Alnwick

Our most recommended things to do in Alnwick

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  1. From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria

  Take the scenic coastal route south into the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria in North-East England; visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, once the most important centre of religious learning in the British Isles, and explore the medieval market town of Alnwick and its stunning castle - where scenes from ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Downton Abbey’ were filmed. Our first stop is Holy Island, connected to the mainland by a causeway which leads into the quaint island village of Lindisfarne, where there are stunning views of Lindisfarne Castle* (dating back to 1550). Spend time wandering through the ruins of its Priory* where the magnificent 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. We continue south passing Bamburgh, ‘Ancient Capital of Northumbria,’ then on to the b...

  Enjoyed the trip, i went by myself for a day out on holiday. Andrew T was a great guide with a good mix of interesting commentary, music, but not talking too much so we could just enjoy the view. I went to the attractions (tickets are extra so you choose which to go to) though next time id probably just go to Alnwick Gardens if a nice day and skip the other two as whilst the stops were at least an hour for each it’s still a rush to see everything you want to.

  Reviewed by Lucy, 24/09/2021
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  2. Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh

  Explore the borderlands of Scotland and England during this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Stop at the charming town of Kelso, where you can 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. Follow the ancient Roman Dere Street that connected Scottish Caledonia with Roman Britannia through the Scottish Borders. Stop at the charming town of Melrose, home to the remains of the Cistercian Abbey and the burial place of the heart of Scottish king Robert the Bruce. Cross the border and travel to thousand-year-old Alnwick Castle, one of the great castles of Northumberland. Originally built to protect the north of England from Scottish Border Reivers and invaders, more recently Alnwick Castle and its perfectly manicured gardens have found fame as one...

  Beautiful countryside in a minibus, driver was also our guide, interesting information on history and good music. It was raining and windy,but afrerwaeds the castle went to the centre to a local restaurant for a nice meal. The way back was nice as road was by the coast. Day went very quickly.

  Reviewed by mia, Finland, 27/10/2019
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  3. Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Small Group Day Tour

  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 ...

  Keith our guide for the day was great! He really made our experience a special one by being very knowledgable,thoughtful and engaging.

  Reviewed by Carol, 28/10/2019
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  4. Alnwick Castle & Scottish Borders Day Tour from Edinburgh

  Your full-day tour begins in Edinburgh and continues further south through the Scottish Borders, where you’ll stop at Melrose Abbey. This is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ruins in Europe. The heart of Robert the Bruce is said to be buried at the Abbey, which is also the final resting place of a number of other Scottish Kings. From here it's on to England, where you'll have lots of time to explore the tour’s main attraction, Alnwick Castle. Alnwick is the 2nd-largest inhabited castle in England, having been lived in for over 700 years. It’s filled with fascinating things to see and mysteries to uncover. You may recognize it as a location from some of the Harry Potter films.

  Being huge Harry Potter fans, we were very anxious to see Alnwick castle and it did not disappoint. We spent the day touring the gardens and castle at Alnwick, the hauntingly beautiful Melrose Abbey, Bamburgh Castle, the Tweed River Bridge and a few other places. Our guide was Gary and we had a lot of fun listening to his many stories about Scotland & England, the monarchs, wars, the castles and the history of the area. We learned a lot and enjoyed his stories told with humour and passion for the country. Gary was great to answer our questions and willing to stop for photos along the way. We had a very full, interesting and fun day and were very glad we had signed up. Thanks for the great day Gary.

  Reviewed by Judy, 13/05/2016
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  5. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland & Scottish Borders 1-Day Tour

  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 ...

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  6. The Best of Northern England: 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh

  Spend 5 glorious days exploring the very best of northern England on this exciting multi-day tour. Discover the beautiful East Lothian coastline and the amazing Alnwick Castle, spend some time in the city of York, and explore nature in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Visit the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, travel to the shores of Ullswater,, said to be England's most beautiful lake, and much more along the way. Day 1 Your tour starts with a beautiful drive down the magnificent East Lothian coastline as you travel towards the walled border town of Berwick Upon Tweed. After stopping to admire the fortifications, continue to Alnwick Castle, whose magnificent interior and gardens have appeared in many films and television programs. Leaving Alnwick behind, travel towards the City of York on the Great North Road, and ar...