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£64.00 Adult from

Scottish Borders, Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Britain – Day Tour

Embark on a captivating full-day small-group tour from Edinburgh, designed to transport you back in time to the Roman Empire’s northern frontier and the historic Scottish Borders. This immersive experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, landscape lovers, and anyone eager to explore significant historical sites just a short distance from Scotland’s capital. With a focus on providing an insightful and memorable adventure, this tour promises a deep dive into Britain’s fascinating past.

Scottish Borders

Your historical adventure begins as you depart Edinburgh, venturing south into the picturesque Scottish Borders. This region is renowned for its rolling hills, lush open countryside, and a rich tapestry of history shaped by centuries of cross-border conflict. One of the first significant stops is the charming town of Jedburgh. Here, you’ll discover the impressive ruins of its Augustinian Abbey, a beautifully preserved medieval monastery that has stood through over 700 years of turbulent history. Jedburgh itself was a fiercely contested territory during the wars between Scotland and England, making it a powerful testament to the Middle Ages’ conflicts.

Hadrian’s Wall

The tour then crosses the border into England, heading directly for the mighty Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 2nd century AD by Emperor Hadrian, this ancient wall marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire in the British Isles. You’ll visit Steel Rigg, one of the most iconic and visually stunning sections of the wall. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to walk alongside this incredible feat of Roman engineering, truly feeling the isolation and grandeur that Roman soldiers experienced while guarding the empire against the ‘barbarians’ to the north. The views from Steel Rigg are truly unforgettable, showcasing the dramatic landscape the wall traverses.

A key highlight for those seeking deeper historical immersion is the opportunity to visit Vindolanda. This is one of Europe’s most significant Roman archaeological sites, where ongoing excavations continue to uncover mysteries and reveal incredible insights into the daily lives of Roman soldiers and their families. Visitors can explore well-preserved ruins and a museum showcasing artifacts from shoes and jewelry to bones and pottery, offering a tangible connection to our ancestors.

Before returning to Edinburgh, the tour typically includes a short break in the Victorian spa town of Moffat. Known for its natural mineral springs and famous Moffat toffee, it provides a pleasant stop for refreshments and a stretch of the legs. The journey back through the scenic Borders allows for further appreciation of the region’s serene beauty, reflecting on the historical grandeur and natural splendour witnessed throughout the day. This small-group tour ensures a personalized experience, led by an expert guide who brings the history of Roman Britain and the Scottish Borders to life.

Prices

£64.00 Adult from

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Tour Highlights

Walk along the iconic Hadrian's Wall at Steel Rigg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the fascinating Roman archaeological site of Vindolanda and its museum.
Discover the impressive ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, a historic medieval monastery.
Journey through the beautiful rolling hills and open countryside of the Scottish Borders.
Experience the solitude and grandeur of the Roman Empire's northern frontier.
Enjoy a refreshing break in the charming Victorian spa town of Moffat.

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Tour Schedule

Morning: Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders

Today, you’ll embark on a journey through ancient history, starting on the old Roman Dere Street, which once ran from the south of Scotland through what is now Northumberland. As you venture into the picturesque Scottish Borders, you’ll be surrounded by rolling hills adorned with ancient abbeys and charming villages. While the area may seem serene today, it boasts a rich history marked by centuries of conflicts and border skirmishes.

Mid-Morning: Jedburgh & Hadrian’s Wall Region

Your first stop is the border town of Jedburgh, a historic burgh dominated by the magnificent 12th-century Augustinian Abbey. You’ll have the opportunity to take a short walk through its peaceful, narrow streets to admire the soaring ruins of the abbey. Continuing south, you’ll pause at the scenic Carter Bar, located on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. This crossing point between Scotland and England follows the ancient Roman road and has marked the border between the two countries for the past 700 years. As you enter Northumberland, a county renowned for its historic towns, lush countryside, and ancient castles, you’ll bid farewell to Scotland.

Afternoon: Hadrian’s Wall & Ancient Roman Forts

The tour continues toward Hadrian’s Wall, stopping at Steel Rigg. Here, you’ll have time to walk beside the wall and truly feel the isolation that Roman soldiers experienced while guarding against the ‘barbarians’ to the north. As you journey along the wall, your guide will recommend the best sites to visit.

