Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & the Kingdom of Northumbria Day Tour from Edinburgh | Scotland
See the best sights in all of Scotland as you embark on this wonderful day tour that takes you to the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and the Alnwick Castle.
- Learn more about Scottish history with this day tour that showcases some of the most iconic landmarks in the country
- Discover Scottish history on a day trip to the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria
- Visit the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and explore the medieval market town of Alnwick
- See the stunning Alnwick Castle, featured in the Harry Potter films
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Historic site tour, Bus tour, Islands tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
Discover the beauty of Scotland in this immersive day tour that takes you to some of the country's most famous landmarks! Start your journey at The Holy Island and explore the island village of Lindisfarne. Enjoy the gorgeous views of the Lindisfarne Castle as you explore the monastery ruins. Here you can learn more about the Lindisfarne Gospel, and taste the famous Lindisfarne mead, locally brewed by the monks. Make your way to the Alnwick market and marvel at the picturesque view of the Alnwick Castle, one of England's finest. Choose to visit The Windsor of the North and discover the Grand Cascade and the Poison Garden.
Head north and cross the River Tweed and journey to Coldstream. If time permits, explore the battlefields at the Flodden Field, known as the scene for the death of James IV. Return to Edinburgh with a new sense of appreciation for Scotland's history and culture.
Marvel at the stunning views of The Holy Island, highly regarded as a significant foundation for English Christianity
Witness the larger-than-life Alnwick Castle, widely known as the Hogwarts school from the Harry Potter series
Purchase Notice
- Children under 5 years old are not permitted to participate in the tour
- Travellers may be asked to present their ID documents (e.g. passport, ID card) for identity verification during the tour. Please carry your ID documents at all times
- Please have your identification documents ready for verification by on-site staff in order to redeem your beverages. Failure to provide proper identification may result in refusal of redemption with KKday providing assistance in marketing and promotion
- The cruise provides beverages. You can participate freely by presenting the relevant identification, subject to verification by on-site staff
- As per local regulations, individuals under 21 years old are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages. Please have your ID documents ready for age verification, or you may be denied for the alcohol service on the site
- Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health
Reminders
A minimum of 6 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date
Please note that the Holy Island is a tidal island and may not be accessible in case of high tide; please consider before booking
Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure. Refunds will not be granted to latecomers
Check-in for tours open 15 minutes prior to the departure time and close 5 minutes prior to the departure time
Due to the limited space in the vehicles, luggage space is not guaranteed. If you have luggage, please specify in the Requests and Remarks section upon booking
Smoking is not permitted on the vehicles
Hot food are not permitted on vehicles
Please note that the return times stated are estimated. Due to the unpredictable nature of travel, these are not guaranteed
The supplier reserves the right to refuse to decline admission for those whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offense or upset to other passengers
KKday and the supplier does not accept any liability for any loss, inconvenience, or damage caused by war, threat of war, riot or civil commotion, terrorist or criminal activity, industrial disputes, natural disasters, fires, illness, weather conditions, road traffic conditions, temporary technical, electrical, or mechanical breakdown
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Yes, Alnwick Castle famously served as a prominent filming location for the first two Harry Potter films, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Its magnificent Outer Bailey was used as the setting for Madam Hooch's flying lessons, where Harry first learns to ride a broomstick. The castle's grounds and courtyards also featured in various scenes, doubling as parts of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Alnwick Castle has been the ancestral seat of the Percy family, the Dukes of Northumberland, for over 700 years. The current residents are Ralph Percy, the 12th Duke of Northumberland, and his family. They continue to maintain the castle and its estates, preserving its rich history and aristocratic legacy while also opening much of it to the public for visits.
Yes, Alnwick Castle was indeed used as a filming location for the popular television series Downton Abbey. It featured prominently in the 2014 and 2015 Christmas specials, portraying the fictional Brancaster Castle. The castle's State Rooms, including the magnificent Dining Room and the Library, were used for scenes depicting the lavish country estate of the fictional Marquess of Hexham, adding to its impressive filmography.
Alnwick Castle typically operates seasonally, usually opening from late March or early April through to late October. It is generally closed during the winter months (November to March) for essential maintenance and conservation work, as it remains a family home. Specific daily opening hours can vary, so it's advisable to check the official schedule for the exact dates and times before planning your visit.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne holds profound historical and religious significance as a cradle of early English Christianity. It was home to a monastic community founded by Saint Aidan in 635 AD and served as an important center for evangelism. The famous Lindisfarne Gospels, an illuminated manuscript, were created here. The island also suffered the first recorded Viking raid in Britain in 793 AD, marking a pivotal moment in history.
The historical Kingdom of Northumbria, encompassing a significant part of northeastern England, offers several captivating attractions. Besides Alnwick Castle, visitors can explore the dramatic Bamburgh Castle, a coastal fortress with a rich past. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, with its priory ruins and castle, is another key site. Additionally, Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, marks the northern frontier of the Roman Empire and provides insights into ancient history.
The charming medieval market town of Alnwick offers more than just its famous castle. Visitors can explore The Alnwick Garden, renowned for its Poison Garden and impressive Grand Cascade. The Barter Books, one of Europe's largest second-hand bookstores located in a former railway station, is also a popular spot. The town center features quaint shops, cafes, and traditional pubs, reflecting its historic character.
Access to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is uniquely dependent on the tide, as it is connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway that becomes submerged at high tide. Visitors must consult the published safe crossing times, which vary daily, before attempting to cross. These schedules are widely available online and at local tourist information points. It is crucial to adhere strictly to these times for safety.
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