The Experience
Itinerary
Day 1: Castles & Broomsticks
Brace yourselves, we’re heading south to England! Departing from Edinburgh, our Alnwick Castle tour passes 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. Visit Bamburgh Castle or 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.
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.
Edinburgh → Edinburgh
Tour Highlights
What's Included
Optional Experiences
These experiences can be added at checkout and are operated by independent local providers.
Bamburgh Castle has been towering above the beautiful Northumberland coast for over 1,400 years. Spread across nine acres of rocky terrain, it stands as one of the largest inhabited castles in Britain.
The magnificent Alnwick castle was built over 900 years ago. Its original purpose was to control the perilous borders between Scotland and England. Today, it is better known as one of the filming locations for the 'Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry' in the Harry Potter movies. As part of many popular Harry Potter tours, the castle’s expansive gardens are world famous, and its rooms are some of the finest examples of 19th-century Italianate design. Tickets are subject to availability.
In the Moment
Frequently Asked Questions
Your tour to Alnwick Castle departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. Check out our departure info page for more details on your pick-up location.
Your Castles & Broomsticks tour from Edinburgh is approximately 9 hours long* – a braw day of exploring the Scottish Borders, the coastal village of Bamburgh, and Alnwick Castle.
*Tour duration might change based on traffic and weather.
Yes, Alnwick Castle was one of the filming locations for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the movies Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. So, you’re in for the ultimate Alnwick Castle Harry Potter experience!
Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh Castle are not included in the tour price. You can add them as an optional add-on at the time of booking.
You can delve into Alnwick Castle’s history with guided tours, relive Harry Potter film scenes of Hogwarts, try archery, or test your broomstick flying skills*. You can also wander the castle’s lush gardens – there is so much to do!
*Activities offered in the programme may vary. Entrance to Alnwick Castle must be purchased to partake in activities.
As enchanting as Bamburgh Castle may seem, it has no connections to the Harry Potter movies. We still recommend you paying a visit to the castle or enjoy views of it from the beach!
