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Trevose Head in Cornwall, UK

UK Staycations & Local Tour Packages

  • Ways to travel
  • Local Tours

Staycation in your own backyard, right here in the UK.

To most of us, the idea of an adventure has always involved a long-haul flight and a week or two away from home. But right now is a perfect opportunity to get out there and explore a bit closer to home – Intrepid style. To support local communities in the UK who are working to rebuild and recover. And, to experience all the little moments that make travel special – connecting with a stranger, that incredible meal you’ll remember forever or the unexpected interactions that make you cry with laughter – no matter whether you’re two hours or two days from home. There are so many adventures on your doorstep.

Popular UK staycations

Every Intrepid small group tour has been carefully designed to make sure you have an unforgettable grassroots travel experience, with ultimate itineraries, perfectly sized groups, legendary local leaders and plenty of authentic real life experiences.

Lake Buttermere in the Lake District

Lake District

Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye

The Scottish Highlands

Calton Hill, Edinburgh

The Cotswolds

Glasgow's cityscape featuring the Glasgow Cathedral.

The River Thames

Sunset over the Isle of Portland in Devon

Peak District

Greig Street Bridge in Inverness, Scotland.

Hadrian's Wall

A lake in Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Explore the UK by country 

Urquhart Castle in Scotland

Northern Ireland

Highlights of the uk.

Skara Brae in the Orkney Islands

Explore the natural beauty of the Orkney Islands

They might be located just a few miles off the northern tip of Scotland, but the Orkney Islands are a world of their own. Explore these rugged Scottish isles and immerse yourself in nature, history, mystery and a whiskey (or two). Step back in time in the Neolithic town of Skara Brae (older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids!), learn about Viking culture, hike the gorgeous Shapinsay Island and tap your toes to live music in traditional Scottish pubs.

Durdle Door in Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic Coast

Walk the rugged Jurassic Coast

You might be wondering if Jurassic Coast was filmed here. Unfortunately not, but it could've easily made the cut. Spanning 95 miles from Devon to Dorset, the Jurassic Coast  is nothing short of spectacular. Discover dramatic cliffs, soul-stirring rock formations and beautiful beaches between Weymouth and Swanage. You'll also learn about the history and secrets of these lands. There’ll be plenty of time to rest and refuel in cosy local watering holes along the way.

A cyclist on the Newland Pass in the Lake District

Cycle some of the UK’s most epic routes

Escape to the country and experience some of the UK’s most glorious landscapes from two wheels. A cycling tour in the Lake District or Peak District is the perfect way to combine an active adventure with downtime. Spend your days whooshing down iconic routes like the Honister Pass or the Winnats Pass and enjoying endless views, followed by brewery tours (and tastings, of course), refreshing lake swims and relaxing evenings in local villages.

Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

Discover the highlights of Scotland

Steeped in fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, Scotland doesn't disappoint. A Scotland  tour gives you a true taste of the country's natural beauty and the warmth of Scottish hospitality. Explore mystical lochs, peek inside medieval castles, hike the untouched Cairngorms National Park, nip over to the idyllic Isle of Skye, and discover how to have a good time (the Scottish way) in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

UK staycation reviews

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip in the uk.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

What is the best way to get around the UK?

The UK is small and compact with good transport links to Europe and the rest of the world. Driving gives you more freedom to explore at your own pace, but it can be expensive with the cost of renting a car and buying fuel. The next best option is public transport – it’s also a more eco-friendly way to get around. Major towns and cities are well connected with buses and trains, but travel can be limited in more remote areas so make sure you plan in advance.

You can check train routes, times and ticket prices for your destination with the National Rail . Local bus services operate in cities, towns and most villages, but if you’re travelling long-distance you could also take a coach with companies including National Express , Stagecoach and easyBus . They may offer travel passes for multiple journeys which is ideal if you’re travelling to several destinations in England or Britain. 

Where is the best place to see castles in the UK?

One of the great things about the UK is that you’re never too far from historical ruins and ancient sites where you can delve into the past. If you want to explore medieval fortresses and castles, Wales takes top place. Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world – 600 to be precise! Scotland, England and Northern Ireland are close runners-up with some spectacular ruins and castles that are still in use today. Some of the castles we visit on our UK tours include Eilean Donan , Caernarfon Castle , Dunluce Castle and Corfe Castle .

Where are the best beaches in the UK?

The UK isn’t usually a top choice when searching for a beach holiday, but you might be surprised at how gorgeous some of the UK’s beaches are. From vast sweeping sands and craggy headlands to secluded bays with calm turquoise waters, there are plenty of beaches to enjoy warm summer days or go for a crisp coastal walk. Wales has a stunning coastline and pristine beaches, especially those along the Pembrokeshire Coast , such as North Tenby, Barafundle Bay and Rhossili Bay (which was voted among the most beautiful beaches in the world). Scotland boasts clear blue waters and secluded beaches on the Isle of Harris and Skye . Down in England, you’ve got magnificent beaches along the Jurassic Coast , Cornish Coast and Sussex.  

What should I pack for a UK staycation?

Your packing list will change a little depending on the season and the type of trip you’re doing, but here are some essential items to bring on your UK staycation:

Comfortable pair of walking boots or trainers

Socks and underwear

Raincoat (don’t get caught out!)

A warm, wind-proof jacket 

T-shirts and long-sleeved tops

Trousers/shorts/skirts

Jumper and warm layers 

Toiletries 

Travel towel 

Read our ultimate packing guide

What’s the weather like in the UK?

UK weather has a bit of a reputation for being unpredictable, and it's true. It rains, a lot. So it’s never a bad idea to pack a brolly and a rain jacket at the bottom of your daysack for those unexpected showers. That being said, it hardly ever experiences hot or cold extremes. Winter tends to be cold, wet and windy, summer is mild and (sometimes) sunny, and spring and autumn are often a bit all over the place. The weather in late spring and early autumn can be lovely and mild with plenty of daylight to make the most of the days. But one thing’s for sure – people in the UK sure know how to make the most of the sunshine when it makes an appearance. 

Average temperatures in the UK

Are intrepid’s uk tours accessible for travellers with disabilities.

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible , regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

Read more about local travel in the UK

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UK Travel Planning

Best UK Tours 2023/4 – Reviews & Itinerary Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 13, 2023

Taking one of the many UK tours on offer can be a great way to explore the United Kingdom if this is one of your first trips in the UK. There are several advantages to taking a guided or self-guided tour for part (or all) of your time visiting the UK. 

Guided tours of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland allow you to minimise the travel hassle as you’ll have a company to do most of the planning for you, and many of the United Kingdom tour package options we’ve included here allow you to see far more of the UK in a shorter period of time than it would be possible to do on your own. 

Guided tours of UK can also offer good value for money, and there are some great UK trip packages on offer. Unfortunately, choosing which UK tour to take is not so easy – as the choice of tours in UK can be really overwhelming. There are just so many, so where to start looking? 

In this guide I’ll walk you through some of my favourite UK tour itineraries and how to choose the best UK tour that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking for England tours, cheap UK tours, all-inclusive England vacation packages, or the best coach holidays UK has, you’ll find plenty of options in this blog. I’ve also included some of my recommended cycling and walking holidays UK has for those looking for an active break. 

Let’s get started with the best Great Britain tours 2023/4 options on offer! 

Best Tours of Great Britain – Comparison Chart

When is the best time to go on your uk trip , mode of transport, pace of travel, elegance of great britain – insight vacations – 11 days, castles & kilts – trafalgar tours – 10 days, great britain 7 days, uk by train – great rail journeys uk – 12 days.

  • The Lake District & Scotland – Rabbie's – 9 Days

Highlights of Scotland – G Adventures – 7 Days

Country roads of scotland – insight vacations – 9 days.

  • Best of Scotland 

8 Day Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast

Britain and ireland, essential britain & ireland – globus – 10 days, britain & ireland explorer – insight vacations – 13 days, walk hadrian’s wall, g adventures, globus journeys , great rail journeys, insight vacations, intrepid travel, indus travels , trafalgar travel, rabbie’s tours, extending your british tour with extra days in london.

If you want to compare even more of the best coach trips the UK has or other styles of tour, I recommend TourRadar as a great place to compare tours and read more UK tour reviews. 

