
Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 177 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 $66 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 177 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (177)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $66 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
What you get
- 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
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






Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu, Sun
- Price range
- $66 to $74
- 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 73
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 $66 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 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 177 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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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 9-hour running time when deciding.
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 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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