Departing from Central Edinburgh, we journey south through the scenic hills of the Scottish Borders.
As we travel, your guide will share stories of the notorious Border Reivers, who pillaged villages and rustled cattle for centuries. They were loyal to neither Scotland nor England.
Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most significant literary figures, fell in love with this landscape and made it his home.
Crossing into England, we arrive at the mystical Holy Island on the Northumberland coast. This tiny isle, surrounded by the shifting tides of the North Sea, is rich in ancient wonders and spiritual significance. Explore the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, where St Cuthbert was bishop from 685 to 687. His fame, thanks to the stories of Anglo-Saxon writers, made him one of Britain’s most admired saints before the Reformation.
Next, we visit Alnwick Castle, the ancestral home of the Percy Family. You’ll have ample time to explore the grand state rooms, the library containing 14,000 books, and the dining room, complete with its massive 33-foot table. Alnwick Castle is still home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, as it has been since 1309.
The castle is an extra-special destination for Harry Potter fans. This is where scenes from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” were filmed, with the castle standing in for Hogwarts School.
For those less inclined to magic, the stunning Alnwick Gardens offer a peaceful retreat, or you can explore the town, the location of Barter Books, one of Britain’s largest second-hand bookstores.
Later, we head north along the rugged Viking Coast, stopping at the picturesque village of Bamburgh. Here, enjoy breathtaking views of the imposing Bamburgh Castle overlooking the bay, and perhaps indulge in some local ice cream as you stroll along the beach.
We return to Edinburgh, arriving around 18:30 hrs.
LOADING...
