Leave the capital behind and head south towards the border between Scotland and England to discover the magic of this area. Soak up the history at Melrose Abbey, step into the magical world of Harry Potter as you explore Alnwick Castle and breathe in the sea air at North Berwick.
You'll kick off your day driving south through the scenic Scottish countryside, checking out some of the country's most picturesque towns and villages. Your first stop of the day will be Melrose Abbey which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ruins in Europe. You'll have time to explore, dive into the history and search for the heart of Robert the Bruce which is believed to be buried here.
As you continue to travel south, you'll cross the border into England to reach the star of this tour, Alnwick Castle. You'll feel like you've stepped into the world of Harry Potter or Downton Abbey as you discover this incredible castle and the stunning gardens that surround it. Wander around the medieval walls and be amazed by the large lavish staterooms. You can even take part in a broomstick training session on the very spot where Harry Potter had his first flying lesson. No matter what age you are, you'll feel the magic! For those who want to keep both feet on the ground, there are various museums and exhibitions to discover inside the castle, ranging from a Downton Abbey exhibition featuring photography, constumes and props from the show. It's a must-see for fans!
If you have some spare time, you can venture into the bustling, medieval market town of Alnwick and stroll through the cobbled streets, admiring the electric array of shops, pubs and cafes. If you're a bookworm, be sure to swing by the UK's largest second-hand bookshop!
Then it's time to hit the road north again and take in the breathtaking East Coast of Northumberland as you head back to Scotland and the final stop of the day, North Berwick. With its picturesque red sandstone harbour, views to the islands and delicious fish and chips, there's no shortage of things to do! You can take a quick visit to the Scottish Seabird Centre to learn all about the wildlife or even visit the Firth of Forth Lobster Hatchery to hear how they are helping to strengthen the local marine eco system.
Entrance fees to Melrose Abbey, Alnwick Castle, Scottish Seabird Centre and Firth of Forth Lobster Hatchery
