Castles & Broomsticks

Name: Day 1: Castles & Broomsticks

Short Description: 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.

Description: 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.

Highlights

• Alnwick Castle (Alnwick)
• Bamburgh Castle(Bamburgh)

Inclusions

Item 1: Small Group Tour

Item 2: Your Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide

Item 3: Scottish Stories & Live Commentary (in English)

Item 4: Foreign Language Audio Guides Available

Item 5: Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones

Item 6: Full Refund if Cancelled More Than 24 hours in Advance

Name: Small But Mighty

NameShort: Small But Mighty

Travelling in a wee group means more banter, more space, and plenty of laughs along the way. Cosy, right? Just a heads-up – while we usually travel in smaller vehicles, sometimes a larger bus might be used due to availability.

Travelling in a wee group means more banter, more space, and plenty of laughs along the way. Cosy, right? Just a heads-up – while we usually travel in smaller vehicles, sometimes a larger bus might be used due to availability.

Image Name: small group tours

Image Alt: small group tours

Name: Alnwick Castle

NameShort: Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is a top tourist attraction with an extra sprinkle of magic. The striking structure is a popular filming location, and was famously featured in Harry Potter. Release your inner wizard with a broomstick lesson in the very same spot as young Harry in the Philosophers Stone.

Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England, and Alnwick Castle is one of the very best. Dating back to the 14th century, the super-impressive stronghold has been home to the Percy family for over 700 years, and the current Duke has created the epic visitor experience today. Lose yourself in the vast and pretty gardens, and wander through the elaborate staterooms. Check out the entertainment board for the events of the day, and go in search of familiar scenes from Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey on a tour of the filming locations. Harry Potter fans will discover the courtyard where Harry and Ron crashed the flying car, and the Lion Arch which was used as the entrance to Hogwarts from the Forbidden Forest and Hagrid’s cabin. Find out where Harry learned the rules of Quiddich, and pose for an obligatory broomstick jumping-photo.

Image Name: Alnwick Castle

Image Alt: Alnwick Castle

Name: Bamburgh Castle

NameShort: Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh is a sleepy Northumbrian village with an epic backdrop. The imposing Bamburgh Castle springs up from the coastal landscape, behind rows of pretty cottages and street lanterns. Wander over sand dunes, onto a stretch of flawless beach, for the most impressive views of the castle.

Bamburgh Castle is our grand introduction to the Kingdom of Northumbria. Staged on a chunk of volcanic rock, the castle is a solid strategic defence, and perfect for photographs. The first recordings of a wooden fortress in Bamburgh date as far back as the 6th century, however the mighty stone structure which you see today came much later. If the walls could tell tales, they would speak of vicious Viking raids, ancient kings and the Norman influence. In 1894, Lord Armstrong of Cragside read in the newspaper that the castle was up for sale, so he decided to treat himself and begin a new project. An inventor and engineer, he spent the remaining years of his life restoring the castle and saving it from falling into ruin. Bamburgh Castle is now the ancestral home of the Armstrong family, and one of Northumbria’s most iconic sites

Image Name: Bamburgh Castle

Image Alt: Bamburgh Castle