
Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 178 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh worth booking?
Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh is a 9-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $101 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 178 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (178)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $101 per person
This popular very small group tour of around 12 passengers explores Holy Island - scene of the first Viking invasion of Britain - and Alnwick Castle (filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey) before returning north to Edinburgh via the beautiful Borders. You will enjoy stunning views along the Northumberland coastline before arriving at Alnwick Castle for a minimum of two-and-a-half hours (33% 'on the day' discount for Heart of Scotland Tours customers/no prebooking required). On Holy Island you may want to include the beautiful short walk to Lindisfarne Castle and a visit to the picturesque Abbey.
What you get
About this experience
This popular very small group tour of around 12 passengers explores Holy Island - scene of the first Viking invasion of Britain - and Alnwick Castle (filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey) before returning north to Edinburgh via the beautiful Borders. You will enjoy stunning views along the Northumberland coastline before arriving at Alnwick Castle for a minimum of two-and-a-half hours (33% 'on the day' discount for Heart of Scotland Tours customers/no prebooking required). On Holy Island you may want to include the beautiful short walk to Lindisfarne Castle and a visit to the picturesque Abbey.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Driver/guide
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach
- Live commentary on board
- Very small group tour - average group size of around 12 passengers
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Attraction Entrance Fees
What you'll see and do
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve protects a stretch of coastline, including the dunes of Lindisfarne (Holy Island).
Pass by without stopping
Lindisfarne Priory
During your time on Holy Island (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) you will have time to visit Lindisfarne Priory (entrance at own expense).
75 minutes here · Admission not included
Lindisfarne Castle
During your time on Holy Island (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) you will enjoy wonderful views to Lindisfarne Castle. If you choose to make a short visit, entrance will be at your own expense.
75 minutes here · Admission not included
Bamburgh Castle
Enjoy views over to Bamburgh Castle from Holy Island.
Pass by without stopping
Farne Islands
Enjoy views to the Farne Islands from Holy Island.
Pass by without stopping
Alnwick Castle
Arriving at Alnwick Castle around lunchtime you’ll stop here for a minimum of two-and-a-half hours. This amazing castle, one of Europe’s finest, has been the centre of many historical events – from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and English to the intrigue of the Guy Fawkes plot. Its sumptuous setting and exquisite architecture has famously been used as a filming location, including the Harry Potter movies (Hogwarts) and Downton Abbey. Visit the new Downton Abbey exhibition featuring costumes, photography and props from the series and enjoy ‘Harry Spotter Tours’, revisiting some of your favourite scenes. Next door to the castle is the world-renowned Alnwick Garden, several acres of beautiful parks, woodland walks and the Poison Garden.
150 minutes here · Admission not included
The Alnwick Garden
During our stop at Alnwick Castle (minimum 2.5 hours) you will also have time to visit the world-renowned Alnwick Garden; several acres of beautiful parks, woodland walks and the Poison Garden.
150 minutes here · Admission not included
Northumberland National Park
The return home takes you through beautiful Border country and Northumberland National Park. We will stop for refreshments and to stretch legs along the way.
15 minutes here
Coldstream
We stop for refreshments and an opportunity to admire the beautiful rolling landscape which nestles between two historic and proud nations.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
This tour departs from (and returns to) Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie's Restaurant). Please arrive no later than 08.45.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This tour departs from (and returns to) Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie's Restaurant). Please arrive no later than 08.45.
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
- Thu, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Heart of Scotland Tours Ltd
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Very small group tour - average group size of around 12 passengers
- Minimum age is 5 years old
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions (unless it is unsafe to do so), please dress appropriately
- Please inform us 7 days in advance if you are bringing a service animal
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 178 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
178 verified traveler reviews for Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Angela was great!
Our tour guide Angela was amazing. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the area and so friendly. We had plenty of time at Alnwick, but we would've wanted just 30 extra minutes on Holy Island to explore! Regardless, it was a fantastic day trip.
Response from the operator: Hi Amanda, thanks for your 5 star review of Angela and Heart of Scotland Tours.
via Viator
Our group of nine had a...
Our group of nine had a fantastic tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and was happy to answer all of our questions about Lindesfarn and Scotland. All of our group had a great time and we are glad that we selected the tour that we did.
Response from the operator: Thanks for your 5 star review which is fantastic to read
via Viator
Great time and lovely guide, Callum!
This was an excellent tour and a great length, as we left at 9 am and were back ik Edinburgh around 6pm. Our guide Callum was so friendly and gave is such detailed information throughout our drive. After about an hour and a bit of driving we stopped at a cute cafe for the bathroom and coffee before heading to Alelwnick Castle, where we had 2.5 hours to tour the castle and gardens (this was about $30/person but worth it! We didn't feel the need to go into town as we had lunch at the cafe in the gardens. Then we drove to the Holy Island castle, which was incredible! It was about a mile walk from the car park to the castle, which was beautiful. We opted not to pay the extra $$ to walk up the castle as it was about $18/person. After wandering in the town a bit we had an hour and a half drive back. Overall an excellent day! Definitely glad we wore sneakers as there was a lot of walking.
Response from the operator: Hi Ashley, thanks for choosing Heart of Scotland Tours and I'm glad to hear you had a cracking day out with Calum.
via Viator
Lindisfarne and Alnwick, 10/10!
Wonderful experience! Angela was a great guide, and had such a depth of historical, local, and personal knowledge to share with us. Gorgeous views along the way, great music in-between the shared stories and facts, and just a fabulous experience all over!
Response from the operator: Thanks for such a lovely review of Angela. It’s great to hear you had such a nice day out. Thanks for choosing Heart of Scotland Tours.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful and inspiring
I had a tour on Sunday 14 of June and my group guide was Calum. I really wanted to visit Lindisfarne and the Northern (Viking) Coast, and since I`m not a driver, the tour was the best option. Heart of Scotland Tours, given the reviews and overview on the site, seemed to give the longest stop on the island, which it did, but only on the spot I understood how much it all depends on the tide times and the ability of guide to make the most of it. The tour also include a long stop in Alnwick (entrances to the castle and to the gardens are not included, but the company has a discount for the tour members on both, which was nice). There are several other small stops, I presume, more to the guide’s choice. I was happy to have the ability to see the Northern Sea near Bamburgh Castle and the completely cut off by tide Lindisfarne. Calum was wonderful with both guiding and driving, and he was very passionate about Scotland - its history, society, nature, language and literature. Calum had been giving us full list of options about what to visit and where to go before each stop, but if one is interested in any of the stops particularly, I would advise to look into the possible best personal itinerary. I did it specifically for Lindisfarne. It was a very good tour and unbelievably beautiful scenery, especially the sea.
Response from the operator: Thanks for taking the time to review Calum and our small group tour to Alnwick Castle and the Viking coast.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 62
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Heart of Scotland Tours Ltd, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.4.
See everything Heart of Scotland Tours Ltd runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $101 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 Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 178 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 Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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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 Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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Around 62 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh 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 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?
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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.
What is included in Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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Included: Local guide; Driver/guide; Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach; Live commentary on board; and Very small group tour - average group size of around 12 passengers. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities; and Attraction Entrance Fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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This tour departs from (and returns to) Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie's Restaurant). Please arrive no later than 08.45. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh offered in?
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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 Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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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.
What happens to Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
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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 Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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Across 178 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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