Newcastle upon Tyne , United Kingdom

Borderland Food and Bus Tour

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This unique tour crosses the English–Scottish border three times, guided by passionate Borderland hosts proud of their agricultural roots and rich food heritage. Exceptional regional food and drink showcase the area’s distinctive culinary & cultural identity.

More than a tasting experience, this is an immersive journey blending gastronomy, storytelling and exploration. In small groups of no more than 15, every flavour is paired with tales.

Once a lawless and fiercely independent frontier, the Borderlands were a “Wild West” of cattle rustling, feuds and shifting allegiances. Guests step off the beaten track to meet local producers, explore hidden corners, & experience the stunning Borderlands countryside & coastline, discovering captivating tastes & tales that bring this remarkable region to life.

From rolling farmland and river valleys to historic towns & coastline, the landscape & past are as integral to the tour as the outstanding flavours tasted along this distinctive frontier.

Available options

Borderland Food and Bus Tour

Pickup included

What's included

A grazing lunch of locally sourced produce over 5 stops with drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) and delicious local produce such as haggis, whisky, ale, game, cheese, ice cream, barley, meats & fish.

Detailed itinerary

The tour starts near the ruins of Berwick Castle which was once home to one of Scotlands Royal Burghs. This historic Borderlands town is bursting with tastes & tales and set the tone for the culinary & cultural adventure that awaits them. Guests will begin their tastings in the most British of ways with a cup of tea!

The tour stops at the fascinating Chain Bridge Honey Farm where guests will not only discover so much about honey but also lots of local history & heritage, enjoying honey tasting with local bread.

A short walk from the Honey Farm down to the Chain Bridge brings guests to the World oldest suspension bridge and iconic border crossing between England & Scotland. Guests can saviour some haggis with a foot in Scotland while toasting this famous Border crossing.

The tour takes guests by the historic ruins of Norham Castle and into the village of Norham, the last/first Northumbrian village in England! Guests can enjoy delicious pies from the village butcher and taste ales & other drinks at the local village pub. Guests will hear lots of tales about this special little village.

The tour comes to the conservation Berwickshire village of Allanton, once home to the Clan Blackadder. At the Allanton Inn guest can take part in a simple fun activity of flavouring their own barely water followed by a tasy barely dish which can be garnished from a range of local produce such as tomatoes, eggs, cheese & fish. In the beer garden guests can enjoy stunning views across the rolling agricultural countryside.

In the industrious port & harbour of Eyemouth, guests can enjoy seaside views with some sweet treats from the local ice cream parlour.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dietary requirements can be a catered for with advance notice.

Guests with severe or life threatening allergies can not participate in this tour for their own safety.

We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 18 years old and above. Minor travelers below 18 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.

About Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne, often simply called Newcastle, is a vibrant city in North East England. It's known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene. The city sits on the banks of the River Tyne and offers a mix of historic charm and modern attractions.

Top Attractions

Newcastle Castle

Newcastle Castle is the historic fortress that gave the city its name. It consists of two distinct castles built by the Normans and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past.

Historical 1-2 hours £7.50-£12.50

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

BALTIC is a major international center for contemporary art, housed in a striking industrial building on the south bank of the River Tyne. It hosts cutting-edge exhibitions and offers stunning views of the city.

Art 1-2 hours Free (some exhibitions may have a charge)

Angel of the North

The Angel of the North is a famous contemporary sculpture designed by Antony Gormley. It stands 20 meters tall and has become an iconic symbol of the North East.

Landmark 30 minutes Free

Discovery Museum

The Discovery Museum is a popular attraction that showcases the history of Newcastle and the surrounding region. It features interactive exhibits and a variety of collections, including the Turbinia, the world's first turbo-driven ship.

Museum 1-2 hours Free

Quayside

The Quayside is a vibrant area along the River Tyne, offering stunning views of the city's iconic bridges and a variety of bars, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to relax and soak up the city's atmosphere.

Scenic Varies Varies

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stottie Cake

A traditional North East bread roll, often filled with ham, pease pudding, or other fillings. It's a staple of the local diet and a must-try for visitors.

Snack Contains gluten

Pease Pudding

A savory pudding made from boiled legumes, traditionally served with ham or other meats. It's a classic North East dish with a unique flavor.

Snack Vegan, contains legumes

Singin' Hinnies

A traditional North East pancake, often served with butter, sugar, or other sweet toppings. They have a unique, slightly crispy texture and a delicious flavor.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy (unless made with alternatives)

Popular Activities

Hiking Cycling Water sports Spa treatments Afternoon tea River cruises Museum visits Art gallery tours

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Newcastle. The weather is pleasant, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events. It's the best time to explore the outdoors and enjoy the vibrant cultural scene.

15°C to 20°C 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Newcastle is generally safe for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas, so it's important to take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services at night

Getting there

By air

Newcastle International Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center

By train

Newcastle Central Station

By bus

Newcastle Coach Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Tyne and Wear Metro is a convenient and affordable way to get around Newcastle. It's clean, efficient, and covers most major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ouseburn Valley Jesmond Gateshead

Day trips

Durham

25 km (15 miles) • Half day to full day

Durham is a historic city known for its stunning cathedral and castle, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It's a popular day trip from Newcastle, offering a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty.

Alnwick

65 km (40 miles) • Full day

Alnwick is a charming market town known for its stunning castle and gardens. It's a popular day trip from Newcastle, offering a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty.

Northumberland National Park

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Northumberland National Park is a stunning area of natural beauty, offering a mix of rolling hills, forests, and coastal landscapes. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.

Festivals

Newcastle Beer Festival • January NewcastleGateshead Summer Festival • July and August Newcastle Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

Visit the Quayside for stunning views of the river and bridges, especially at sunset
Try a stottie cake, a traditional North East bread roll, for a true taste of the region
Explore the Ouseburn Valley for a taste of the city's artsy and bohemian side
Take a day trip to Durham or Northumberland National Park for a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty
Use the Tyne and Wear Metro for easy and affordable transportation around the city and surrounding areas