Top 15 Tours in England You Can’t Miss

England is the largest country in the United Kingdom. While London is the primary destination for many visitors, this splendid country has much more to offer.

With breathtaking coastlines, serene national parks, and picturesque countryside, alongside an abundance of historic houses and castles, all are easily accessible from the capital due to excellent transport connections across the compact landscape.

Moreover, England is rich in traditions; while you may not have tea with the Queen as some might imagine, indulging in afternoon tea or trying a plate of fish and chips on the coast are essential experiences. You can also visit a local pub to enjoy a pint and socialize with new acquaintances.

This article carefully curates 15 exceptional tours in England that will ensure your trip is memorable, showcasing the diverse culture and traditions of this remarkable country.

1. London Private Bicycle Tour

This bicycle tour offers an excellent way to view London’s landmarks. As it is a private tour, you will have a dedicated guide who will customize the itinerary based on your preferences.

Whether your interest lies in Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, or a leisurely ride along the Thames, your local expert guide will accommodate your desires. Although meals are not part of the tour, they can recommend various establishments that will cater to your culinary interests.

While London has heavy traffic, it also features a well-developed network of cycling lanes, and a helmet will be provided to ensure your safety throughout the experience. This tour is an ideal means to explore the city’s attractions.

2. London: Top 20 Sights and Westminster Abbey

If the vast array of attractions in London feels overwhelming, you are not alone. This six-hour tour provides an excellent overview by guiding you through the top 20 sights of England’s capital.

Your engaging guide will greet you at Green Park tube station and lead you through notable locations such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and ends at Westminster Abbey, the resting place of numerous monarchs.

It is advisable to wear comfortable footwear and prepare for unpredictable weather, as London’s climate can vary even during summer.

3. From London: Stonehenge Special Access Morning Tour

Stonehenge ranks among England’s most prominent tourist attractions. The mystical stone circle provides a striking visual experience. This special access morning tour permits entry before the site opens to the public, allowing for a crowd-free experience and the opportunity for stunning photographs.

Although an early wake-up is required, you can catch up on sleep during the luxurious coach ride to Stonehenge. While other visitors await entry, you will visit Salisbury to appreciate its stunning cathedral and enjoy free time for exploration.

4. Day Trip: Cambridge from London

This day trip from London provides an exceptional opportunity to explore Cambridge, one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions. Following a luxurious coach ride from London, you will embark on a guided tour led by an informative and friendly guide who will reveal Cambridge’s hidden gems, including entry to the Tower of St. Mary the Great.

After the guided tour, you can spend the rest of the day at your discretion. Choices abound, whether you wish to take a tranquil punt on the River Cam or explore the prestigious colleges, including Trinity College Library, which houses original manuscripts of significant literary works.

5. Oxford: Harry Potter Film Locations Tour

Harry Potter is one of the most recognized franchises globally. Take advantage of the chance to delve into the world of the boy wizard by touring locations used in the films around the enchanting city of Oxford.

Your enthusiastic guide will escort you to up to three filming locations, including New College, Christ Church, and the Bodleian Library.

The cloisters of New College, constructed in 1379, are particularly iconic and provide a fantastic backdrop for re-enacting scenes from the franchise. The two-hour tour concludes in the library, where you can challenge your Harry Potter saga knowledge with a quiz.

6. Stonehenge, Stratford, Bath & Cotswolds Day Tour from London

This all-day excursion is ideal for travelers with limited time who wish to see a multitude of sights. You will be picked up and transported to Stonehenge in a luxury air-conditioned coach, as your knowledgeable guide prepares you for the day ahead.

You will have the opportunity to investigate the mysterious stone circle and reflect on its historical significance before continuing your journey to the historic city of Bath, where you will have some free time to explore.

Following your time in Bath, a picturesque drive through the Cotswolds will allow you to admire the rolling countryside prior to a stop at Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Here, you will take a private tour of Shakespeare’s birthplace and conclude the day with a delightful champagne and strawberry scone reception. Afterward, continue your reflective journey back to London.

7. Portsmouth Historic Dockyards & HMS Victory Day Tour

This comprehensive tour is essential for individuals fascinated by naval history. You will be collected from London and transported to Portsmouth, where a knowledgeable guide will provide you with an engaging private tour of the city’s historic dockyard.

This experience grants you access to the Royal Navy Museum as well as three legendary warships: the HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose. Weather permitting, you will have the opportunity to tour the harbor by boat, enjoying the refreshing breeze of southern England.

Furthermore, you need not worry about lunch, as a packed meal will be provided during your day of exploration.

8. Devon and Cornwall 5-Day Small Group Tour

This tour is exceptional for those who could spare a few days and are eager to escape the pressures of urban life. Your expert and entertaining guide will introduce you to the highlights of two picturesque southwestern counties in England.

You will travel in a comfortable Mercedes minibus. Throughout the journey, expect a blend of historical landmarks—such as Stonehenge, Tintagel Castle, and the Roman city of Exeter—while also experiencing the stunning natural beauty of Land’s End, Dartmoor National Park, and the breathtaking coastline of Cornwall.

Your accommodations will consist of local guesthouses and B&Bs, offering an authentic taste of English hospitality. Each morning begins with a delicious breakfast, included in your tour package.

9. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour from Birmingham

What better way to immerse yourself in the Harry Potter universe than by traveling via luxury air-conditioned coach from Birmingham to the Warner Bros. studio in London?

This nine-hour tour encompasses your entrance fee to the studio, where you can explore the Great Hall, board the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾, and enjoy a delicious butterbeer at the café.

In addition to experiencing the sets, you will also gain insight into how the film’s props and makeup were designed, culminating in a truly magical concluding experience.

10. Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

Old Trafford, often referred to as the “Theatre of Dreams,” is the largest club stadium in England and the home ground for one of the world’s most esteemed football clubs. This 70-minute tour offers an excellent opportunity to delve into the rich history of Manchester United.

Your knowledgeable guide will meet you at the entrance of the club museum and take you through the premises, including the changing rooms where legendary players like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and David Beckham once prepared for matches.

Next, you will venture out of the players’ tunnel to the pitch side, where you can sit in the dugout before concluding your visit in the press room, a focal point of significant events during José Mourinho’s managerial period.

11. Liverpool & Beatles Walking Tour with 48-Hour City Bus Tour

More than five decades after their debut, the Beatles continue to inspire musicians globally. This guided walking tour allows you to explore the city’s rich musical heritage, including iconic sites such as the Cavern Club and the John and Yoko exhibition at the Liverpool City Museum.

However, the experience extends beyond just Beatles enthusiasts; it also includes a 48-hour ticket for a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus, enabling you to discover Liverpool’s vibrant Chinatown, the Georgian Quarter, and its magnificent cathedrals at your leisure.

12. Lake District, Yorkshire Dales & Hadrian’s Wall 5-Day Tour

This five-day excursion is an excellent choice for those who appreciate the countryside and have a few days to spare for exploration. The first day, upon your arrival at Windermere station, is yours to enjoy at your leisure. The following days are filled with adventure.

You will be transported to the picturesque Yorkshire Dales in a luxurious minivan, with opportunities to witness quaint villages featured in British television shows. Day three provides a scenic tour of the breathtaking Lake District, where you will visit ten lakes and stop in the charming market town of Keswick.

On the fourth day, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, a remarkable remnant of Roman history. Finally, on the last day, after checking out from either your 4-star hotel or local B&B (both included), you will return to Windermere train station, providing a tour experience that will create lasting memories.

13. Best of the Yorkshire Dales Full-Day Tour from York

Get away from the urban landscape and immerse yourself in the stunning Yorkshire countryside through this 8.5-hour tour. This comprehensive journey will introduce you to lush landscapes adorned with charming villages and historical castles.

During your visit, you will enjoy free time in Reeth to explore its cobbled streets. You will also visit one of Britain’s best-preserved castles, Castle Bolton, as well as the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey, dating back to the 12th century.

Travel will occur in a comfortable 16-seater Mercedes minibus, where your friendly guide will share insights about the landscapes and historical significance of each location.

14. Guided Cycling Tour of York

This tour is designed for two and a half hours of cycling around the exceptionally preserved walled city of York in Northern England. Each participant is provided with a bike, helmet, and bell, utilizing the city’s extensive cycling paths to ensure a safe experience.

Your engaging guide will share intriguing tales and facts about York’s history, which has been influenced by Vikings, Romans, and Normans throughout the ages.

This leisurely-paced tour is suitable for both novice and experienced cyclists alike.

15. From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria

This nine-hour tour begins in Edinburgh, yet it takes you to one of England’s most picturesque and historically rich counties—Northumberland. A friendly and knowledgeable guide will navigate you along the east coast and into the medieval region of Northumbria.

Your initial stop will be Holy Island, where the renowned Lindisfarne Gospels were composed. You will have the opportunity to explore the monastery and sample some of the Monk’s mead, with access dependent on tide conditions as a causeway links Holy Island to the mainland.

After exploring Holy Island, the journey continues south along the Northumberland coastline, with a stop at the majestic Bamburgh Castle before arriving in Alnwick, a charming market town steeped in history. You might recognize Alnwick Castle from its appearances in the Harry Potter films during the flying lesson scene.

The return trip to Edinburgh includes a brief stop at Flodden Field, a battlefield of historical significance near the Scottish border.