The Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle

Our scenic drive towards the historic border town of Berwick-on-Tweed follows the sweeping coastline of the North Sea. Soon we cross the ancient Scotland / England border into Northumberland. Lindisfarne or Holy Island is a tidal island settled around AD 635 by Irish monks who had moved to Scotland. From here the Christian message spread throughout the north of England. In 793 a fierce Viking invasion heralded the beginning of the Viking Age.

A fun day out in the safe hands of our friendly guides

Getting off the beaten track in the Wee Red Bus

The path to Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island

Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you will have plenty of time to enjoy a short walk to 16th century Lindisfarne Castle, visit the Priory where the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were created and to enjoy the spectacular views to Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands. * See note at bottom of page regarding tidal access to Holy Island.

Photo stop on the Holy Island tidal causeway

Statue of St Aidan

Lindisfarne Priory

Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve

After a short drive we arrive at Alnwick Castle and Garden around lunchtime. Here you can take advantage of our 33% discount (no pre-booking required) – Castle only adult £13.60, 5-16 yrs £7.60, Garden only adult £10.80, 5-16 yrs £5.60, Castle and Garden combined visit (not available to the general public) adult £22.50, 5-16 yrs £13.10. Please note this special discount is only available on the day itself and does not apply if you pre-book the Castle or Alnwick Garden independently in advance of the tour.

This magical place – the Windsor of the North – is one of Europe’s finest castles and has been at the centre of many historical events, from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and the English to the intrigues of the Guy Fawkes plot.

Its sumptuous setting and exquisite architecture has famously been used as a filming location for ‘Downton Abbey’, ‘Harry Potter’ (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), ‘Robin Hood Prince of Thieves’, ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Blackadder’.

Visit the Downton Abbey exhibition featuring costumes, photography and props from the series and revisit some of your favourite Harry Potter filming locations. There are guided historical and film tours as well as costumed actors in the castle grounds. Check the events board on entry to make the most of your time here.

Alnwick Castle - stunning Harry Potter and Downton Abbey filming location

There are numerous fun and interactive activities for children and we will stop here for a minimum of 2.5 hours so you can fully appreciate and enjoy this amazing castle. Next door to the castle is the world-renowned Alnwick Garden. The fabulous Grand Cascade, Walled Garden and Poison Garden are part of an expansive network of formal planting which attracts visitors from all over the world.

Alnwick Castle State Rooms

Alnwick Garden

The tour returns north through scenic Border country following in the footsteps of feuding clans and families, known as Border Reivers, who fought a series of violent raids across the border hills until the end of the 16th century. We stop for refreshments and an opportunity to admire the beautiful rolling landscape which nestles between two historic and proud nations.

* Please note the crossing to Holy Island is dependent on tidal conditions and is always at driver discretion. Your driver will ensure that crossing times allow for a healthy safety margin. If the tour is unable to cross in the morning then we will endeavour to visit in the afternoon or stop at Bamburgh beach and the impressive castle instead.