The amount of history and culture in England is overwhelming, from the mysteries of the middle ages to the magic of popular English film and television. Any one of these 10 tours gives visitors the opportunity to be transported to another world and time, by way of travel and adventure. Each tour is as iconic as the next, offering up a smorgasbord of history, imagination, and culture.
1. England in one day: Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds, and Stratford-upon-Avon
Consider this tour a sort of England sampler-platter. It gives you a taste of some of the country’s most famous and historic sites. The tour includes a stop at the prehistoric standing stone circle of Stonehenge, followed by a panoramic tour of the Georgian spa city of Bath, a place popularly known for its natural hot springs.
Next on the list is Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. While in Stratford-upon-Avon, participants will have the opportunity to enter the schoolroom attended by Shakespeare, himself. There will be a champagne and scone reception on this leg of the tour.
The drive back to London winds through the rolling beauty of the Cotswolds and miles and miles of land, home to villages that date back to medieval times. All the while, guests will be transported via air-conditioned coach, by a local guide.
England in one day: Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon Day Trip from London
Address: Victoria Coach Station, London
Website:
2. Harry Potter: Warner Bros Studio Tour (from USD 145.5)
Always a popular attraction, the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio tour does not disappoint. See the sets and props that brought one of the most iconic books of this generation to life. Visitors can even ride the Hogwarts Express out of Platform 9 ¾, sip butterbeer, and shop for wands, like a true witch or wizard. Tour provides transportation to and from the hotel, as well as an admission ticket to the studio.
London: Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transfers
Duration: 7.5 hour
3. Downton Abbey and village coach tour (from USD 177.13)
Another one for film and television buffs is the Downton Abbey and Village coach tour. This nine hour day tour departs from London, to visit the unbelievable Highclere Castle. Guests are given three hours to explore the historic house and extensive grounds. A stop will be made in the village of Bampton, for a walking tour of the home to the popular Crawley family. While on the bus, participants will receive behind the scenes information and have the opportunity to watch exclusive scenes from the show.
From London: Downton Abbey and Village Coach Tour
Duration: 9.0 hour
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4. Cruise on the River Thames (from USD 19.99)
One of London’s many iconic features is the enormous River Thames, which runs through the city. This one-way or return cruise, from Westminster to Greenwich, gives tourists a one-of-a-kind view of the city. All of London’s famous sights can be witnessed from an entirely different perspective. From aboard a cruise ship, visitors can see the Tower Bridge up close, the Tate Modern, and the Houses of Parliament, all from the water.
London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise
Duration: 1.0 to 2.0 hour
5. Churchill War Rooms
Yet another interesting and historic piece of English culture available to the public is the building that housed the Churchill war rooms of WWII. Inside, visitors can see artifacts from the war, as well as the wartime bunker. This space was used by the British government, as a location to draw up important military strategies. See the conference room where Winston Churchill and his men would gather, along with an interactive Churchill museum.
Churchill War Rooms Ticket in London - Klook
6. Windsor Castle (from USD 37.96)
Weekend home to Queen Elizabeth II, Windsor Castle is a very popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Visitors of the castle are given the chance to view the State Apartments, as well as historic pieces from the Royal Collection. The structure itself was first established in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and is currently the largest occupied castle in the world.
Windsor Castle Admission Ticket
7. The Tower of London (from USD 44.03)
The infamous Tower of London, place of torture and turmoil, dates all the way back in British history to the 11th century. It was built by William the Conqueror, in 1086 and is where three of King Henry VIII’s wives were executed. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the tower houses the incredible crown jewels exhibition, as well as a number of well-cared for ravens.
London: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket
8. See the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace (from USD 40.49)
Residence and headquarters to the Queen and the royal family, Buckingham Palace is a tourist hot spot. Inside, tourists can look at paintings, sculptures, and furniture, all from the royal collection. Visitors are also shown into the public palace rooms, where the royal family frequently entertains and receives guests. On the premises is the Garden Cafe, a lovely place to sip some tea and admire the views across the beautiful lawn of the palace.
Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms Entrance Ticket
Duration: 2.5 hour
9. Westminster Abbey (from USD 29.73)
Westminster Abbey is an incredible display of Gothic architecture. The abbey itself was home to a group of Benedictine monks, in the 10th century. Today, it is the keeping place of the coronation chair, the oldest piece of furniture in all of England, which is still used for its original purpose. Westminster Abbey is also the final resting place for many English writers and poets. They lie in the section of the abbey appropriately dubbed “Poets’ Corner.” Some of those buried here include Rudyard Kipling, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, and Thomas Hardy.
London: Westminster Abbey Entry Ticket
10. day heart of England tour from London
This tour gives visitors a more in depth experience and the opportunity to stay overnight, in locations outside of the city. The route includes stops in North Wales, Stratford-upon-Avon, Buxton, and York. A professional driver guides the tour via a 16-seat Mercedes minibus, over peaceful countryside landscapes.
Stops include medieval cities and sites, the peaks of Snowdonia in Wales, historic York, and the magic of Cambridge. All participants will be provided with an itinerary and the opportunity to book rooms in hotels of their choice.
London to North Wales, Stratford-upon-Avon, York 5-Day Tour
Duration: 5 days
Time travel
England is incredibly rich with history and culture and this list provides a selection of tours that incorporates both elements of pop culture, as well as world history. Allow yourself to be transported to other worlds and times on any one of these fascinating tours.
History
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