at the local museum. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, Coldstream is a delightful addition to the Scottish Borders tour.

Fact	Value
Founded	16th century
River	River Tweed
Border	England-Scotland
Regiment	Coldstream Guards
Museum	Local history museum

Recap

The Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s captivating history and scenic landscapes.

Travelers can enjoy the rich cultural heritage, with knowledgeable guides providing insights and the option to visit iconic sites like Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh Castle.

The tour provides a seamless transportation experience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey through the charming border town of Coldstream.

You can check if your dates are available here: