Top Experiences in Bamburgh Castle

Northumbria was, for much of the 7th and 8th centuries, the most powerful kingdom in the British Isles with Kings like the ferocious Æthelfrith, saintly Oswald and cunning Oswi able to project power over many other kingdoms in the British Isles. These kings built and created an amazing melting pot of Anglo-Saxon, British, Irish, Scottish and Pictish influence with both the sword and the church.

On this tour we will take you to Ad Gefrin, England’s first whiskey distillery and Anglo-Saxon Museum which tells the story of the Kings of Northumbria and their royal palace at Yevering Bell: Ad Gefrin. We will then travel to Bamburgh where we will visit St. Aidan’s Church and Bamburgh Castle before returning you to your accommodation at the end of the day.

A private tour for you and your party, following in the footsteps of Vikings, Martyrs & the armies of King Henry VIII. A full day in the Scottish/English borders with visits to Holy Island, Lindisfarne priory, Bamburgh Castle and the battlefields of Flodden.
*** Visits to Lindisfarne/Holy Island, are subject to tidal timings and occasionally may not be possible.

Since pre-history Bamburgh and Lindisfarne have had human settlements. As a fortress of the Kingdom of Northumbria Bamburgh was the centre of the largest Kingdom in England during the 7th and 8th century. In the middle ages, the Castle developed as an important fortress against Scottish attack - eventually developing into the impressive fortification you see today. Lindisfarne is famous for both the Lindisfarne Gospels and being one of the first locations in the United Kingdom to be attacked by the Vikings. It is called the cradle of English Christianity due to the importance of the monastery in the dark ages. Due to the tides, the tour may go to Lindisfarne at different times to enable safe crossing and return to the mainland. The Village of Bamburgh will also be included in the tour with the remains of the monastery and St. Aiden’s Church both being sights to visit.

Enjoy on a fantastical tour through the enchanting castles of Northumberland, where mediaeval ruins whisper tales of the past. From Holy Island to the real Hogwarts and Harry Potter filming locations this is a captivating day trip.

- Step onto the set of the real-life Hogwarts at Alnwick Castle
- Embark on a pilgrimage to Holy Island to see the haunting ruins of Lindisfarne
- Marvel at the majestic Bamburgh Castle on the cliffside

*Tour price includes admission to Bamburgh Castle, Cruise on Lake Windermere (45 minutes) and entrance to Vindolanda Roman Army Museum.

Discover some of northern England’s most picturesque regions on this 5-day excursion from Edinburgh. With an expert driver-guide, enjoy a scenic journey along the magnificent East Lothian coastline to the historical city of York. From here, visit the breathtaking natural beauty of North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales, and then relocate to the charming market town of Keswick to explore the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall. Numbers limited to 16 on this small-group tour, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention from the guide.

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.

Combine movie magic and historic wonder on this trip through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. You will visit the picturesque seaside village of Bamburgh and take in the superb views of the 5th century Bamburgh Castle. But it is Alnwick Castle that’s the true star of this show. It’s not only a key filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey; it’s also a historic location of epic conquests and royal splendor. Take this trip and become enthralled by Scottish & English borders regions.