Alnwick Castle, Northumberland and Borders Tour With Admission

Alnwick Castle, nestled in the heart of Northumberland, beckons travelers to embark on a captivating journey through its storied past. This full-day tour from Edinburgh offers a chance to take in the castle’s medieval grandeur, explore the charming town of Kelso, and witness the breathtaking Northumberland Coast. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this intimate excursion promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to…

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Edinburgh offers in-depth exploration of the historic Alnwick Castle, a medieval marvel featured in films like Harry Potter.
• The tour also includes visits to the picturesque town of Kelso, with its large market square and the impressive Kelso Abbey.
• Travelers will enjoy a scenic drive along the Northumberland Coast, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• An optional upgrade provides access to the expansive Alnwick Gardens, featuring intricate water features, themed plantings, and a Poison Garden.
• The tour is led by an English-speaking driver-guide and accommodates a maximum of 16 passengers for an intimate experience.

Tour Overview

The full-day tour from Edinburgh to Alnwick Castle and the Scottish Borders departs at 8:45 am from the Edinburgh Bus Station, with transportation provided by a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach.

This small-group tour has a maximum of 16 passengers, making for a more intimate experience.

Recommended by 97% of travelers, the tour boasts an impressive average rating of 4.8 from 268 reviews.

Travelers can look forward to visiting the historic town of Kelso, exploring the renowned Alnwick Castle, and enjoying a scenic drive along the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Highlights of the Itinerary

After departing Edinburgh, the tour first visits the historic town of Kelso, home to the largest market square in Scotland.

Here, the group explores the impressive Kelso Abbey, a medieval monastic ruin.

The next highlight is the tour’s main attraction – Alnwick Castle. Visitors are treated to an in-depth exploration of this iconic castle, featured in beloved productions like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

The final highlight is a scenic drive along the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering stunning coastal vistas.

The tour provides an immersive experience, blending history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Exploring Alnwick Castle

What makes Alnwick Castle such a captivating highlight of the tour? This iconic medieval castle has been the setting for numerous films and TV shows, including the Harry Potter series.

Visitors can explore the grand state rooms, climb the towers, and walk the castle’s impressive ramparts. The castle’s history dates back to the 11th century, and it has been the seat of the powerful Percy family for over 700 years.

Tour-goers have the opportunity to uncover the castle’s rich past and imagine the lives of its former inhabitants. With stunning architecture and breathtaking countryside views, Alnwick Castle is a true highlight of the day.

Discovering Kelso and Kelso Abbey

On the tour, visitors first explore the historic town of Kelso, which boasts the largest market square in Scotland.

This quaint Borders town offers several highlights:

1. Kelso Abbey, a majestic 12th-century abbey with stunning architectural features and a fascinating history.
2. The picturesque River Tweed, which flows through the town and provides scenic riverside walks.
3. The lively Saturday market, renowned for its wide selection of local produce, crafts, and specialty foods.

After taking in the charm of Kelso, the tour continues to the highlight of the day – the impressive Alnwick Castle.

Scenic Drive Along the Northumberland Coast

As the tour departs Kelso, the mini-coach winds its way along the scenic Northumberland Coast, offering breathtaking views of the region’s designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Travelers are treated to a 10-minute drive through this picturesque coastal landscape, catching glimpses of the rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and charming seaside villages that characterize this stretch of the North Sea shoreline.

Although the stop is brief, it provides a tantalizing introduction to the natural wonders that await in this corner of England, whetting the appetite for the tour’s main attraction: the iconic Alnwick Castle.

Optional Upgrade to Alnwick Gardens

For those interested in exploring the Alnwick Castle grounds in greater depth, the tour offers an optional upgrade to include admission to the stunning Alnwick Gardens.

This upgrade allows visitors to:

1. Wander through the expansive gardens, featuring intricate water features, themed plantings, and sculptural elements.
2. Discover the Poison Garden, home to a collection of toxic and narcotic plants.
3. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the tranquil Serpent Garden and the grand Treehouse Restaurant.

This upgrade provides a deeper dive into the Alnwick estate, elevating the tour experience for those seeking a more comprehensive exploration of the site.

Inclusions and Additional Information

The tour includes admission to Alnwick Castle, with visitors able to explore the historic grounds and interiors at their own pace.

An English-speaking driver-guide accompanies the group, providing commentary and insights throughout the day.

Food and drinks aren’t included, though guests can purchase refreshments along the way.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be at least 5 years old to participate.

Guests should arrive 15 minutes before the 8:45 AM departure from Edinburgh Bus Station.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours prior to the tour start, subject to availability.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have largely praised the Alnwick Castle tour, with many emphasizing the small group size and knowledgeable guides as key highlights.

The tour’s beautiful scenery and historical insights were also consistently mentioned as standout features.

However, some concerns were raised regarding:

1. Time allocation at stops being insufficient.
2. Vehicle comfort leaving room for improvement.
3. Guide clarity needing enhancement in certain instances.

Since You Asked

Is Photography Allowed Inside Alnwick Castle?

Photography is generally permitted inside Alnwick Castle, though there may be some restricted areas. Visitors should check with staff upon arrival for specific guidelines and any potential photography limitations within the castle.

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

The tour doesn’t include food and drinks, but you’re free to bring your own. The driver-guide won’t provide any meals or beverages, so it’s recommended to pack a lunch and refreshments if needed.

Is There a Cloak Room or Storage Space at Alnwick Castle?

There is no dedicated cloak room or storage space at Alnwick Castle. Visitors can leave bags and coats with the castle’s cloakroom service, but storage options may be limited. It’s best to plan to carry only essentials during the tour.

Will There Be Breaks for Refreshments During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include scheduled breaks for refreshments. However, there may be opportunities to purchase food and drinks during the visit to Alnwick Castle or the other stops along the way, though this isn’t specified in the tour details.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear for the Tour?

No special equipment or gear is required for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour includes both indoor and outdoor activities. Food and drinks are not included, so you may want to bring snacks or a packed lunch.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour offers a captivating exploration of Northumberland’s rich history and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of Alnwick Castle, discover the charming town of Kelso, and enjoy scenic coastal views – all while enjoying the convenience of a small-group experience. Whether you’re a history buff or nature lover, this tour provides an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Borders region.