When planning for your trip to England or the rest of the UK, it’s important to take seasonality into consideration. I go over all the details of the weather and the seasons in the UK here in this article . 

When comparing tour operator UK options and which trip to take, be aware that UK tours tend to run with reduced frequency during the winter months, with many of the best UK tour packages running more frequently in spring and summer (April – August).

While some British coach holidays run year-round, speciality outdoor trips such as cycling holidays UK options may only run during summer months. 

Suitcases with signposts to various UK destinations.

Best United Kingdom Tours – Choosing the Best Tour for you

When searching for the best UK travel packages and tours, there are many factors to consider. Here are some of the top things I recommend taking a few minutes to think about before deciding on the best tour of Britain for you: 

Many of the most popular UK guided tour options are small group tours. UK small group tours vary widely in size with what is deemed to be a ‘small’ group – with some having up to 50 in a group while others keep it to 12 or under. 

Coach tours UK options are a convenient way to travel around with the rest of your group and often allow more to be fitted into an itinerary than independently travelling by train.

These range in style and you can find plenty of luxury coach holidays UK options as well as budget bus tours UK.

If you want to take the train but also like the idea of a guided tour, you could consider one of the train holidays UK options listed below. 

This is the one most of us forget to consider! In order to fit as much in as possible, some of the popular coach holidays in England and the rest of the UK move very fast, taking in multiple cities and sights in a day and usually spending only 1 night in a place. 

This can get tiring, so if you prefer to spend at least a couple of nights in each place, check for itineraries that allow you more time or you could consider choosing one of the self-drive holidays UK options available. 

Also, see our tips at the end of this article for extending your stay in the UK by spending extra days in London, Edinburgh, or any of the other common UK tour starting and endpoints. 

England vacation packages and tours have different inclusions depending on the style of trip and company.

Most include transport, guide, accommodation and some meals, but check the small print so you know what you are and aren’t getting included on tours to England.

The entrance fees to many sights are often not included in tour pricing. 

Bibury in The Cotswolds.

Best Great Britain Tours (England, Scotland, Wales)

Below you’ll find our favourite United Kingdom trip tour packages that take in England, Scotland and in some cases Wales, too. For tours that also include Ireland, see the next section. 

Best for seeing England & Scotland at a more leisurely pace

Starting in Edinburgh and finishing in London, this 11-day journey through some of England and Scotland’s finest sights is a great option for those wanting to travel in comfort or who are looking for the best UK tours for seniors. 

This is one of our favourite England and Scotland tour packages if you prefer a tour that spends 1-2 nights in each place and allows you to relax more in the places that you visit.

Staying at 4* accommodations throughout the trip, this itinerary starts in Edinburgh and takes in Gretna Green, the stunning Lake District , historic York, Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds and Bath before finishing up in London.

Travel is by private coach. 

As trips to England and Scotland go, this Insight Vacations UK trip is one for those who want to see the best of the UK’s history, natural beauty and culture in comfort and style. If you have additional time, we highly recommend adding on extra days in London or Edinburgh (or both!). 

Click here for more info and pricing

Chester is included in some of the best UK tours.

Best for fitting lots of England in at a great price

Starting in London and finishing in Edinburgh, this 10 day London – Scotland tour by Trafalgar Tours England is a great option for those who want to see as much as possible during their trip and don’t mind travelling at a faster pace. 

One of the popular tours of England and Scotland, this itinerary spends 3 days taking in the sights of London at the start of the tour, so you don’t need to worry about booking additional time at the start of the tour (unless you want to).

From London, head north to Oxford and Bath before crossing the Welsh borders and exploring some fine Welsh castles . You’ll also visit Chester, Lancaster and Hadrian’s wall before finishing in Edinburgh. 

If you want to include a trip to Wales in your UK tour itinerary then this is a great tour to go for, and history lovers will enjoy every stop of this trip that showcases the UK’s history from the Wars of the Roses to Roman Bath – you even get to stay at Ruthin Castle in Wales – a 13th century castle with its original moat!

Best for seeing it all in seven days

If you only have seven days to spend in the UK, this whistle-stop tour will whisk you up and down the length and breadth of Britain to introduce you to the highlights. Included on the itinerary are a list of destinations for day trips outside London – and beyond. 

The cities of Bath, Cambridge and York in England, plus the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, are included. Stratford-upon-Avon is also visited as the home of the UK’s most revered playwright. Experiences to savour include seeing Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis in Scotland, and enjoying a traditional roast dinner in historic, compact York. 

In addition to Georgian Bath and the capital London, this seven day tour takes you to some other fascinating UK locations too. There’s sculptor Antony Gormley’s famous Angel of the North artwork, a Scottish border town, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, and the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness.

Once you head down the west coast, the musical and sporting city of Liverpool awaits. You’ll also venture into Wales to see the city of Cardiff and a ​​mediaeval Welsh castle. After touring Bath, the last stop en route back to London is Stonehenge. This ancient site is shrouded in mystery – and a must on the itinerary of every visitor to the UK.

Steam train crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct.

Best for train travel and rail holidays UK

There’s arguably nothing more quintessentially British than train travel – and if life on the rails in Britain is what you’ve been romanticising about, then this is one of the train tours UK for you.

This UK rail itinerary takes in the best of Scotland and England, with the chance to ride on one of the best-known steam train trips UK has to offer on the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig.

You’ll travel on the West Highland Line, North East Main Line that links Edinburgh and York, and the West Coast Mainline south from Glasgow.

Travel is at a more leisurely pace with 2 nights spent in most cities, staying in mostly 4* hotels. You’ll also get to see Bath and Stonehenge before finishing in London. 

If you’re looking for guided tours of England and Scotland by train, this is a great itinerary to go for. You’ll get to experience many of the UK’s best-known railways and take in the country’s top historic and cultural sights along the way. Travel is by train and private coach. 

View over the Lake District in England.

The Lake District & Scotland – Rabbie’s – 9 Days

Best for taking in the beautiful scenery of the Lake District & Scottish Highlands

Rabbie’s tours of the UK offer great value for money, and if you want to be immersed in some of the UK’s finest landscapes and are interested in guided walking holidays UK options, this is a great way to dip your toes in. 

Starting in Manchester, this itinerary is a ‘rail and trail’ combination of 2 Rabbie’s trips , meaning you’ll change minibus and guide half way through.

First you’ll explore the stunning Lake District in the beautiful north west of England, enjoying Windermere and Ullswater before taking the train up to Edinburgh for your Highlands adventure that visits some of the most scenic spots on Scotland’s west coast: Uban, Mull and Skye before heading back to the mainland to visit the iconic Eilean Donan castle. 

If you’re looking for the best adventure tours UK has, then we recommend Rabbie’s who deliver great tours at a budget-friendly price point for those who love the outdoors.

View over Loch Ness can be seen on some of the best UK tours.

Best for Scottish Highlands exploring and Solo Trips UK. 

If you’re looking to focus your UK trip on Scotland , then this 7 day Scotland tour from Edinburgh by G Adventures is well worth a look.

G Adventures also offer very reasonable single supplements if you’re looking for the best solo holidays uk options – or you can choose to share a room with another traveller of the same sex. Either way, G Adventures UK is popular with solo travellers. 

Starting in Edinburgh and finishing in Glasgow, this Scotland tour takes in Inverness and the famous Loch Ness, Culloden Moor (famous for the Jacobite rising of 1745), the beautiful Isle of Skye and Fort William, with a chance to snap the famous Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct (a must for Harry Potter fans) en route.

Accommodation is on a twin-share basis in 3* hotels and travel is by private minibus. 

If you want the highlights of the highlands of Scotland, this is a good tour to go for, with the option to add on extra days at the start or end of your tour – you could easily spend more time in Edinburgh, or head down to London. 

The Orkney Islands.

Off the beaten-path Highlands of Scotland

One of our favourite Great Britain vacation packages for getting a little off the beaten path is this wonderful northern Scotland adventure by Insight Vacations. Perfect for those wanting to see more of the Scottish Highlands or try something different when it comes to the many UK holiday packages. 

Starting in Edinburgh, on this upscale tour you’ll take in Inverness and Loch Ness, the beautiful and remote Orkney Islands at the northern tip of Scotland – a part that few visitors see – before heading south down the west coast of Scotland to take in the Isle of Skye, the stunning Glencoe pass and Loch Lomond before finishing up in Glasgow.

Accommodation is in 4* hotels and travel is by private coach. 

This is certainly one of the best UK coach holidays 2021 has to offer if the Scottish Highlands have been calling to you. You’ll love this one if you want to see the full diversity of landscapes and richness of community and culture that Scotland has. 

Best of Scotland  

Best for uncovering all four corners of Scotland  

If you want to find the best luxury coach tours in the UK that cover much of what lies north of the border, then the Best of Scotland tour from Trafalgar is a popular option for summer. The adventure begins in the capital of Edinburgh on day one. You’ll then be transported around Bonnie Scotland for seven days before ending up in Glasgow. 

This vibrant city lies to the west of Edinburgh. It’s the biggest in Scotland in terms of both population and square mileage. The metropolis is renowned for its magnificent architecture and as a cultural hub for fans of music, museums and more.

After arrival and on the second day of the tour, you’ll delve deeper under the surface of the historic and breathtakingly beautiful Scottish capital. Key sights including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Palace of Holyroodhouse are visited during your guided tour, and you’ll also enjoy free time to spend as you wish. 

Between leaving Edinburgh and arriving in Glasgow – both of which are in southern Scotland – you’ll head north. The first stop is St. Andrews, where Prince William met Kate Middleton, before overnighting at a hotel in the Cairngorms National Park. During day four, you’ll visit the site of the famous Jacobite uprising, see Eilean Donan Castle, look out for the Loch Ness Monster and head over to the Isle of Skye. 

The fifth day of the tour includes Ben Nevis and Glencoe en route to Glasgow. After staying overnight there, you’ll take a city tour before calling at Clydeside whisky distillery and Stirling Castle on day six. Day seven is departure day, unless you decide to stay on in Glasgow for longer. 

Best for touring unspoiled Scotland

If what appeals to you most about the British Isles is the chance to spend time in Bonnie Scotland, this tour to far northern Scotland might be the one for you. It’s what Great Britain vacations are made of for many – beguiling cities, beautiful coastline and of course a dazzlingly rich and varied history. 

Day one transports you from Edinburgh to Inverness, via the famous Forth Bridge, picture-perfect Perthshire, the peaceful village of Dunkeld, the fascinating Highland Folk Museum, the Cairngorms National Park, bloody Culloden Battlefield and the standing stones at Clava Cairns. 

Next up on the second day is the spectacular North Coast 500 trail, via French-style Dunrobin Castle, en route to the island of Orkney. Puffin territory and an astonishingly well-preserved Neolithic settlement await after overnighting on Orkney. 

Both the better-known and lesser seen sights of Scotland make up much of the tour’s second half. These include Smoo Cave in Sutherland, the harbour village of Ullapool, Eilean Donan Castle, the Isle of Skye, the Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William and Glencoe.

During the last day, you can also choose to take an optional side trip to one of the Western Isles – namely Iona, Kerrera, Mull or Staffa. Alternatively, climb up Battery Hill in Oban or call into the 

 local Whisky Distillery. Finally, before heading back to Edinburgh, visit the Kelpies and Stirling Castle. 

Aerial view of Keswick in the Lake District

Best England, Ireland, Scotland Tour packages

Some of these itinerary options include the best England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales tours for a comprehensive circuit of the British Isles, while others combine Ireland and Scotland to get a fuller taste of the Celtic lands. 

View of evening in Dublin can be appreciated on some of the best UK tours.

Best for a whistle-stop tour of the UK and Ireland

If seeing England and Scotland isn’t enough for you, then you might like to add on Ireland. This ten day trip is arguably the best way to see England, Scotland and Ireland in one hit. It lasts for ten days, and packs far more into that time than you could feasibly manage on a self-guided basis. 

First up after departing London is Shakespeare country and Stratford-upon-Avon, then it’s the Yorkshire cities of York and Bradford. The Yorkshire Dales, Lake Windermere, Gretna Green and Glasgow are then on the agenda for day three. 

There’s a day in Edinburgh for the fourth day, before heading to Ayrshire, Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny and Waterford on day five and six. Cardiff, Bath and Windsor are the final stops before the tour winds up back in London. 

This tour offers incredible value for money, and really maximises each and every day when time in the UK is tight. 

Best for trips to England and Ireland that include the main highlights

If you’re looking at tours of England, Scotland and Ireland, then this 10 day trip by Globus may tick all the right boxes. 

Start and end in London on this tour that takes in the English highlights of Stonehenge and Bath before exploring Newport and Cardiff in Wales en route by ferry to Waterford and Dublin in Ireland.

Head north through Ireland towards the up-and-coming city of Belfast and crossing back into Scotland to take in the sights of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

On the final leg you’ll head south through York and Stratford upon Avon to London to soak up the best of English history. Travel is by coach. 

This is one of the best tours of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland if you’re tight on time and don’t want to forgo any of the countries of the British Isles. The travel is at a fairly fast pace though – so you may wish to add on a few days to relax at the end of your trip. 

Snow peaked mountains in Glencoe.

Best for combining Scottish Highlands & Ireland

One of the comprehensive UK tours from London options in this list, this itinerary works well if you want to start in London and have a few days before your trip starts to explore the UK’s capital – either through an extension booked through Insight or under your own steam. 

Leaving London, this ultimate UK tour takes in the historic English highlights of Stratford and York before heading past Hadrian’s Wall to Edinburgh and circling the Scottish Highlands.

Take in the legendary sights of Loch Ness, Glencoe and a boat trip on Loch Lomond before heading back south into England and Wales, and crossing over into Ireland.

Travel is by private coach and accommodation is at 4* hotels. 

On this grand UK tour, you’ll spend a total of 5 nights in Ireland and 7 in England & Scotland, making this the perfect UK tour packages from London when you just want to see it all! 

Portree on the Isle of Skye.

Best for English countryside and Roman history

Following the route of Hadrian’s Wall makes for one of the best road trips in the UK. Though the wall is quite justifiably famous, the route along it is far less touristy than other parts of the British Isles. The wall stretches from near Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the east to the compact city of Carlisle in the west. 

Hadrian’s Wall can be found within the more peaceful parts of England’s two most northerly counties. As this is a walking tour you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness, but this also means you’ll get up really close to the sights of Cumbria and Northumberland. And of course the unspoiled English countryside, with its dry stone walls and sheep-dotted emerald fields. 

To give you some idea of the distances, the first day’s walk is around eight miles, between Carlisle and Irthington. Other walks include the six mile trek between Lanercost Priory and Gilsland, the three-and-a-half Walltown Crags to Haltwhistle route and seven miles from Once Brewed to Brocolitia Fort. It’s also nine miles from Chollerford to East Wallhouses, and about five from East Wallhouses to Wylam. 

Highlights of this tour include the pretty Cumbrian village Crosby-on-Eden; Birdoswald, Housesteads, Brocolitia and Vindolanda Roman Forts, Walltown quarry, Sycamore Gap, the site of the victory of Oswald and the historic old Military Road. 

Best Tour Companies UK Reviews

Not sure which of the best travel agency UK options you should pick? Below you can find a short review of what to expect when travelling with any of the UK tour companies mentioned above. 

G Adventures tours are known for their good value and experience-rich approach. They attract travellers of all ages, both couples and solo travellers, thanks to their twin-share policy where single travellers can travel at no extra cost if they share with another traveller of the same sex.

Travel is in small groups (max 12) and includes a local tour guide “CEO”. Accommodation is in mid-range hotels and guest houses, and typically breakfasts and entry to some sights are included.

Travel in the UK is mostly by private mini-bus unless otherwise stated. 

Popular for coach tours in the UK and around the world, Globus Journeys offer guided coach tours in the UK and Ireland, either with smaller groups (max 24) or larger groups (up to 50) depending on the style of the trip.

Accommodation is typically in tourist class hotels (3* and 4*) with well known brands. Globus is popular among travellers aged in their 50’s, 60’s and up for the convenience of travel by coach and their tours have more meals and excursions included than some.

Expect itineraries that pack places in, so you’ll see a lot, and stays are typically 1 night. 

GRJ are the go-to for UK steam tours and railway journeys around the UK and beyond, so if travelling the UK by train is what you’re hoping to do, look no further.

Itineraries are designed to take in iconic lines and to provide the best steam train holidays UK has (or ‘regular’ trains). Journeys are escorted by a Tour Manager, and the majority of travellers are either solo travellers or couples aged between 45 – 80.

Accommodation is in 3* hotels or higher. The maximum group size on any trip is 50, or you can opt for a tailor made travel experience. 

Insight Vacations are an upscale tour company offering luxury UK coach tours with up to 40 people per group.

Travellers are typically 45 and up, and itineraries are a little more relaxed than many other tour companies, including 2 night stays at many destinations and “relaxed starts” in the morning spread out through the trip allowing time to catch up on rest if you need it.

Accommodation is in 4* hotels and trips are accompanied by a tour manager. 

Famous for great value adventures around the world, in the UK Intrepid offer a range of shorter ‘retreat’ style trips – so if you’re after hiking trips UK or a guided walking and cycling holiday, look no further.

Accommodation is in local guest houses and you’ll be accompanied by your own Intrepid Travel guide for the duration of the trip.

Maximum group size is 12, and rooms are on a twin share basis with the same sex if you’re a solo traveller, or you can pay a supplement to have your own room. 

Offering a mix of small group tours, independent adventures, cruises and self-drive vacations, Indus Travels allows you to set your own pace of travel with flexible itineraries when you choose one of their ‘unbundled tours’ or self-drive trips.

Self-drive trips are just you, your car rental, itinerary and accommodation, whereas group tours have up to 22 travellers, English-speaking local guides, deluxe accommodation and air conditioned coaches included.

Indus is popular with younger and older travellers alike, with many travellers in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. 

Well known and popular Trafalgar Tours England have been offering coach travel around the UK for many years and have many happy customers behind them.

Group tours have a maximum of 50 people, travelling by coach to the most popular destinations. They are popular for England tours for seniors (and younger people), and on any of their England tour packages you’re guaranteed to have a lot packed into your itinerary. That’s one thing to bear in mind – this is definitely not slow travel – but it’s a good way to get an overview of the British Isles.

All tours are accompanied by a guide and accommodation is tourist class 3* or 4* international standard hotels. 

Rabbie’s tours have some great England travel deals (and beyond). They’re a small group tours company providing great value breaks that help you get off the beaten track in the UK and Europe.

Rabbie’s aim to support local communities and promote responsible travel, by keeping tour groups small (10 people). They also work differently to other tour companies in that accommodation is not included in the tour price – once you book your tour you can choose your accommodation from a selection offered by Rabbie’s to suit your budget and preferences.

The name Rabbie’s comes from the nickname for famous Scot, Robert Burns! 

Image of the river Thames and the London Eye in London sights included in a few of the best UK tours.

If you have a day, two, or more aside from your tour, we highly recommend taking advantage of those to explore London, or another city if your tour is starting from elsewhere – Edinburgh is another popular starting point for the UK tours mentioned in this guide. 

While some tours include sightseeing in London (or another departure city), not all do – or they include a very shortened version – and trust us that 1 day is definitely not enough to see London in, especially if you’re jetlagged. 

If you can, arrive a few days before your tour begins to enjoy the top London sights and get onto UK time if you’re flying in from far away. You can find our complete London travel guide here to get you started.

If you have specific questions about a destination in the UK why not join my UK and London Travel Planning Group on Facebook where you can chat with others planning their trip.

  • London Walks
  • Museums and Galleries
  • Day Tours From London
  • Overnight Tours

Stonehenge Tours

  • Military Tours
  • Rambling Tours
  • Virtual Tours of Britain
  • Paris Day Tours
  • Day Tours from Paris
  • Overnight Tours of France
  • Normandy Tours
  • Airport Transfers
  • Rome Day Tours
  • Day Tours from Rome
  • Overnight Tours of Italy
  • Special Interest Tours

Stonehenge at Dusk or Dawn

"We arrived at at dawn and were allowed to go into the circle. It was a very moving and unforgettable experience".

Private London Tours

See London by car with your own expert driver-guide. "We saw more of London in a day than most people see in a week!".

Stately Homes, Castles & Gardens

Visit some of Britain's most beautiful Stately Homes, Castles & Gardens on a day tour or overnight tour from London

Downton Abbey

See the real sights from the award winning historical TV drama

Private views of the Crown Jewels, The British Museum, Kensington Palace etc ...

Ghost Tours

Spectral Sightings and London's Haunted History

The City of London Walk

The original site of London 2000 years ago, the City is one of the most interesting and unique areas of London.

Ancestry Research

Let our experts research your Family Tree in Britain

The Thames Path Walks

The Thames is a Medieval river, a Victorian river, a Royal river, an Industrial and Commercial river and a river for leisure, pleasure and residential living. Discover the river with your expert guide.

A Walk through the City of London

Victorian market places, medieval churches and Roman remains.

The British Museum

Over 8 million treasures from around the world. See some of the highlights on a private two hour tour or on a flexible full day London tour.

Spitfire Flights

From The Blog: Take to the skies in the legendary Spitfire from a Battle of Britain airfield

Overnight Castles

Visit Hever Castle, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace and spend the night at luxurious Amberley Castle.

Normandy D-Day Tours

Omaha Beach, St Mere Eglise, Arromanches and many more. By car, train or private plane from London or Paris.

WELCOME TO BRITISH TOURS LTD.

Britain's longest- established private tour operator since 1958.

If you are looking for private London tours, and flexible tours of England, Scotland & Wales with excellent tour guides - you have come to the right place.

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Private london tour.

Flexible tours of London by private car, minibus or public transport with expert guides. British Tours since 1958.

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour

Inner circle Stonehenge Tour at Dawn or Dusk. Your guide will collect you by private car from your London hotel.

Westminster Abbey

Visit the royal church with over 1000 years of history, setting of coronations and resting place of the Kings and Queens of England with your expert tour guide.

Tower of London

Unlock the fascinating history of the Tower of London, a place of drama and intrigue for nearly 1000 years, with your expert tour guide!

London Tours & Surroundings

London tours.

London for first timers and seasoned visitors. Special interests include Residential London, Legal London, Architecture, Kids London, Maritime Greenwich, VIP London and more

Museums & Galleries

We have expert guides for all London's Museums & Galleries including The British Museum, The National Gallery, Sir John Soane's Museum, The National Portrait Gallery and the V & A. For any others just ask!

Private London Walks

Notting Hill, The City of London, Borough and the South Bank, Political London, Rock and Roll London ... we have an expert guide for all special interests and for all languages

Visit Stonehenge with the Avebury Stone Circle, King Arthur sites, Bath, Windsor, Oxford, Salisbury or Winchester. Or visit Stonehenge on an Inner Circle Tour at Sunrise or Sunset

England Tours & Britain

Tour some of England's most historic Castles - Leeds, Hever & Windsor Castle. Also visit Hampton Court Palace, Churchill's home at Chartwell and stay the night at Luxury Amberley Castle

Gems of the South

For centuries the wealthy and aristocratic have built their great manor houses and castles South of London in Kent & Sussex, beautiful regions of orchards, copses & hop fields, splendid gardens, delightful villages and towns

Overnight Stratford Tour

The highlight of this tour is Stratford-Upon-Avon, a small Tudor market town situated along the tree fringed river Avon immortalised by William Shakespeare

Wales Tours

Visit this enchanted country of remote mountains, sparkling lakes, windswept cliffs - beautiful Snowdonia, the majestic castles of Beaumaris, Harlech & Caernarfon, lovely Bodnant Gardens and more

Paris Tours & Surroundings

London to paris day tours.

Take the high speed Eurostar from London to the Heart of Paris where you will be met by your expert, private guide for your flexible tour of Paris

Private France Tours

Overnight normandy.

Visit Mont-St-Michel, Bayeux and the Normandy D-Day sights on this two day tour

Who is your Guide?

Our guides are personable educated men and women, chosen for their knowledge, special interests, backgrounds and personality. They will collect you by car from any central London location and guide you inside places of historic importance

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United kingdom.

Regal. Charming. Scenic.

Comprised of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the United Kingdom definitely has dozens of reasons worth leaving home for. Mountains, valleys, hills and dales, forests and gardens, oh and no less than 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered throughout, are but a few. You will find a slew of cathedrals, castles, palaces and country houses spanning history. Centuries of inspiring the world, influencing the arts, and forming natural beauty have developed this land into one great nation.

Destination Must-See's

UK ms1

A world in a city is a common way to describe the metropolis of London, the capital of England. A cultural melting pot of over 230 nationalities, London is the financial, political and cultural capital of the UK. It is booming with activity and bursting with sightseeing treasures. You’ll find historic highlights from the haunting Tower of London to the ornate Buckingham Palace and more modern attractions such as the world-famous Harrods department store and the towering London Eye.

UK ms2

The capital city and second most populous in Scotland, Edinburgh has been recognized for its historic and cultural attractions. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK after London. Great shopping, historic architecture and great Scottish whisky are just part of its allure. Its greatest draw is Edinburgh Castle. This sprawling medieval castle and fortress sits atop Castle Rock in the city center, dominating Edinburgh’s skyline.

UK ms3

Giant’s Causeway:

At the foot of the basalt cliffs on the coast of Northern Ireland’s County of Antrim lies the stunning Giant’s Causeway. Travelers flock to this UNESCO World Heritage site to experience the 40,000 massive dark columns rising from the sea. The natural phenomena has sparked legends of giants and magic, but its unique geology points to volcanic activity from over 50 million years ago. The Giant’s Causeway is a beautiful sight and the experience of a lifetime.

UK ms4

Cornwall, a region located on a peninsula in southwest England, is comprised of many different towns and villages that feature beautiful beaches and picturesque coastlines. Bordered by the Celtic Sea and the English Channel, one of its most popular towns is St. Ives. This seaside port town just north of Penzance on the coast of the Celtic Sea is known as the art center of West Cornwall and has a sub-tropical feel and beautiful beaches.

Destination Must-Do's

UK md3

England’s Lake District:

Lose yourself in the natural beauty of this mountainous region in northwest England dotted with tranquil lakes. One of the picturesque villages in the region is Grasmere, once home of and inspiration to the romantic poet William Wordsworth. Perhaps you will take a sail on one of the lakes and take in the peaceful backdrop of lush green mountains, serene shorelines and pristine calm waters dotted with tiny islands.

UK md2

Stonehenge:

Walk in the footsteps of so many before you when visiting prehistoric Stonehenge. This mysterious rock formation dates back to the Stone Age and remains one of the world’s most famous sites. Standing in the middle of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, Stonehenge is perhaps the most important prehistoric monument in England. The experience of seeing this timeless monument is not to be missed – it will surely be a highlight of your visit.

UK md1

This large, deep freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extends approximately 23 miles southwest of the city of Inverness. Loch Ness is best known for the alleged sightings of the Loch Ness monster. While Loch Ness is not the largest Scottish loch by surface area, it is the largest by volume, with its deepest point at 755 feet. Along the shore, you will find the ruins of Urquhart Castle. This once mighty site rests on the headwaters of Loch Ness and dates back as far as the 13th century.

UK md4

Prepare to step back in time in the English countryside. The Cotswolds are roughly 25 miles across and 90 miles long, stretching from Stratford-upon-Avon to Bath. The region is known for its small towns and villages with homes made from golden colored Cotswold stone and grass roofs that sit among lush greenery and rolling hills. Stratford-upon-Avon is perhaps its most famous town. Lying along the River Avon, it’s famed for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, one of the world’s great playwrights. Be sure to make a trip to see the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Expert Advice

diana

Think “go to the right.” It is their natural flow of traffic even when it comes to walking. It is important to not only look both ways when crossing the street, but also when on an escalator, stand to the right. When walking down the street, stay alert and follow the flow – to the right.

UK e2

Expect to be offered tea, a lot. The British love their tea and not only during afternoon tea, any time for any reason. But you should know there is a “proper” way to drink it. The rules are – sit up straight, do not blow on it, take small sips with your pinky down, and put the cup on the saucer between sips. Now you are prepared to sip away.

UK e3

Bring a raincoat and umbrella, as it rains one out of three days in the UK. It does vary from region to region, but generally speaking, they are important items to have on hand at all times.

Featured Tours to United Kingdom

TS663 Scotland Isles of Lore and Legends TourCard

Scotland: Isles of Lore & Legend

Feefo Customer Rating

Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

TS92 Discover Scotrland

Discover Scotland

Feefo Customer Rating

Discover Scotland featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

TS54 British Landscapes TourCard

British Landscapes featuring England, Scotland and Wales

Feefo Customer Rating

British Landscapes featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

TS681 Journey Through Scotland and England

Journey through Scotland & England

Feefo Customer Rating

Coasts & Countryside’s of England with Edinburgh, Liverpool & London featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in UK and Great Britain

Find the right fully guided tour for you in UK And Great Britain. There are 801 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 27 days. The month with the most departures is June, making it the most popular time to visit UK And Great Britain.

250+ Fully Guided tour packages in UK and Great Britain with 22,746 reviews

Essential Britain & Ireland Tour

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Coach / Bus

Essential Britain & Ireland

Covered alot of ground and very busy of course with never enough time, but that was expected. Great driver, found tour director somewhat unenthusiastic - would have liked more concise info on how each day was going to progress and a little more interaction with the group. Hotel Metropole was so hot and too noisy to have window open - most of the hotel rooms were so hot all night. Holiday Inn York room was rather well tread and dirty. Other than that a great trip with excellent meals except the dinner at Holiday Inn York.

Aonghus Youth Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Aonghus Youth

Thank you for the tour. Our Tour Guide Bella was fantastic, and our driver excellent. My only complaint would be that communication was poor prior to arrival. I had a number of times where I asked questions that were never responded to, let all be answered. That needs to be improved particularly for international tourists.

Britain and Ireland Experience (12 Days) Tour

Britain and Ireland Experience (12 Days)

This is the first time we’ve used TRAFALGAR and we were very happy with the overall experience and have already recommended them to family and friends. Our Tour Guide (Sarah Rose Jefferson) was super friendly and a huge highlight of our trip & our Driver (Jamie Wassell) was fabulous! His driving skills were incredible and he was also very informative and had a good knowledge of the area. Wifi could’ve been better on the coach (some days it didn’t work by mid morning/lunchtime). Perhaps having individual usage would stop others from draining all of the data? Also, a couple of the hotels we stayed in also lacked wifi in the actual rooms, which was a bit frustrating. The “optionals” were great. Would’ve liked to have spent more time at Blarney Castle (due to the massive crowds) and at Galway and maybe less or more time at Pembroke (as there wasn’t quite enough time to do the castle tour whilst there) so that time seemed a bit wasted. A more in depth description of the Warwick Castle should be explained to future travelers, as we nearly didn’t do this optional, and we’re so glad we did. The falconry show was so entertaining and the displays inside the lower rooms inside the castle were spectacular. It’s one of the few castles where you can explore the entire castle too. Of course, with all travel, there’s always hiccups with bags going missing or mix ups with number of beds in rooms or no air conditioning available. However... Sarah & Jamie made sure EVERY single person on our tour were looked after and taken care of before their own needs. Some days they didn’t get to bed until early hours in the morning. Their dedication and comittment to making sure our trip was an amazing experience is a credit to both of them. Thank you TRAFALGAR for employing such great staff.

10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour Tour

10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

This is the ultimate tour of the Atlantic coastline of Ireland. Our tour guide, Finn, is such a great ambassador for his country. He has a great personality and shared so much history and Irish culture with us. All accommodations and tours were great. I would highly recommend this tour I am missing Ireland already

Best of UK & Ireland Tour

Best of UK & Ireland

Our tour leader Branden was excellent. Very knowledgeable & kept everything running smoothly. He was very helpful & knew the best places for comfort stops in between destinations. The destinations we visited were all pretty cool. Wish that we could have spent more time at some of them (like Stratford Upon-Avon). The main thing that I would say would make the tours better would be the quality of the hotels. A few of them were very nice (Mercure Cardiff, The Clayton, The Moxy), but some of them were very poor....the 2 Ibis hotels were awful. The beds were uncomfortable (a mattress topper, not even a true mattress) & the 2nd one the carpets were deplorable (stains all over). The Hotel Arrochar left a lot to be desired. The only good thing about it was the view. The place smelled of mold/water damage. I understand that it is a "historic" hotel, but it should be kept up properly for the safety of the guests. I would have rated the tour experience "Excellent" had it not been for the low quality of some of the hotels.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Britain and Ireland Highlights (8 Days) Tour

Britain and Ireland Highlights (8 Days)

A great whirlwind tour of the UK
  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Wonders of Britain and Ireland (12 Days) Tour

Wonders of Britain and Ireland (12 Days)

Emma was amazing. Most of the accommodation was excellent especially Apex. Most places were great dealing with my dietary requirements.

