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Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in England 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in England. Below you will find 24 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in England offering in total 273 tours and holidays through-out England. Combined they have received 438 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in England are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Adventure and sport & Wildlife, landscapes and nature.

• Tours in England
• England Travel Guide

23 Tour Operators in England with 438 Reviews

Brendan Vacations

• Address Brendan Vacations 801 E. Katella Avenue Anaheim, California 92805, California, USA
• Response Rate 90%
• Response Time 3 hours

Walkers' Britain

• Address 1B Osiers Road, London, England
• Response Rate 83%
• Response Time 2 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

• Address 109 Power Road, Chiswick, London, England
• Response Rate 81%

• Address Picquet House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, London, England

Mckenzie Mountaineering

• Address Hillcrest Braes , Ullapool, Scotland
• Response Rate 100%

Expat Explore

• Address 10 Merryweather Place, London, England
• Response Time 1 hour

• Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England
• Response Rate 96%

Collette Tours

• Address 162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA
• Response Rate 86%

• Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
• Response Rate 88%

Luxury Gold

• Response Rate 60%

• Address 38-51 Bedford Way, London, England

The London Bicycle Tour Company

• Address 74 Kennington Road, London, England

Indus Travels

• Address 233, 11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, Canada
• Response Rate 98%

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

• Address 15/56 Pitt St, Sydney, Australia
• Response Rate 74%

England Tour Reviews

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Stonehenge Tours

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Stonehenge at Dusk or Dawn

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

Private London Tours

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

Stately Homes, Castles & Gardens

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

Downton Abbey

See the real sights from the award winning historical TV drama

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

Ghost Tours

Spectral Sightings and London's Haunted History

The City of London Walk

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

Ancestry Research

Let our experts research your Family Tree in Britain

The Thames Path Walks

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

A Walk through the City of London

Victorian market places, medieval churches and Roman remains.

The British Museum

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

Spitfire Flights

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

Overnight Castles

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

Normandy D-Day Tours

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

WELCOME TO BRITISH TOURS LTD.

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

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

Best Sellers

Private london tour.

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

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour

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

Westminster Abbey

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

Tower of London

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

London Tours & Surroundings

London tours.

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

Museums & Galleries

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

Private London Walks

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

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

England Tours & Britain

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

Gems of the South

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

Overnight Stratford Tour

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

Wales Tours

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

Paris Tours & Surroundings

London to paris day tours.

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

Private France Tours

Overnight normandy.

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

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

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London – Our top 10 lists

10 of the Best UK Tour Operators and Travel companies

Early morning autumn light on the moated 11 century Leeds Castle in the county of Kent, England. Photo by Colin Watts- Unsplash

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Stanage Edge, or simply Stanage is a gritstone escarpment in the Peak District, England, famous as a location for climbing. Photo by Rob Bates- Unsplash

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Chrome Hill is a limestone reef knoll in Derbyshire, England. Photo by Rob Bates- Unsplash

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Winnats Pass is a hill pass and limestone gorge in the Peak District of Derbyshire, England. Photo by Rob Bates- Unsplash

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Featured Holidays

An exclusive escape amid nature in Goa

https://www.goaexperience.co.uk/nilaya-hermitage

Hidden haven within bustling North Goa

https://www.goaexperience.co.uk/ahilya-by-the-sea

Corsica Fabulous Location near to beach restaurants

https://www.corsica.co.uk/hotel-st-christophe

Adult only All inclusive in Cape Verde on the beach

https://www.capeverde.co.uk/robinson-cabo-verde

A Gastronomic tour of Sicily. Discover its fabulous cuisine.

Join this fabulous expert-led culinary & cultural tour of Sicily.

Luxury Boutique Ngala Lodge with renowned restaurant

Once you've stayed at Ngala, you wont settle for anything else

2 Bedroom Villa with private pool in Costa Smeralda

https://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/la-mendula

An expert-led cultural tour along the Lycian Way

Join this walking tour in Turkey

5 Grade Deluxe - Book early for this popular hotel

https://www.goaexperience.co.uk/taj-exotica-resort-spa

Discover the wonders of ancient Macedonia in Greece

Join this expert-led archaeological & cultural tour of Macedonia

Ultimate luxury in Goa great for couples

https://www.goaexperience.co.uk/the-st-regis-goa-resort

Explore Rudyard Kipling's India

Bespoke Immersive holidays in India with ETG

A small, simple, family-run hotel that offers a great base

https://www.goaexperience.co.uk/sao-domingos

Fantastic budget Goa hotel great for long stays

https://www.goaexperience.co.uk/santana-beach-resort

Small Boutique Adult only Hotel wintersun

https://www.gambia.co.uk/leos-beach-hotel

1 Bedroom Apartment Calvi Town Corsica

https://www.corsica.co.uk/apartment-st-philippe

The best of Mons & Waterloo

Visit Wallonia Southern Belgium

5 star Luxury retreat

https://www.goaexperience.co.uk/alila-diwa-goa

Essential Bhutan Experience

Bespoke Immersives holidays in Bhutan with ETG

Providing a quiet haven in the lively town of Candolim, Sone

https://www.goaexperience.co.uk/sonesta-inns

Exploring Crete

A spectacular expert-led tour of the legendary island of Crete

An immaculately kept, family-run hotel -customer favourite

https://www.capeverde.co.uk/hotel-morabeza

Golf in Wallonia Belgium

Explore Mons former EU Capital of Culture

Sri Lankan Family Adventure

Bespoke Immersive holidays in Sri Lanka from ETG

A beautifully designed hotel on the Island of Sal

https://www.capeverde.co.uk/hilton-cabo-verde-sal-resort?bt=packa

Join this Gastronomic Gulet Cruise in Turkey!

Explore Turkey's turquoise coast & discover its fantastic cuisine

1 bedroom Villa for couples private pool

https://www.corsica.co.uk/casa-acciani

Small hotel great for nature lovers and birdwatchers

https://www.gambia.co.uk/bakotu-hotel?dd=31/03/2024&de=0&ac=45023

Arguably the most striking beachfront hotel in The Gambia, C

https://www.gambia.co.uk/coco-ocean-resort-spa

2 Bedroom Villa with private pool

https://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/casa-querce

Special Offers

All-inclusive Boa Vista Cape Verde

https://www.capeverde.co.uk/iberostar-club-boa-vista

October 7 nights from £999

Kombo Beach Hotel

Escape to The Gambia with this fabulous early booking offer

Beachfront hotel on Cape Point Holiday

£799 An adults-only retreat, 16 or 30 Jun7 nights Corsica

https://www.corsica.co.uk/a-merula

Corsica adult only 2 Jun 7 nights £599pp saving £346pp

https://www.corsica.co.uk/le-home

Villa with Private villa with pool July £1249 inc flight car

https://www.corsica.co.uk/casa-di-pruno

Great saving Wintersun from £749pp

Holiday Beach Club

Highlights of Costa Rica

12 nights - now from only £2,811 per person (twin share)

Wintersun £849 in bustling Kololi resort

https://www.gambia.co.uk/senegambia-beach-hotel

2 Bedroom villa with private pool 18 May 7 nights £599

https://www.corsica.co.uk/casa-di-lolivu

Late availability 21 July 7 nights £1499pp inc flight car

https://www.corsica.co.uk/villa-bumortu

Gulet cruise in Croatia with AITO Tour Operator of the Year

Expert-led gulet cruise in Croatia

Discover the Dodecanese islands aboard an elegant gulet

Expert-led gulet cruise in the Greek islands

Expert-led gulet cruise in the Greek Islands

Join this trip with award-winning Peter Sommer Travels

Last cabins available on Greek Islands gulet cruise

Join this expert-led trip with AITO's Tour Operator of the Year

Exploring Sicily

A spectacular expert-led tour of the legendary island of Sicily

Gulet Cruising to Ephesus - Almost Full

An expert-led archaeological and historical adventure in Turkey

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UK and Great Britain Small Group Tours

Uncover new and exciting adventures in UK and Great Britain by taking part in our small group tours. Go sightseeing at your own pace surrounded by travellers like you. Provided by top tour operators & travel companies, our small group tours in UK and Great Britain will offer you the perfect balance between spending time on your own and group activities. View all small group tours .

179 UK And Great Britain small group tours with 2,019 reviews

10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

We selected this tour as it had, for us, the right combination of highlights and varied activities, included both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and was a small group tour. This tour absolutely exceeded our already high expectations! The itinerary proved to be excellent, but a lot of the credit for the success of this tour, has to go to Finn, our exceptional guide. Like any good teacher, he is truly passionate about his subject — his country and sharing all it has to offer! He shared his knowledge and love of Irish history, literature, culture, sports, and music throughout the tour which added so much depth and color to our adventure. Finn is competent, personable, patient, funny and flexible — to name a few of his many virtues. Finn proved to be an excellent driver as we traversed many winding, narrow and challenging roads! He kept us on schedule, made modifications when needed, and provided us with a smooth running tour and a once in a lifetime experience for our group! We highly recommend Finn and the 10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour! We made new friends and enjoyed a lot of fun and laughter along the way!

7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure Small Group Tour

It was a busy tour but we saw and did so much and got to see so much of the courtry. Our guide was outstanding!

• In-depth Cultural

10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

I had the most wonderful time on the 10 Day Wild Irish Experience. Our group was only a small one but everyone got along very well and it was oftentimes more of a family outing than strangers travelling together. Our driver/guide Lee was very invested in all of our wellbeings - making sure everyone's interests and needs were met, and then going the extra mile in the little details (like carrying our bags or providing little insider tips on what to do or where to eat for every town we stayed in). He was always available to answer any questions our group might have and could also entertain with a story or background information about a town or region while we where driving to it or through it. Especially on the often narrow and winding Irish country roads he made sure everyone was comfortable during the twists and turn and I (having the seat upfront and the best view of the landscapes and vistas but also the roads and the traffic) always felt safe and in the most capable hands with him. Even though our trip took place in the pre-season, for the most part of it we got to enjoy very lovely weather, with blazing blue skies and already emerald green hills doing their reputation justice. When one of the destinations on our itinerary wasn't open yet for the season or closed for construction (this happened only on one or two occasions out of more than thirty-five), our driver/guide knew this beforehand because he checked with all of them - and the tour operators of Irish Experience provided more than adequate alternatives so that our group didn't miss out on anything. I can only recommend this tour most wholeheartedly and to everyone. It was an excellent introduction to the Irish culture and country and the lives of Irish people and has made me want to return soon to the island. Thank you to my lovely fellow travellers - but mostly to everyone at Irish Experience and to Lee!

• €99 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

A great tour led by great people! 10/10 would do this again and recommend it for anyone looking to see Ireland and its beauty!

Best of Britain

Northern & Southern Ireland

there is a difference between, a tour guide and a tour leader, this i did not know. a leader is the organizer of all events, transportation and accommodations. Zoe far exceeded my expectations in this role, and i would highly recommend her. She was not a tour guide. I was expecting more information about the people, locations and cultures of Ireland.

8 Day Castles & Coast Experience - Small Group Tour

More information needed prior to booking about amount of walking involved. E.g.walk from B&Bs to centre of city and restaurants. And from bus parking to sites visited. It was also disappointing that group was scattered between 3 or 4 B& Bs well separated making meeting up for dinner at end of day difficult

• Christmas & New Year

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

5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

It was an amazing tour with the amazing guide. Gail love for Scotland was contagious - she was passionate, told us many tails and stories and even sing few ballads for us! We learned a lot and seen a lot and despite the cold weather - we enjoyed this tour.

England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK

Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

We just returned from a wonderful week! Loved the group size and the amazing tour itinerary.

5-Day Northern Ireland & Atlantic Coast Small-Group Tour from Dublin

We were able to see way more of the interesting corners of Northern Ireland than we ever could have driving on our own.

2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)

Fantastic tour. Highly recommend. Steve B was an excellent guide. Stayed at Oak Villa in Inverness, best hosts and the breakfast was amazing. Thank you for a great experience. Jeff and Karen Luskie

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

Classic Scotland Self Drive

Great car with automatic. Accommodation was pretty good. Breakfasts were nourishing.

The Best Of Ireland

The tour was great and our tour / bus driver is one of the best. He's extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of Ireland and went out of his way to do extra things that were not on the itinerary. We had plenty of time at all of our stops and loads of free time as well. Thanks Indus for a great time.

Reviews of Small Group tours to UK And Great Britain

Mike was an excellent guide, informative, very knowledgeable and flexible with the itinerary when necessary

Exceeded my expectations. Culture, landscapes, language, history, activities…so much in just a week. Accommodations were very comfortable, food was delicious and plentiful, people were welcoming and generous. Our guide (Pat O’Mara) made the entir3 experience an absolute joy. He was knowledgeable, told stories and histories in a folksy and humorous tone. He was competent, flexible, and inspired with a clear love of his own country that made us love it too.

Excellent guide - very informative and expert bus driver!

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

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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Your UK Travel Agency

Discover the best of England, Scotland and Wales with Nordic Visitor, a leading UK travel agency. Prepare to explore historic cities, age-old castles and idyllic countryside on a tour that your dedicated, UK-based travel consultant will arrange for you. With their insider knowledge and 24/7 support during your trip, you’ll have an unforgettable escape.

Ways to Travel in The UK

Choose the travel style that works for you and explore the UK your way.

Self-drive Tours

Take the wheel and uncover the UK’s highlights at your own pace.

Small Group Packages

Learn from your knowledgeable local guide on a small group trip.

Top UK Tours

Experience the UK’s must-see spots on recommended itineraries created with insider knowledge.

Wonders of Britain

Classic Britain

England, scotland & wales, express britain, complete britain.

Spring Sale

Browse our UK special offers to save up to 15% in 2024.

Get in touch with one of our local travel experts

Whatever your needs, we are here to help. If you have any questions about our packages or services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Nordic Visitor Reviews

Read these testimonies from our lovely guests who visited Scotland with us.

Gerri United States

Nordic Visitor provided a Scottish adventure with a good variety of stops at historical and culturally significant... read more

Nordic Visitor provided a Scottish adventure with a good variety of stops at historical and culturally significant locations. I enjoyed the scenery as we went along roads that the larger tour buses could not go. They also accurately worked in the timing to miss the large tours at the sites. I had several of the best meals that were included in the package. Save your time and effort and hire Nordic Visitor to plan your tour.

Carleen United States

Everything went so smoothly, from pick-up at the airport to getting the rental car to checking into the... read more

Everything went so smoothly, from pick-up at the airport to getting the rental car to checking into the accommodation. Planning with Rebecca & the Edinburgh team was easy - questions were always answered quickly. We were also extremely grateful that we were able to check into our first hotel early. Thank you all!

Your Dedicated British Travel Agency

Rely on our UK-based destination experts to organise an adventure you’ll never forget. They’ve travelled the routes and enjoyed the activities you’re about to experience. Our travel consultants regularly check your accommodation, local transport and licensed tour guides to ensure you get first-rate service.

Quick Facts

Why Book With Us

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Trusted local travel experts

Since 2002, Nordic Visitor has been crafting unforgettable trips in Northern Europe. As experienced British tour operators, you can be sure that we have carefully chosen every accommodation, route and attraction. Plus, your personal UK-based expert will have plenty of local knowledge to share with you.

Great reviews

Our dedicated teams deliver excellent service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travelers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

You are in good hands

Relax knowing there will always be a travel expert on call 24/7 to handle any unforeseen situations. Whether it’s an unexpected event or weather issue, you can contact our dedicated helpline. If needed, we’ll rework your itinerary and re-book any activities, while keeping you safe and informed.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Handpicked hotels

No matter whether you choose Comfort Plus or Superior accommodation, you’ll sleep well knowing that we’ve handpicked each place you’ll stay. Plus, every hotel, B&B and guesthouse has been selected for its location close to the city centre and attractions, with access to parking.

Flexible tour options

Our travel experts have crafted these UK trips so you’ll get the most out of them. But you can also make adjustments to your itinerary. Why not extend your stay at stops along the route, upgrade your accommodation, and add optional activities? Personalise your tour online or speak to your travel consultant.

Your UK Tour Highlights

However you decide to travel, let the UK’s historic cities and rambling countryside capture your imagination. Discover England, Scotland and Wales on these expert-curated getaways and soon you could…

• Visit iconic London attractions including Buckingham Palace , Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
• Roam Oxford – known as “the city of dreaming spires” – and go punting on the River Cherwell
• Enjoy the view from York ’s medieval walls before checking out the city’s vibrant markets and cosy pubs
• Step back in time when you visit the world-famous monument of Stonehenge , dating from 2,500 BCE
• Stroll cobbled streets in Edinburgh ’s Old Town and admire dramatic scenes in the Scottish Highlands
• Cruise Lake Windermere and tour Beatrix Potter’s home in the gorgeous Lake District National Park
• Soak up Welsh heritage at Conwy Castle and spend time in the pretty seaside town of Llandudno
• Explore the UNESCO city of Bath , well-known for its elegant Georgian architecture and the Roman Baths
• Surround yourself with natural beauty in national parks, such as the Peak District and Snowdonia (Eryri)

Frequently Asked Questions About UK Tour Packages

You might have a few questions before booking your UK trip with Nordic Visitor. Read on for answers to these common queries.

It’s good to know that when you choose Nordic Visitor, you can Book With Confidence , safe in the knowledge that your payments are protected. If you want to learn more about our processes and payment details, don't miss our booking terms and FAQs .

1. What countries are in the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom (UK) is made up of 4 countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Great Britain includes England, Scotland and Wales.

2. Is the UK safe to visit?

Much like other countries in Northern Europe, you’ll find the UK is a safe place to travel. Similar to many European and Nordic countries, the UK ranks among the 40 safest nations in the Global Peace Index . You’ll find there’s also a modern healthcare system in place.

3. What is the best time of year to go to the UK?

While there’s no bad time to explore the UK, we recommend visiting sometime between April and October. In the UK, this spans spring, summer and autumn, and it’s when attractions have their longest opening hours.

Plus, temperatures are at their warmest from April to October – all the better for soaking up the sights. But, like the rest of Northern Europe, it’s worth remembering the weather can be changeable no matter the season.

Summer – June, July and August – is the most popular time of year to visit the UK. Not only because you’ll get the most daylight hours, but also because this is the warmest season.

In the countryside, you’ll see lush woodland and hillsides carpeted in purple heather. Meanwhile, the cities are bustling with visitors from around the world. You’ll also be able to take your pick from countless festivals celebrating the arts, food and more.

If you’d prefer to experience the UK at a quieter time of year, we recommend travelling in spring or autumn. After the chill of winter, April and May bring the joy of blooming flowers and longer days.

Or, visit during the autumn months of September and October, to see the trees turn fiery shades of orange and red. And if it gets chilly, just head for one of the snug pubs or cafés the UK is renowned for.

Read more about what to expect as the seasons change in this blog on the best time to visit the UK .

4. How many days do I need for my trip?

The amount of time you should spend in the UK depends on what you’d like to see and do during your visit.

If you’d like to experience more than one country within the UK, we recommend allowing at least 7-10 days for your trip. This way, you’ll have time to discover some of the top attractions in England, Scotland and Wales. And you’ll get to stay in more than one place.

Meanwhile, if you prefer exploring at a leisurely pace, you’ll want to give yourself longer, around 2-3 weeks. By spending more days at each stop, you’ll be able to delve deeper into the UK’s history, culture and landscapes.

Travel with Nordic Visitor and you can pick the length of trip that suits you from these UK tour packages. Plus, you could extend your time in the UK by adding extra nights to your itinerary.

5. Where are the top places to visit in the UK?

The UK might seem small, given that it's just over a third of the size of Texas, and half that of Spain. But when it comes to culture, history and natural beauty, you’ll find that this group of British countries has so much to offer.

Plus, with distinct landscapes and different nations within easy reach of each other, you can experience a lot on one trip. To get you started, here are some of the UK’s must-visit spots:

England • London • Bath • Oxford • York • Stonehenge • Lake District National Park • Peak District National Park

Scotland • Edinburgh • Glen Coe • Glenfinnan • Isle of Skye • Loch Ness • Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Wales • Llandudno • Prestatyn • Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park

Find out more in this article about the best places to visit in the UK . If you’re interested in exploring Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as well, check out these 10 top spots on the Emerald Isle .

6. What are the top things to do?

With stunning scenery, lively cities and ancient historic sites, you’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding what to do in the UK. You could immerse yourself in postcard-perfect countryside, soak up local knowledge on guided city tours, and so much more.

Discover our local experts' top recommendations for things to do in the UK :

• • Visit museums and galleries that range from world-renowned attractions to hidden gems
• • Dive into the mysteries of the past as you explore prehistoric forts and Neolithic stone circles
• • Marvel at craggy peaks, glittering lakes and rambling forests in the UK’s national parks
• • Get a glimpse into the UK’s rich heritage when you visit fascinating Roman and Viking sites
• • Sample UK cuisine, whether it’s freshly caught fish and chips or a refined tasting menu
• • Take an invigorating walk by the coast and let the salty sea breeze blow the cobwebs away
• • Punctuate your days touring the UK with the much-loved British tradition of afternoon tea
• • See how kings and queens lived throughout the ages as you tour grand castles and palaces
• • Head into a relaxed pub at the end of the day to share stories over a glass of something local
• • Hunt for TV and movie filming locations from the likes of Harry Potter , Bridgerton and Outlander

7. What’s the best way to travel in Britain?

The best way for you to discover the UK depends on the kind of travel experience you’re looking for.

For instance, if you want the freedom to go at your own pace, then a self-drive tour of the UK is ideal. And although you’ll be taking the wheel yourself, you can relax knowing we are just a phone call away. If you need assistance during your trip, you can reach us anytime on our 24/7 helpline.

You’ll also have your own dedicated travel consultant to book your accommodation and arrange car hire with a tried-and-tested local partner. Plus, get a road map with recommended attractions and the suggested route for your trip drawn by hand.

This makes a self-drive tour the perfect way to see the UK’s must-see sights with opportunities to stop whenever you like along the way.

If you’d rather not drive, why not explore the UK in a guided group? Touring the UK with a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you and your fellow travellers will discover the UK together. And with a group size of up to just 15 guests, you’ll be able to travel in a comfortable minibus and get more time with your guide.

For the ultimate personalised travel experience, you could opt for a private tour of Scotland with your very own professional guide.

8. Who are Nordic Visitor’s UK travel experts?

Nordic Visitor’s travel experts are your eyes and ears on the ground. When you explore with us, you’ll get a dedicated travel consultant who’ll handle the details of your booking. This means you can relax and look forward to your trip while they organise your accommodation, local transport and excursions.

Not only that, but they have plenty of insider knowledge to share with you. Let your travel consultant know what your interests are and they’ll be happy to advise you on the experiences you won't want to miss.

For some insider information on your UK trip, read these  travel tips from a local expert .

9. What is included in a Nordic Visitor tour of Britain?

When you take a trip to the UK with Nordic Visitor, your travel package includes: • Accommodation • Daily breakfast • Local transport as detailed in your itinerary • Activities included in your tour package (with the chance to add optional excursions) • Personalised itinerary and printed guide with information about local attractions and practical travel tips • Access to our 24/7 helpline for on-trip support when you need it

Depending on the travel style you choose, your Nordic Visitor tour package will also come with:

• Self-drive tours
• • Car rental with a trusted supplier
• • Unlimited mileage
• • CDW insurance
• • Authorisation for 2 drivers
• Small group tours
• • A professional, English-speaking driver-guide
• • Transportation in a comfortable minibus
• • Some meals, as mentioned in your itinerary
• • Entrance fees to attractions specified in the itinerary

10. Does Nordic Visitor have a flexible booking policy?

Yes, Nordic Visitor offers optional cancellation insurance which protects your payment. If you need to cancel your trip before you arrive, you won’t lose any money you’ve already paid us. Depending on the terms and conditions, you’ll be given a partial refund along with travel credit you can use with us in the future.

What’s more, with our cancellation insurance we’ll rebook your entire tour once if you need to change dates, without additional fees. Learn more about this risk-free, flexible booking policy in our Book with Confidence terms .

If you don’t have cancellation insurance with us, check out our normal booking terms . And we always recommend taking out personal travel insurance to cover you on your trip.

11. Why use Nordic Visitor instead of booking everything myself?

At Nordic Visitor, we’ll save you time and effort by planning your getaway for you.

When you arrange a trip yourself, you have to carry out all the research and book each part of your tour separately. And if you need to change your itinerary, you’ll need to do the legwork yourself.

Plus, as we're a UK-based travel agency, England, Scotland and Wales are on our doorstep. In other words, when you book with us you can be sure you’re getting an authentic travel experience organised by local experts.

Our travel consultants have designed your itinerary to ensure you take the most convenient and scenic route between stops. They’ll also book you into high-quality accommodation, and share their insider tips with you. You can rely on them to feature the top sights and hidden gems that you wouldn’t otherwise know about.

So why not book with Nordic Visitor and let us take care of everything on your behalf? This way you can relax and look forward to your adventure. What’s more, during your trip you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline. So you can contact us at any time if something unexpected crops up.

12. Do I need a visa to travel to the UK?

Whether or not you need a visa to visit the UK depends on the length of your stay and your nationality. For example, if you’re a citizen of the USA, Canada, Australia or an EU or EEA country, among others, you won’t require a visa. But it’s essential that you bring your valid passport for entry into the UK.

You can check if you need a visa on the UK government website.

13. What sort of accommodation will I stay in?

We understand that where you stay is important, after all, it’ll be your home away from home during your trip. This is why our travel experts use their local connections to ensure you stay at excellent places throughout your tour.

In the UK, this includes a mix of gorgeous historical properties and contemporary retreats. Expect a warm welcome and a location that’s right in the heart of things. Not to mention a tasty breakfast each morning.

We carefully select each hotel, guesthouse and B&B for its high standard of comfort and cleanliness. Plus, on self-drive tours, you’ll have access to parking. This will either be on-site or at a convenient location close to where you’ll be staying.

Exactly where you’ll be staying on your trip depends on the level of accommodation you pick and availability.

14. Can I choose the arrival date?

Of course! With Nordic Visitor’s UK self-drive tours , you can begin your trip anytime from April to October.

For guided small group trips in the UK , select the departure that works best for you from a list of start dates between August and September. If you want to travel at a specific time of year, book early in case your preferred departure is filled.

You can check each tour’s availability calendar online to see what dates are bookable.

15. Will Nordic Visitor book my flights to the UK?

Flights aren’t included in these UK tour packages. This gives you the flexibility to choose where you’d like to fly from, along with the flight times and prices that work best for you. If you have any questions about your journey to the UK, don’t hesitate to ask your local travel expert for advice.

Before booking your tour package, we highly recommend checking what flights are available. But please wait until after your trip is confirmed to make your travel arrangements.

Once you’ve received an email confirmation from your dedicated consultant, you can go ahead and purchase your preferred flights.

16. What should I pack for my trip?

No matter when you decide to visit, you can expect the weather in the UK to be changeable. So while the driest weather is between April and October, it’s worth being prepared for both rain and shine. Not to mention the fact that the temperature can vary a lot, depending on the season and where you are in the UK.

For instance, at the height of summer in London, you might experience temperatures over 30°C (86°F). Meanwhile, at the same time of year in the Scottish Highlands, the average temperature is around 15-17°C (59-63°F).

If you plan to spend time outdoors, pack these essential items and you’ll be covered from spring through to autumn:

• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm, insulated jacket
• Fleece or woollen jumper
• Cosy hat, scarf and gloves
• Light base layer tops
• Lightweight trousers or shorts
• Sunglasses, sun hat and sun cream
• Reusable water bottle
• UK plug adapter

You might also want to bring a couple of smart outfits for dining out in the evening.

About Nordic Visitor Tours

Nordic Visitor was established in 2002 and is now one of the leading tour operators in Europe. Since then, we’ve been creating memorable travel experiences for our guests in Northern Europe. We’re passionate in our belief that your trip should be memorable for all the right reasons.

With an office in Edinburgh, you can rely on our local knowledge as a top travel agency in the United Kingdom. Our UK tours include:

• Quality-checked accommodation: No matter where you’re staying, you can rest easy knowing that we have vetted each hotel, guesthouse and B&B to ensure it meets our high standards.
• Travel guide:  Our detailed travel guide is jam-packed with helpful information. Expect insider travel tips and practical advice for travelling in the UK. Not to mention a round-up of top attractions and hidden gems that you won’t want to miss.
• 24/7 helpline:  Every Nordic Visitor tour includes access to our 24/7 helpline. Enjoy peace of mind throughout your trip, knowing there’s always a travel consultant within reach.
• Flexible itineraries: Experience the best of the UK on tour packages that have been carefully crafted by our destination experts. You can tweak your trip by adding extra nights, optional activities and accommodation upgrades.

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Whether you’re ready to book your dream trip to the UK, or want to know more before going ahead, get in touch with us. Our Edinburgh-based travel experts will be happy to help.

Our British phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

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Read about the UK

Top 8 things to see & do in the uk, 10 cool facts about england, visiting the uk: travel tips from a local expert, best time to visit the uk: your complete guide.

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The Inbound Report

Covering the Inbound Tourism Industry Since 1996

The UK’s Top 50 Tour Operators—Updated

May 26, 2020 by Tom Berrigan

TUI remains at the top of the list. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has completed and posted its list of ATOL (Air Travel Organizers’ License) for the next half year, providing the tour and travel industry with our de facto list of the country’s tour operators, .And, as was the case for the past several years, TUI leads all on the basis of ATOLs for passengers for the next 12 months.

A couple of other points of note: the disappearance of Thomas Cook , which went out of business last September; the decline of Virgin Holidays , which slipped from No. 11 to No. 20 since the previous ATOL list was posted last October; and the appearance of easyjet Holidays (it handles packaged product, while easyjet Airline Company , a separate ATOL holder, covers third-party product sold via its website) which was re-launched last fall in the wake of the shutdown of Thomas Cook.

The new list was to have been ready by the beginning of April, but the CAA gave operators an extension due to the havoc created by the COVIN-19 global pandemic. It is unclear if the country’s tour operator sector grasped the full impact of the pandemic at the time they filed for their ATOLs, or whether the CAA accounted for it, either.

A Note: The Air Travel Organizers’ Licensing is a CAA program developed to give financial protection to people who have purchased package holidays and flights from a member tour operator.  An ATOL licensed tour operator must obtain insurance bonds from the CAA so that the latter is able to provide refunds to travelers affected by any event which causes an airline to be unable to provide travel for its customers, and to arrange for flights (in addition to accommodation and other items which may be included in a package holiday) to return home those already abroad at the time. According to published reports, last year’s failure of Thomas Cook has resulted in some 340,000 claims, valued at almost £350 million (nearly $425 million) from the ATOL program.

The list of the UK’s Top 50 Tour Operators, based on ATOL-authorized passenger levels, follows.

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U.S. tourist faces 12 years in prison after taking ammunition to Turks and Caicos

An Oklahoma man faces up to 12 years in prison on a Caribbean island after customs officials found ammunition in his luggage.

Ryan Watson traveled to Turks and Caicos with his wife, Valerie, to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 7. They went with two friends who had also turned 40.

The vacation came to an abrupt end when airport staff members found a zip-close bag containing bullets in the couple's carry-on luggage. Watson said it was hunting ammunition he had accidentally brought with him — but under a strict law in Turks and Caicos, a court may still impose a mandatory 12-year sentence.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," Watson told NBC Boston in an interview conducted last week that aired after their first court appearance Tuesday.

"I recognized them, and I thought, 'Oh, man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there,'" he said.

The couple were arrested and charged with possession of ammunition. Authorities seized their passports and explained the penalties they faced.

Valerie Watson said in the interview: "When I heard that, I immediately was terrified, because I was like we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home, and this is such an innocent mistake."

The charges against her were dropped, and she returned home to Oklahoma City on Tuesday after the court hearing to be reunited with her two young children.

"Our goal is to get Ryan home, because we can’t be a family without Dad," she said.

The couple also spoke about the financial burden of a much longer-than-planned trip. "This is something that we may never recover from," Ryan Watson said.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning to travelers in September about a law that strongly prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition in Turks and Caicos, an overseas British territory southeast of the Bahamas that is a popular vacation spot.

It said: "We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI [Turks and Caicos Islands] and will result in your arrest."

The embassy added: "If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody."

The embassy and the government in Turks and Caicos did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The same thing happened to another American, Bryan Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, who was arrested after ammunition was found in his luggage before he tried to board a flight out of Turks and Caicos in February. He said he accidentally left it in his bag.

Hagerich was on a family vacation with his wife and two young children but has now been in the country for 70 days. He spent eight days in prison before he posted bail.

"It’s incredibly scary. You know, you just don’t know what the next day may bring — you know, what path this may take," Hagerich told NBC Boston.

"You know, it’s certainly a lot different than packing your bags and going away with your family for a few days. It’s been the worst 70 days of my life," he said.

Hagerich, once a professional baseball player, was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the MLB 2007 June amateur draft from the University of Delaware.

His case goes to trial May 3.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

British tourist attacked by shark off Caribbean beach 'now able to communicate'

Peter Smith, 64, suffered damage to his left arm and leg, puncture wounds to the abdomen, and injuries to his right hand, in the attack near the Starfish Hotel in Courland Bay on the north coast of Tobago.

Monday 29 April 2024 09:51, UK

A British tourist seriously injured in a shark attack off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago is "aware of what is happening and can communicate", according to his wife.

Peter Smith, 64, was attacked 10 metres off the shore near the Starfish Hotel in Courland Bay on the north coast of Tobago on Friday morning.

He remains in intensive care at a hospital on the island, having suffered damage to his left arm and leg, puncture wounds to the abdomen, and injuries to his right hand, according to his wife, Jo Smith.

She told the BBC in a statement: "As of 9am local time today (Sunday), Peter is aware of what is happening and is able to communicate a little, although he is still under strong medication."

She also thanked "all those that assisted at the scene, and especially the two friends that remained in the water to battle the shark".

The couple, from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, had been holidaying on the Caribbean island with friends and were due to fly home on the same day the attack took place.

The shark appeared to be a bull shark, around 8-10ft long and 2ft wide, according to the Tobago House of Assembly.

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The attack prompted the government to temporarily close seven beaches and a marine park along the northwestern coast of the Caribbean island.

Orion Jakerov, watersports manager at the Starfish Resort, witnessed the incident and Mr Smith was about waist-deep in the water when the shark attacked.

"The other people in the water were physically trying to fight the shark off while it attacked," he said.

Shark attacks in Tobago a rarity

Many experts consider bull sharks to be among the most dangerous in the world.

Historically, they are one of the three species most likely to attack humans, alongside great whites and tiger sharks, according to the National Geographic.

But their presence is rarely felt in Tobago.

In fact, there have only been two other shark attacks there in the past 20 years, data from Florida Museum's International Shark Attack File shows.

One of those - a non-fatal attack in 2004 - was a bull shark.

They are far more frequent off the eastern and southern US coasts and in the central Caribbean.

Bull sharks get their name from their short, blunt snout, as well as their aggressive disposition and a tendency to head-butt their prey before attacking, the National Geographic says.

The Foreign Office said it was supporting the family.

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Last year, there were 69 unprovoked shark attacks and 22 provoked bites worldwide, along with 14 fatalities, according to the Florida-based International Shark Attack File.

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Russia-Ukraine war: Odesa’s ‘Harry Potter castle’ hit in Russian missile attack that killed five – as it happened

Four-year-old child and pregnant woman among those in a serious condition after strike on seafront park in Black Sea port city

• 1d ago Russian strike kills at least two people in Kharkiv - officials
• 1d ago Odesa’s ‘Harry Potter castle’ hit in Russian missile attack that killed five

Odesa’s ‘Harry Potter castle’ hit in Russian missile attack that killed five

Good morning and welcome to our Ukraine blog.

A Russian missile attack on an educational institution in a popular seafront park in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa, known locally as ‘Harry Potter castle’, on Monday killed at least five people and injured 32, local officials said. The previous death toll was four.

The building is reportedly the residence of prominent former MP Serhiy Kivalov, who was among those said to have been injured in the strike.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper said that in addition to those killed in the attack, one man died after suffering a stroke attributed to the strike.

Kiper said eight of the injured were in serious condition, including a four-year-old child. Among the injured were another child and a pregnant woman.

“Our doctors are trying to do their best,” he added.

Here are some of the other main developments in the war:

Nato countries have not delivered what they promised to Ukraine in time, which has benefited Russia on the frontline, Jens Stoltenberg has said . “Serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine, the Nato secretary general said in Kyiv while meeting the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Ukrainian officials say Russia is assembling forces for a major summer offensive , even if its troops are making only incremental gains at the moment. “The lack of ammunition has allowed the Russians to push forward along the frontline ,” Stoltenberg added. “Lack of air defence has made it possible for more Russian missiles to hit their targets, and the lack of deep strike capabilities has made it possible for the Russians to concentrate more forces.” Zelenskiy said new western supplies have started arriving, but slowly. “This process must be speeded up,” he said.

The head of the southern Kherson region said Russian shelling killed one person in the last 24 hours.

Debris showed that an North Korean Hwasong-11 ballistic missile hit Kharkiv on 2 January, UN sanctions monitors have told a security council committee in a report seen by Reuters. The missile was most likely illegally supplied to Russia, they conclude. North Korea is accused of developing such weapons and supplying them to Russia despite being under UN sanctions for its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes since 2006. Ukraine’s allies have accused North Korea of transferring weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine in violation of an arms embargo. The US has accused Russia of launching North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles against Ukraine on at least nine occasions .

Away from the frontline, Polish farmers have lifted blockades at border crossings with Ukraine , officials said on Monday, ending a two-month protest over farm imports and alleged unfair competition.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, made an unannounced visit to Ukraine – the first British royal to travel to the country since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion. Buckingham Palace said on Monday that Sophie, wife of Prince Edward, met Zelenskiy and first lady Olena Zelenska in Kyiv and delivered a message on behalf of King Charles III. It did not disclose the timing or details of the visit. The palace said Sophie made the trip “to demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war and in a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.”

This live blog has been paused. For the latest coverage on Russia’s war in Ukraine, please visit our dedicated page .

To keep up to date quickly with the latest in Ukraine, read our Ukraine war briefing here.

Germany has supplied Ukraine with another batch of military aid, which includes ammunition for Leopard 2 tanks, ten infantry fighting vehicles and a Skynex air defence system. You can view the full list of the aid included in Berlin’s military package here .

Military aid worth about €28bn (£23.9bn) has so far been made available by Germany (or has been earmarked) to support Ukraine over the next few years, according to the German government.

In addition, more than 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers received military training in Germany, it said.

Germany, which earlier this month promised to deliver a third Patriot battery to Kyiv, has been leading efforts to bolster Ukraine’s air defences as Moscow makes gains on the battlefield with Kyiv waiting for crucial US supplies to be delivered.

Nato’s secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said on Friday that Nato allies had Patriot systems available to provide to Ukraine, but he declined to go into details, citing classified information. “We are working with those allies to ensure that they make the right decisions to provide new Patriot batteries,” he said.

Germany, Poland, Sweden, Spain and Greece are among the EU countries that possess the Patriot systems. But some EU nations appear hesitant to give up their supplies.

Russian strike kills at least two people in Kharkiv - officials

A Russian strike killed at least two people and injured six more in the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Tuesday, according to local officials.

The Russian forces used guided bombs to carry out the attack on the city, according to preliminary information, governor Oleh Synehubov wrote on Telegram.

The attack damaged a residential building in one of the city districts, the city’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said. The emergency services are continuing to work at the site.

Security officials believe the Kremlin’s original war aims are unchanged, more than two years after Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion. They include seizing the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa and occupying Ukraine’s southern Black Sea coast.

They assess that Russia will not be able to storm Kharkiv, a city of more than 1 million people close to the Russian border but will continue to bomb and to threaten it.

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