1-Day Alnwick Castle, Northumberland Coast & Scottish Borders

Visit Alnwick Castle Tour from Edinburgh with The Hairy Coo!

This trip is essential for those who have read the Harry Potter books, seen the movies or ever dreamed of becoming a wizard

DEPARTURE

Check-In 8:00 AM

Tour Departs 8:15 AM

Outside Deacons’ House Cafe, 304 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PS

Seats are unreserved so we recommend you arrive early if you have a preference of where you would like to sit.

The tour will leave at 8:15am prompt. We are unable to wait for guests who are late and no refunds will be issued in this instance.

DURATION

Tour concludes outside Deacons’ House Cafe, 304 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PS at approximately 6:30 PM.

ABOUT YOUR TOUR

Departing Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, we travel south through the leafy, affluent suburbs of the city towards the Pentland Hills. This morning we visit the rolling, beautiful hills of the Scottish Borders. Hear tales from your Guide about the infamous Border Reivers, who raided villages and settlements in this part of the country for centuries – friends to neither the Scots nor the English!

You’ll see for yourself why Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s greatest cultural figures, loved this landscape and you will learn why it became his home. If time permits, we will visit the breathtaking Scott’s View to admire the stunning view of the River Tweed and Eildon Hills.

We’ll make a short visit to the historic Borders town of Melrose, home of the famous Abbey which is burial place to many of Scotland’s nobility. Your Guide will tell you the inspiring story of Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s ‘Outlaw King’, whose heart is said to be interred in the Abbey.

It’s then across the English border and on to the magical Alnwick Castle. A dream come true for Harry Potter fanatics from around the world, you will have plenty of time to explore the corridors, great halls and courtyards of the real school of witchcraft and wizardry, Hogwarts! See where Harry learned to fly and to play Quidditch in the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. You might even wish to take part in their famous Broomstick Training sessions with the resident Wizarding Professor!

Whilst we can’t promise that you will become a bonafide wizard on this tour, we can promise the next best thing. Used as a filming location for Hogwarts, Alnwick Castle has both a medieval and magical charm about it. The castle dates from the 11th century and is a ‘Grade 1’ listed building. It possesses a rich and interesting history, a few Hollywood secrets and it’s very own Duke and Duchess who continue to reside there today.

Some guests may prefer to explore breathtaking Alnwick Gardens, originally developed by the Duke of Northumberland in the 18th Century and redeveloped by a charitable trust over the past 20 years. Or indeed, the charming village of Alnwick itself which is home to the largest second hand book store in the UK.

Late afternoon, we depart Alnwick and travel North along the rugged ‘Viking Coast’ towards the Scottish border. We’ll stop in the picturesque village of Bamburgh and enjoy spectacular views of the imposing Castle overlooking the bay. Take yourself back in time and imagine Viking longships attacking this strategic stronghold in the 10th Century! Or, enjoy local ice-cream in the sun as you stroll along the beautiful beach. From here it is back to Edinburgh for approximately 6:30pm.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

• Experienced ‘Hairy Coo’ Driver Guide providing live commentary and storytelling throughout.
• Travel on one of our luxury, modern, air-conditioned coaches.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

• Food & drink.
• Gratuities for your Driver Guide.
• Optional Extras are purchasable on the day with cash only.
  • Alnwick Castle and Gardens – Adults £20.50, Children £10.75
  • Melrose Abbey – Adults £3.80, Children £2.25

(Price subject to change)

 

WHAT WILL WE SEE ON TOUR?

8:15am

Depart Edinburgh

♦ Melrose Abbey

♦ Alnwick Castle & Gardens

♦ Bamburgh Beach and Castle

Arrive Back in Edinburgh

6:30pm

 

♦ Stop

BEFORE YOUR TOUR

• We recommend you bring warm and/or waterproof clothing, no matter what the forecast appears to be…Scotland’s weather is very unpredictable!
• Don’t forget your camera to capture all the lovely scenery and wildlife you’ll encounter on your tour, which you can later share with us online
• We must remind you that while picturesque and quaint, many of the suppliers in smaller towns do still prefer cash payments
• You are more than welcome to bring along a carry-on bag on the tour which can be packed with essentials for the day, but we would advise keeping this bag as light and small as possible to maximise your comfort on board
• Food is readily available at the majority of stops on tour, but you are absolutely more than welcome to bring snacks and a cold packed lunch on board. Hot drinks and soups are permitted but only if they have a secure lid.