Things to do in

Alnwick

Join a day trip from Edinburgh to the medieval kingdom of Northumbria in North-East England. Visit Lindisfarne, once the most important center of religious learning in the British Isles. Explore the market town of Alnwick and its castle where scenes from Harry Potter and Downton Abbey were filmed. Meet your guide, hop on a bus, and make your way to your first stop, Holy Island, connected to the mainland by a causeway that leads into the quaint island village of Lindisfarne. Soak in stunning views of Lindisfarne Castle dating back to 1550. Spend time wandering through the ruins of its Priory where the Lindisfarne Gospels were produced. Sample some of the world-famous Lindisfarne ‘mead’ brewed by monks on the island, and enjoy the tranquility for which the island is renowned. Continue south passing Bamburgh, the ancient capital of Northumbria, then on to the bustling market town of Alnwick, whose greatest building is the medieval Alnwick Castle. Enjoy time in the town center or visit the castle complex which was home to the Percy Family for over 700 years. If you decide to visit the castle, step into the unexpected in the Alnwick Garden with its Grand Cascade fountain and Poison Gardens. The castle grounds were also used in the TV series Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter films. In the mid-afternoon, begin the drive north to cross the River Tweed and back into Scotland at the historic border town of Coldstream. If time permits, stop at Flodden Field, the scene of the infamous battle of 1513, which ended in victory for the English and the death of James IV, King of Scots. Please note: from 3rd December 2024 our Edinburgh tours will depart from NCP Castle Terrace, EH1 2EW.

Brace yourselves, we’re heading south into enemy territory! Passing gentle rolling hills and dramatic coastline, we’ll cross the border with England to explore Bamburgh - the laid-back seaside village in the heart of Northumberland. Don’t get deceived by its sleepy looks – the village and the mighty Bamburgh Castle was the seat of the early Kings of Northumbria in the 5th century. Run down to the beautiful beach to get some fresh air, imagine Viking longboats approaching the coast for a raid and try to keep up with the area’s turbulent history recounted by your Guide. In the afternoon, have your broomsticks at the ready as we’re off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England, home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family for over 700 years. A long, rich history and magnificent medieval architecture makes it a film lovers’ dream as seen in Downton Abbey. After a magical afternoon in Alnwick, we’ll make our way back over the border and into Scotland where we will regale you with tales of the turbulent past before arriving into Edinburgh in the early evening.

On this 9.5-hour excursion from Edinburgh you’ll visit the picturesque town of Coldstream and view the inspiring Bamburgh Castle. But it’s Alnwick Castle that’s the main destination of the day. It’s been a key filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey and is a historic location in its own right. You will leave Edinburgh in the morning and head east to the Scottish Borders. Enjoy the views of gently rolling hills and dramatic coastlines along the way.  The first stop is the beautiful coastal town of Bamburgh. Take a stroll to the stunning beach and view the picturesque 5th-century Bamburgh Castle sitting on a natural throne of volcanic dolerite. In the afternoon you’ll visit Alnwick Castle. Admire the large stately rooms and the stunning architecture or learn a little about all the popular films and TV shows filmed at the site, including Harry Potter. After spending time in Alnwick, you will return over the border and into Scotland. Entry to Alnwick Castle is optional and can be selected at time of booking. The final stop is Coldstream's border town, which lies on the north side of the River Tweed. Hear about the turbulent past of this charming town before your journey ends in Edinburgh in the early evening.

Your tour begins by following the road that connected Caledonia with Roman Britannia. You stop in Kelso where you explore this handsome town and what is thought to be Scotland’s largest market square. You also see the ruins of Kelso Abbey, a reminder of the many ancient conflicts between Scotland and England. Continuing south, you cross the border and travel to Alnwick Castle, an immense fortification that has stood strong for nearly a millennium. It was originally built to assert Norman rule over newly conquered lands. But more recently Alnwick Castle has found fame as one of the settings for the fictional Hogwarts school in the Harry Potter movie series. Book lovers can also take the opportunity here to explore one of the largest and most impressive second-hand book shops in Britain. After around three hours at Alnwick, you travel north along the Northumberland Coast. You stop on your way back to Edinburgh at one of the beautiful historic villages or castles that pepper the rolling landscapes of Southern Scotland.

Visit the rolling, beautiful hills of the Scottish Borders and hear tales from your guide about the infamous Border Reivers who raided villages and settlements in this part of the country for centuries. You’ll see for yourself why Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s greatest cultural figures, loved this landscape. Learn all about Scotland’s Outlaw King, whose heart is said to be interred in Melrose Abbey. Then, cross the English border and head to the magical Alnwick Castle. See where Harry Potter learned to fly and play Quidditch and take part in the famous broomstick training sessions with the resident Wizarding Professor. There is something for everyone in this historic fortress which has links to the Norman Conquests, wars of independence, War of the Roses and Oliver Cromwell. In the late afternoon, depart Alnwick and travel North along the rugged Viking Coast towards the Scottish border. Please note: If you join us between the 25th of October and the 27th of March 2025 Alnwick Castle will be closed, and the tour will make a longer visit to Bamburgh Castle instead of Alnwick Castle. Here you can explore over 3000 years of incredible history while enjoying fantastic views and sea air. From the 9th of November to the 5th of January, Bamburgh Castle puts on it's annual Christmas Installation which is sure to be bursting with enchantment and joy with something to delight everyone!

Your Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, and Alnwick tour departs from Edinburgh City Centre in the morning, offering views of Scotland’s capital as we head towards the East Coast. As we travel east, we pass through scenic East Lothian before arriving at our first stop: Holy Island. Also known as Lindisfarne, this unique island is connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway. The quaint village of Lindisfarne offers stunning views of Lindisfarne Priory, where the renowned Lindisfarne Gospels were created. You’ll have time to explore the atmospheric priory ruins and learn about the island’s monastic history. Lindisfarne is also known for its monks, who brew the famous Lindisfarne Mead. Take a moment to enjoy the tranquility and peace for which the island is known. Next, we continue along England’s northeast coast to the lively market town of Alnwick, home to the beautiful Alnwick Garden. Here, you can choose to visit the Grand Cascade and the intriguing Poison Garden, or spend your time wandering the charming streets of Alnwick. Keep an eye out for Alnwick Castle, famous for its roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter films. We then head north to the majestic Bamburgh Castle, a grand medieval fortress dating back to the 5th century. Spanning nine acres, it remains one of the largest inhabited castles in the UK. With its rich history of battles, rulers, and legends, the castle still stands as a powerful stronghold. Explore its fascinating history and the many myths and ghostly tales linked to the castle. You may even recognize it from recent films, including Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. After your time at Bamburgh, we begin our return journey to Edinburgh, with a comfort break along the way, arriving back in the city as the sun sets on your day of exploration in northern England. Please note: If Holy Island is inaccessible due to high tide, the tour will visit St Abbs instead. This picturesque fishing village on the Berwickshire coast is surrounded by dramatic cliffs home to seabirds. You may recognize St Abbs as New Asgard from Avengers: Endgame. This tour may also run in reverse. • Please note: from 3rd December 2024 our Edinburgh tours will depart from NCP Castle Terrace, EH1 2EW.

