On this 9.5-hour excursion from Edinburgh you’ll visit the picturesque town of Coldstream and view the inspiring Bamburgh Castle. But it’s Alnwick Castle that’s the main destination of the day. It’s been a key filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey and is a historic location in its own right. You will leave Edinburgh in the morning and head east to the Scottish Borders. Enjoy the views of gently rolling hills and dramatic coastlines along the way.  The first stop is the beautiful coastal town of Bamburgh. Take a stroll to the stunning beach and view the picturesque 5th-century Bamburgh Castle sitting on a natural throne of volcanic dolerite. In the afternoon you’ll visit Alnwick Castle. Admire the large stately rooms and the stunning architecture or learn a little about all the popular films and TV shows filmed at the site, including Harry Potter. After spending time in Alnwick, you will return over the border and into Scotland. Entry to Alnwick Castle is optional and can be selected at time of booking. The final stop is Coldstream's border town, which lies on the north side of the River Tweed. Hear about the turbulent past of this charming town before your journey ends in Edinburgh in the early evening.

Brace yourselves, we’re heading south into enemy territory! Passing gentle rolling hills and dramatic coastline, we’ll cross the border with England to explore Bamburgh - the laid-back seaside village in the heart of Northumberland. Don’t get deceived by its sleepy looks – the village and the mighty Bamburgh Castle was the seat of the early Kings of Northumbria in the 5th century. Run down to the beautiful beach to get some fresh air, imagine Viking longboats approaching the coast for a raid and try to keep up with the area’s turbulent history recounted by your Guide. 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, home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family for over 700 years. A long, rich history and magnificent medieval architecture makes it a film lovers’ dream as seen in Downton Abbey. After a magical afternoon in Alnwick, we’ll make our way back over the border and into Scotland where we will regale you with tales of the turbulent past before arriving into Edinburgh in the early evening.

Follow the sweeping coastline of the North Sea on a scenic drive towards the historic border town of Berwick-on-Tweed. Cross the ancient Scotland/England border into Northumberland and visit Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, a tidal island settled by Irish monks from Scotland circa AD 635. From here the Christian message spread throughout the north of England. In 793 a fierce Viking invasion heralded the beginning of the Viking Age. Take a short walk through an area of outstanding natural beauty to 16th century Lindisfarne Castle, and visit the Priory where the Lindisfarne Gospels were created and enjoy the spectacular views of Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands. You may also wish to buy some delicious souvenir Lindisfarne Mead from St Aidan’s Winery. Arrive back at Alnwick Castle at lunchtime after a short drive. This magical place (the 'Windsor of the North') is one of Europe’s finest castles and has been at the center of key historical events – from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and the English to the intrigues of the Guy Fawkes plot. Alnwick Castle's sumptuous setting and exquisite architecture has famously been used as a film location for ‘Downton Abbey’, 'Harry Potter' (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), 'Robin Hood Prince of Thieves', 'Elizabeth' and 'Blackadder'. Enjoy ‘Harry Spotter Tours’ and revisit some of your favorite scenes. Go with costumed guides on a historical and magical tour. Be sure to check the events board on entry to make the most of your time. With fun and interactive activities for children, you'll have 2.5 hours to fully appreciate and enjoy the castle. The tour returns north via the beautiful Border country and, subject to timing, may also visit the East Lothian coast to the south of Edinburgh.

Visit the rolling, beautiful hills of the Scottish Borders and hear tales from your guide about the infamous Border Reivers who raided villages and settlements in this part of the country for centuries. You’ll see for yourself why Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s greatest cultural figures, loved this landscape. Learn all about Scotland’s Outlaw King, whose heart is said to be interred in Melrose Abbey. Then, cross the English border and head to the magical Alnwick Castle. See where Harry Potter learned to fly and play Quidditch and take part in the famous broomstick training sessions with the resident Wizarding Professor. There is something for everyone in this historic fortress which has links to the Norman Conquests, wars of independence, War of the Roses and Oliver Cromwell. In the late afternoon, depart Alnwick and travel North along the rugged Viking Coast towards the Scottish border.

• Explore the rugged beauty of Northumberland's coastline and its breathtaking beaches. • Uncover a wealth of Roman history and delve into the fascinating stories behind the region's fortified castles. • Immerse yourself in the history of iconic Northumberland castles. Visit islands, nature reserves, and northern Europe's largest man-made lake, surrounded by lush forests to explore. • Access this Northumberland road trip on 2 devices (mobile, tablet or desktop) for 12 months to help with planning your break before you travel. Northumberland Itinerary • The suggested mapped route is a fully flexible linear route that starts in Newcastle-upon-Tyne or Hexham and heads to Kielder Water before heading back to the coast and following the coastline. The route can take 3 or 4 days (plus you will need to wait for the tide!), depending upon stops however you can adjust this to between 3 and 14 nights. Of course, you can tweak this route as much as you like to make your own perfect route. • The distance of this Northumberland road trip is around 177 miles (286m), with a drive time of around 5.5 hours without stops. This doesn’t factor in stops for Hadrian’s Wall - as there are several parts to visit and you may wish to spend a couple of days visiting all. Destinations Guide: • Save hours using our inspiration and signposting to plan your perfect Northumberland Castles & Coast driving route. • The destination guides cover 10 destination locations and information on detours and nearby on the route. Don’t miss any of the iconic Northumberland castles. • The destination guide includes over 50 attractions, experiences and activities to uncover your own England. The Uncover More map includes: • 40+ Viewpoints • 70+ Places of interest • 30+ Hidden gems • 4 Wild swim spots • 10+ On Screen locations The Overnight Stay map includes: • 60+ Campsites • 40+ Motorhome stops & almost wild spots • 40+ Hotels • 80+ B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges

Visit Bamburgh, a town in the heart of Northumberland. See the famous Bamburgh Castle, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and visit St. Aiden's Church.  Start your day with a pickup from your hotel or meet your guide at the meeting point, depending on which option you choose. Listen as your guide explains the history of this fortress town and the neighboring island. Then, enjoy a guided tour around Bamburgh Castle, which has stood guard above the spectacular Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years. Stroll through one of the largest inhabited castles in the country, known as the king of castles. The first castle in the world to fall to gunpowder in the War of the Roses.  Next, head to Lindisfarne, famous for both the Lindisfarne Gospels and being one of the first locations in the United Kingdom to be attacked by the Vikings. Known as the cradle of English Christianity, recognizing the monastery's importance in the Dark Ages.  Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Bamburgh.