Alnwick Castle

This exciting tour explores the violent history of the Borders, visits two of the finest castles in England before returning North for the magnificent Wallace Statue and Scott’s View, the finest panorama in the Scottish Borders.

Our scenic drive towards the historic border town of Berwick-on-Tweed follows the sweeping coastline and we will for stop for photos across the North Sea. Soon we cross the ancient Scotland/England border into Northumberland and stop again to capture the moment!

Overlooking miles of beautiful sandy beaches and with stunning views of Holy Island (Lindisfarne) and the Farne Islands, Bamburgh Castle is undoubtedly one of the most impressive fortresses in Britain. Used as a film location for Mary Queen of Scots, Macbeth, The Devils and Ivanhoe, a visit to Bamburgh and/or a morning stroll along the magnificent beach is a great way to start the day (our special 33% discount prices are - adults £6.00, senior £5.00, child £3.00, children under 5 years free of charge).

The castle was a passion of Baron Armstrong, engineer and industrialist, who began refurbishment in the late 19th century. Today it is still the home of the Armstrong family and visitors are able to enjoy what has been described as the finest castle in England.

After a short drive we arrive at Alnwick Castle at lunchtime. This magical place is one of Europe’s finest castles and has been at the centre of many historical events – from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and the English to the intrigues of the Guy Fawkes plot. It’s sumptuous setting and exquisite architecture has famously been used as film locations for Harry Potter (Hogwarts), Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Elizabeth and Blackadder. Enjoy ‘Harry Spotter Tours’ and revisit some of your favourite scenes! There are numerous fun and interactive activities for children and we will stop here for a minimum of 2.5 hours so you can fully appreciate and enjoy this amazing castle and the world-renowned Alnwick Garden. Our special 33% discount prices are Castle adults £8.80, Garden adults £6.40, Castle and Garden adults £14.70.

Amidst all the fun, you will be impressed by the medieval architecture, from the ramparts to the magnificent interiors of the State Rooms, Library and Renaissance Drawing Room. A private art collection includes works by Van Dyke and Canaletto.

We return to Scotland past the tragic fields of Flodden and cross the border at Coldstream (where the River Tweed has formed the natural boundary between Scotland and England for 1000 years). After a short stop in Kelso we stretch our legs on a short woodland walk to the magnificent and inspiring Wallace Statue. This huge statue of the ‘Guardian of Scotland’ (immortalised in the film Braveheart) is a striking reminder of his passion for freedom, co-ordinated and planned from Ettrick Forest and other wild places in the Scottish Borders which the monument overlooks.

The Wallace Statue

Our final stop is the most famous view of the Scottish Borders named after Scotland’s great writer Sir Walter Scott (his monument dominates Princes Street in Edinburgh) who lived nearby and loved this beautiful area.

You can see why from Scott's View. It is said his horses stopped here by themselves during his funeral procession to Dryburgh Abbey – they brought their master here so often!