UNITED KINGDOM · HISTORICAL TOURS
19 reviewed
Here are the 15 best historical tours, with what each one costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is at the top for a reason, but read past it: the second or third often fits a tighter day better.
London small group pub tour with four historic pubs, City and Fleet Street stories, and optional pints. 3.5 hours, English.
“10/10 experience with Chris Cheese!! Would definitely recommend! Chris gave great recommendations and information on the bars and history.”
Belfast City Hall to the Lagan, a 2.5-hour walking tour that explains The Troubles through key sites and local storytelling, with headsets.
“Our tour guide was an excellent communicator. He had lots of great information, facts and personal stories that made the history of the area come alive. He spoke confidently and seamlessly as we moved around the city.”
Take a guided 2-hour Old Town walk in Edinburgh with stories, St Giles, Mercat Cross, George Heriot School, and Castle views for $24.96.
“Kofe was great. Very engaging and informative. Explained as we we went along. Knew his stuff, as it should be. Would definitely recommend!”
Soho pub tour with a music guide: Beatles Hey Jude spot, Hendrix and Ella tales, and historic venues. Small-group, 2.5 hours.
“Super fun tour with Ben. It felt like spending an afternoon with a friend who was witty and knew a bunch of fun stories about musicians’ exploits in Soho.”
A 90-minute Old Town walk plus Edinburgh underground vault access, led by expert guides, with stops at Tron Kirk and Canongate Kirkyard.
“The tour was interesting, and Holly was enthusiastic and funny. She clearly explained the complex history of Edinburgh.”
90-minute York ghost walk from Guy Fawkes Inn with theatrical tales around the Minster and Shambles. Mobile ticket, English guide.
“Full of interesting facts done in a very at times dramatic presentation by Dan. Would highly recommend.”
Small-group Edinburgh Vaults tour under South Bridge, multi-sensory guide stories, headphones, and a visit to Mercat Tours museum.
“I booked this as a birthday present for my husband. We had limited time in Edinburgh, but I knew he would enjoy the historical vaults. WOW!!!! It was better than anything we expected. Loved hearing the stories and history. As well, Veni (our lovely and brilliant guide) was beyond wonderful and made the exploration a complete highlight for us. I appreciated her narration and care of travelers so much. Excellent tour!!”
Private York walking tour with hotel pickup, a tailored guide, and stories from York Minster to Clifford’s Tower in 2 to 3 hours.
“Very much enjoyed our private tour - gave a wonderful insight into the history and events of York and much greater appreciation of all the little details”
Historic pub walk from St Paul’s to the West End, with 4 classic pubs, a Victorian gin palace, and lively stories for $39.
“Tim was our guide and he was very knowledgeable and friendly throughout the tour.”
Year-long Portsmouth Historic Dockyard ticket with Mary Rose, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, submarines, and harbour tour for about $62.
“Nice day out, just reminded me of my service days. gave me a real trip down memory lane.”
Edinburgh Old Town walking tour with a professional guide, covering medieval to modern stories in about two hours, ending at Greyfriars Kirkyard.
“This was a great 2 hour tour that hit the highlights and got us comfortable to explore more on our own. Thanks to Gavin, we were cared for, entertained, and left with great ideas on what to do next.”
75-minute witch and history walk through York old town, starting at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate and ending in Shambles, in costume.
“Cornelius Piper was a phenomenal guide. He was entertaining and enthusiastic about his work. My children and I enjoyed our tour.”
Walk through Liverpool’s past from the Three Graces to the docks, guided by a local historian on a 1h50 waterfront loop.
“Booked the history of Liverpool tour which was excellent and exceeded my expectations. Very knowledgeable guide, John, would definitely recommend.”
Soho pub walk from Piccadilly Circus, four historic pubs, and music legend stories from Lennon to Hendrix. 2.5 hours, $39.
“The tour itself was really good, but what made it truly awesome was the tour guide, Henry. He was incredibly friendly, funny, informative, and rock n roll in every sense of the word.”
A 2-hour Royal Mile walk through Edinburgh’s dark history, from the Old Tollbooth to Canongate Kirk, guided in English.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our walk around Edinburgh with Kieran who was great, he was very informative about the dark history of Edinburgh and took us to some interesting places, made much more interesting at night. Highly recommend this tour, thank you Kieran 😊”
