UK and Great Britain Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(8,869 reviews)- Choose from 1,200+ UK and Great Britain tours
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Table of contents
- The best UK and Great Britain tour packages
- What people love about UK And Great Britain Tours
- Travel UK and Great Britain your way
- Best tour companies for UK and Great Britain tours
- Discover UK and Great Britain tours for every budget
- UK and Great Britain tours for every type of group
- Top UK and Great Britain travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit UK and Great Britain
- Contact our UK and Great Britain travel experts
- What our customers ask about UK and Great Britain Tours & Trips
The best UK and Great Britain tour packages
Compiled by
SteffUK and Great Britain travel expert at TourRadar
Best of UK & Ireland
400 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The UK is beautiful but can be rainy no matter what time of the year you go.”
Jeannette, traveled in July
The grand 13-day British tour encompasses 23 destinations including Bath's Roman ruins, Liverpool's Beatles heritage, and Edinburgh Castle. Premium accommodations at Park Inn Cardiff and Holiday Inn Leeds-Garforth await. Knowledgeable guides rated 4.8/5 lead walks through historic towns and cultural sites for approx. $310 per day.
Duration 13 days Destinations England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Expat Explore Travel From $5,580
14% Off- NZ$4,795You save $785
Essential Britain & Ireland
462 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I was very impressed with their organization and the knowledge they provided. I am looking forward to more adventures with Globus.”
Louella, traveled in October
Britain unfolds from London's Westminster to Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Marvel at prehistoric Stonehenge, Roman Bath, Cardiff Castle, and Shakespeare's birthplace. Quality hotels provide comfort while guests savor authentic British cuisine, including 3 traditional dinners.
Duration 10 days Destinations England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $5,149
10% Off- NZ$4,634You save $515
Britain and Ireland Delight (2024/2025, 8 Days)
201 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour director and hotels.”
John, traveled in June
Great Britain's highlights unfold over 8 days, from London's landmarks to Edinburgh Castle. The itinerary features York Minster, Lake Windermere in the Lake District, and Bath's Roman heritage. Selected properties including Leonardo and Future Inn Cardiff host guests traveling by luxury coach.
Duration 8 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Costsaver From $2,825
10% Off- NZ$2,543You save $283
Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland
114 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized and helpful.”
Penelope, traveled in September
The 18-day British adventure covers 35 cities for approx. $250 per day. Marvel at Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle's Crown Jewels, and York's medieval Shambles. Relax at quality hotels like Novotel London West while taking in iconic landmarks and hidden gems across Great Britain.
Duration 18 days Destinations England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $6,999
1% Off- NZ$6,899You save $100
Britain & Ireland Explorer (Classic, Summer, 13 Days)
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a great holiday and highly recommend insight tours. We had lovely hotels and a fantastic tour guide.”
Jennifer, traveled in May
British heritage comes alive from London's landmarks to Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Durham's Romanesque cathedral, York Minster, and Bath's Roman springs showcase architectural brilliance. The journey includes 12 nights in selected hotels, most meals, and privileged access at key attractions.
Duration 13 days Destinations England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Insight Vacations From $9,450
10% Off- NZ$8,505You save $945
What people love about UK And Great Britain Tours
- Britain and Ireland Highlights (10 Days)
Great tour. A little bit too much time spent on the coach bus, but a necessary evil in covering so much wonderful country in such a short period of time. Our guide, Jason, was the highlight of the trip. He was nothing short of fantastic in every respect!
- Essential Britain & Ireland
Covered alot of ground and very busy of course with never enough time, but that was expected. Great driver, found tour director somewhat unenthusiastic - would have liked more concise info on how each day was going to progress and a little more interaction with the group. Hotel Metropole was so hot and too noisy to have window open - most of the hotel rooms were so hot all night. Holiday Inn York room was rather well tread and dirty. Other than that a great trip with excellent meals except the dinner at Holiday Inn York.
- Play & Pause: Britain & Ireland
Had such a great time on this tour, and met some really good friends from all over the world. Our tour guide Carly was very knowledgeable, and a blast of fun to boot as we got to experience all the sights of the cities by day, and all the culture by night. Truly a great and convenient way to travel the countryside, as our bus driver Marcus took us door to door in each city, which meant no lugging baggage anywhere. 100% recommendation from my humble opinion!
