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Britain & Ireland Discovery

42 Locations

5 Countries

Explore the British Isles on a 24-Day Guided Tour of England, Scotland & Ireland

Save up to $1,222

Romantic Britain & Ireland

35 Locations

Indulge in the Romantic Heritage of England, Scotland & Ireland on a 20-Day Guided Tour

Save up to $922

Country Roads

Elegance of Great Britain

11 Locations

2 Countries

Walk In the Footsteps of British Legends During a 13-Day Guided Tour of Scotland & England

Save up to $892

Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall

20 Locations

Meander Along the Quaint Country Roads of England & Wales on a 13-Day Guided Tour

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Best of Britain

Starting from $2,845

• The Experience
• 10 Days In 2024
• 9 Days In 2024
• 10 Days In 2025
• 9 Days In 2025

Get to know Britain on this whirlwind tour 

Trip details.

Tour start Windsor

Tour end London

Available Promotions for this tour

Booking window

01 Apr 2024 - 31 May 2024

Edinburgh Castle

Walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens, and even the odd pirate or two, in this medieval-era royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, alive with many exciting tales.

Roman Baths & Pump Room

Stop at one of the oldest spas in the world, with hot springs, built during the Roman Empire.

Tower of London

See this former royal fortress, prison, palace, and current home of the Crown Jewels.

Cardiff Castle

Visit one of the most iconic of the 600 castles that dot Wales' landscape.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Travelers on our August 8-22 departures can watch kilt-clad corps perform with drums and pipes in military precision.

Windsor Castle

Visit the Queen's magnificent home, the longest-occupied palace in all of Europe.

Marvel at the massive stone circle crafted by prehistoric people.

Blenheim Palace

Visit the gilded State Rooms with their priceless collections of portraits, tapestries and furniture, and an exhibition devoted to the palace's most famous son, Winston Churchill.

Day 1 Windsor Castle, Walking Tour & Welcome Drink

Day 2 blenheim palace & cotswolds drive, day 3 york walking tour, york minster & bamburgh castle, day 4 edinburgh city tour, edinburgh castle & scottish evening*, day 5 lake district & liverpool, day 6 ludlow, tintern abbey & cardiff castle, day 7 cardiff panoramic tour, roman baths & stonehenge, day 8 london tour, tower of london & independent sightseeing, day 9 independent london sightseeing, day 10 tour ends in london, where you’ll stay.

Castle Hotel Windsor Windsor, England

The Castle Hotel, Windsor – MGallery Hotel Collection is a 4 star luxury hotel-based in the heart...

Delta Hotels by Marriott York York, England

The York Marriott Hotel is within a 20-25 minute walking distance of York city centre and its many...

The Murrayfield Hotel Edinburgh, Scotland

The Murrayfield Hotel is an inviting retreat nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, offering a...

Malmaison Liverpool Liverpool, UK

Malmaison Liverpool is a boutique city center hotel with 130 rooms. It’s in a chic, waterfront...

Clayton Hotel Cardiff Cardiff, Wales

Enjoy your stay in one of our modern, air-conditioned rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi. You can also...

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton London, England

A stylish city spot, a fashionable location where history meets modernity: 100 Queen's Gate was...

Inclusive package with no hidden extras

What's included?

• Full daily breakfast and many meals*
• An evening of Scottish entertainment
• Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
• Welcome drinks with your group
• Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
• All entrance fees to attractions
• Comprehensive travel itinerary

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

• A travel backpack
• Travel adapter
• Rain poncho
• Luggage strap and tags
• Documents wallet

From our travelers

We had a wonderful tour. All the accommodations were first class. The very first day we saw a mile long line at Windsor Castle, but our tickets were already taken care of and we went straight in with no waiting. That was the way it was at all sights on the trip. We visited the important sights and did not have to worry about booking, driving, parking, where to stay or where to eat.

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Castle Hotel Windsor, Windsor

The Castle Hotel, Windsor – MGallery Hotel Collection is a 4 star luxury hotel-based in the heart of Windsor town centre sitting magnificently opposite the Windsor Castle and Windsor Guildhall. Boasting unrivalled views of the 'Changing of the Guards' procession which marches past the doorstep of the hotel along Windsor’s picturesque main street.  A beautiful range of boutique accommodation is available at Castle Hotel ranging from charming single rooms to spacious luxury suites with spectacular views over Windsor and it’s many landmarks. Each room follows the flowing Georgian elegance of the hotel which have been beautifully decorated with a refined take on contemporary design. Complimentary accessories including White Company Noir toiletries, fluffy bathrobes, and for upgraded rooms, personal Nespresso machines are provided so that guests can truly relax during their stay. Whether it’s a boutique break, romantic getaway, wedding, or business trip, rooms are certain to delight and impress.

Castle Hotel, Windsor - MGallery Hotel Collection

• 24-hour Front Desk
• Coffee Shop
• Disabled Facilities
• Dry Cleaning
• Laundry Facilities
• Wifi in Public Areas (Complimentary)
• 24-hour Room Service
• Air Conditioned
• Cable/Satellite Television
• Coffee & Tea-making Facilities in Room
• Complimentary Bottled Water
• Daily Maid Service
• In-Room Wifi (Complimentary)
• Iron/Ironing Board
• Luggage Racks
• Private Bathroom
• Room Service
• Work Desk & Lamp

Delta Hotels by Marriott York, York

The York Marriott Hotel is within a 20-25 minute walking distance of York city centre and its many attractions including the National Railway Museum & York Minster. Our Leisure Club features a heated pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath, gymnasium & private tennis court. The Cast Iron Bar & Grill serves a varied menu and offers a wide choice of refreshments whilst offering unrivaled views of York Racecourse from its sun terrace.  

York Marriott

• Fitness Center

The Murrayfield Hotel, Edinburgh

The Murrayfield Hotel is an inviting retreat nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, offering a charming blend of comfort, convenience, and Scottish hospitality. With its prime location near Murrayfield Stadium, this boutique hotel provides cozy and beautifully appointed rooms, a delightful on-site restaurant with a fusion of Scottish flavors, and easy access to Edinburgh's iconic landmarks. The dedicated staff is committed to ensuring your stay is exceptional, embodying the genuine warmth of Scottish hospitality. 

Reception Area

• Soap/Hair Products
• Slippers/Robes

Meeting Room

Malmaison Liverpool, Liverpool

Malmaison Liverpool is a boutique city center hotel with 130 rooms. It’s in a chic, waterfront location, perfectly situated to enjoy the best of the city. There’s a state-of-the-art gym and a sleek restaurant and a bar offering stylish cocktails.

• Mini Refrigerator
• In-Room Wifi (Paid)

Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff

Enjoy your stay in one of our modern, air-conditioned rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi. You can also dine and drink in style in our contemporary restaurant and bar which boast panoramic views of the city.

Clayton Hotel Cardiff

View Restaurant & Bar

Breakfast Buffet

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton, London

A stylish city spot, a fashionable location where history meets modernity: 100 Queen's Gate was the former home of Victorian aristocrat William Alexander, which has been stunningly transformed into a luxury hotel. The property embraces the building's heritage and pays homage to the curious with no two rooms being the same. Boasting a prime location in the prestigious Kensington area, DoubleTree by Hilton London – Kensington sits on the doorstep of the iconic Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum. The hotel’s traditional regency-style façade compliments its contemporary interior, reflecting the elegant Kensington style. Enjoy easy access to Harrods, the designer boutiques of Knightsbridge and Portobello Market. Kensington Palace, Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall are just a short stroll away.

• Alarm Clock

See what people are saying about this trip

Paul norman fecteau, the uk tour surpassed our expectations in every way from the moment we were met at heathrow and to the very last days in london we were very pleased with the itinerary. our tour guide, peter scott, and bus driver, mark, were exceptional in making our first european experience excellent in every way. the other 25 people on the tour were all wonderful. we would certainly do another tour with cie..

Great value….saw many great sights…learned a lot of UK’s rich history…hotel accommodations were perfect….ate very well

Daniel Gerard Merritt

A great english tour.

A lot to see. Only if it was longer

CIE Tours Customer

Gareth was a helpful tour guide.

Highly Recommend this trip of a Lifetime

I loved how we were able to see so much in such a short period of time. Everything was made easy for us such as transportation to each place (as well as to and from the airport) and most of our meals (all breakfasts) were covered. I also love that it was affordable and everything was including in the price. I cannot pick a favorite place I loved it all. I wish I could have spent more time at each place but I understand it needed to be that way to fit everything in.

So much to see and do on the’Best of Britain’ tour!

Seeing so much of historical and modern Great Britain was enlightening. I can now put people and places in the country in perspective. Our guide was most helpful with this aspect. I felt the trip had great value for the money spent. Thank you!

How can we help you?

The Inclusive Advantage

Get more without spending more. CIE Tours includes every experience and most meals so you won't be hit with hidden expenses.

• Travel Information >
• Itineraries >

England Vacation Packages 6-Days and More

7-Day London Classic

Kent - Garden of England - 7 Days

Best of Devon & Cornwall, West of England - 8 Days

London & England Explorer - 8 Days

London & Paris - 9 Days

England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland - 10 Days

England & Scotland - 10 Days

England, France, Germany, Italy & More - 14 Days

England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland - 15 Days

European Discovery - 16 Days

Britain & Ireland Grandeur - 23 Days

European Supreme with 3 Day Cruise - 30 Days

Our guide to England vacation packages in 2024. We’ve made a list of over 20 package tours to England, and some also include visits to Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Choose from large or small group experiences, with a huge selection of tour lengths and itineraries to suit every interest. From our classic England packages to themed trips for special events taking place in 2024, check out our complete guide below.

Quicklinks:

England Vacation Packages >>>

England & Scotland Vacation Packages >>>

England & Ireland Vacation Packages >>>

Packages for Special Events in 2024

TV & Movie Themed Packages >>>

Self-Drive & Private Packages >>>

Guide to Planning your Trip to England >>>

Frequently Asked Questions

Vacation Packages to England

Our pick of vacation packages that mainly visit England, starting and ending in London. Some of the trips have the option of travelling with a smaller group of no more than 24 guests.

8 Days Devon & Cornwall >>>

13 Days Devon & Cornwall** >>>

8 Days – London Explorer >>>

9 Days England Package >>>

5 Days Gems of Britain** >>>

**Small Group Tour option

Best of Devon & Cornwall – 8 Days

Trip Size: Large Group

Price: from $1,950 USD per person

Package Includes: Accommodation, some meals, transport

This is a very popular England vacation package that takes you to two of the iconic regions – Devon and Cornwall. These are the lands where the legends of King Arthur came alive, most notably at Tintagel Castle. It’s where the pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower in Plymouth. And it’s where Capability Brown created one of his most famous English gardens at Longleat. You’ll see beautiful countryside in Dartmoor National Park, wonderful sea views from the coastline and visit stately homes as well as Windsor Castle. Plus in Cornwall, you’ll visit and see amazing views from St. Michael’s Mount!

More Details: Devon & Cornwall >>>

Country Roads Wales, Devon & Cornwall – 13 Days

Trip Size: Choice of Large or Small Group

Price: from $5,150 USD per person

This is a similar itinerary to the 8-day vacation package above, but this time extended and with a different feel to the trip. Travel down country roads as you meander your way through the glorious English countryside. See the university city of Oxford and explore the quintessential Cotswolds villages. You’ll also visit Wales, with an overnight stay in Cardiff.

London Explorer – 8 Days

Trip type: Large Group

Price: from $2,150 USD per person

Our 8-day package tour takes you to the best of London! See the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace and get a sense of royal life at Windsor Castle. Soak up English culture at Borough Food Market, enjoy a cruise along the River Thames and explore Westminster Abbey where King Charles was crowned. Plus, there will be a trip to Windsor Castle to see where Harry and Meghan tied the knot, as well as the world-famous stone circle at Stonehenge.