Leisurely United Kingdom ( 13 days ) Tour

  • Sightseeing

Leisurely United Kingdom ( 13 days )

United Kingdom and Ireland ( 10 days ) Tour

United Kingdom and Ireland ( 10 days )

Scotland and Ireland with London Tour

Scotland and Ireland with London

Loved the chosen sites, met great people, had clean hotels and good free breakfasts! Communication during the tour between the tour and travelers, especially in relation to leaving/arriving details and posting places within the hotels caused problems multiple times. We lost time that could have been spent at our destinations. Knowing beforehand that our tour guides would not be native English speakers would have been verfy helpful to those of us who struggle with understanding unfamiliar accents. Having written daily details would have solved that problem.

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

My overall review was that the tour was quite good with some days with more free time than others. Our tour guide, Tom, gave us the history of events shaping Ireland and Scotland and our bus driver was a safe and efficient driver. My only suggestion was luggage portage should be included because at times it was quite difficult with the stairs although Tom lent a hand too.

Britain and Ireland Explorer (16 Days) Tour

Britain and Ireland Explorer (16 Days)

I had a wonderful time, such beautiful scenery, historic destinations, good accommodation, good food, (being a vegetarian, it was heart warming to see Pete going out of his way to make sure I got good meals wherever we went) I would have loved more time in Stratford upon Avon as I couldn't visit Anne Hathaway's cottage and see the whole of the play being staged in Shakespeare's birthplace gardens.

Great Britain Tour

Great Britain

ExpatExplore tour guide (Peter W) and coach driver (Mintee) were exceptional on the Great Britain tour. All of the individuals on the tour were very accommodating and cooperative with respect to the schedule and personal interactions. We met many very good people from throughout the world who in reality are very similar to ourselves. The places visited were well selected and very informative.

Extensive United Kingdom and Ireland ( 17 days ) Tour

Extensive United Kingdom and Ireland ( 17 days )

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days) Tour

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

It was great experience for us!

Reviews of Fully Guided Tours in UK and Great Britain

Very nice itinerary ... jam packed days and evenings. I chose not to do any of the extra evening excursions that were offered so I was able to use the time to explore every overnight stop on my own. The tour guide was amazing... so full of knowledge about all the countries/areas we visited.
Jose is a very knowledgeable, talented, and made our tour exceptionally fun at all times - very entertaining as well !!!
Excellent service and planning to maximize our time to see everything

Travel Styles

  • Fully Guided
  • One week in England and Scotland (for Seniors) 2024/2025

International Versions

  • Deutsch: Geführte Rundreisen in Großbritannien
  • Français: Royaume-Uni et Grande-Bretagne : Circuits entièrement guidés 2024/2025
  • Español: Totalmente guidado Circuitos en Reino Unido y Gran Bretaña
  • Nederlands: Volledig begeleid Rondreizen in Verenigd Koninkrijk en Groot-Brittannië

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United kingdom

Encompassing the Gaelic lands of Northern Ireland, rugged Scotland in the north, hearty Wales and the counties of England alike, the United Kingdom is a land best explored with a local tourHQ guide.

Search Cities in United kingdom

United kingdom Tour Guides

Tour of London & United Kingdom

Tour of London & United Kingdom

I am a freelancer in the industry and offer tour and travel services all over United ...

Cliff Allum

Cliff Allum

Let's walk in the streets of London, we will see the usual and the extraordinary tourist ...

Peter Hamilton

Peter Hamilton

Yes, a Guide Book can help plan a tour of Edinburgh and some Tour Guides can show you the sights. ...

Melissa Langley

Melissa Langley

My name is Melissa and I am a registered London Blue Badge Tourist Guide. That means that I have ...

Duncan Blinkhorn

Duncan Blinkhorn

Visit Brighton, 59 minutes on the train from Victoria station, where you can discover and ...

Mariano Capogrossi

Mariano Capogrossi

Guía Profesional de Turismo, con en Estudios y Título en Turismo y Guía Superior de ...

Keith Britton

Keith Britton

I am a qualified teacher and landscape photographer, and in the last few years I have been feeding ...

Andrew Baxter

Andrew Baxter

Over 20 years ago I first fell in fell in love with the Highlands, when I started working in ...

Paul Elliott

Paul Elliott

I have been a Bath tour guide for over 20 years.  I have provided guided tours for most British ...

David Douglas

David Douglas

Our mission is to provide informative and entertaining historical tours of interest to both ...

Gleann Doherty

Gleann Doherty

BA honors degree Irish History and Politics. Graduated from the University of Ulster Magee in 2013. ...

Liz Roberts

Liz Roberts

I've been a Qualified and Registered Green Badge Guide since 2000. How the years have flown by! I ...

Martin McMenigall

Martin McMenigall

An engineer by profession who twelve years ago trained as a tour guide and today conducts ...

Marina Gay

I am a member of HOSTGA (Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association) – ...

Cheryl Corcoran

Cheryl Corcoran

I have been a guide for 7 years, starting as a volunteer guide in the beautiful city of Bath. In ...

Stephen Liddell

Stephen Liddell

I am 39 years old and married living in the county of Hertfordshire just outside of London and have ...

Encompassed by the cold swells of the North Sea, the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the warming currents of the Bristol Channel, this island nation has long stood as a bastion of individuality and singleness, geographically separated just a stone’s throw from the coast of mainland Europe. Many travellers will know it as the home of kings and queens, empire and Englishness, where castles crown the hilltops and tea flows from the taps. Others will favour its footballing prowess, quaint country cottages or penchant for heady summertime festivals (think Glastonbury and Reading!). But, ask any United Kingdom tour guide and they will tell you that this country is much more than its stereotype, because from towering Welsh Snowdonia in the west to the snow-tipped caps of the Scottish Highlands, there’s culture, history and character to boot. Ruined monasteries pepper the verdant valleys of Somerset, abandoned mines linger in the cracks of Glamorgan and The North, Stonehenge silhouettes on Salisbury plain, and all the while, the adapting, breathing metropolis of London keeps churning through time.

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Top Tours in England, UK

England tours.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Archaeology Tours
  • Cultural Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
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  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

local tour uk

1. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

local tour uk

2. Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

local tour uk

3. Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry

local tour uk

4. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock

local tour uk

5. Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

local tour uk

6. The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

local tour uk

7. Small-Group Cotswolds Tour (From London)

local tour uk

8. Best of London Tour inc Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

local tour uk

9. Tour of London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace

local tour uk

10. Small group Holyhead shore excursion in Caernarfon castle

local tour uk

11. Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant's Causeway from Dublin

local tour uk

12. Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Luxury Transport from London

local tour uk

13. London Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

local tour uk

14. See Over 30 Top London Sights! Fun Local Guide!!

local tour uk

15. Best of London: Tower of London, Thames Boat & Westminster Tour

local tour uk

16. Tower of London: Entry Ticket, Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour

local tour uk

17. Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour

local tour uk

18. Windsor Castle Half Day Trip from London

local tour uk

19. Beatles Magical Mystery Tour

local tour uk

20. Guided Luxury Paris Day Trip with Optional Lunch at the Eiffel Tower

local tour uk

21. VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet

local tour uk

22. Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

local tour uk

23. Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London

local tour uk

24. Harry Potter Studio Tour & London Walking Tour

local tour uk

25. Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London

local tour uk

26. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London

local tour uk

27. The British Museum London Guided Museum Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

local tour uk

28. Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London

local tour uk

29. Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Walking Tour with Boat Ride

local tour uk

30. Early Access Tower of London Tour with Opening Ceremony & Cruise

What travellers are saying.

travellady

  • Ashley S 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Canada loved it 🇨🇦 This Northern trip was amazing, a must see for sure. Our guide Kevin was very informative & friendly. Our bus driver John was funny & a smooth driver! The black Taxi tour was good but our group of four couldn’t hear him talking for most of the tour, thankfully Kevin told us the history and SAVED the day, he was great & we were thankful for all his knowledge. The other stops were fantastic!! Michele Sigfusson from CANADA 🇨🇦 Read more Review of: Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant's Causeway from Dublin Written 24 March 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Our local tour, travel local | travel responsible, travel differently with our local tour and explore with our unique and authentic travel experiences., our local tour offers personalised, authentic travel experiences for those seeking to immerse themselves in local cultures. our tours and holidays are carefully crafted to offer a balance of cultural immersion, historical education, and relaxation, ensuring that our clients have an unforgettable journey. speak to a member of our team or send us a message to begin your adventure., explore our holiday destinations, craving adventures that go beyond the guidebook ditch the crowds and delve into the soul of our destinations with our range of tailor-made holidays, private tours, and small group journeys. from bustling cityscapes to hidden island paradises, we curate immersive experiences across a world of diverse cultures. imagine navigating bustling moroccan souks with a local artisan or looking for leopards on a sri lankan safari. picture yourself sailing the crystal-clear waters of the maldives on a whale shark expedition or unravelling ancient secrets along the silk road. whether you seek vibrant fiestas in portugal, wildlife encounters in uganda, or culinary explorations in india, our passionate travel specialists craft unforgettable itineraries that resonate with your spirit. don't just see the world, live it. discover more of the wonderful destinations we offer and join us on an authentic journey you'll never forget.

