Viking Coast And Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour From Edinburgh

Exploring the historic regions of Northumberland from Edinburgh, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the rich cultural heritage of the Viking coast. Visitors will discover the early Christian settlements and Viking invasions of Holy Island before marveling at the iconic Alnwick Castle, a filming location for beloved shows like Harry Potter. Led by a knowledgeable local guide in a comfortable Mercedes minivan, this small-group experience promises a personalized journey through England’s scenic northern reaches. With inclusions and exclusions clearly outlined, the tour sets the stage for an enlightening adventure.

Key Points

• A 9-hour tour from Edinburgh to Northumberland, England, visiting historic Holy Island and iconic Alnwick Castle with a maximum of 16 passengers.
• Explore early Christian settlements and Viking invasions on Holy Island, and see filming locations from popular shows at Alnwick Castle.
• Includes live commentary from a knowledgeable local guide, transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach, and a personalized small-group experience.
• Discover the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes of the English county of Northumberland, which the tour crosses into.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate, and children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

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Tour Overview

This 9-hour tour takes visitors from Edinburgh across the border into Northumberland, England, where they can explore the historic Holy Island and the iconic Alnwick Castle.

On Holy Island, travelers will hear captivating stories of early Christian settlers and Viking invasions.

At Alnwick Castle, they’ll see filming locations from popular shows like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

The tour is conducted in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, and group size is limited to 16 people maximum, ensuring a personalized experience.

Along the way, a local guide provides live commentary, sharing insights and historical anecdotes to enrich the journey.

This small-group tour offers an immersive look at the stunning Northumberland coast and its fascinating heritage.

Inclusions

The tour includes live commentary on board from a knowledgeable local guide as well as transportation by an air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach.

Travelers will have a driver/guide to ensure a smooth and informative journey. The small-group setting, limited to 16 passengers, offers a more personalized experience.

With live commentary, guests can learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the sites they’ll visit, including early Christian settlements on Holy Island and the filming locations featured in popular TV shows and movies at Alnwick Castle.

Exclusions

While the tour includes several key services, there are some exclusions travelers should be aware of. Food and drinks are not provided, and guests are responsible for covering the costs of any attraction entrance fees. Plus, gratuities for the driver/guide are not included in the tour price.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Live commentary on board	Food and drinks
Local guide	Gratuities
Driver/guide	Attraction Entrance Fees
Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach	–
–	–

This small group tour ensures a personalized experience, but travelers should budget accordingly for the additional expenses not covered in the tour price.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at Waterloo Place in Edinburgh at 8:45 AM to begin the 9-hour tour of Holy Island and Alnwick Castle.

The tour departs from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ.

This small-group tour is limited to 16 people and is an ideal way to explore the border between Scotland and England.

Guests will travel by air-conditioned Mercedes minivan and hear live commentary from the driver/guide throughout the journey.

The tour returns to the original departure point at the end of the day.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and travelers are advised to inform the tour operator 7 days in advance if they’ll be bringing a service animal.

Additional Information

This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a very small group experience. It operates in all weather conditions and is conveniently located near public transportation. Most travelers can participate, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Guests must inform the tour operator 7 days in advance if bringing a service animal.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking. The average group size is around 12 passengers, providing an intimate and personalized experience. Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age to participate is 5 years old. This tour is suitable for most people, making it an accessible option for a wide range of visitors.

Crossing the Border

The tour crosses the border into Northumberland, England, allowing visitors to explore the historic region beyond the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.

This journey takes guests from Scotland into the neighboring country, where they’ll discover the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes that characterize the English county.

Along the way, the tour provides insights into the early Christian settlers and Viking invaders who once inhabited these lands, bringing the region’s captivating history to life.

Crossing the border is an integral part of the overall tour experience, providing a unique opportunity to venture beyond Edinburgh’s boundaries and take in the captivating atmosphere of Northumberland.

Exploring Holy Island

On the tour, visitors cross the causeway to Holy Island, where they hear stories of the early Christian settlers and Viking invasions that once shaped this sacred land.

They’ll learn about the island’s rich history, from the founding of Lindisfarne Priory in the 7th century to the Viking raids that devastated the community.

Highlights of the visit include:

Exploring the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, a former Anglo-Saxon monastery that was the center of Christianity in northern England.
Visiting the medieval Lindisfarne Castle, which sits atop a rocky hill overlooking the island.
Discovering the unique flora and fauna of this tidal island, home to a variety of seabirds and coastal plant life.

Visiting Alnwick Castle

After exploring the island’s rich history, the tour moves on to the next stop – the iconic Alnwick Castle.

Visitors get to see firsthand the filming locations from beloved productions like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey as they tour the grand medieval castle and its expansive grounds.

Guests can wander the ornate State Rooms, marvel at the formidable Barbican, and stroll through the beautiful Alnwick Garden.

The knowledgeable guide provides fascinating insights into the castle’s role in England’s history, from its origins as a powerful fortress to its modern-day fame as a filming location.

It’s a chance to step into the world of magic and aristocracy, capping off an unforgettable day of discovery along the Viking Coast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility, as it states it is "not wheelchair accessible." Participants must be able to walk and stand for extended periods during the 9-hour tour.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, passengers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour description states that food and drinks are not included, so bringing personal provisions is permitted.

Do I Need a Passport to Cross the Border Into England?

No, you don’t need a passport to cross the border from Scotland into England. As part of the United Kingdom, British citizens can move freely between the countries without additional documentation. However, non-British citizens may require a valid passport.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The 9-hour tour is the only option available, and it cannot be lengthened. Any requests for an extended tour would need to be made separately.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Other Sites?

Yes, the tour itinerary can likely be customized to visit other sites, though this may incur additional fees. Travelers should contact the tour operator directly to discuss any desired itinerary changes and associated costs.

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