This tour with Heart of Scotland Tours starts with a scenic drive towards the historic border town of Berwick-on-Tweed, following the sweeping coastline and we will for stop for photos across the North Sea. Soon we cross the ancient Scotland/England border into Northumberland and stop again to capture the moment!

Overlooking miles of beautiful sandy beaches and with stunning views of Holy Island (Lindisfarne) and the Farne Islands, Bamburgh Castle is undoubtedly one of the most impressive fortresses in Britain.  Used as a film location for Mary Queen of Scots, Macbeth, The Devils and Ivanhoe, a visit to Bamburgh and/or a morning stroll along the magnificent beach is a great way to start the day. Our special 25% discount prices for Heart of Scotland customers are adults £7.00, senior £6.00, child £3.00, under 5's free. The castle was a passion of Baron Armstrong, engineer and industrialist, who began refurbishment in the late 19th century. Today it is still the home of the Armstrong family and visitors are able to enjoy what has been described as the finest castle in England.

After a short drive we arrive at Alnwick Castle at lunchtime. (Alnwick Castle open Apr-Sept, Alnwick Garden open Apr-Oct). This magical place is one of Europe’s finest castles and has been at the centre of many historical events – from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and the English to the intrigues of the Guy Fawkes plot. It’s sumptuous setting and exquisite architecture has famously been used as film locations for Harry Potter (Hogwarts), Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Elizabeth and Blackadder. Enjoy ‘Harry Spotter Tours’ and revisit some of your favourite scenes! There are numerous fun and interactive activities for children and we will stop here for a minimum of 2.5 hours so you can fully appreciate and enjoy this amazing castle and the world-renowned Alnwick Garden. Our special 25% discount prices are Castle adults 10.50 (child 4.95), Garden adults £9.00 (child £3.20), Castle and Garden adults £18.00 (child 6.95).

Amidst all the fun, you will be impressed by the medieval architecture, from the ramparts to the magnificent interiors of the State Rooms, Library and Renaissance Drawing Room. A private art collection includes works by Van Dyke and Canaletto.

New stop for 2012! - a short drive brings us to the charming village of Etal.  This hidden gem is a real step back in time with cute thatched roof cottages and a witch's beer garden at the Black Bull pub reminiscent of Godric's Hollow or The Shire!  The bloody history of border warfare and the tragic tale of the Battle of Flodden are retold within the walls of Etal Castle or you can simply stroll around this historic village with your camera.

We cross the border at Coldstream (where the River Tweed has formed the natural boundary between Scotland and England for 1000 years) and, time permitting, stretch our legs on a short woodland walk to the magnificent and inspiring Wallace Statue. This huge statue of the ‘Guardian of Scotland’ (immortalised in the film Braveheart) is a striking reminder of his passion for freedom, co-ordinated and planned from Ettrick Forest and other wild places in the Scottish Borders which the monument overlooks.

Our final stop is the most famous view of the Scottish Borders named after Scotland’s great writer Sir Walter Scott (his monument dominates Princes Street in Edinburgh) who lived nearby and loved this beautiful area.You can see why from Scott"s View. It is said his horses stopped here by themselves during his funeral procession to Dryburgh Abbey – they brought their master here so often!

Our return to Edinburgh offers wonderful views of the city and surrounding area.

This tour is run by Heart of Scotland Tours, who have been awarded 5 stars from the Scottish Tourist Board for their tours.

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