Albania Tours and Holidays

Discover our range of group and private tours as well as our tailormade holidays in Albania

Our Local Tour- Costa-Rica tours and vacations

Discover our range of group and private tours as well as our tailormade holidays in Costa Rica

Our Local Tour-Greece-The-Real-Greece

Discover our range of group and private tours as well as our tailormade holidays in Greece

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Discover our range of group and private tours as well as our tailormade holidays in Ghana

Choosing the perfect travel destination

Tempted by these destinations, but dreaming of something different? Don't worry, this is just a taste of the incredible adventures awaiting! Click the button below to explore our full range of holidays and tours. We offer tailor-made itineraries, private journeys, and intimate group experiences across a vast array of countries, so you can craft the perfect getaway that speaks to your unique wanderlust. So, dive deeper, discover hidden gems, and embark on an unforgettable journey you won't find anywhere else!

Whatever your style of travel, here at Our Local Tour we will have something to suit. Choose from our range of escorted small group and private escorted tours, led by locally based professionals, or go for our tailormade holidays, designed to perfection by a local travel expert.

Our Local Tour - Small-group-tours-led-by-locals

SMALL GROUP TOURS

Our selection of set date, escorted SMALL GROUP TOURS are very popular. Travel with like minded people on an authentic travel experience. A great way to explore and learn more about our world.

Maldives Holidays and Tours from Our Local Tour

TAILORMADE HOLIDAYS

Your own private holiday. DESIGNED BY LOCAL TRAVEL EXPERTS Travel when and where you want to get a truly unique holiday. Be in control and set your own budgets and timescales!

Our Local Tour - Private Escorted Tours

PRIVATE ESCORTED TOURS

Our local travel experts can design unique and authentic PRIVATE ESCORTED TOURS . From safaris to winter wonderlands, meeting local tribes or learning to cook with locals all with your own private guide.

WHY USE OUR LOCAL TOUR?

There are many reasons to book your next trip or holiday with our local tour, here are the most important..., local travel experts.

We only use LOCAL EXPERTS . They are based in the destination, guaranteed to give an authentic travel experience.

Responsible Travel

Travel designed around the principles of RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL and giving back to the communities that we visit.

We’re so confident your holiday will make you smile, we guarantee it. That's our TRAVEL SMILE PROMISE

Financial Security

Our Local Tour offer all travellers 100% FINANCIAL PROTECTION through our Travel Trust Association membership.

Our Latest Travel and Tour Blog Posts

Choosing the Perfect Touring Agency for Your Dream Trip

Choosing the Perfect Touring Agency for Your Dream Trip

Beyond the Tourist Trail: Unveiling a Country's Soul

Beyond the Tourist Trail: Unveiling a Country’s Soul

Keeping Your Tourist Spend Local

Keeping Your Tourist Spend Local

Why you should travel local when travelling.

Exploring a destination through a "tour local" approach adds a unique dimension to your travel experience and a deeper understanding to a world journey. When you travel local, you are not just seeing the sights, you are also experiencing the culture and people of the place. You are getting to know the local way of life and learning about the things that make the destination special.

Rather than just skimming the surface of well-known attractions, opting to travel local opens up a world of authentic encounters and hidden gems. Local tours take you off the beaten path and show you the parts of the destination that most tourists never see. You might visit a local market, learn how to cook a traditional dish, or meet some of the locals.

Local tours immerse you in the heart of a place, allowing you to discover the culture, traditions, and flavours that make it distinct. When you take a tour with a local, you are not just seeing the tourist attractions, you are also getting to know the people who live there. You are learning about their culture, their traditions, and their way of life. You are also getting to taste the local cuisine and experience the local flavours.

From strolling through quaint neighbourhood markets to savouring street food beloved by locals, these tours offer an insider's perspective that guidebooks often miss. Local guides have a wealth of knowledge about the destination that they can share with you. They can tell you about the history of the place, the local customs, and the best places to eat and shop. They can also help you to avoid tourist traps and get the most out of your trip.

When you travel local you are also supporting the community by directly contributing to the livelihoods of local guides and businesses, fostering a sustainable and responsible form of tourism. When you choose to tour local, you are not just having a great time, you are also helping to support the local economy. You are putting money directly into the pockets of local people and businesses, which helps to create jobs and boost the local economy.

Whether you're wandering through the vibrant streets of Bangkok, meandering along the historic lanes of Rome, or navigating the bustling markets of Marrakech, this approach ensures that you connect with the soul of a destination.

No matter where you go on your world journey, a travel local approach is the best way to get to know a destination and connect with its people. So, next time you're planning a trip, be sure to embrace the Our Local Tour mindset and have an authentic travel experience.

local tour uk

Global travel, local experts

Tailor-made holidays worldwide, your trip, their local expertise.

Our local in-destination experts are here to help you plan the most unique, authentic trips.

Reimagining travel

Travel that benefits all: our environment, ecosystems, local partners, and travellers.

Tailor-made, made easy

Travel with confidence with our flexible terms and ABTA financial protection.

One of our local experts in Costa Rica

Plan your trip with local experts. The most authentic way to see the world.

Tailor-made holidays planned with local experts uniquely for you. The better way to travel.

Plan your bucket list trip with us

Let our bucket list trips and experiences fuel your next big adventure in 2024. Watch our TV advert to discover who we are, and connect with our local experts in your chosen destination to craft an epic, tailor-made holiday.

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Bucket list holidays

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8 bucket list experiences to try this year

26 February 2024

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Sustainable wildlife bucket list experiences

1 March 2024

Reimagine travel with us

Join our newsletter for more inspiration, local expertise, and updates on how we’re making travel a force for good.

Where’s next on your list?

Vietnam Tours

Who better to plan your trip than travel experts who live and work in your destination? Our local partners are what TravelLocal is all about.

✔  Experienced tour operators based in the destination ✔  They know it best – ask them anything! ✔  Get to know a place through local people for a truly authentic experience ✔ 200+ local experts around the world

A example conversation between a traveller and one of our local experts in Tanzania. They're deciding where's best to see the sunset.

What our travellers are saying

" The combination of fast response and local knowledge made tailoring our holiday a breeze. Well done Laura in Argentina and the TravelLocal staff. "

Exceeded all expectations

" Our trip to Costa Rica exceeded all expectations... One of our best holidays ever. We will definitely use TravelLocal for our future adventures. "

John and Sylvia

An amazing holiday

" We had never booked any trip through an agency before.. We were not disappointed! We had an amazing holiday in Sri Lanka and would use TravelLocal again in the future. "

local tour uk

Must-visit historic sites in Europe

13 February 2024

local tour uk

Refreshing summer breaks in Europe

4 March 2024

Hopeful sunrise over clouds

We’re reimagining fairer, more sustainable travel

In a changing world, travel needs to change as well and we’re working hard to ensure that it remains a wonderfully positive experience for the world and everyone in it.

Uncover Croatia

Uncover Croatia

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The Best of Croatia

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8-Day Tour of Dubrovnik & Kotor

local tour uk

9-day trip | Sailing odyssey in Croatia

local tour uk

Eastern Croatia Private Nature & Food Tour

local tour uk

Croatia self - drive culture & landscape

local tour uk

Montenegro & Croatia honeymoon getaway

IMAGES

  1. Best UK Tours 2023/4

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  2. Britain's Top 10 Scenic Drives

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  3. local tour london

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  4. 26 Best Places In Britain To Visit

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  5. The Ultimate UK Road Trip Itinerary

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  6. London England Guided Video Tour

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VIDEO

  1. House tour in UK || UK HOUSES Mortgage , Rents with all bills expenses 🇬🇧

  2. Uk Vlog 1

  3. Williamson Tunnels Tour And The History of Joseph Williamson from the Friends of Williamson Tunnels

  4. QLD / Mary Borough / Australia Local tour by bus to Hervey Bay #video #viral #subscribe #shortsfeed

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  6. LONDON BRIDGE TOUR

COMMENTS

  1. UK Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    UK Tours. Wander rolling green hills, sleepy villages and historic cities on a private UK tour. Aberdeen-Scotland Aberlour-Scotland Aviemore-Scotland Belfast-Northern-Ireland Birmingham-England Brighton-England Bristol-and-Bath-England Glastonbury-England Cambridge-England Canterbury-Dover-England Cardiff-Wales Carlisle-England Cornwall-England ...

  2. UK and Great Britain Tours & Trips

    Browse the best tours in UK and Great Britain with 24,162 reviews visiting places like Edinburgh and Dublin. All Major Brands. Biggest selection. Best Prices. Deals of the Week Bucket List Up to 50% OFF. ... He would ever buy us local treats at a lot of the stops to sample. We bought about half of the excursions and were mostly happy.

  3. UK Staycations & Local Tour Packages

    Cycle some of the UK's most epic routes . Escape to the country and experience some of the UK's most glorious landscapes from two wheels. A cycling tour in the Lake District or Peak District is the perfect way to combine an active adventure with downtime. Spend your days whooshing down iconic routes like the Honister Pass or the Winnats Pass and enjoying endless views, followed by brewery ...

  4. Best UK Tours 2023/4

    Best UK Tours 2023/4 - Reviews & Itinerary Guide. Taking one of the many UK tours on offer can be a great way to explore the United Kingdom if this is one of your first trips in the UK. There are several advantages to taking a guided or self-guided tour for part (or all) of your time visiting the UK. Guided tours of England, Wales, Scotland ...

  5. England Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    Tour in Carlisle, United Kingdom: "I am very pleased with the tour along the Hadrian wall. My guide, Anna Gray, manage to recreate the history of roman Br,..." Jørgen Haavardsholn - Jul, 2023 Tour in Cheltenham, United Kingdom:". James was brilliant with his extensive knowledge of the area, the local history, pretty out of the way villages and ...

  6. THE TOP 10 England Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    An excellent choice for first-time visitors, this tour takes you around the city in a classic London black cab. Visit notable sites and landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge, the London Eye, Tower of London, and much more as your local guide shares interesting stories and history at each locale.

  7. 10 Best England Tours & Trips 2024/2025

    Discover the beauty and diversity of England with TourRadar, the online travel platform that connects you with the best tours and trips for 2024/2025. Whether you want to visit London, Oxford, Bath, or the countryside, you can find a tour that matches your preferences and budget. Browse over 200 England tours with 1,000 reviews and book your dream vacation today.

  8. London Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    Here is a selection of the best guided tours in London; 1) Half Day London Highlights Taxi Tour with a Blue Badge Guide. 2) The Tower of London and major London sites in chauffeur driven vehicle. 3) Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace. 4) Quintessential London: Chauffeured through the capital.

  9. London & Private Tours of England & Britain

    Britain's longest- established private tour operator since 1958. If you are looking for private London tours, and flexible tours of England, Scotland & Wales with excellent tour guides - you have come to the right place. about us. your selected tours. Choose A Tour To Start.

  10. Sightseeing Tours & Trips in UK and Great Britain

    Find the right UK And Great Britain Sightseeing tour for you with TourRadar. Choose from 120 trips with 1737 customer reviews. Book now and save with TourRadar.com! Deals of the Week St. Patrick's Day Up to 50% OFF. Deals end: 18 Mar, 2024 ... The local guides were hit or miss. Ronan in Derry/Londonderry was fantastic and most certainly the ...

  11. UK & Ireland Tours

    UK & Ireland Tours. View All 261 Tours. Immerse yourself in centuries of culture and history, iconic landmarks and picturesque towns, cities and countryside on a tour through the British Isles, including Scotland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. From castles, cathedrals, highland steam trains, wild Irish coastlines, pretty ...

  12. UK Tours: Guided Trips to Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales

    Join Collette on a UK tour through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This United Kingdom guided trip lets you explore centuries of history and culture. ... Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip ...

  13. London Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    Let our local guides take you for morning tea at Columbia Road Flower Market, then shop for unique fashion pieces in Spitalfields, where the narrow cobbled alleys of East London effortlessly evoke Victorian times. Walk through the fabled Inns of Court to the banks of the Thames, where your guide will take you for a pint with the after-work crowd.

  14. Fully Guided Tours & Trips in UK and Great Britain

    Find the right UK And Great Britain Fully Guided tour for you with TourRadar. Choose from 801 trips with 22742 customer reviews. Book now and save with TourRadar.com! Deals of the Week Bucket List Up to 50% OFF. ... He would ever buy us local treats at a lot of the stops to sample. We bought about half of the excursions and were mostly happy.

  15. United Kingdom 10-Day Tours & Itineraries

    Other durations: 5 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 14 days. Explore 5 trips and itineraries created by kimkim local specialists in United Kingdom. Luxury London, Edinburgh, & Dublin Tour - 10 Days. Luxury Tour of London & Edinburgh - 10 Days. English Countryside by Rail & Road - 10 Days.

  16. Private Local Guides & Guided Tours In United Kingdom

    Our team of travel experts and guides will design a tailored itinerary just for you. Enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of. Encompassing the Gaelic lands of Northern Ireland, rugged Scotland in the north, hearty Wales and the counties of England alike, the United Kingdom is a land best explored with a local ...

  17. 16 Best London Tours and Excursions in 2024

    Image courtesy of Golden Tours. Join the Jack the Ripper walking tour only if you dare! This guided walk around the spooky streets of east London delves into one of the world's most famous unsolved murders that took place in 1888. This gruesome trail is not for the faint at heart. Prices from £15.00 Book now.

  18. THE 10 BEST England Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    Bus Tours. Historical & Heritage Tours. Cultural Tours. Walking Tours. Mar 11, 2024 - Find & Book the top-rated and best-reviewed tours in England for 2024. From prices and availability to reviews and photos, Tripadvisor has everything you need to create that perfect itinerary for your trip to England.

  19. York Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    Tour in York, United Kingdom: "Keith was an amazing guide for our family. He was knowledgeable on a wide range of topics and kept us entertained with ,..." Kristine Bell - Oct, 2023 [view guide page] Tour in York, United Kingdom: "Keith is an excellent tour guide. He has an educated background and a terrific knowledge of history, meteorology ...

  20. UK Group Tours

    Neighbouring nations with an intertwined past, the diverse countries of the British Isles offer a wealth of unique traditions, compelling histories and awe-inspiring scenery. Whether you choose to explore England, Scotland or Wales, or perhaps Ireland or Northern Ireland, Back-Roads tours are made for savouring truly special experiences in each ...

  21. Grand Tour of the United Kingdom

    Grand Tour of the UK. Save. You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year. 2024 2025. 13 days From $3,995 per person. (9 reviews) The United Kingdom has some of the most rewarding places in the world to explore by train. We discover the length and breadth of Britain, experiencing ancient attractions, modern cities, and wild ...

  22. Our Local Tour

    Our Local Tour offers personalised, authentic travel experiences for those seeking to immerse themselves in local cultures. Our tours and holidays are carefully crafted to offer a balance of cultural immersion, historical education, and relaxation, ensuring that our clients have an unforgettable journey. Speak to a member of our team or send us ...

  23. Global travel, local experts

    Our local partners are what TravelLocal is all about. Experienced tour operators based in the destination. They know it best - ask them anything! Get to know a place through local people for a truly authentic experience. 200+ local experts around the world.

  24. Passenger overboard from Southampton cruise ship, firm says

    MSC Euribia was on a seven-night tour of northern Europe. ... Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240. Related Topics. ... From other local news sites.