1-Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders
1-Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders
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1-Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders
2 Days
Visiting: United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
308144
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 1-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of the Scottish Borders with our Alnwick Castle and Holy Island tour. Departing from St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the historic Alnwick Castle and Gardens, available from April to October, or the majestic Bamburgh Castle during the winter months. Experience the charm of Holy Island, renowned for its serene beauty and rich history. With unreserved seating, early arrival ensures your preferred spot on the Hairy Coo tour bus. While food and drink are not included, you can bring snacks or enjoy local offerings at various stops. Remember to dress warmly and bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery. This tour promises a day filled with history, culture, and breathtaking views, making it an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the UK.
Highlights
Itinerary
What's Included
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Tour Departure
The tour departs from outside Hotel Malmaison, on the north side of St Andrew Square, 22 St Andrew Square, EH2 1AY.
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Visit to Bamburgh Castle
Between the 25th of October and late April 2025, the tour will stop for a visit to Bamburgh Castle instead of Alnwick Castle.
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Christmas Installation at Bamburgh Castle
From the 9th of November to the 5th of January, Bamburgh Castle puts on its annual Christmas Installation which is included in the admission ticket.
What's Not Included
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Food & Drink
Food and drink are not included in the tour.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for your Driver Guide are not included.
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Optional Extras
Optional extras are not included in the tour.
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Alnwick Castle and Gardens Tickets
Tickets for Alnwick Castle and Gardens are not included and can be purchased on the day of your tour.
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Bamburgh Castle Tickets
Tickets for Bamburgh Castle are not included and can be purchased upon arrival or pre-booked for the tour date.
Booking Notes
YOUR TOUR DEPARTURE
• Please meet your Hairy Coo tour bus:
Outside Hotel Malmaison, on the north side of St Andrew Square, 22 St Andrew Square, EH2 1AY.
You can find the meeting point using the following links: what3words, Google Maps
• Check-in for your tour will start at 8:00AM
• Departure will promptly be at 8:15AM. We’re unable to wait for guests who are late due to the time restraints of the jam packed itinerary we have planned.
• If you get there early you’ll get first choice of where you site, seats are unreserved so we recommend you arrive early if you have a preference!
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Food & drink
- Gratuities for your Driver Guide
- Optional extras
We are happy to confirm that the optional visit to Alnwick Castle and Gardens is available from 28th of March 2025 - late October 2025, and if that is something you would like to do, tickets can be purchased and paid for on the day of your tour. Alnwick Castle will be closed during the winter, due to reopen on the 28th of March 2025.
Please bring cash with you to book your ticket:
Alnwick Castle and Gardens Combo tickets
Adult: £35.00
Child: £9.50
Alnwick Castle tickets
Adult: £20.00
Child: £9.50
Between the 25th of October and 28th of March 2025 the tour will stop for a visit to Bamburgh Castle instead of Alnwick Castle.
Tickets can be purchased upon arrival, or pre-booked for the tour date:
Bamburgh Castle tickets
(until 28/3/2025)
Adults £18.75
Children £9.40
BEFORE YOUR TOUR
• We recommend you bring warm and/or waterproof clothing, no matter what the forecast appears to be…Scotland’s weather is very unpredictable!
• Don’t forget your camera to capture all the lovely scenery and wildlife you’ll encounter on your tour, which you can later share with us online
• We must remind you that while picturesque and quaint, many of the suppliers in smaller towns across the Highlands do still prefer cash payments
• You are more than welcome to bring along a carry-on bag on the tour which can be packed with essentials for the day, but we would advise keeping this bag as light and small as possible to maximise your comfort on board
• Food is readily available at the majority of stops on tour, but you are absolutely more than welcome to bring snacks and a cold packed lunch on board. Hot drinks and soups are permitted but only if they have a secure lid.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort on a coach departing from Hotel Malmaison, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, with stops at Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle, and Holy Island.Accommodation
This tour does not include accommodation as it is a one-day excursion.Check out our Q&As
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What time does the tour depart and where should I meet the tour bus?
The tour departs promptly at 8:15 AM. You should meet the Hairy Coo tour bus outside Hotel Malmaison, on the north side of St Andrew Square, 22 St Andrew Square, EH2 1AY. Check-in starts at 8:00 AM.
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What should I bring with me for the tour?
It is recommended to bring warm and/or waterproof clothing due to Scotland's unpredictable weather, a camera for capturing scenery and wildlife, and cash for purchases as many suppliers in smaller towns prefer cash payments. You can also bring a carry-on bag with essentials, snacks, and a cold packed lunch. Hot drinks and soups are allowed if they have a secure lid.
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Are there any optional activities during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional visit to Alnwick Castle and Gardens available from April 2024 to 24th October 2024. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour. Between 25th October and late April 2025, the tour will visit Bamburgh Castle instead.
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What are the ticket prices for Alnwick Castle and Gardens?
The Alnwick Castle and Gardens Combo tickets cost £30.00 for adults and £9.50 for children.
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What are the ticket prices for Bamburgh Castle?
From 25th October 2024 to 3rd November 2024, Bamburgh Castle tickets cost £17.00 for adults and £8.50 for children. From 9th November 2024 to April 2025, the prices are £18.75 for adults and £9.40 for children.
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Is food included in the tour?
Food and drink are not included in the tour. However, food is readily available at most stops, and you are welcome to bring snacks and a cold packed lunch.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Reduced capacity. Compulsory Masks. Hand Sanitiser available onboard.
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What is your minimum age?
Our minimum age for all tours is 7 years old.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Before Covid-19, we were awaiting
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
We do not book accommodation on behalf of guests but are happy to provide recommendations upon request.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We are happy to amend bookings as many times as is required as long as the request is sent to us within the cancellation period for your tour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Hairy Coo has been operating since 2010.
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
The Hairy Coo allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 7 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
The Hairy Coo allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform the hairy coo, 7 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the hairy coo charges.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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