From Edinburg: Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle Day Tour

Explore the captivating Viking heritage and medieval grandeur of Northumberland on this comprehensive day tour from Edinburgh. Venture to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a site steeped in history, before marveling at the impressive Alnwick Castle, known as the ‘Windsor of the North.’ Led by an expert guide, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the region’s rich past through engaging activities and a guided castle visit. Whether you’re a history buff or seeking a family-friendly adventure, this journey along the Viking coast promises to enchant and educate.

Key Points

1. A comprehensive tour exploring the historic sites and landscapes along the Northumberland coast, including the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the renowned Alnwick Castle.

2. Guided visit to Alnwick Castle, the ‘Windsor of the North’, with a rich history spanning over 700 years and connections to iconic films and TV shows.

3. Opportunity to explore the remains of the 16th-century Lindisfarne Castle and the Lindisfarne Priory, an important center of early Christian monasticism.

4. Expert guide providing insights into the Viking heritage and early Christian history of the region, along with round-trip transportation via a Mercedes mini-coach.

5. Engaging activities for children, including a scavenger hunt, medieval costume dress-up, and hands-on workshops to learn about archery, calligraphy, or heraldry.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle Day Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the historic sites and landscapes along the Northumberland coast, culminating in a guided visit to the renowned Alnwick Castle.

Over the course of 9 hours, you’ll journey to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which was the site of the first Viking invasion in Britain.

You’ll then explore Alnwick Castle, often referred to as the ‘Windsor of the North,’ and discover its rich history as a filming location for beloved productions like Downton Abbey and Harry Potter.

The tour is led by an expert guide and includes round-trip transportation via a Mercedes mini-coach. Children will also enjoy the engaging activities throughout the day.

Exploring Holy Island

Visitors often begin their Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle Day Tour by crossing the tidal causeway to the picturesque Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne.

This island is steeped in history, having been the site of the first Viking invasion of Britain in 793 AD.

Guests can explore the remains of the 16th-century Lindisfarne Castle, which sits atop a rocky outcrop, and the Lindisfarne Priory, an important center of early Christian monasticism.

The tour guide provides insights into the island’s rich heritage, from its religious significance to its role in shaping English history.

With its stunning coastal landscapes and fascinating historical landmarks, Holy Island is a highlight of the Viking Coast tour.

Alnwick Castle’s History

From the picturesque Holy Island, the tour moves on to the impressive Alnwick Castle, known as the ‘Windsor of the North.’ This iconic castle has a rich history spanning over 700 years, having served as the ancestral home of the powerful Percy family and playing a significant role in shaping England’s past.

Alnwick Castle’s history is filled with intriguing tales. It’s been a stronghold against Scottish invaders, a site of bitter family feuds, and even a film set for beloved franchises like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Visitors can explore the castle’s grand state rooms, impressive architecture, and captivating stories that bring the past to life.

Key Facts
Construction Began	1096
Original Owner	The Vesci Family
Current Owner	The Duke of Northumberland
Notable Events	– Siege by King John in 1212 – Hosting of Queen Elizabeth I – Filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey

Guided Castle Tour

As part of the Alnwick Castle tour, visitors embark on a guided exploration, seeing the castle’s rich history and captivating stories.

The knowledgeable guides lead guests through the grand medieval halls, regaling them with tales of the noble families who once called this place home. They’ll discover the castle’s connections to iconic films and TV shows, from Downton Abbey to the Harry Potter series.

Along the way, visitors can admire the intricate architecture, ornate furnishings, and breathtaking views. The guided tour provides a comprehensive and engaging experience, allowing guests to explore the castle’s multi-faceted past and appreciate its enduring significance in British history.

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Activities for Children

The tour offers engaging activities that cater to children, allowing them to explore the castle’s enchanting grounds and uncover its magical secrets.

Young adventurers can participate in a variety of interactive experiences designed to spark their imagination. These include:

1. A scavenger hunt that guides them through the castle’s hidden corridors and chambers, searching for clues and solving puzzles.
2. Dressing up in medieval costumes and role-playing as knights, princesses, or wizards, seeing the castle’s rich history.
3. Hands-on workshops where they can learn about the art of archery, calligraphy, or heraldry, providing a glimpse into the everyday lives of the castle’s inhabitants.

These activities ensure that children leave the tour with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the castle’s captivating history.

Included Amenities

This tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities to enhance the overall experience. The tour is led by a knowledgeable driver/guide who provides live commentary in English throughout the journey.

Visitors are transported in a comfortable Mercedes mini-coach, ensuring a smooth and pleasant ride. Entrance fees to all the featured attractions, including Holy Island (Lindisfarne) and Alnwick Castle, are covered in the tour price.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 16 passengers, providing a more personalized experience. While meals and drinks aren’t included, the tour offers the flexibility for travelers to explore local cuisines and refreshments at their own pace.

Cancellation Policy

Providing flexibility for travelers, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Alternatively, visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring convenient booking.

The cancellation policy caters to the needs of every traveler:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour for a full refund.
2. Reserve your spot now and pay later, allowing for easy planning.
3. Worry-free booking with the option to cancel or modify plans if needed.

This thoughtful cancellation policy gives travelers the peace of mind to book the tour without hesitation, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary.

With these flexible options, the Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle Day Tour provides a hassle-free booking experience.

Getting to the Tour

With the cancellation policy offering flexibility, travelers can now focus on getting to the tour.

Visitors traveling to the Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle Day Tour have several convenient options to reach the designated meeting point. Those coming from Edinburgh can take the train or bus, with the journey taking around 1-2 hours.

Alternatively, travelers can arrange for private transportation, such as a taxi or rental car, which provides more flexibility and convenience.

Once at the meeting location, you will be greeted by the friendly driver/guide who’ll escort the group throughout the day’s activities.

With these transportation choices, getting to the start of the tour is straightforward, allowing guests to relax and look forward to the exciting journey ahead.

Recap

This comprehensive day tour offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Northumberland’s rich heritage.

Exploring the historic sites of Holy Island and Alnwick Castle, the tour provides an immersive and educational experience for the whole family.

Led by an expert guide, the tour includes engaging activities for children, ensuring a truly memorable journey along the Viking coast.

You can check if your dates are available here: