Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria

Enjoy the captivating history and breathtaking landscapes of Northumbria on this full-day adventure from Edinburgh. Explore the enchanting Holy Island, home to the iconic Lindisfarne Castle and Priory, and uncover the fascinating stories of its past. Then, venture to the majestic Alnwick Castle, renowned for its stunning gardens and cinematic appearances. With an experienced driver-guide providing insightful commentary, this tour promises to be a delight for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Discover the captivating Kingdom of Northumbria and unlock its hidden wonders.

Key Points

• This full-day excursion from Edinburgh explores historical sites in Northumbria, including Lindisfarne Castle, Priory, Alnwick Castle, and Flodden Field.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable driver-guide who provides live commentary on British history throughout the 9.5-hour journey.
• Restroom breaks are included, but there are no onboard facilities, and food/drinks are not provided, although attraction tickets can be purchased during the tour.
• The tour accommodates a maximum of 47 travelers, allowing for a personalized experience, and is accessible to travelers with collapsible wheelchairs with assistance.
• The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides, breathtaking views, and unique experiences, although some concerns have been noted regarding time management at Holy Island.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day excursion from Edinburgh to Northumbria, lasting 9.5 hours.

Explore historical sites like Lindesfarne Castle and Priory on Holy Island. Visit the iconic Alnwick Castle and the battle site of Flodden Field.

Throughout the journey, a knowledgeable driver-guide provides live commentary, sharing insights into British history. Restroom breaks are included, though no on-board facilities are available.

While food and drinks aren’t provided, visitors can purchase attraction tickets during the tour.

With a maximum of 47 travelers, this tour offers a personalized experience exploring the rich heritage of Northumbria.

Inclusions and Logistics

This tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

A knowledgeable driver-guide provides live commentary throughout the journey. Restroom breaks are included, though there’s no onboard restroom. Food and drinks aren’t provided, but attraction tickets can be purchased during the tour.

Travelers enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour.

The tour departs from 9 Castle Terrace in Edinburgh at 8:45 am, so guests should arrive 15 minutes early.

After exploring the sites, the tour returns to the original meeting point. The maximum group size is 47, with a minimum age of 4 years.

Meeting and Departure

Guests meet for the tour at 9 Castle Terrace in Edinburgh, arriving 15 minutes before the 8:45 am departure time.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable driver-guide who offers live commentary throughout the journey.

Restroom breaks are included, though there’s no onboard restroom. The maximum group size is 47 travelers, and the minimum age is 4 years.

The tour operates rain or shine, so guests are advised to dress appropriately for the weather.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, collapsible wheelchairs are permitted with assistance.

Digital translations are available in multiple languages upon request, making the tour more inclusive for non-English speakers. Regardless of the weather, the tour operates year-round, so visitors should dress appropriately.

• The tour may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, so early booking is recommended.

• Restroom breaks are included during the tour, though there’s no onboard restroom.

• Food and drinks aren’t provided, but attraction tickets can be purchased during the tour.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 409 reviews and an overall rating of 4.5 stars. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides who bring the history to life through their engaging storytelling.

Highlights include the breathtaking views and unique experiences, like exploring Lindesfarne Castle and Priory. While some customers noted concerns about time management at Holy Island and itinerary changes, many recommend specific attractions like the Alnwick Gardens and the Poison Garden.

Exploring Holy Island and Lindesfarne

Why is Holy Island, also known as Lindesfarne, such a captivating destination on this tour? The island’s remote location, rich history, and breathtaking scenery make it a must-visit.

Accessible only by a tidal causeway, the island offers a serene escape from the mainland. Visitors can explore the ruins of Lindesfarne Priory, a medieval monastery that was the site of a famous Viking raid.

The island’s stunning castle, perched atop a rocky outcrop, provides panoramic views of the North Sea. Holy Island’s unique atmosphere and connection to the past make it a highlight of this Northumbria adventure.

• Remote and accessible only by tidal causeway
• Ruins of Lindesfarne Priory, a medieval monastery
• Lindesfarne Castle with panoramic sea views

Discovering Alnwick Castle and Gardens

After exploring the tranquility of Holy Island, the tour moves inland to the impressive Alnwick Castle, a captivating destination that has captured the imagination of visitors for centuries.

This medieval marvel, the seat of the Dukes of Northumberland, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Guests can explore the grand state rooms, marvel at the ornate architecture, and discover the castle’s connection to the Harry Potter films.

The adjoining Alnwick Gardens present a stunning contrast, with meticulously landscaped grounds, a grand cascading fountain, and the famous Poison Garden, revealing the darker side of horticulture.

Remembering the Battle of Flodden Field

Solemnity settles over the rolling hills of Flodden Field as the tour moves to this hallowed ground, the site of a pivotal 16th-century battle that forever shaped the history of England and Scotland.

Visitors learn about:

• The clash between the armies of King James IV of Scotland and King Henry VIII of England, resulting in a decisive English victory.

• The tragic death of King James IV, the last monarch of Scotland to die in battle.

• The lasting impact of the battle, weakening Scotland’s position and leading to the eventual union of the crowns in 1603.

Reflective silence falls as the guide recounts the poignant history of Flodden Field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour is not fully wheelchair accessible, but collapsible wheelchairs are permitted with assistance. Guests with mobility issues should consider the walking required and consult the tour operator for more details before booking.

Can We Purchase Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour, but you can purchase them during the restroom breaks. Attraction tickets are also available for purchase during the tour if you’d like to visit any sites separately.

What Should We Bring for the Trip?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and any personal snacks or drinks you may want, as food and beverages are not included on the tour. Don’t forget your camera to capture the scenic landscapes and historical sites.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts, but you can save on attraction tickets by purchasing them during the tour. Children under 4 can join for free. Check for any promotional offers before booking.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Attraction?

The tour allocates about 1.5 hours at each major attraction, allowing visitors to explore Lindesfarne, Alnwick Castle, and Flodden Field. The guide ensures there’s enough time to see the key sights during the full-day excursion.

The Sum Up

This full-day excursion from Edinburgh offers a captivating journey through Northumbria’s enchanting landscapes and rich history. Visitors can explore the iconic Holy Island, marvel at the majestic Alnwick Castle, and explore the stories of the region’s past, all while enjoying the expert guidance of a knowledgeable driver-guide. This tour promises breathtaking views, memorable experiences, and a perfect adventure for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.