1-Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders

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Barbara G.

October 23, 2025

Certainly a beautiful view while walking towards the castle, particularly on a sunny day. We arrived on the island shortly after the permitted crossing time and I was surprised at the number of visitors already considering it was mid week in mid September. The National Trust was having its annual open house which we had not known when we planned the visit, and, perhaps that contributed to the large crowds. It is a bit of a hike to the castle, and once there, there are steep steps inside and out. The tour guides were quite enthusiastic and knowledgeable. This is a former castle that was modified into a holiday home in the early 1900s. One is free to explore the rooms as well as to go outside and take in the views from the top landing.

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Helen S.

October 18, 2025

Lovely place. Holy island is a small island and the castle was a short walk from the town where we were staying. It wasn’t open due to the time of year but it was still interesting and still a nice walk. It’s looked after by English Heritage. The castle is actually atop a small hill ( a mound really) and you get a nice view once you’re up there. It’s small but seems well looked after, and the Limekilns below were fascinating. It wasn’t too busy probably due to the time of year (October), and the weather was bright so we got good views.

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Valerie H.

October 13, 2025

This 16th century castle, perched dramatically on top of a rocky outcrop, is visible from the road long before you arrive at the causeway to Holy Island. It took me about 30 minutes to walk here from the village and priory along the coastal path, with a short stop at the harbour on the way. The path is level and easy to walk, with lots of benches, but on reaching the castle you have to climb a steep cobbled slope and a flight of steps to get to the entrance. Admission for an adult is £12, but it's free if you're an NT member. Due to limited time, I didn't get the chance to go inside, but I did get to walk around the castle and get a good look at both its exterior architecture and the nearby Victorian lime kilns. This is a good starting point for nature walks around the island. A lovely spot to enjoy a picnic too! It's definitely on my must-do list to explore the castle's interior when I return to Holy Island. UPDATE: I returned to the island a few weeks later, and this time I did go inside. The NT staff/volunteers were so friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. Info boards in the entrance hall gave an overview of how, in the early 20th century, architect Edwin Lutyens transformed this former military stronghold with its vaulted ceilings and arches, winding passages and steep steps, into an atmospheric but cosy island retreat for its wealthy owner and his guests. The downstairs rooms are filled with beautiful furniture, colourful carpets, chandeliers and ornaments. Domestic artefacts, old photos, and a table set for dinner provide an added insight into the lives of the people who lived and stayed here. A spiral staircase leads up to the bedrooms and an upper viewing terrace with spectacular coastal views. There was a friendly guide on hand to let visitors know which birds had been spotted here, and to point out some seals basking on a sandbank (there's a telescope to help you get a better look). This building with its many steps would present a challenge to anyone with mobility issues, but I found it fascinating to explore. There's a toilet just inside the entrance, and a second-hand book shop in one of the upturned boat sheds next to the ticket office.