Follow the sweeping coastline of the North Sea on a scenic drive towards the historic border town of Berwick-on-Tweed. Cross the ancient Scotland/England border into Northumberland and visit Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, a tidal island settled by Irish monks from Scotland circa AD 635. From here the Christian message spread throughout the north of England. In 793 a fierce Viking invasion heralded the beginning of the Viking Age. Take a short walk through an area of outstanding natural beauty to 16th century Lindisfarne Castle, and visit the Priory where the Lindisfarne Gospels were created and enjoy the spectacular views of Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands. You may also wish to buy some delicious souvenir Lindisfarne Mead from St Aidan’s Winery. Arrive back at Alnwick Castle at lunchtime after a short drive. This magical place (the 'Windsor of the North') is one of Europe’s finest castles and has been at the center of key historical events – from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and the English to the intrigues of the Guy Fawkes plot. Alnwick Castle's sumptuous setting and exquisite architecture has famously been used as a film location for ‘Downton Abbey’, 'Harry Potter' (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), 'Robin Hood Prince of Thieves', 'Elizabeth' and 'Blackadder'. Enjoy ‘Harry Spotter Tours’ and revisit some of your favorite scenes. Go with costumed guides on a historical and magical tour. Be sure to check the events board on entry to make the most of your time. With fun and interactive activities for children, you'll have 2.5 hours to fully appreciate and enjoy the castle. The tour returns north via the beautiful Border country and, subject to timing, may also visit the East Lothian coast to the south of Edinburgh.

The North East’s favourite Light Trail is back and bigger than ever. Make memories to last a lifetime this Christmas at The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei. Two attractions, for one great price. Enjoy the immersive experience of magical lights and sounds of our annual Winter Light trail, with new installations and set to a brand new soundtrack. The perfect winter tradition this Christmas. Walk around the festive village of Lilidorei lined with illuminated trees, visit the reindeers and you may even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas.

Explore the beauty of Alnwick, a quaint Northumbrian town on a self-guided audio walking tour. Put on your headphones and stroll through the streets of the Alnwick at your own pace. Download the MP3 audio tour combined with a fully detailed map of the area and start your adventure with your audio device as your guide. The culturally rich audio tour will take you on a journey through a place rich in history. Walk through the old cobbled stone paths of the town and see the marketplace, community gathering place, and the fine stone buildings. Learn about the past of Alnwick and discover how it evolved into the vibrant and beautiful market town of today. Visit the most popular attractions of the town like the old Market Cross, the Alnwick Garden, a famous castle, a quaint market, historical buildings, and a beautiful cozy bookstore. Enjoy a hassle-free audio tour of one of England’s iconic market towns.

This self-drive road trip route covers the Northumberland National Park and Northumberland Coast, on a trip of 189 miles (303km) and includes a guide for 15 towns and villages. HOW IT WORKS This online guidebook is designed to take the guesswork out of planning your multi-destination trip. No need for endless internet searches—everything you need is in one place, carefully curated with recommendations and helpful links to dive deeper into each destination. Pick and choose from a variety of ideas, including top attractions, hidden gems, and unique experiences and customise your journey to suit your needs. Tailor the itinerary to fit your schedule, with flexible options ranging from 3 to 14 nights. Ideal if you’re travelling with your own car, campervan or rental vehicle. Get started today with instant access (choose the nearest date as with 1 year’s access, there’s no need to wait until your travel date). Use on smartphone, tablet, or desktop. ........................................................................................................................................................ WHAT’S INCLUDED: Plan your road trip around Northumberland, taking in the National Park and the stunning coast. This flexible itinerary covers an 189-mile (303km) route over 15 destinations. This is divided into the National Park and the coastline. Choose your own itinerary and time frame. Use the guidebook to choose how to spend your time, example: • Hexham: Visit this charming market town, Hexham Abbey, and easy access to Hadrian’s Wall. • Hadrian’s Wall: Spend a day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, for stunning Roman forts, scenic walks, and immersive museums. • Northumberland National Park: Use the guide to discover the beauty of the park, including gems like Simonside, with its breathtaking views, and Kielder Forest, renowned for its serene landscapes and wildlife. • Iconic Castles: Explore the coasts’ numerous iconic castles such as Alnwick Castle and Warkworth Castle, planning your visits with the route and guide. • Northumberland coast towns and villages: make time to visit coastal gems such as Bamburgh, Amble, and Craster, each offering unique coastal beauty and rich heritage. • Lindisfarne: cross the fascinating tidal causeway to explore Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island) and its historic abbey. • Includes an overnight stays map for locating accommodation or campsites on the route. Plus so much more to discover! HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go