Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria

Outty Ranking 74 4.6 · 551 traveler reviews9.5 hoursFrom $90
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 551 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria worth booking?

Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria is a 9.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $90 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 551 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (551)
Duration
9.5 hours
From
$90 per person

Explore the scenic coastal route between Edinburgh and the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. Visit Alnwick Castle, see Holy Island, taste some Mead brewed by monks and explore the magnificent poison gardens at Alnwick.

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore the scenic coastal route between Edinburgh and the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. Visit Alnwick Castle, see Holy Island, taste some Mead brewed by monks and explore the magnificent poison gardens at Alnwick.

    What's included

    Included

    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Live commentary on board
    • Knowledgeable driver-guide

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Attraction Tickets
    • Gratuities
    • On-board restrooms
    • On-board WiFi
    • Entrance to Lindisfarne Castle
    • Entrance to Alnwick Castle

    What you'll see and do

    1. Lindisfarne Priory

      Spend time wandering through the ruins of its Priory where the magnificent Lindisfarne Gospels were produced, sample some of the world-famous Lindisfarne 'Mead' brewed by Monks on the island, and enjoy the tranquillity for which the island is renowned Due to tide times on the following dates this tour will not be visiting Holy Island: 16th May, 31st May, 14th June, 15th June, 30th June, 14th July, 28th August, 26th September, 25th October, 26th October

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Alnwick Castle

      We continue south on to the bustling market town of Alnwick, whose greatest building is the medieval Alnwick Castle*. Enjoy time in the town centre or remain at the castle complex where there is something for everyone. Home of the Percy Family for over 700 years, Alnwick Castle is considered one of the finest castles in England and proudly known as “The Windsor of the North”. Visitors can step into the unexpected in the spectacular Alnwick Garden, with its wonderful Grand Cascade and Poison Gardens. It's grounds were also used in the Harry Potter films.

      150 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Flodden Battlefield

      If time permits during this journey there will be a stop at Flodden Field, one of the best preserved battlefields in Northern Europe and scene of the infamous battle of 1513 which ended in victory for the English and the death of James IV, King of Scots.

      15 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Edinburgh

    Our Edinburgh tours depart from Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW, outside the NCP Car Park. What3Words Address: ///casino.cove.works

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Our Edinburgh tours depart from Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW, outside the NCP Car Park. What3Words Address: ///casino.cove.works

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Timberbush Tours

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Minimum age is 4 years old.
    • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.
    • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • Digital translations in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian & Mandarin available on request.
    • Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your tour's departure time.
    • Due to tide times on the following dates this tour will not be visiting Holy Island: 26th September, 25th October, 26th October
    • Customers do not need to pre-book admission tickets to optional extras. These can be purchased during the tour from the driver-guide and are not included in the price of the tour.
    • Our coaches do not have restrooms. However, frequent comfort breaks are included at stops with restrooms.
    • Please note: from 3rd December 2024 our Edinburgh tours will depart from NCP Castle Terrace, EH1 2EW.

    Photos

    Alnwick Castle, Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of NorthumbriaFlodden Battlefield, Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of NorthumbriaAlnwick Gardens, Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of NorthumbriaEdinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria, photo 5Alnwick Waterfall, Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of NorthumbriaLindesfarne Priory, Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 550 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    550 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    430
    4 star
    58
    3 star
    33
    2 star
    12
    1 star
    17
    Sort
    OnAir63465770303 · October 2026

    Scottish day trip

    Such a great tour! We really enjoyed it and it was definitely worth the money. Brody was really funny and made all the stories so interesting to listen to. We had a lovely time and would definitely recommend it!

    via Tripadvisor

    Roving58764844436 · October 2026

    Holy Island & Alnwick Castle tour

    Neil was our Guide/Driver on our trip to Lindisfarne (Holy island) and Alnwick with a great knowledge of the area and a well practiced commentary we had a great day out. Plenty of stops and great banter. Highly recommend. Thanks Neil & Timberbush.

    via Tripadvisor

    77florencez · October 2026

    **A Relaxing Escape from Busy Edinburgh

    A fantastic, chilled-out day tour away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh. The pace was perfect, with plenty of time to actually enjoy each location, take in the scenery, and soak up the atmosphere without feeling rushed. Adam was a brilliant tour guide — very interesting, informative, and engaging, making the whole day both enjoyable and memorable. The superb playlist throughout the tour was the icing on the cake, creating the perfect vibe from start to finish! A wonderful way to spend a day exploring beyond the city, relax, and discover some amazing places. Highly recommended!

    via Tripadvisor

    ninochki · October 2026

    ✔️

    Fun experience, especially loved the Alnwick castle. Our guide Neil had very interesting stories.

    via Tripadvisor

    travelingmom9102018 · October 2026

    Great Day

    Adam was a great tour guide. He was fun, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. I would book one of his tours again.

    Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you for leaving us a great review! We are so glad that you had a wonderful time on tour with your driver-guide, Adam! We will be sure to let them know that you thoroughly enjoyed your tour! We hope to welcome you back soon to show you more Scottish scenery! Kind regards, Eleanor

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    9.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    193
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Timberbush Tours, who run 32 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Timberbush Tours runs

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)79
    Booking momentum (14% weight)76
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)60
    Local standing (8% weight)24
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.

    How much does Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria cost?

    +

    Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria take?

    +

    Plan for about 9.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.

    Is Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 551 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria?

    +

    Around 193 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 9.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Edinburgh?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria?

    +

    Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; Live commentary on board; and Knowledgeable driver-guide. Not included: Food and drinks; Attraction Tickets; Gratuities; and On-board restrooms. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria?

    +

    Our Edinburgh tours depart from Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW, outside the NCP Car Park. What3Words Address: ///casino.cove.works Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria?

    +

    Across 551 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria.

    Pick your date