
Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 488 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip worth booking?
Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip is a 9.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $61 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 488 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (488)
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- From
- $61 per person
Combine movie magic and historic wonder on this small-group trip through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. You will visit the picturesque seaside village of Bamburgh and take in the superb views of the 5th century
What you get
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local English Speaking Guide
About this experience
Combine movie magic and historic wonder on this small-group trip through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. You will visit the picturesque seaside village of Bamburgh and take in the superb views of the 5th century Bamburgh Castle. But it is Alnwick Castle that’s the true star of this show. It’s not only a key filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey; it’s also a historic location of epic conquests and royal splendor. Take this trip and become enthralled by Scottish & English borders regions.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local English Speaking Guide
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees to Alnwick Castle (can be purchased at check-in)
- Tips
What you'll see and do
Bamburgh Castle
Passing gentle rolling hills and dramatic coastline, we’ll cross the border with England to explore Bamburgh in the heart of Northumberland. The mighty Bamburgh Castle was the seat of the early Kings of Northumbria in the 5th century.
75 minutes here · Admission not included
Alnwick Castle
In the afternoon, have your broomsticks at the ready as we’re off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England. A long, rich history and magnificent medieval architecture makes it a film lovers’ dream.
150 minutes here · Admission not included
Coldstream
After spending time in Alnwick, we make our way back over the border and in to Scotland. On our drive home we’ll regale you with tales of the turbulent past before arriving into Edinburgh early evening.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
This tour will depart at 8:15 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This tour will depart at 8:15 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
Options you can book
Tour excl. Alnwick Castle
Tour incl. Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle Entrance: Alnwick Castle was built 950 years ago. Its purpose was to control the perilous borders between Scotland and England.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, cmn, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Highland Explorer Tours Ltd
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
- It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
- Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
- Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
- The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
- If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
- The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Photos






Good to know
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $61 to $117
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 171
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd, who run 24 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 81.9 and 6 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Highland Explorer Tours Ltd runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip cost?
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Prices start at $61 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 Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip take?
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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 Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 488 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 Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip?
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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 Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 9.5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip?
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Around 171 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?
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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 Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip start and how do I get there?
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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?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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