Travel UK and Great Britain your way
Lined by rugged coastlines and topped with the misty Scottish highlands, the United Kingdom and Ireland offer striking and diverse landscapes ideal for hiking and trekking enthusiasts, with little travel time between destinations. Be sure to check out London and Edinburgh while you’re there.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursThe UK is abundant in ancient wonders such as the inexplicable Stonehenge, spectacular nature (Scottish Highlands and Giant’s Causeway, anyone?), and incredible cities like London, Liverpool, and Edinburgh.
See all Active toursWe've fine-tuned our coach tours to give you the best of Britain and Ireland without any hassle. Local experts who know every secret of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and Dublin's old town lead our city tours, and our travelers often tell us how much they value this mix of guidance and independence - you might explore York's medieval walls with your guide in the morning, then spend the afternoon finding your own favorite tea shop. The coach makes strategic stops at places like Glencoe's valleys and the unique Giant's Causeway, with comfortable stays in both city and countryside hotels. Our customers particularly appreciate having an expert handle the left-side driving through those winding Highland roads while they just sit back and take in the views.
See all Coach / Bus toursRelax and admire breathtaking views in UK And Great Britain only accessible by train journey. With 23 UK And Great Britain train tours lasting from 2 days up to 15 days, you're sure to find a railway carriage with your name on it on a route that will leave you speechless.
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More travel styles:
Best tour companies for UK and Great Britain tours
Expat Explore and Cosmos both run solid European tours, though travelers' experiences tend to vary. Our customers who've joined Expat Explore consistently mention guides Kaeleigh and Niall for their deep local knowledge and how smoothly they keep everything moving. The buses could use an upgrade though, and some hotels need attention when it comes to cleanliness standards. Looking at Cosmos, their British Isles in Depth tour stands out for hitting all the right spots across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Julie Anne Barnett gets lots of positive mentions from past travelers - she brings the history alive and handles the logistics well. That said, we've heard from some folks about inconsistent hotel quality, and a few guides who weren't quite as engaging as Julie Anne. The reality is both companies deliver solid value for group travel through Europe, but you'll want to set realistic expectations about accommodation - these are mid-range tours after all. What makes them work well is the comprehensive coverage of must-see places and those knowledgeable guides who can really shape your experience. I often tell travelers that while the hotels might not always be five-star, it's the well-planned routes and expert guidance that make these tours worth considering. Just keep in mind you're paying for convenience, coverage and local expertise rather than luxury accommodations.
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Discover UK and Great Britain tours for every budget
Budget tours in Britain and Ireland give you smart value with a good mix of hotels and B&Bs over 7-10 days. Travelers tell us they love punting on Cambridge's River Cam, wandering through York's old medieval streets and visiting Shakespeare's hometown in Stratford-upon-Avon. These trips work well because you get structured activities plus time to explore - maybe join a guide for an Edinburgh morning walk, then spend your afternoon discovering little alleyways off the Royal Mile. Our customers particularly like having the basics sorted (transport and hotels) while keeping the freedom to do their own thing at times.
UK and Great Britain budget tours- UK and Great Britain luxury tours
UK and Great Britain tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
1,089 tours in UK and Great BritainThe group tours run 7 to 14 days and really get into local experiences alongside the big sites. You'll see Edinburgh Castle and the Crown Jewels, then spend an evening at a proper Scottish celebration with a traditional haggis ceremony. Hotels are chosen carefully - many look out over spots like Loch Lomond or Ireland's Ring of Kerry. Our travelers often tell us about the friendships they make while watching border collies work in the Highlands or sharing medieval feasts at Bunratty Castle. The guides are proper history buffs who know how to tell a good story, whether it's about the ancient stones at Stonehenge or the legends behind the Giant's Causeway.
