The Best Historical Organized Tours in the UK
Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries through destinations such as England, Scotland, and Wales
Get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure through time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and culture of the UK. In order to find the absolute best historical tours to the UK, we've carefully analyzed each tour based on key criteria such as price, comfort, guest ratings, service, and activities to ensure an unforgettable journey. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of art and architecture, or a curious traveler seeking new experiences, these top-rated organized tours, holiday packages, and tour packages provide the perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Great for museums & attractions, food, nightlife, and music, the UK is a terrific destination. So, let's find that perfect tour for your next trip below.
The Best Historical Tours through the UK
Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.
All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.
Why does the UK appeal to history enthusiasts?
The UK captivates history enthusiasts with its wealth of historical sites, spanning from ancient times through more recent history. London, Edinburgh, and Bath offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Windsor is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. These regional destinations provide a perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure in an affordable package. Plus, the fun and easy itineraries make for a stress-free adventure while creating lasting memories.
How much do historical tours in the UK cost?
The average daily price of Historical Tours in the UK is $292 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Historical Tours in the UK here.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
Which Tour Companies Offer Historical Tours?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer historical tours in the UK. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
CIE Tours
CIE Tours is a smaller tour company that offers tours to 5 countries, including Ireland, Great Britain, Iceland, and Italy. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category.
On The Go Tours
On The Go Tours is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Many of their tours visit Europe and Africa. Some of their most popular destinations include Egypt, Great Britain, Morocco, and India. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as camping, wine tasting, whale watching, island hopping, snorkelling, camel riding, dolphin watching, kayaking, diving, white water rafting, quad biking, horse riding, and cooking classes.
See All Tours from On The Go Tours
Collette
Collette is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Italy, Great Britain, and France. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, and camping.
G Adventures
G Adventures is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Thailand, Peru, South Africa, and Vietnam. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, island hopping, snorkelling, surfing, wine tasting, kayaking, cooking classes, water sports, jungle surfing, and canyoning.
See All Tours from G Adventures
Historical Destinations in the UK
Wondering where historical tours visit in the UK? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city that is grounded in history and architecture. The Old Town is filled with beautiful churches, cobblestone streets, and great restaurants. Looking over the city from a hilltop is the famed Edinburgh Castle. There are also countless museums around town as well the popular Harry Potter Trail.
Glasgow
Glasgow is a culturally rich and lively city in Scotland. There's a large student population and a great party scene, but there is also a lot of history and architecture. It's a port city that sits beautifully along the River Clyde.
Inverness
Inverness is the largest city in the Scottish Highlands, and it is rich in the regional culture. You'll find local restaurants and festivals that really bring the area's heritage to life. The area also has a beautiful natural setting with nearby hikes and scenic spots.
London
London is a world class international city that has charming neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife scene. There are a diversity of attractions that offer something for everyone. Although prices can be steep, there are many free activities as well, with wandering the many markets being a favorite of many visitors.
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Other popular destinations for historical tours through the UK include Pitlochry, Fort William, Stirling, Oban, and Portree.
Historical Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
When choosing between booking an organized tour or planning your own trip, consider the key factors of each travel style.
Organized Tours
- Learn detailed stories and context from expert guides.
- Visit significant landmarks efficiently.
- Access exclusive areas not open to the public.
- Guides bring history to life with engaging narratives.
- Save time on researching destinations.
- Enjoy a curated itinerary of top historical sites.
- Guides answer questions for deeper understanding.
- Group tours can provide a social learning experience.
- Avoid logistical challenges like tickets or reservations.
- Guides help connect the dots between events and eras.
- Less flexibility in the itinerary.
- Group size might impact the experience.
Independent Travel
- Full control over your itinerary and pace.
- Focus on sites that interest you most.
- Flexibility to spend more time at certain locations.
- Explore at unconventional hours to avoid crowds.
- Customize your trip around niche historical themes.
- Requires time-consuming research to plan.
- Risk of missing key details without a guide.
- May overlook important or lesser-known sites.
- Difficult to understand the full historical context.
- Navigation and logistics can be more complex.
- No expert to answer questions during your visit.
- Potential for long waits without pre-booking tickets.
- Self-guided tours may lack the interactive element.
Which is cheaper?
Are guided historical tours worth the money compared to independent travel? It depends on the specifics. Tours combine accommodations, meals, transport, tickets, and activities into a single cost, while independent travelers manage and pay for these individually. To determine which is more affordable, compare the tour's total price with what you'd spend booking everything separately. Preferences like staying in low-cost lodging or indulging in fine dining can influence whether a tour costs more or less. Make sure to check out the tour package to see what is included, or not, very carefully before deciding.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
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Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Day Tours from Inverness, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manchester, The Best 3-Day Tours from Glasgow, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Glasgow, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Inverness, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Manchester, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Glasgow, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Glasgow for more package tour options.
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