texasbookworm

DH and I will be in Edinburgh for a week in October; he does NOT want to drive, but we want to take 2-3 day trips. We will probably take a tour group (Rabbies or Timberbush) to the Highlands for a long day and probably go to Stirling on our own via train for a short day. I have looked at dozens of possibilities of another day trip via train or group (wish we had a month!), and right now Alnwick is in the lead. Both Rabbies and Timberbush have itineraries that include Alnwick Castle, but I’m wondering how difficult it would be for us to do a trip just to Alnwick, via train (and ???) on our own? I’d sorta like to go to Borders Books! And that won’t happen with a group tour.

So has anybody traveled Edinburgh to Alnwick without a car? Is getting a taxi or bus very difficult from Alnmouth? And back to the train station? Or should we just opt for one of the tours and see some places like Kelso or Lindisarne but not get to the bookstore?

flanneruk

I've not done it. Personally, between a dull town with a third-division garden and a book shop on the one hand, and the Northumberland coast's spectacular geology, bird life, glorious walks and pivotal role in the West's cultural history on the other, I'd say the decision to avoid Alnwick would be a complete no brainer.

But then I'd rather eat glass than get a tour, and can't for the life of me see why you can't go to EDI airport, hire a car, drive to Holy Island and then drive back. Rosslyn's not the only 15th century collegiate church between Edinburgh and Holy Island - and the history books are misleading when they consistently imply there are no Roman remains north of Hadrian's Wall. And that's before we get to the castles, the birds, the churches, the geology or the beaches. 70 of the most feature-packed miles in Britain.

If you're determined to help reduce the Percy family overdraft, though, traveline.info's your friend. Train to either Berwick or Alnmouth, effortless connection with buses a couple of minutes away, all in about 100 mins each way.

Lots of departures to choose from. No doubt in Texas it can be difficult getting a bus at a railway station: but as long as you can read, I can't see what difficulty you could possibly have.

sofarsogood

Train Edinburgh to Alnmouth - easy https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/

Bus from Alnmouth Station to Alnwick

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/globalas...0915revaps.pdf

http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Hig...?nccredirect=1

or pre-book a taxi http://www.theyellowtaxi.co.uk/

If you have time also visit the lovely village of Alnmouth

bilboburgler

http://www.traveline.info/

gives you all the public tranport options in the country.

Ackislander

Thank you, bilboburgler.


That looks fantastic. I can't wait to give it a try.

Fra_Diavolo

I hitchhiked from London, so it can be done. I did take a local bus a few miles to Belford, where I think I stayed at a place called The Black Swan. I was famished, and although it was closed for the afternoon, they made me a chutney sandwich.

texasbookworm

Thanks, all.

flanner--On this trip, hubby would rather eat glass than drive--ha! And he's not that crazy about a tour group, either, so--trying to strike the balance between what I'd like to do/see and what would make for a not-too-stressful week for him.

And yes, while our use of or need for public transport here in deep south Texas is almost nil, we do have experience using various means in the US and abroad, so we're willing to try to do the day independently, just not with a car.

So just wondered if anyone had any advice about specific steps for this day.

(flanner--it was your advice several years ago that helped us use public transport from London to Oxford with a stop in Headington Quarry to see the Kilns and Holy Trinity Church--so always helpful to have your input)