Next, you have an optional activity: exploring the archaeological site of Vindolanda. Here, you can step into the lives of those at this Roman fort. Years of excavation have uncovered incredible artifacts, from shoes and jewelry to bones and pottery. With history in mind, you’ll then head north to Scotland, traveling through Dumfries and Galloway to Moffat.

Early Evening: Moffat to Edinburgh

You’ll enjoy a short break in the Victorian spa town of Moffat, which attracted visitors in the 18th and 19th centuries seeking the health benefits of its mineral springs. The town is also famous for its Moffat toffee, known for its unique buttery flavor and chewy texture. From Moffat, you’ll travel north, past the Pentland Hills Regional Park on your way back to Edinburgh.

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Your Tour Includes:

Travel in a comfortable, 16-seat luxury mini-coach
An expert local guide (English-speaking)
30lb (14kg) luggage allowance per person
Visits to unique, off-the-beaten-track locations

Optional Extras:

Entry to Vindolanda & Roman Army Museum: Delve deeper into Roman life and history at this significant archaeological site.
Entry to Jedburgh Abbey: Explore the majestic ruins of this historic medieval monastery.

Does Not Include:

Flights and airport transfers
Food and drinks

Starting Your Tour

Departure Point: Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ

Boarding:

Starts: 8:00AM
Closes: 8:15 AM (prompt)

Returning to Edinburgh

Approximate Return Time: 7:00 PM Drop-off Location: Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George Street / St. Andrew Square area (within 5 minutes of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh

Your driver-guide will confirm a more precise return time on the final day of your tour.

Luggage Allowance

Each passenger can bring one piece of checked luggage and one small carry-on bag.

Your checked luggage will be stored in the luggage compartment and won’t be accessible until drop-off. Smaller bags for personal items like medication or water may be taken on board with you.

Here are the details for your luggage:

Checked Luggage

Number of items: 1
Max weight: 30lb (14kg)
Max dimensions: 22in x 17in x 10in (56cm x 43cm x 25cm)

Carry-on for Personal Items

Number of items: 1
Max weight: 10lb (4.5kg)
Max dimensions: 12in x 10in x 4in (30cm x 25cm x 10cm)

FAQS

Tour Attractions

You can conveniently book admission to certain attractions before your tour departs. These prices are separate from the tour cost and can be added during checkout. Please note that some attractions are only available for purchase while on tour.

Children

We regret we do not carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.

If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.

Luggage

You’re restricted to 14kg (30lbs) or 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person, depending on the tour. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland’s historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What’s more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don’t recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can’t wait for you if you’re late.

What happens if I’m late or miss the tour?

If you’re late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you’ve booked.

For tours of between two and nine days: You’ll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you’ll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don’t need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let’s be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it’s up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

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Why stop there?

The ever-increasing demand and availability for well-organised, safe and reliable trips means that we now go further afield, so while we love taking people on tours of England, Ireland and Scotland we are pleased to offer that little bit more with river tours of Amsterdam, coach tours of Paris and train trips to the chocolate capital of the world, Brussels!

Wales Tours

Rest of the World

Depart From North of England

Ireland & Northern Ireland Tours

Boxing Day Tours

Stonehenge Solstice & Equinox Tours

European Tours

Shore Excursions & Cruise Transfers

Our Most Popular Essentials

Hotels

Theatre

Out of London Attractions

London Attractions

Sports Tickets

Music Concerts

Christmas Tours

New Years Eve

There are so many and we cater for everyone so it may be a case of a leisurely Out of London trip to Stonehenge or you may want the buzz and excitement of a theatre tour of London – all the glitz and glamour is there. Out of London, we offer all sorts of adventures: Roman Baths, Shakespeare country, the Royal Pavilion, Brighton – you name it. Same with London – we don’t just do the round London tours – we can take you to Kew Gardens or we can take you on an expedition on the roof of the O2 Dome to the platform at the top offering spectacular views.

So we offer Out of London, Around London, Theatre and Hotels and then there are the spectacular Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day tours – what a way to celebrate the fun season.