Harry Potters Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip

Discover the magic of Scotland’s enchanting landmarks on this captivating day trip from Edinburgh. Explore the stunning Alnwick Castle, a filming location for the iconic Harry Potter series, and uncover its rich history. Journey through the Scottish Borders, marveling at the impressive Bamburgh Castle and delving into the charming town of Coldstream. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this unforgettable adventure promises to transport you to the heart of Scotland’s captivating heritage. Whether you’re a Potterhead or a history enthusiast, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you spellbound.

Key Points

• This day trip from Edinburgh includes visits to Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle (a Harry Potter filming location), and the historic town of Coldstream in the Scottish Borders.
• Spend 1 hour exploring the 5th-century Bamburgh Castle and its stunning coastal scenery, and 2 hours and 45 minutes at the 11th-century Alnwick Castle.
• Discover the opulent rooms and storied past of Alnwick Castle, which served as a filming location for the Harry Potter series.
• Explore the historical town of Coldstream, located on the Scotland-England border, and visit the Coldstream Guards Museum.
• The tour has a 95% recommendation rate from previous travelers and includes a local guide and air-conditioned transportation, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Tour Overview

The Harry Potter’s Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip is a full-day excursion from Edinburgh, Scotland.

It takes travelers to Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle, and Coldstream. The tour has an impressive 95% recommendation rate from 278 reviews and a Badge of Excellence.

Priced from $82.26 per person, the trip includes a local English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transportation. Admission fees to Alnwick Castle can be purchased upon check-in.

The tour departs at 8:15 am and ends back at the meeting point, with a maximum group size of 16 travelers. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Bamburgh Castle Exploration

After departing Edinburgh, the first stop on the Harry Potter’s Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip is Bamburgh Castle. Guests spend an hour exploring the 5th-century castle perched on the Northumberland coast.

The experience includes:

1. Admiring the stunning coastal scenery and views from the castle grounds.
2. Learning about the castle’s rich history and architectural features.
3. Appreciating the picturesque setting that has inspired many artists and filmmakers.

With its imposing presence and dramatic location, Bamburgh Castle provides an engaging start to the day’s adventures before the group continues on to the highlight – Alnwick Castle.

Alnwick Castle: A Harry Potter Filming Location

Although the group has already taken in the stunning views of Bamburgh Castle, the true highlight of the day’s journey lies ahead at Alnwick Castle.

This historic 11th-century fortress served as a filming location for the beloved Harry Potter series. Visitors can explore the opulent rooms and learn about the castle’s storied past.

With 2 hours and 45 minutes allotted, there’s ample time to take in the magical atmosphere. However, some travelers feel the time could be better spent, as Bamburgh Castle was hurried.

Exploring the Historical Town of Coldstream

As the group departs Alnwick Castle, they make their way towards the historical town of Coldstream, located right on the Scotland-England border.

Designated as a "burgh" since the 13th century, Coldstream offers a glimpse into the region’s storied past. The group has 30 minutes to explore the town’s highlights, including:

1. The Coldstream Guards Museum, honoring the famous regiment.
2. The Coldstream Bridge, a landmark crossing the River Tweed.
3. The town’s quaint streets and Georgian architecture.

With its strategic location and ties to Scottish and English history, Coldstream provides a fitting conclusion to this day’s journey through the Scottish Borders.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a local English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Entry fees to Alnwick Castle can be purchased separately at check-in. Food and drinks aren’t included, so travelers should plan accordingly.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation. Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and allocate extra time for onward travel, as return times are approximate and subject to weather and road conditions.

Booking transport in advance and clarifying entry fee details before departure are recommended.

Traveler Feedback and Insights

What do travelers say about this Harry Potter day trip? Overall, reviews are quite positive, with a 95% recommendation rate among 278 travelers.

Guides are praised for their knowledge and hospitality, and visitors enjoy the activities at Alnwick Castle, especially for families. The tour’s scenic beauty and historical commentary also receive high marks.

However, some areas for improvement include:

1. Time allocation – Many desired more time at Bamburgh Castle and less at Alnwick Castle.
2. Confusion over entry fees and itinerary details.
3. Communication issues with the tour operator.

Travelers are advised to arrive 15 minutes early, allocate extra time for onward travel, and clarify entry fee details before departure.

Accessibility and Recommendations

Though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transportation.

To make the most of the day, guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Given the tour’s length, it’s recommended to allocate an additional 3 hours for onward travel.

Return times may vary depending on weather and road conditions. When booking, travelers should consider arranging transport in advance and clarifying entry fee details to avoid any confusion.

Booking Tips and Considerations

When booking this Harry Potter-themed day trip, travelers should consider arranging transport in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Plus, it’s recommended to clarify entry fee details before departure to ensure a seamless experience.

Key booking tips include:

1. Book transportation, such as train or bus, ahead of time to secure seats and schedules.
2. Confirm Alnwick Castle admission fees and any discounts or packages available to avoid surprises.
3. Allocate extra time for the return journey, as travel times can be impacted by weather and road conditions.

With these considerations in mind, travelers can better plan and enjoy their Harry Potter adventure.

Since You Asked

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour’s inclusions don’t specify food and drinks, so participants can likely bring their own. However, it’s best to confirm with the tour operator beforehand to ensure there are no restrictions on outside food and beverages.

Is Photography Allowed Inside Alnwick Castle?

Photography is generally allowed inside Alnwick Castle, but visitors should check for any restrictions or flash photography rules. Visitors are advised to respect the castle’s policies and guidelines to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t currently offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, visitors can purchase discounted Alnwick Castle admission tickets when booking the tour online or at check-in on the day of the tour.

Can We Extend Our Stay at Alnwick Castle on Our Own?

Yes, visitors can extend their stay at Alnwick Castle on their own. The tour includes 2 hours and 45 minutes at the castle, but travelers are free to explore the castle further after the tour ends at their own expense.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Walking or Hiking Gear?

No, you don’t need to bring your own walking or hiking gear. The tour provides transportation, and the activities at Alnwick Castle and other stops don’t require specialized equipment. Comfortable shoes are recommended, but no additional gear is necessary.

The Sum Up

This enchanting day trip from Edinburgh offers a magical journey through Scotland’s rich heritage. Visitors can explore the filming locations of the Harry Potter series at Alnwick Castle, discover the historic Bamburgh Castle, and enjoy the charming town of Coldstream. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience for fans of the wizarding world and history enthusiasts alike.