Our newest winter 1-day tour from Edinburgh takes in some of the most spectacular sights of England’s Northumberland coast. Visit the medieval Bamburgh Castle, the market town of Alnwick and its beautiful winter garden, as well as Holy Island, offering views of the spectacular Lindisfarne Priory.
Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, a unique island connected to the mainland by a causeway. This leads to the quaint village of Lindisfarne which offers sensational views of the Priory that shares its name. During the winter months, the Priory is closed but we are able to visit the beautiful gardens. The island is also home to monks, who brew the world-famous Lindisfarne ‘Mead’. While you are here, immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility for which the island is renowned. Should it not be possible to visit Holy Island due to the tidal conditions, this tour will visit the picturesque seaside village of St Abbs, named after a Northumberland Princess who was washed ashore in the area following a shipwreck. You might also recognise the village, and its stunning surroundings of rugged coastline and bays from the movie Avengers: Endgame, as it was the filming location for New Asgard.
From here, we will continue down England’s northeast coast towards the bustling market town of Alnwick, home to the magnificent Alnwick Garden (optional extra). Here, you may choose to visit the Garden with its wonderful Grand Cascade and Poison Gardens, or spend your time exploring the charming streets of the town. Whilst in the town, you may also be able to spot Alnwick Castle, famous as a filming location for both Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter film series.
Our tour returns to head back north, to the impressive medieval Bamburgh Castle (optional extra), dating back to the 5th century. The castle spans nine acres of land and is one of the biggest inhabited castles in the United Kingdom. Its history spans centuries, countless societies, numerous rulers, and many battles, but the impressive stronghold still stands tall today. Spend time at the castle to learn all about its colourful history as well as the many myths, legends and spooky stories associated with the castle. You may also recognise the castle from appearances in film and tv, such as in the latest instalment of the Indiana Jones franchise, The Dial of Destiny.
Our tour then begins the journey home to Edinburgh as the sun sets on your day of adventure across the border in the north of England. After a comfort break, we arrive back in the city.