Northumberland castles & Harry Potter tour: Private family day

Three castles and a tidal island in one day, with the Hogwarts filming locations built in.

A private family tour of Northumberland covering three castles and Holy Island in eight hours, with door-to-door pickup and a live guide. You visit Alnwick Castle, where Harry Potter was filmed, then Bamburgh Castle perched on the coast, and finish on Holy Island to see Lindisfarne Priory and its castle ruins. The tour runs year-round except when Alnwick closes in winter.

Options for this experience

2 options

From £ 790 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Premium private tour in English 09:00 Entrance tickets to Mercedes or Rover included; pickup is included

Premium private tour in German 09:00 Mercedes or Rover, entrance tickets included, pickup is included

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Step-by-step itinerary

Explore castles and Holy Island

• Visit Alnwick Castle
• Tour Holy Island ruins
• Admire Bamburgh Castle

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Holy Isle 2h
2. Bamburgh Castle 1h
3. Alnwick Castle 2h

What’s included

• Private transportation with door-to-door pickup and air-conditioned vehicle.
• live guide commentary in English or German.
• bottled water and WiFi on board.
• entry to the three castles and Holy Island.

Times

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• Every day 09:00

Information

Private eight-hour tour visiting Alnwick Castle, coastal Bamburgh Castle, and Holy Island's medieval ruins in Northumberland with a knowledgeable guide.

Group Private

Live guide English and German Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. See the pickup points

Book up to 2d before

Ages Adult (6 and older) · Child (under 6)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Accessible transport Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Pets welcome Public transport nearby

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.90 ★★★★★ Exceptional 10 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The day starts with pickup from your accommodation and heads to Holy Island, also called Lindisfarne. You cross the causeway to the tidal island and walk among the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, a medieval monastery that survived Viking raids and centuries of history. Lindisfarne Castle stands nearby, a smaller fortress on the rocky shore. The island's isolation and the weight of its past make it feel removed from the modern world, even though you're only a few hours from the city.

From there the tour moves to Bamburgh Castle, which sits dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Northumberland coast. The castle's scale and position make it impossible to miss: grand courtyards and regal halls fill the interior, and the views from the ramparts stretch across the coastline. You have time to explore the castle grounds and take in the landscape before moving on to the final stop.

Alnwick Castle is the centerpiece for families who know the Harry Potter films. The medieval fortress and its gardens are the real-life Hogwarts, and you'll recognize scenes from the movies as you walk through. The castle blends history with the cinematic magic that made it famous. Your guide provides live commentary throughout the day, and the air-conditioned vehicle includes WiFi and bottled water. Lunch isn't included, but the itinerary builds in time to eat. The tour wraps up with a return to your accommodation after eight hours.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I visit Alnwick Castle in winter on this tour?

Alnwick Castle closes during winter months, so the tour cannot include it during that period. If you're traveling between November and February, confirm the tour's adjusted itinerary with the operator before booking.

What is Holy Island and why is it called Lindisfarne?

Holy Island is a tidal island off the Northumberland coast, historically known as Lindisfarne. It's home to the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, a medieval monastery, and Lindisfarne Castle. The island has centuries of Christian heritage and was vulnerable to Viking raids, making it significant in British history.

Is lunch provided on the tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, but time is built into the itinerary for you to eat. You can bring your own food or purchase meals at the stops.

How many people can fit in the private vehicle?

The tour is private, so your group travels together in an air-conditioned vehicle with door-to-door pickup from your accommodation. The vehicle is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate specialized infant seats if needed.

Which Harry Potter filming locations will I see at Alnwick Castle?

Alnwick Castle served as the real-life Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. The castle's courtyards, halls, and gardens feature in multiple scenes, and your guide will point out the specific locations as you explore.

Operated by Hearts and Highlands. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated today