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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 26 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in England offering in total 296 tours and holidays through-out England. Combined they have received 2194 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, Wildlife, landscapes and nature & Adventure and sport.

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26 Tour Operators in England with 2,194 Reviews

Walkers' Britain

Walkers' Britain

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

best tour operators in england

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

Brendan Vacations

Brendan Vacations

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

Topdeck

  • Address 109 Power Road, Chiswick, London, England
  • Response Rate 81%
  • Response Time 1 hour

Omega Tours

Omega Tours

  • Address 142 Westmount Avenue, Toronto, Canada
  • Response Rate 93%

Mckenzie Mountaineering

Mckenzie Mountaineering

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

Trafalgar

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

Explore

  • Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England
  • Response Rate 95%

Expat Explore

Expat Explore

  • Address 10 Merryweather Place, London, England

Costsaver

  • Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
  • Response Rate 87%

Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold

  • Response Rate 60%

Contiki

  • Address 38-51 Bedford Way, London, England
  • Response Rate 88%

Indus Travels

Indus Travels

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

The London Bicycle Tour Company

The London Bicycle Tour Company

  • Address 74 Kennington Road, London, England

Collette Tours

Collette Tours

  • Address 162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA

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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.

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Private london tour.

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

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour

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

Westminster Abbey

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

Tower of London

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

London Tours & Surroundings

London tours.

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

Museums & Galleries

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

Private London Walks

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

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

England Tours & Britain

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

Gems of the South

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

Overnight Stratford Tour

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

Wales Tours

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

Paris Tours & Surroundings

London to paris day tours.

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

Private France Tours

Overnight normandy.

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

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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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The Inbound Report

Covering the Inbound Tourism Industry Since 1996

The UK’s Top 50 Tour Operators—Updated

May 26, 2020 by Tom Berrigan

best tour operators in england

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.

best tour operators in england

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UK Travel Planning

Best UK Tours 2024/5 – Reviews & Itinerary Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 22, 2024

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 2024/5 options on offer! 

Best Tours of Great Britain – Comparison Chart

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

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

Highlights of Scotland – G Adventures – 7 Days

Country roads of scotland – insight vacations – 9 days.

  • Best of Scotland 

8 Day Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast

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

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

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

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

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

Suitcases with signposts to various UK destinations.

Best United Kingdom Tours – Choosing the Best Tour for you

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

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

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

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

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

🚙 Considering a road trip too? Not sure if you’re up to driving in the UK? We recommend using a Tripiamo guide to familiarise yourself with it before your journey. Previous UK Travel Planning users have said this has made them feel much more comfortable getting behind the wheel. Find out more in our guide to renting a car in the UK 🚗

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bibury in The Cotswolds.

Best Great Britain Tours (England, Scotland, Wales)

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

Best for seeing England & Scotland at a more leisurely pace

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

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

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

Travel is by private coach. 

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

Click here for more info and pricing

Chester is included in some of the best UK tours.

Best for fitting lots of England in at a great price

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

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

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

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

Best for seeing it all in seven days

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

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

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

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

Steam train crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct.

Best for train travel and rail holidays UK

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

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

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

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

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

View over the Lake District in England.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best for Scottish Highlands exploring and Solo Trips UK. 

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

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

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

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

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

The Orkney Islands.

Off the beaten-path Highlands of Scotland

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

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

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

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

Best of Scotland  

Best for uncovering all four corners of Scotland  

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

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

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

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

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

Best for touring unspoiled Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aerial view of Keswick in the Lake District

Best England, Ireland, Scotland Tour packages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snow peaked mountains in Glencoe.

Best for combining Scottish Highlands & Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

Portree on the Isle of Skye.

Best for English countryside and Roman history

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

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

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

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

Best Tour Companies UK Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

England Small Group Tours

England Small Group Tours

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10 best England small group tours

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5-Day Devon & Cornwall Small Group from London

3-day lake district explorer small-group tour from manchester, walking south devon's coastal path, walk hadrian's wall highlights, taste of england, highlights of south-west england, literary walking in the lake district, bath, devon & cornwall small group rail tour, cornwall tour starting in london, the channel islands small group tour.

5-Day Devon & Cornwall Small Group from London

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Christmas & New Year
  • Admire dramatic coastlines and indulge in local cuisine
  • Explore Launceston & wander the ruins of Tintagel Castle
  • Visit the historic Winchester, a former Anglo-Saxon capital
“We saw all the major sites including Stonehenge. Staying 2 nights in each hotel was great - could get settled in.”

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

  • Coach / Bus
  • Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Windermere
  • Walk by Ullswater and see Aira Force waterfall
  • Capture Kirkstone Pass's breathtaking views
“the itinerary and the accommodation extremely satisfying, and the overall organization really good!”

Walking South Devon's Coastal Path

  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Learn about Dartmouth Castle and port
  • Hike coastal paths with panoramic views
  • Explore Plymouth Hoe and Barbican sights

Walk Hadrian's Wall Highlights

  • Stroll through the village of Corbridge
  • Discover Chester's Roman Fort and Museum
  • Walk along the historic Hadrian's Wall

Taste of England

  • Stroll from Westminster to Tower Bridge
  • Visit the prehistoric site of Stonehenge
  • See Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford

Highlights of South-West England

  • Explore the historic streets of London
  • Discover the mysteries of Stonehenge
  • Hike Dartmoor's sweeping landscapes

Literary Walking in the Lake District

  • Discover Coniston's literary history and local brews
  • Hike through the stunning Great Langdale Valley
  • Visit Ruskin's home and Grizedale's forest sculptures
“The accommodations were nice and the rest of trip was fantastic.”

Bath, Devon & Cornwall Small Group Rail Tour

  • Visit Plymouth's museum and art gallery
  • Walk through St Ives' historic streets
  • Explore Stonehenge with an expert guide
“Such a lovely part of Britain (Bath, Devon and Cornwall), the accommodations were wonderful.”

Cornwall tour starting in London

  • Discover the lush Lost Gardens of Heligan
  • Visit Doc Martin's scenic Port Isaac
  • Cross Tintagel's dramatic new rope bridge
“I loved the fact every day of the tour was planned, all I had to do was show up and enjoy!”

The Channel Islands Small Group Tour

  • Taste authentic Jersey produce at a winery
  • Tour the haunting Jersey War Tunnels
  • Visit Sark and travel by tractor bus

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10 Best United Kingdom Tour Operators 2024 [Unbiased & With Reviews]

10 best united kingdom tour operators 2024.

Are you planning to visit the United Kingdom, but unsure which tour provider to select? Now, you no longer have to waste time searching the internet and filling out dozens of contact forms. Simply fill out ONE form, we’ll send it off to multiple tour providers and they’ll contact YOU! You’ll be able to compare rates and find the lowest cost tour for the most affordable trip abroad.

Get Your Free Quotes NOW

Have you dreamed of vacationing in the beautiful and historical UK? Are you wondering how to find the best travel agencies in the UK? Are you searching at all the options available and confused about the best tour companies and packages to visit UK ?

The UK is a world-famous vacation destination globally as it offers excellent opportunities to experience the rich culture, fascinating Thames River, multiple palaces, and world-class football stadiums. In the UK, you can spend the day sightseeing and shop in London, take a tour of Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, and Kensington Palace, or can take a day trip and visit the lush hills of Scotland or the mystical Stonehenge. At night, you will experience the cities modern architecture, visit the fantastic pubs and restaurants, or attend a roadside music concert.

Many UK travel operators offer various United Kingdom tour packages around the country. Choosing the right company requires spending a lot of time researching, which does not guarantee to select the best company. You risk wasting your time and money if you do not know where to look. How can you choose the right tour company to offer you value for money and the best travel experience in the United Kingdom?

Well, TravellersQuest has done the work for you. We spend thousands of hours searching, finding, and analyzing UK tours that design and organize the best travel package for a unique and memorable vacation. Our goal is for you to choose the most reputable, highly rated, and safe tour company.

We have analyzed for you 10 best tour companies in United Kingdom based on online reviews, the packages, and the company’s credibility.

Here we present an unbiased selection of 10 best travel agencies in the UK.

Table update Jan 29, 2024

Thames Rockets

Rated as London’s no. 1 outdoors activity, Thames Rockets is here to bring you first-class entertainment! The company is one of the best tour operators in the United Kingdom, providing boat tours on London’s famous Thames River. Established in 2006, this company receives an average of 80,000 passengers every year. The tour guides are exceptionally professional and skilled at what they do. Don’t settle for less and hop on a tour tailor-made by Thames Rockets for an immersive boat experience!

Thames Rockets Best UK Tour Packages

Whether you are a solo traveler or visiting with your family and friends, Thames Rockets has detailed tour packages for every group size. Check out their most popular speed boat tour, The Ultimate London Experience . From Big Ben to the London Bridge, their tour guides will show you around London on this thrilling, speedy adventure!

If you are visiting London with your partner, you can choose their Thames Lates tour package . You will be taken on a sunset cruise on the Thames River while having a romantic experience with your partner.

Lastly, their Ultimate Kids Pirate Party tour package will provide unending entertainment for your children and family! With a special ‘Pirate Captain’ onboard, you will see all the popular sights while receiving top-notch entertainment.

Thames Rockets Reviews

As one of the best travel agencies in the UK, Thames Rockets exceeds the expectations of their clients every time. With over 14,900 reviews on TripAdvisor, they are ranked as #1 of 497 Outdoor Activities in London. They have also been awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A past customer wrote:

The trip with Thames Rockets was great fun! Entertaining guide, and great boat trip. We would for sure recommend… ericF9117WA

Read all reviews of Thames Rockets on TripAdvisor .

Uncover the hidden gems of Austria. Choose one of the 10 Best Austria Tour Operators , providing exceptional services for your exploration.

Liquid History Tours

Liquid History Tours

Specializing in London pub tours, Liquid History Tours was founded by local Londoners to give you a cultural tour of London’s lifestyle. They are well-versed in London’s “liquid history” and want to share their experience and knowledge with you. Their tour guides are friendly and passionate and they will take you to the best pubs in London. They organize small group tours so that you get the most immersive experience. Discover the quirky side of London on a trip with one of the best travel agencies in the United Kingdom.

Liquid History Tours Best United Kingdom Tour Packages

Drink your way through London on relaxing tours provided by Liquid History Tours’ tour packages. Their Drink London Tour will take you on a guided walk of London’s popular pubs and ale houses. On this leisure tour, you will travel at your own pace and visit at least 4 historic pubs with a wide selection of beer, gin and other alcoholic beverages.

Liquid History Tours also organizes private tours. Their Borough & Southwark tour package will take you to London’s historic brewing capital. You will get to visit local pubs including the famous “Shakespeare’s local”.

For an exciting experience, the Thames Taverns tour package will have you exploring London’s oldest riverside pubs. Your tour guides will ensure you have the best time while you drink away all your stress!

Liquid History Tours Reviews

Providing relaxing tours is a particular specialty of this United Kingdom tour company. Liquid History Tours has 5,482 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #1 of 1,424 Nightlife in London. They have received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. See what a satisfied customer said about them:

Kevins was amazing! So knowledgeable, friendly and funny! It was a wonderful experience of the historic pubs and I would highly recommend… Kathy S

Read all reviews of Liquid History Tours on TripAdvisor .

The Potter Trail

The Potter Trail

The Potter Trail invites all avid Harry Potter fans on a magical tour of Edinburgh! Discover all the magical locations of Edinburgh and see what inspired JK Rowling’s soulful characters. This highly-rated tour operator in the United Kingdom was established in 2012 and since then, the company has catered to a lot of tourists drawn to the fascinating land of Edinburgh. Their robed wizards (tour guides) will give you the most fantastic experience of Edinburgh’s atmospheric attractions.

The Potter Trail Best UK Tour Packages

Whether you are a Harry Potter fan or not, you will be sure to enjoy The Potter Trail’s immersive tour packages. You can choose to go on their magical walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town . From real life Diagon Alley to the café where JK Rowling wrote her first Harry Potter Book, you will be visiting all the popular locations around the town.

If you are traveling with your family, their Extended Magic Tour will give you a private tour of Edinburgh. You will also get a special show by Magus Negus, a real-life magician, to keep you entertained throughout your trip.

The Potter Trail also offers private school group tours where they will take students on an educational tour of the history, culture and beauty of Scotland while having fun at the same time!

The Potter Trail Reviews

The Potter Trail is one of the highest-rated and top-reviewed tour operators in the United Kingdom. With 3,339 reviews on TripAdvisor, they are ranked as #1 of 588 Tours & Activities in Edinburgh. They have received the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2023. A client of theirs wrote:

Fantastic tour of not only Harry Potter but learning about the history of Edinburgh. I’m a fan who knows quite a bit about Harry Potter but I definitely learnt a whole lot… Caitlyn J

Read all reviews of The Potter Trail on TripAdvisor .

Discover the natural wonders of Montenegro by joining one of the 10 Best Montenegro Tour Operators , promising an unforgettable and eco-friendly adventure.

Strawberry Tours

Strawberry Tours

Strawberry Tours is a leading free walking tour company in the United Kingdom that provides immersive tours of UK’s culture and history. The company has many years of experience in providing top-tier walking tours of London and other major cities in the UK. Their tour guides are knowledgeable and will answer any questions you throw at them. They value professionalism, customer service, reliability and innovation. Join Strawberry Tours on a memorable tour of UK’s most popular attractions.

Strawberry Tours Best United Kingdom Tour Packages

Strawberry Tours offers a wide selection of tour packages that you can choose from. You can go on their Free City Tour of London and know about its 1000 year old history. See popular attractions like the Big Ben, Fleet Street, Millennium Bridge and many more in this unique tour.

Also, uncover the mysteries of London’s famous serial killer in their Jack the Ripper London Tour . You will travel to Whitechapel and discover the dark side of Victorian Britain in this thrilling tour.

Their Free Night Tour of London will have you seeing historical sites in a unique way. From the vibrant streets of Soho to West End, this tour is a fantastic option to end your day in London.

Strawberry Tours Reviews

Strawberry Tours is one of the best free walking travel agencies in the United Kingdom with over 22,700 reviews on TripAdvisor. They have received the Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 for their excellent service and are ranked as #2 of 1,424 Nightlife in London. A customer that toured with them in the past wrote:

My friend and I did the Jack the Ripper walking tour last weekend and it was such an incredible experience. The perfect mix of informative, eerie, and lighthearted… Naomi K

Read all reviews of Strawberry Tours on TripAdvisor .

Footprints Tours Oxford

Footprints Tours Oxford

Footprints Tours Oxford is a student-led company that provides walking tours of the beautiful and historic city of Oxford. The company prioritizes attention to detail and customer care above all else. Besides walking tours, this company also provides bike tours and sightseeing tours of local attractions. As one of the most highly reviewed tour operators in the United Kingdom, Footprints Tours Oxford will make sure that you have a spectacular vacation filled with fun and entertainment.

Footprints Tours Oxford Best UK Tour Packages

Footprints Tours offers affordable tour packages that you can customize according to your budget, interests and schedule. Explore one of UK’s most popular tourist attractions, Stonehenge, in their Oxford to Stonehenge and Bath tour package. From the exquisite architecture in Bath to the historical monument of Stonehenge, this tour will provide you a truly breathtaking experience of the United Kingdom.

Their Oxford Ghost Tour will have you listening to spooky ghost stories and unsolved murders with their entertaining tour guides. Also admire Oxford University at night.

Also, you can opt for their York Minster & City Tour . You will visit the largest cathedral in Northern Europe and move through the city as you learn its culture and history.

Footprints Tours Oxford Reviews

Footprints Tours Oxford has been consistently providing satisfactory walking and day tours to its clients. This United Kingdom tour company has over 8,000 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #2 of 124 Tours & Activities in Oxford. They were awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A satisfied customer wrote:

Great walking tour in Oxford. Our guide Lizzie was excellent – friendly, personable, funny and very knowledgeable. We were able to visit parts of the University and… Susan D

Read all reviews of Footprints Tours Oxford on TripAdvisor .

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Croatia by joining one of the 10 Best Croatia Tour Operators , ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Alternative London

Alternative London

Prepare to be taken off the beaten track on culturally immersive tours provided by Alternative London . Founded in 2010 by Gary Means, Alternative London is the pioneering tour operator in United Kingdom for street art tours. They provide personalized service and pay attention to the interests and needs of their customers. With their highly trained and professional staffs, Alternative London provides one of the best tourist experiences in all of London.

Alternative London Best United Kingdom Tour Packages

With Alternative London’s tour packages, you will get a chance to interact with locals and see the city from a local’s perspective. Go on their original award-winning tour of London, the Alternative London Street Art Tour . Experience the culture and vibrancy of street art in East End while having a chat with world-renowned street artists in this wonderfully crafted tour package.

Delve into London’s fascinating history on their Alternative London Bike Tour . Cruise on well-serviced Pendleton bikes with professional guides as they show you around various attractions in London.

The East London Food Tour is a fantastic option for a family tour. Start your tour in Shoreditch and move deeper into East London while tasting food prepared by award-winning chefs from different cultures.

Alternative London Reviews

Alternative London has 4,098 reviews on TripAdvisor and has raised the standards of tourism in the industry through its well-crafted tours. This UK travel agency is ranked as #2 of 499 Classes & Workshops in London. Furthermore, they have also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A customer who recently visited them wrote:

Great to view a lesser-known area of London. There are so many types of street art that you might miss them without a guide. The walk was easy… Teresa N

Read all reviews of Alternative London on TripAdvisor .

Discover Scotland Tours

Discover Scotland Tours

Discover Scotland Tours is a family-run business committed to providing exceptional Highland tour experiences. Their tours feature passionate and knowledgeable local guides who share insights into Scotland’s history, culture, and landscapes. The company wants to create unique and lasting memories for you through their carefully crafted Highland tours. At Discover Scotland Tours, they value safety, comfort, and reliability.  Explore the beauty of Scotland with this excellent tour operator based in United Kingdom.

Discover Scotland Tours Best UK Tour Packages

Discover Scotland has multiple tour packages that will cater to all your travel needs. Go on their one-day excursion of Loch Ness, Haunting Glencoe & the Highlands . Discover the breathtaking beauty of Scottish countryside, visit Loch Lomond Lake and explore the last remaining wilderness of the Highlands in this superbly crafted tour package.

They also have a 4D Isle of Mull, Iona and the Highlands tour package. On this tranquil adventure, you will get to see rare white-tailed sea eagles on the isles and walk on Scotland’s finest beaches.

If you’re in Edinburgh, don’t forget to check out their St Andrews and Falkland Palace Tour . This 1 day excursion will take you through Scotland’s fishing villages and medieval towns. You can even golf at the Old Course, the best golf course in the world!

Discover Scotland Tours Reviews

Discover Scotland Tours has impressed its clientele with its authentic and enjoyable tour packages. As one of the best tour companies in the United Kingdom, Discover Scotland Tours has 3,151 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #2 of 211 Tours & Activities in Glasgow. Among their awards is the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award of 2023. A past client of theirs wrote:

We took a day tour from Glasgow to visit the highlands. Our driver, Stuart, was amazing! He spent the whole tour teaching us about Scottish history and other interesting facts… Olga I

Read all reviews of Discover Scotland Tours on TripAdvisor .

Explore the unique landscapes of Spain with our recommendations for the 10 Best Spain Tour Operators , promising an adventurous journey.

Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Black Cab Tours

Paddy Campbell's Belfast Black Cab Tours

With over 38 years of taxiing experience in Belfast, Paddy Campbell’s Black Cab Tours is one of the best-rated tour companies in the United Kingdom. Their fleets of licensed drivers are all locals that know every nook and cranny of Belfast. They specialize in designing executive and fun tour experiences that can be adapted to your interests and choices. Their friendly and professional service will ensure an unforgettable experience of Belfast for you.

Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Black Cab Tours Best UK Tour Packages

With Paddy Campbell, you get tour packages that ensure maximum safety, comfort and most importantly, fun! If you are looking for a nature-based getaway, their Beyond Belfast tour package will take you on a day-trip across the North Antrim Coast. You will visit world-famous sites like the Bushmills distillery and Dunluce Castle with a professional driver on this short trip.

Opt for their most popular tour, the Political Murals Tour . Paddy Campbell will take you on an immersive tour that explores the city’s political aspects. You will see the Falls and Shankill roads, the Peaceline and Belfast’s own “Berlin Wall” on this tour.

If you are a fan of the popular TV show Game of Thrones, you can go on their Game of Thrones Tour . Filmed in Northern Ireland, this tour will have you seeing familiar & breathtaking sights of the show.

Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Black Cab Tours Reviews

With 6,517 reviews on TripAdvisor, Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Black Cab Tours has earnestly earned its spot as one of the top-rated tour operators in the UK. They are ranked as #4 of 251 Tours & Activities in Belfast. They have also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. See what a past client of theirs wrote about them:

This is the second tour I have done with Paddy Campbell’s tours (the first being ten years ago). I highly recommend these tours. Paddy took his time to tell us about the history… Melanie B

Read all reviews of Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Black Cab Tours on TripAdvisor .

London with a Local

London with a Local

Born out of a desire to provide unique tours of London, London with a Local was created. Since then, it has grown to become a well-known travel agency in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2018 by a mix of Londoners, this tour provider provides opportunities for tourists to see the city through the eyes of the locals. The tour guides themselves are deeply in love with their city and know the ins and outs of each corner and alley. Embark on a memorable day trip across London with the best tour guide at your side.

London with a Local Best UK Tour Packages

London with a Local will give you the best tourist experience while avoiding all of the crowded places. Their Free Royal Westminster Tour is a must-do in London. You will be taken to the Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and The House of Parliament all at once in this wonderful tour package.

If you are looking for a banger, choose their Rock and Roll Soho Tour . Explore Soho’s history, see where the Beatles played their first song and take a stroll down Carnaby Street in this pop-culture fueled trip.

Embrace the magical world on their Harry Potter Wizarding Tour . In this 2 hour tour, you will see famous places where the movies were filmed. There is even a Hogwarts Trivia quiz at the end!

London with a Local Reviews

London with a Local has redefined the standards of tourism in the industry through their superbly crafted tours. This leading United Kingdom tour operator has 2,764 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #4 of 1,932 Tours & Activities in London. They have won the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 3 consecutive years – 2021, 2022 and 2023! Here’s what a past customer said about them:

Best tour in London. Guide is knowledgeable and friendly. Also shows changing of the guards! Highly recommend… Amanda A

Read all reviews of London with a Local on TripAdvisor .

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Free Tours by Foot

As the name suggests, Free Tours by Foot is a tour company in the United Kingdom that provides free walking tours in more than 50 cities around Europe. Boasting a service of more than 3 million tourists, this tour provider is excellent at catering to tourists’ needs and interests. Their tour guides are fun-loving and passionate about what they do. The company was founded back in 2007 and since then, it has provided unforgettable experiences to many tourists.

Free Tours by Foot Best UK Tour Packages

You can choose from a range of various tour packages that Free Tours by Foot offers. Start with their All in One London Tour where they combine the best attractions that London has to offer. From Westminster and Big Ben to the London Bridge and the Thames River, this 6 hour tour will take you on an unforgettable adventure of London.

Also, join their Beatles Tour in Liverpool . See which bars and pubs the Beatles frequented, know about their musical history and see the Beatles Statues in this fun-filled trip.

Lastly, opt for Glasgow’s Dark and Mysterious Past tour package . You will explore alleys and roads and discover the deep and dark history of Glasgow and the British Empire with a professional tour guide at your side.

Free Tours by Foot Reviews

Free Tours by Foot is a leading travel agency in the United Kingdom that has many satisfactory customer reviews under its belt. An astonishing 5,241 reviews on TripAdvisor has earned them the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. They are ranked as #6 of 476 Food & Drink in London. A past customer of theirs wrote:

Excellent tour by Wesley. He is wonderful guide, vast knowledge of history, great sense of humor, very pleasant and ready to answer any question. Highly recommended… 70ava

Read all reviews of Free Tours by Foot on TripAdvisor .

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The best tours in the UK consist of the London Bridge and Westminster Abbey tour, Stonehenge tour, Harry Potter tours, Jack the Ripper tours and traditional history and culture tours.

The best way to tour the UK is by train. With more than 2,000 stations all over the country, you can get an excellent view of the English countryside while traveling in comfortable, high-speed trains.

The best months to tour UK are from Match to June and from September to November. This will let you avoid the busy summer periods while still being able to enjoy the warm and dry weather of the country.

For a complete circuit trip in the UK, at least a month is required. However, you can cover most attractions of one or two significant areas in 2 weeks.

Most tourists head out straight to London, which can be a bit overwhelming. Instead, start at the town of Bath or Oxford. These towns offer plenty of opportunities for you to explore traditional English culture & heritage before you move to the actual big cities of UK.

Best London Tour Companies

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Rick Steves

EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break)

EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break)

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Grand Circle Travel

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The best and worst package holiday companies revealed

Jet2 holidays topped the list, article bookmarked.

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A new survey of more than 8,000 UK travellers has ranked the best and worst package holiday providers in the UK.

Topping the list by from consumer champions Which ? Travel were budget breaks specialist Jet2 Holidays and global tour operator Kuoni.

Operators at the bottom of the pack included Best At Travel and flight and hotel provider eDreams, both criticised by respondents for poor service.

The survey of 8,361 UK adults was conducted in September 2022, with respondents asked about holidays taken since September 2019. Which? analysts then contrasted each operator’s ratings with their average price per day, based on both short haul and long haul holidays.

Along with Jet2 Holidays and Kuoni, long-established tour operator Trailfinders, ski and Lapland specialist Inghams and the UK’s largest independent travel agent, Hays Travel, also made the top five.

Jet2 and Kuoni received a customer satisfaction score of 84 per cent, while Trailfinders scored 82 per cent, Ingham’s 81 and Hays Travel 80 per cent.

Virgin Holidays was sixth on the list, also scoring 80 per cent, while British Airways Holidays was 13th, scoring 75 per cent. EasyJet holidays was ranked 19th of the 25 operators reviewed, scoring 73 per cent.

Online provider eDreams came bottom of the 25 operators ranked, receiving just two stars for how their holidays matched up with what was advertised. Despite being the cheapest in the survey, said Which? , the online agent scored just three out of five stars for value for money.

Best At Travel fell short on customer service and product description matching reality according to those surveyed, although it achieved an overall satisfaction score of 64 per cent.

Tui, despite having a similar offering to Jet2, was ranked 17th on the list by Which? , with the same satisfaction score (74 per cent) as online travel agents Expedia and On the Beach.

Which? said respondents had rated the holiday companies on criteria including the standard of customer service they received, how well descriptions of the holiday matched the reality, how well their trip was organised and value for money.

Praise for Jet2holidays included passengers saying, “you don’t feel like you’re just one of a herd”.

Several respondents said they were repeat customers of the firm owing to its reliability and consistently high levels of service, with one traveller remarking they “always” use Jet2 and they’ve “never been let down”.

Kuoni attracted similarly glowing comments, with one traveller saying the firm was “prepared to work with us to get exactly the holiday we wanted”, and another adding: “nothing was too much trouble - they went the extra mile.”

An eDreams spokesperson said it offers “dynamic packages” selected by the user rather than curated by the provider, so it was “not accurate” to compare it to “other companies that specialise in a more traditional package holiday offering”.

Meanwhile, a Tui spokesperson said: “This tiny survey isn’t at all reflective of the feedback we receive from our customers who enjoy holidaying with us every year”.

The UK’s best and worst holiday providers, according to Which?:

  • Jet2 Holidays / Kuoni (84 per cent satisfaction)
  • Trailfinders (82 per cent)
  • Inghams (81 per cent)
  • Hays Travel (80 per cent)
  • Virgin Holidays (80 per cent)
  • Barrhead Travel (79 per cent)
  • Secret Escapes (79 per cent)
  • Club Med (78 per cent)
  • Saga (78 per cent)
  • Mercury Holidays (77 per cent)
  • Travel Republic (77 per cent)
  • First Choice (76 per cent)
  • British Airways Holidays (75 per cent)
  • Co-Op Travel (75 per cent)
  • Shearings Holidays (75 per cent)
  • Expedia (74 per cent)
  • On the Beach (74 per cent)
  • Tui (74 per cent)
  • easyJet Holidays (73 per cent)
  • Love Holidays (71 per cent)
  • Lastminute.com (70 per cent)
  • Broadway Travel (69 per cent)
  • Balkan Holidays (68 per cent)
  • Best At Travel (65 per cent)
  • eDreams (64 per cent)

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