Northumberland Castle Tours: Coastal History and Buildings

Building phases and access

Bamburgh's story reaches back to an Anglo-Saxon past, followed by Norman building and later alterations. William George Armstrong bought the castle in 1894 and undertook extensive restoration. The result is a building with several phases, not a castle preserved unchanged from one medieval moment. Explore the Bamburgh Castle guide for its rooms and museum.

Alnwick Castle is associated with the first two Harry Potter films and offers film tours and broomstick training as part of its visitor programme. The regular 2026 season ended on 20 October. Check the current programme and the admission option when choosing a date. The Alnwick guide explains how tickets and excursions fit together.

Departures from Edinburgh, minicoach and bus

Several regional day trips start in Edinburgh rather than at Seahouses. One travels by minicoach with a driver-guide and commentary; its entrance fees are extra. Another includes transport and a guide, with Bamburgh and Alnwick Castle tickets paid separately. A bus trip includes a driver-guide and commentary, while Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Garden entry are optional extras. Check the exact meeting point and selected itinerary before booking.

Transport on a coastal day trip does not imply a Farne Islands boat crossing. If the islands are your main reason for travelling, make a separate plan for a boat from Seahouses. Compare the timings carefully, particularly when your day also involves a long journey to or from Edinburgh.

Holy Island and its causeway

Holy Island is also known as Lindisfarne. Its castle and priory are separate places with separate tickets. The causeway is covered by the tide twice daily, so check the crossing windows for both outward and return journeys. The times for the road do not apply to the route across the sands. Our Holy Island guide covers the practical distinction.

The landscape rewards a measured plan: look at the tide before deciding how long to spend, and make admission choices around the time actually available. On a guided trip, read the itinerary and selected option for the visit you want. A stop on the island should not be treated as automatic castle admission.

Dunstanburgh and Craster

Dunstanburgh is a medieval ruin rather than a furnished residence. Construction began in 1313 for Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. The walk from Craster is about 1.3 miles over partly rough ground. Check opening and admission for the day separately, and choose suitable footwear. The walk and the ruin are an independent coastal option; check each excursion's itinerary for its actual stops.

Hadrian’s Wall and inland Northumberland

For a different itinerary beyond the coast, explore Hadrian’s Wall and inland Northumberland.

Frequently asked questions