More Details: London Explorer >>>

Real England Package – 9 Days

Price: from $1,800 USD per person

Includes: Accommodation, some meals, transport

This 9-day trip starts in London and travels north into Northern England. It combines old-world cities like York, with the stunning countryside of the UNESCO Lake District. You’ll get to see the home of the Beatles in Liverpool, regency era Bath and the most mysterious stone circle in the world at Stonehenge. You will also spend a day in Edinburgh which is the Scottish capital and briefly see Cardiff which is the Welsh capital.

More Details: Real England Trip >>>

Gems of Britain – 5 Days

Price: from $1,595 USD per person

With this fast-paced 5 day trip you’ll discover some fantastic places in England, as well as seeing a bit of Scotland and Wales. You’ll see the historic northern city of Chester that was built by the Romans and marvel at the beauty of the Lake District National Park. Visitors will also explore Shakespeare’s birth town of Stratford-upon-Avon along with admiring the Scottish and Welsh capitals. It’s a great introductory trip to England if you are looking for a short vacation package.

More Details: Gems of Britain >>>

England & Scotland Vacation Packages

Here are our picks of vacation packages that combine both England and Scotland, as well as a bit of Wales. All packages start and end in London.

10 Days Britain Package >>>

14 Days Britain Package >>>

11 Days Britain Package** >>>

13 Days Britain Package** >>>

** Available as a small group tour

Amazing Britain Package – 10 Days

Price: from $2,475 USD per person

Our amazing Britain package starts in London as you’ll travel into Northern England. Highlights of the England part of the trip include visiting the birthplace of William Shakespeare in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. You’ll explore the three great cities of York, Liverpool and Bristol, each with its own distinct feel and charm. Plus, discover exquisite towns including Durham and Bath. In Scotland, you’ll stay 2 nights in Edinburgh, 1 night in Glasgow and venture into the Scottish Highlands.

More Details: Amazing Britain >>>

Best of Britain Package – 14 Days

Price: from $3,650 USD per person

Our 14-day package has a lot in common with the 10-day package above but is extended with more fantastic locations! Departing and returning from London you’ll visit Northern England and head into Scotland. You’ll also visit the southwest of England. See Plymouth where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World, with millions of American families tracing their family heritage back to these voyages. You’ll also explore the legends of King Arthur with a visit to mystical Glastonbury. In Scotland, you will also head to the Isle of Skye, an island with one of the most spectacular pieces of scenery in the world!

More Details: Best of Britain >>>

Best of Britain Package – 11 Days

Price: from $2,825 USD per person

This trip will venture from London into Northern England, stopping at classic highlights including Stratford-upon-Avon and the Viking town of York. 3 days are spent in Scotland, with stops in the two big cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as time in the magnificent Scottish countryside. On your way back down south, you’ll drive through the Lake District and Wales. The trip also heads into South West England, stopping at Plymouth where the Pilgrim Father’s set sail to America.

More Details: Britain 11 Day Package >>>

Elegance of Britain Package – 13 Days

Trip Size: Large or Small Group

Price: from $4,370 USD per person

Departure Point: London or Edinburgh

Our 13-day package spends most of the time in England, with two nights in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. We’ll explore the Lake District, a UNESCO region that was home to many English writers and poets including Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. We’ll stay 2 nights in the Viking city of York and use it as a base to explore the cathedral city and the nearby town of Lincoln. Highlights include a visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum where the Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily and Anne lived. As we head down south, we’ll stop at Blenheim Palace, England’s version of the Palace of Versailles that was the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Plus there will be visits to Stonehenge, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and more!

More Details: Elegance of Britain >>>

England & Ireland Vacation Packages

Our picks of packages combining trips to England and Ireland.

10 Days Britain & Ireland >>>

15 Days England & Ireland >>>

20 Days Britain & Ireland** >>>

24 Days UK & Ireland Package** >>>

**Small group tour option

Britain & Ireland Highlights – 10 Days

Price: from $2,675 USD per person

Our whistlestop package tour combines a bit of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Perfect if you are short on time but want to see a lot of places. You’ll head from London into Northern England to York and the Lake District. See Glasgow and Edinburgh before taking a ferry into Northern Ireland. See Belfast and Dublin and enjoy the delights of the Irish countryside. A ferry crossing takes you into Wales, where you’ll pass by Cardiff and return to London stopping at Stonehenge and Bath along the way.

More details: Britain & Ireland 10 Days >>>

England & Ireland Package – 15 Days

Price: from $3,795 USD per person

With 15 days there’s a little bit more time to explore England and Ireland in depth. On this package tour, you’ll spend 9 days in England, 2 days in Scotland and 4 days in Ireland. That’s a great way to get a feel for the beautiful landscapes and customs of this part of the world, as well as a taste of English, Scottish and Irish cultures, which are all quite different and unique. The trip also includes two short ferry rides between Britain and Ireland.

More Details: England & Ireland 15 Days >>>

Romantic Britain & Ireland – 20 Days

Trip Size: Small or Large Group

Price: from $6,950 USD per person

Our 20 day mega trip to Britain and Ireland is a wonderful way to explore the region. In England, you’ll visit towns including Plymouth, Oxford, Bath and York. In Scotland you’ll head to Loch Ness, venture onto the Isle of Skye and see the home of golf at St Andrews. Spend a day exploring the Northern Ireland capital city of Belfast before heading down south into Ireland. Here you’ll explore lots of spectacular countryside, as well as see the Irish capital of Dublin. There is even time spent in Wales and Cardiff. This trip has something for everyone – UNESCO World Heritage Sites, big cities, quaint villages and spectacular countryside.

More Details: Britain & Ireland 20 Days >>>

UK & Ireland Package – 24 Days

Price: from $7,195 USD per person

Spend 3.5 weeks exploring England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland in depth. This is quite possibly the trip of a lifetime, with the choice of a small or large group. It’s hard to sum this one up in just a short paragraph, but it’s probably the most in-depth vacation package we offer. It’s also the only tour that heads into the UNESCO Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland which was a Game of Thrones filming location, as well as visiting UNESCO Conwy Castle in North Wales.

More Details: 24 Day Package >>>

Vacation Packages for Special Events 2024

There are lots of special events taking place in England during 2024, and we’ve listed below some of the specialist vacation packages that coincide with these events. We also have garden packages that include the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Many of these are once-in-a-lifetime events that are not to be missed!

3 Day Platinum Jubilee Weekend Package >>>

4 Day Edinburgh Military Tattoo Package >>>

15 Days English Gardens & Chelsea Flower Show >>>

Edinburgh Military Tattoo Package – 4 Days

Price: from £319 per person

Departure Dates: August 

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most important events in Scotland, with military bands and performers descending onto the Scottish capital from around the world. There will be Highland Dancers, military pipes and drums, flybys of military jets, fireworks and more! The package also includes a visit to Loch Lomond in the Scottish Highlands.

More Details: Edinburgh Tattoo Package 2024 >>>

English Gardens & Chelsea Flower Show – 15 days

Price: From $5,559 per person

Our 15-day package takes you around the fabulous gardens of England. Starting in London you’ll spend a day at the Chelsea Flower Show, perhaps the biggest horticultural event in the world with spectacular displays from international exhibitors. It takes place in May for just 6 days every year, so this is a rare treat for flower lovers! Following your visit, you will then tour England visiting some of the finest gardens and country estates in the world! This includes The Lost Garden of Heligan, Wisley Gardens, Bodnant Garden, Blenheim Palace and more! Regions of England that are visited on this package include Cornwall, the Lake District, the Cotswolds and North Wales. The trip also includes a visit to Bampton, which was the real-life village used in the filming of the Downton Abbey TV Series.

More Details: Chelsea Garden Package >>>

Interested in more English garden packages? Check out our dedicated page for English Garden Package Tours .

Movie & TV Themed Packages

There are loads of blockbuster movies and TV shows that have been filmed and produced in the UK. American audiences have been wowed by series including Downton Abbey, Outlander and Game of Thrones. Here are some shorter and longer vacation packages dedicated to these shows!

5 Days Downton Abbey Mini-Package >>>

4 Days Game of Thrones Mini-Package >>>

13 Days Outlander Package >>>

Downton Abbey Vacation Package – 5 Days

Price: from £675 per person

Our Downton Abbey package visits the real-life locations used in the making of the hit TV series. You’ll visit Highclere Castle, the iconic country estate that will be instantly recognizable to fans of the show! Explore the majestic rooms and lavish gardens. The package will then visit a selection of manor houses and country estates that were typical of the Downton Abbey period of history. This includes Loseley Park, Hatchalnds Park, as well as a visit to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, makers of the iconic drink!

More Details: Downton Abbey Package >>>

Game of Thrones Mini-Package – 4 Days

Price: from £499 per person

Game of Thrones fans will love this 4-day package that visits the filming locations in Northern Ireland! It includes flights from London to Belfast and free time to explore the city. You’ll visit the recently opened Game of Thrones Studio Tour where you’ll go behind the scenes to see how the TV series was brought to life. The next day, you’ll drive to the Giant’s Causeway and into the Northern Irish countryside to see locations used to portray the free city of Braavos, the Stormlands, the cost of Dorne and the background for Kingsroad.

More Details: Game of Thrones Package >>>

Outlander Inspired Package – 13 Days

Price: from $3,825 per person

Our 13-day Outlander inspired package takes you along the Highland trail to explore some of the most spectacular locations in the region. You’ll start the trip in Edinburgh and end in Glasgow, travelling through the Highlands in between. You’ll see Outlander filming locations for the village of Cranesmuir, Mrs Baird’s B&B, ‘L’Hopital des Anges’, as well as landscapes that were used as backdrops for some of the most important scenes in the show. You’ll visit the Orkney Island and the Isle of Skye, pass through Glencoe, Inverness, St. Andrews and much more!

More Details: Outlander Package >>>

Self-Drive & Private Vacation Packages

Self-Drive Packages

Looking to go solo? We can put together a once-in-a-lifetime self-drive package that can include inspirational driving roads in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland. We can arrange for car hire and can plan an itinerary according to your interests. Feel free to get in touch for more information.

Private Packages

Looking to travel in a group of 9 or more? A private vacation package can work out as a really cost-effective way of travelling. Take a look at our private tour pages for some inspiration. We can arrange private versions of the tour package listed above. Or we can tailor make a trip according to your interests with an expert guide. We can even arrange family heritage tours to trace the roots of your ancestors. Feel free to get in touch with us to find out more information.

Guide to Planning a Trip

There are so many different vacation packages to choose from when visiting England, let’s break it down and give you a few important things to consider!

Where to Visit? England, Scotland, Britain, UK, United Kingdom….

This can get confusing so let’s start out by getting a few things straight!

England is part of what is officially called The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . That’s a very long name to keep using! So to make things a little easier, we’ll just call it the UK.

The UK is made up of 4 regions – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland . And across the border from Northern Ireland lies the country of Ireland (which is totally independent from the UK.)

So the first question to ask when looking for an England vacation package. Are you looking just to visit England? Or do you also want to visit other parts of the United Kingdom as well?

There are a few ways to plan an England Vacation Package. You could visit:

100% England Packages (we’ve got plenty of amazing things to see here!)

England with Scotland Packages: Combine a trip and go to Scotland as well!

England, Scotland & Ireland Packages : The big trip! These vacation packages sometimes also include Northern Ireland as well. For this size of trip, we recommend packages that are at least 2 weeks long!

And what about Wales? Many of the vacation packages also include 1 or 2 days in Wales

So in this article, we’ll divide up our vacation packages into 4 – ‘100% England Packages’, ‘England & Scotland Packages’, ‘England & Ireland Packages’ & finally ‘Special Packages’

What are our special vacation packages ? Well… these are packages that are based around a specific theme or event. In 2024, we have the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Parade in July.

Plus we’ve got some amazing vacation packages for Downton Abbey fans, Game of Thrones fans, Outlander fans, as well as some awesome walking trips, railway trips and even adventure trips!

That’s a lot of England vacation packages to sift through! So please use the contents at the top of the page to navigate directly to what interests you.

We hope you find this guide useful. Please contact the Tourist England team if you have any questions!

How much would a trip to England cost?

This really depends on the length of your vacation package and the size of the group. Prices can range anywhere from $1,800 per person for an 8 day trip in a large group to over $5,000 for a 14-day small-group tour of England.

How many days do you need in England?

We would say that at least 7 days is a good amount of time to explore many of the highlights of England and get a feel for the country. Of course, you could easily spend many more days exploring the best of England, Scotland and Ireland with our amazing vacation packages from London !

How Can I spend 10 days in the UK?

We have many package tours that are 10 days in duration. Typically these trips depart from London and you can expect to spend 7-8 days in England, with 2-3 days in Scotland. With these kinds of holidays, you will normally travel in a loop, travelling north from London along the east side of England, heading into Scotland and then returning to London via the west side of England, with a little bit of Wales as well. Regions you’ll visit include Yorkshire, the Lake District, Scotland and London.

Do these vacation packages include financing options?

Many of the packages offer financing options, allowing you to spread out the cost of the trip over multiple payments. Many of the tours also require a low-value deposit in order to secure your place on the tour.

Do all-inclusive vacations get cheaper closer to date?

Normally booking well in advance is a good way to get a great price on vacation deals, since travel companies like people to book early. Vacation packages will only get cheaper closer to the travel date if the travel company is struggling to fill up the tour.

Is there a package to London and Paris?

We have a 9-day London and Paris vacation package that’s perfect for you! Spend a few days in London before hopping over the English channel and spend some time exploring the French capital.

Do you have mini-vacation packages to England?

Yes, we also have a selection of multi-day tours from London that last 2-5 days, as well as Scotland minibreaks from Edinburgh . These are great options if you are looking to visit a lot of sights but are pressed for time.

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Highclere Castle Opening Dates 2024

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Packing in a mix of scenery, history, and one-of-a-kind urban experiences, our England tours delight on monumental levels… in London where history and tradition can be found at every turn… at the walled city of York… as you dine in a manor house in the poetic Lake District… and in the walled cities of yore in modern Wales.

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Welcome to England

Royal gems, historic jewels, and enchanted lakeside vistas; a place where the past is a constant reminder of the present provides many opportunities to feel the living history of this storied island...

Meet carolyn robb, former chef to the royal family, on select departures – exclusive dinner presentation by carolyn robb, former executive chef to the royal family.

Carolyn Robb – co-founder of The Royal Touch and formerly Executive Chef to TRH Prince Charles and Princess Diana, gives a special farewell dinner presentation in London on select small group departures of "England, Scotland & Wales." Ms. Robb presents anecdotes from her time as Personal Chef to the royal household of TRH Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry, and introduces a farewell dinner menu featuring a favorite dish of the Royal Family. Available on select departures; ask at booking.

Dinner and a show in the West End

It's your choice of restaurant and a show in london's west end.

London's fabled West End theatre district has been the city's hub of theatrical entertainment since early in the 19th century. Often referred to as "Theatreland" today, the district comprises some 40 theatres set in or near the heart of London's West End, in such streets as the Strand, Shaftesbury Avenue and Drury Lane. During your stay in London, you'll enjoy a memorable evening in the West End with both dinner and a show at a restaurant and theatre of your choice.

Private capsule on the London Eye

Soaring over london aboard the london eye.

Your family will feel as though they are part of the London skyline when they get a bird's-eye view of the city while soaring high above it in Tauck's private observation capsule. Centuries of history are put into perspective as you gaze down from your unique perspective 450 feet above the Thames River... truly the world's most exciting observation wheel!

Private tour and lunch at Alnwick Castle

Through the centuries with an early-entry private tour and medieval lunch at alnwick castle.

11th-century Alnwick Castle is home to the Duke of Northumberland and his family... but it's such a quintessential medieval castle that it's often used as a film location – "Becket," "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," "Elizabeth" – and played an illustrious role as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two "Harry Potter" films. On TV, it showcased its rich World War I-era heritage as "Brancaster Castle" in "Downton Abbey's" 2014 Christmas special. On your early-entry private tour, you'll explore with interpreters who share inside stories of its dramatic history and famous residents – including 14th-century Sir Henry Percy, the "Hotspur" immortalized in Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part 1" – and enjoy a glass of mead and a medieval lunch.

The one... the only... The Savoy

Welcome to The Savoy... a place where history and iconic elegance mingles with new-world sophistication. A world-famous name, celebrated for sublime service, and graced by stars, dignitaries and the global jet-set… where Art Deco rubs shoulders with English Edwardian, and exceptional dining blends with contemporary cocktails. The definitive destination in the heart of London, The Savoy stands proudly on the Northbank of the River Thames. The ballet, opera and theatre of vibrant Covent Garden are just steps away, with the City, world-renowned museums and galleries, and the designer shopping of Knightsbridge and Mayfair within easy reach.

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Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

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Exploring Britain & Ireland

About this tour.

Travel to some of the world’s most magnificent cities and through the magical countryside of Britain and Ireland. This comprehensive journey takes you through rolling farmland and across the Irish Sea, through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Marvel at the mystery of Stonehenge. Experience a traditional afternoon tea in London. Be mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, and the medieval “shambles” of York. Admire the ancient Roman ruins in elegant Bath. Get acquainted with Britain’s pageantry in the royal cities of Edinburgh and London.

Your Tour Includes

• 7 Handpicked Accommodations
• 6 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• High Speed Train

Your Tour at a Glance

13 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Best time for travel, customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $65.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel exploring britain & ireland featuring england, ireland, scotland and wales.

While just about any month is great to visit Great Britain and Ireland, there are a few prime times of the year for the Exploring Britain & Ireland tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Spring: Visiting Britain and Ireland in the spring promises fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. The countryside comes alive with flowers and shades of green.

Summer: Summer is a wonderful time to visit the region. You’ll find the countries bustling with summer activity and very welcoming.

Fall: Enjoy the turn of the season as crowds thin and the beautiful colors of fall start to appear.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Ponder ancient mysteries at Stonehenge.

Experience the Ring of Kerry, one of the world’s great coastal roads.

• Explore the Roman Bath Museum's 2,000-year-old elaborate spas.

Tour York’s incredible Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.

Cultural Experiences:

Behold the sights of Killarney on a traditional jaunting car.

Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish song and dance in Dublin.

Culinary Inclusions:

Delve into Scottish culture with a whiskey inspired dinner.

Explore Wales’ rich cultural heritage at an evening of Welsh music, poetry and cuisine.

Experience a traditional afternoon tea in London.

Enjoy Yorkshire’s famous ales during an interactive tasting.

• Afternoon Tea
• Cardiff Castle
• Welsh Evening
• Blarney Castle
• Ring of Kerry
• Jaunting Car Ride
• Traditional Irish Night

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Today in Dublin, you have the choice between two activities. First you may choose to join a local expert and familiarize yourself with the “Fair City” of Dublin during a coach tour highlighting the top sights! Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street and Phoenix Park, and see the city's trademark – magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes. Your other option is to join a local guide on an intimate walking tour of Dublin’s historic center. Explore O’Connell Street and the Grand Central Post Office, site of the 1916 Uprising. Walk along the River Liffey and learn about the important role this river played in Dublin’s history. Explore Grafton Street before discovering the rich history of St. Stephen’s Green.

This afternoon in Cardiff you have the choice between two activities. First, you can choose to visit St Fagan's National Museum of History, an open-air museum chronicling the history, culture and the architecture of the Welsh people. Located on the edge of the city, this museum contains over 40 original buildings from different historical times, including workers' terraced cottages, farmhouses, shops, a chapel and old schoolhouse. In addition, there is a re-created Celtic village, and the 16th century manor houses and gardens to explore. Or, you can choose to have time at leisure to explore Cardiff's historical center further, including its shops and restaurants.

While in Waterford you have the choice between two activities. First, you can choose to visit Waterford Crystal’s impressive new factory and see first-hand the centuries-old tradition of Irish crystal making. Feel the heat of the furnace and marvel at the skills of the craftsmen on a guided tour of the facility. After the tour, perhaps you’ll indulge your passion for the world’s most famous crystal in the factory’s lavish retail store, which houses the largest collection of Waterford Crystal found anywhere in the world! Or, you can choose to join a local guide and explore 1,100 years of Waterford's history. From the Vikings to the Victorians, discover why Ireland’s oldest city is also one of its most important in terms of history, culture, and trade.

Hotel-Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Hotel-Aloft Dublin City

Step into the formal world of the British Monarchy when you visit the stately and expansive Windsor Castle. His Majesty King Charles III uses Windsor as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Windsor’s 1,000 rooms comprise the largest inhabited castle in the world. It dates back to the 1070s, when William the Conqueror built the original wooden structure, now replaced by the grand stone edifices. Explore one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings, its precincts, and the State Apartments, which house a delightful collection of Royal art treasures. Enjoy time for lunch in the quaint town of Windsor before heading back to London. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the castle that houses so much British history and lore is not to be missed!

Join us for a rollicking evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classically Scottish. Feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Your taste buds will savor the true flavor and goodness of this distinctive country. Tonight will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers who deliver the very best in Scottish music, song and dance. Be prepared for a Scottish night of food, fun and many fond memories!

Explore the Roman Bath Museum's 2,000-year-old elaborate spas.

Accommodations

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Doubletree by hilton york, leonardo royal hotel london tower bridge, hilton cardiff, granville hotel, scotts hotel killarney.

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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. 

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. 

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

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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! 

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.

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14 Day UK Tour of England and Scotland

14 days, 3 countries and 23 cities

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13 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners

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Explore the Best of Britain on this incredible trip across England, Scotland and Wales, and travel over the sea to the Isle of Skye. Imagine life as a Benedictine monk at Buckfast Abbey, feel the hope of brave pilgrims in Plymouth and be inspired by the beauty of Lake Windermere.

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore London, Liverpool, the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist

Discover Bath, Plymouth, Cardiff, Chester, Glasgow and York

Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Polperro, Buckfast Abbey, Glastonbury Abbey, the town of Ludlow, the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

View Eilean Donan Castle, Alnwick Castle used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, York Minster and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage

See Dartmoor, the Lake District, Ben Nevis and Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands and the 18th green at St. Andrews

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

See Glencoe

Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

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Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar

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All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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England Tours & Holidays

Buzzing cities, rich history, vibrant cultures and drop-dead gorgeous scenery. England is packed with contrasts and adventures at every turn. 

In England, you’re never too far from stunning patchworks of green countryside, enchanting forests, idyllic rivers and medieval market towns. Our local guides will help you discover England beyond the clichés of fish and chips, endless cups of tea and pints in the pub (although there’ll be plenty of time for that!). From starting the day with sun salutations on the  Cornish coast or zipping through the Lake District on a bicycle, to exploring fairytale-like villages in the Cotswolds or going punting on the River Thames – this is England, the Intrepid way. 

Our England trips

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England highlights

England or Wales? The UK destination that should be next on your list

England or Scotland? Which country should you visit next?

England or Ireland? Where to go on your next trip

6 unmissable sites on the Hadrian’s Wall Walk

6 things to do in the Peak District in winter

Devon vs Cornwall: Where to holiday next?

8 fun things to do on the River Thames (outside of London)

Explore these 4 hidden caves in Cornwall

England at a glance

Capital city.

56.22 million

(GMT) Greenwich Mean Time : Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin) Type M (see D)

Learn more about England

Local culture.

The culture of England might appear to be much the same as Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. But ask folk from each of these countries and they’ll tell you a different story. Sure, there are many similarities, but England has a unique culture that differs from its neighbours. 

For a start, English culture is extremely diverse with many sub-cultures, dialects, accents and traditions. In fact, there are some pretty stark differences between the north and the south. Northerners are known for their warmth and friendliness, things generally tend to be more expensive in the south, and gravy (which is welcomed on everything in the north) isn't a massive thing down south. That being said, some common cultural ground people share across England include good manners, small talk about the weather and humour that verges on the sarcastic side.

Food and drink

England (and the UK in general) is very multicultural and you’ll find every cuisine from Indian to Lebanese to American. London in particular is a thriving hotspot for foodies with pop-up food villages, quirky converted eateries and over 60 Michelin-stared restaurants. The term “meat and three veg” was coined in England, and while English cuisine doesn’t have a global reputation like French or Italian, the food is simple, hearty and comforting. If you’re looking to try some classic English food, here are some dishes to try.

Fish and chips

A flaky piece of battered fish served on a mound of salty chips, lashings of vinegar and a side of mushy peas. This is as English as it gets. Up north they smother their chips in thick brown gravy or curry sauce. Other popular condiments include tartare sauce and pickled onions or eggs. You’ll find the best fish and chips by the coast in places like Blackpool, Devon or Cornwall.

Bangers and mash 

A ‘banger’ is a sausage in the UK. Why? Well, after WWI when food was still rationed, sausages were plumped up with so much fat that they exploded when cooked. ‘Mash’ refers to creamy mashed potato traditionally made with butter and milk. Et voila, you have bangers and mash - one of Britain’s most beloved dinners. Served with peas and lashings of onion gravy, it’s a hearty and filling dish that goes down particularly well on a cold winter’s night.

Sunday roast

Ask an English person what they think is the most loved national dish, and they’ll probably say a Sunday roast. This age-old tradition isn’t just a lunch eaten on Sunday afternoons, but an opportunity for the whole family or group of friends to spend quality time and enjoy a nice meal together. It’s essentially a centrepiece of roasted meat (usually chicken, beef, pork or lamb) served with crispy roast potatoes, seasonal roasted vegetables and lashings of gravy. It might also be served with a Yorkshire pudding depending on where you are. It's usually served with mint sauce (for lamb), horseradish sauce (for beef), or bread sauce and redcurrant jelly (for chicken). You can get a roast dinner in most pubs every Sunday.

Full English breakfast 

Also known as a fry up, this hearty breakfast consists of eggs (usually fried but you can also get scrambled or poached), bacon, sausage, baked beans, grilled tomato, mushrooms and hot buttered toast. It’s typically served with a mug of tea or coffee. The carb and fat-rich foods also make it a go-to hangover cure for many Brits, and cafes usually serve it as an all-day dish. You’ll find slightly different versions of a fry up in Cornwall, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. 

Festivals and events

Glastonbury Music Festival

Glastonbury is the crown jewel of the British music festival calendar. This five-day festival draws in about 200,000 people and is the size of 500 football pitches. You’ll find everything from world-class music acts, rising stars, comedy, dance, wellness villages, permaculture workshops, cabaret, secret bars, circus and so much more. It’s an eclectic, vibrant, random and truly wonderful festival – even when it’s pouring with rain.

Notting Hill Carnival 

The Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant Caribbean festival that takes place every August on the streets of Notting Hill in Kensington, London. The streets come alive with sound systems, DJs, live steel bands, costumed dancers, Caribbean flavours and smells, and spirited partygoers. Thousands of people join the streets to enjoy the carnival vibes and party late into the night. Stemming from the Trinidad Carnival, Notting Hill Carnival began in 1966 and has remained a key part of London’s festival calendar.

World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) 

WOMAD is a gathering of 40,000 people at a beautiful site in Charlton Park to celebrate music, art, dance and culture from around the world. Spend your days exploring different music stages and grooving in the sunshine (or rain!), take part in one of the 80+ workshops, travel around the globe vicariously through your tastebuds at the food village, or perch yourself on the ground with a cold drink to simply take it all in. 

Diwali in Leicester 

Diwali – the Indian festival of lights that is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains – in Leicester is one of the world’s biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India. People travel from all over the UK and beyond to see the “Golden Mile” – illuminated temples and firework displays that symbolise the triumph of light over darkness, evil over light and knowledge over ignorance. The cultural program in Leicester includes music, dance, fire performers, religious ceremonies, delicious street food and funfair rides.

Chelsea Flower Show

Stop off in London for breathtaking floral displays of the  RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  Established in 1912, the Chelsea Flower Show is an exhibition of show gardens and floral displays set within the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Chelsea Flower Show is held in May and draws garden-lovers from all over the world. 

When is the best time to visit England?

The UK experiences the best weather from June to August, though there’s never any guarantee that summer is full of sunshine and warmth. The crowds might be bigger, but this is because the country wakes up from a dark winter slumber and celebrates – a lot. Outdoor dining is in full swing, pubs and bars are pumping and festivals flood the events calendar. Spring and autumn can be cool and wet but with some sunny days, and the days are still long enough to enjoy the country’s diverse and picturesque scenery. Winter (December to February) brings short days, grey skies and sometimes snow, though this is more often in England’s northern counties or places are higher elevations. Top advice: always have a rain jacket and a brolly at the bottom of your bag.

Read more about the best time to visit England

Read how to get around England

Similar destinations

Can't decide which country to travel to? Let us help:

• England or Ireland?
• England or Scotland?
• England or Wales?

England travel FAQs

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

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.

Can I use my mobile phone while in England?

Mobile phone coverage is generally very good in most parts of England, but it might be patchy in more remote areas. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive if travelling from overseas.

Is tipping customary in England?

Tipping isn’t expected but if you’re happy with a meal or service, a tip is always appreciated. Rounding up a taxi fare to the nearest pound is common.

What are some common sayings in England?

• “Alright?” = Hello, how are you?
• “Cuppa” = a cup of tea 
• “Bloody” = a term used to emphasize something, e.g. “That was bloody sad” or “It’s bloody cold outside”
• “Brolly” = umbrella 
• “Chuffed” = a term used to express you are very happy or pleased about something, e.g. "I'm chuffed with my new haircut"
• “Cream crackered” = Cockney rhyming slang for “knackered" (meaning extremely tired)
• “Quid” = a slan terms for pounds, e.g. “ten quid” means £10
• “Pudding” = dessert 
• “Tea” = dinner (used more in northern England)

What is internet access like in England?

Internet access is good in England, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots easily found in most cities and major towns.

What are the toilets like in England?

Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in England.

What will it cost for a…?

• Cup of coffee = £2.50
• Pint of beer = £4
• Glass of wine = £4.00
• Simple cafe lunch = £10 
• Nice meal in a restaurant = £30

Can I drink the water in England?

Drinking tap water is safe in England unless otherwise marked. We recommend bringing a refillable bottle with you to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles to do your bit for the environment.

Are credit cards widely accepted in England?

Major credit cards are widely accepted in shops and hotels in England.

Smaller shops may not accept credit cards, so it’s never a bad idea to carry some cash for smaller items such as a coffee, or if you’re splitting bills with your group.

What is ATM access like in England?

ATMs are called cash machines or cashpoints in the UK.

You will see plenty of them on main streets and shopping centres.

You can use Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Plus, Amex and Cirrus at most English cash machines, as well as international bank cash machines in bigger towns and cities.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in England?

• 1 Jan - New Year's Day
• Good Friday 
• Easter Monday
• Early May Bank Holiday 
• Spring Bank Holiday 
• Summer Bank Holiday
• 25 Dec - Christmas Day
• 26 Dec - Boxing Day

Note: some of the above public holidays don’t have dates as the date changes every year.

Is England a safe destination for LGBTQI+ travellers?

England is an LGBTQI+ friendly destination and there are many social meeting places for the LGBTQI+ in big towns and cities like London, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, etc. Brighton is known as the LGBTQI+ capital of England with some of the best LGBTQI+ bars, hotels and clubs in the country.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  Smartraveller  before you travel.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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The 5 best sightseeing tours of buckingham palace.

See one of Britain's top attractions on a walking, biking, bus or private taxi tour.

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

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A tour of Buckingham Palace is a must-do on your next London vacation.

On a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Come on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday morning to see the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area while sharing  knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a two-hour tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony, while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the corner of Piccadilly and Arlington Street (between The Ritz and The Wolseley), ending at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace Tour

Price: From $164

Duration: 8.5 hours

Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle. Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines. The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection – the ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

Full-day London with Changing of the Guard and Private Cruise

Price: From $158; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee

Duration: 9 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony, and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

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The London Essentials Bike Tour

Price: From $38

Duration: 3.5 hours

Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were really impressed by the knowledge of the guide. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

View & Book Tickets: GetYourGuide

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

Price: From $461

Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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England Tours in September 2024

• Apr '24
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123 england trips in september 2024.

• Hiking & Trekking

Walk Hadrian's Wall Highlights

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

London Explorer (8 Days)

Trip was very good, managed to see all of the top tourist attractions in 8 days. Trafalger tour guide was terrific. Only criticisms were the Tower Hotel room desperately needed an update and the London traffic was horrendous causing us to spend needless hours on the tour bus in and out of London.

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

London & Country

Wonderful trip! Fun places to visit with nice, friendly people.

• Christmas & New Year

2-Day Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath & Oxford Small-Group Tour from London

Our guide Samuel did an excellent Job taking us to the places we expected plus a couple unexpected. His commentary was informative and fun and his driving was amazing! He was also very helpful and patient.

Cornwall tour starting in London

Dacey’s Cornish Tours was absolutely fantastic. Dave arranged for unique hotels, lovely breakfasts, beautiful places to visit. The small group made for the perfect combination of guided and independent exploring.

5-Day Devon & Cornwall Small Group from London

We had terrific time on our Cornwall and Devon tour. With Nick as our driver. He was knowledgeable, chatty attentive to his groups needs and a all round nice chap We would highly recommend

Contrasts of Norfolk Cycling

• Walking Adventure

London & Iconic England Tour - 6 days

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Devon and Cornwall (6 Days)

Really enjoyed the tour and all the history of the areas we visited. Helen’s knowledge was wonderful, seeing it was first trip to these areas I would have liked a few more areas and buildings pointed out especially as we travelled in built up areas. As a visitor from Australia there is so much to learn about other than the sites we were visiting on tour.

Highlights of South-West England

Corners of Cornwall

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

3-Day Yorkshire Dales & Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

Rabbies were fantastic to deal with, the tour was enjoyable and went ahead even though there were only three passengers- this commitment to run the tour regardless of numbers builds confidence that things will go ahead without risk of changes at the last minute- excellent when planning trips in advance from another country! Loved Clive as guide- great driver, personable and so knowledgeable!

London and Bath Explorer - 6 Days

3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester

We highly recommend Rabbie’s Tours. Our guide/driver Nick, was very knowledgeable and he made sure that each one of us was comfortable throughout the trip. The accommodation was good and the group was lovely, too. The pace of the tour was great. We will take another Rabbie’s tour for sure.

• Sightseeing

Heart of England Express (Hotel) - 2 days

What people love about england tours in september.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience. There were a couple of small hiccups, nothing is perfect, but our guide and our driver did a fantastic job of making the experience fun and meaningful. The only thing I would flag is that the group size is a bit large - we were 46 - which can sometimes make for slower travel. Otherwise, absolutely wonderful!

Overall, the tour met our expectations as there was a good mix of tours through Globus with plenty of time for us to explore on our own.

Was a fantastic trip. Our guide was the best. Our trip was Sept 10/11 with an overnight stay in Bath.

Destinations

• South West England September 2024 (31)
• Yorkshire September 2024 (5)
• Cornwall September 2024 (4)
• UK Lake District September 2024 (5)

Regions in England

• South West England (31)
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• UK Lake District (5)
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• England Travel Guide | All You Need to Know