- Multi-Day Tours
- 2 days
- 7 years+
Experience the BEST of the Scottish Highlands on this quintessential 2-day tour.
Quick Details
Explore the castles of the rugged ‘Viking Coast’ within Berwickshire and Northumberland as you cross the Border between Scotland and England. Step back in time at the spectacular Alnwick Castle – the real Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Enjoy the beautiful rolling hills of Sir Walter Scott’s Borders countryside and allow your Guide to immerse you in Scotland’s history with tales of Robert the Bruce, the ‘Outlaw King’.
This tour is ideal for both fans of Harry Potter and history buffs alike, looking to explore a more of Scotland and into Northern England.
This trip is essential for those who have read the Harry Potter books, seen the movies or ever dreamed of becoming a wizard
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.
Tour concludes outside Deacons’ House Cafe, 304 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PS at approximately 6:30 PM.
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.
(Price subject to change)
8:15am
Depart Edinburgh
♦ Melrose Abbey
♦ Alnwick Castle & Gardens
♦ Bamburgh Beach and Castle
Arrive Back in Edinburgh
6:30pm
♦ Stop