Small Group
130 tours in UK and Great BritainThese small-group journeys through Britain and Ireland deliver a perfect mix of guided expertise and intimate local moments that bigger tours just can't match. Our signature Grand Tour spans 13-15 days, connecting major UNESCO heritage sites with authentic experiences along thoughtfully crafted routes. Travelers consistently mention guides like Kaeleigh, who bring deep historical context to life while leading small groups through York's medieval streets and along Edinburgh's Royal Mile. One particularly engaging itinerary weaves together classics like Stonehenge and Bath's Roman treasures with distinctive experiences - watching border collies herd Highland sheep, dining at medieval banquets in Irish castles and wandering the hexagonal columns of Giant's Causeway. The 10-day tour option has earned praise for its balanced pace, combining guided morning visits to castles with free afternoons to wander Edinburgh's hidden closes or discover Dublin's neighborhood pubs. We've selected a mix of city hotels and rural B&Bs that add local character, while skilled drivers navigate those narrow Highland roads, misty valleys and winding Irish lanes with ease.
Private / Personalized
106 tours in UK and Great BritainEnjoy the exclusivity of our private UK and Great Britain tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace
Top UK and Great Britain travel itineraries to fit your plans
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Edinburgh, Moffat, Penrith, Lake District National Park, Keswick, Windermere, Hawkshead, Grasmere, High Lorton, Borrowdale, Biggar
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The 7-day British tours pack a lot into one week, starting from London and working north. You'll see Cambridge's colleges along the River Cam where you can try traditional punting, then explore York's medieval streets including The Shambles - a wonderfully preserved piece of history. Up in Scotland, local guides share Edinburgh's Old Town stories before you head into the Highlands and Loch Ness. The route circles back through the Lake District and Liverpool where Beatles fans get their fill of music history. Our travelers often mention how much they appreciate not having to figure out Highland road navigation or Irish Sea ferry timings themselves.
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Ten-day tours give you extra breathing room at each stop, especially in Edinburgh and Dublin where you can really dig into the local scene. Beyond seeing the major sites like Edinburgh Castle and Stonehenge, you'll experience things like proper Irish coffee making demonstrations and visits to Welsh farms where you can see traditional farming in action. Our customers love how varied these trips are - you might start your day walking York's medieval walls, then find yourself cruising Lake Windermere or exploring the remarkable rock formations at Giant's Causeway the next. It's particularly good for anyone interested in British and Irish history since you get time to understand how these countries' stories connect.
See all toursDemographics
Our Britain and Ireland tours really click with solo travelers, running 10-15 days with plenty of social moments built in. The routes combine guided walks through historic districts and group dinners in proper local pubs. Solo guests often tell us how much better it is to share moments like kissing the Blarney Stone or watching the Edinburgh Military Tattoo with new friends. There's a good mix of organized activities, but evenings are usually free to explore Dublin's Temple Bar district or join optional group outings to shows and events.
Couples tend to choose our heritage-focused tours that run 13-19 days, perfectly paced for exploring the Lake District and Ring of Kerry. Our paired travelers love how the days flow - perhaps joining a morning walk through Bath's Georgian architecture, then spending a quiet afternoon together in a local tea room. The schedule includes special moments like Scottish evenings complete with bagpipes and haggis ceremonies, performances by Welsh male choirs and also medieval feasts in authentic castles.
Young adults connect well with our active cultural tours, typically running 15-16 days with social opportunities woven throughout. The routes mix essential sites like Edinburgh Castle and the Cliffs of Moher with real local experiences - you might learn whiskey making in Scotland or explore Belfast's vibrant street art scene. Evening activities range from Liverpool pub crawls to traditional music sessions in Galway. Our younger travelers particularly value guides who know where to find great nightlife, local food and also interesting photo spots.
Our senior travelers enjoy well-paced tours running 10-17 days with comfortable coaches and central hotels. The schedule keeps things manageable - perhaps a morning at York Minster followed by a gentle Lake Windermere cruise. Older guests often mention how much they value detailed historical insights from local experts at places like Waterford Crystal or Edinburgh Castle. We include regular comfort stops and flexible excursion options, so everyone can join garden visits, afternoon teas and also cultural shows at their own pace.
Family tours across Britain and Ireland typically run 10-19 days and mix learning with pure fun. Kids get excited about punting down Cambridge's River Cam, watching border collies work their magic with sheep in the Scottish Highlands and walking through York's medieval streets. While parents value the educational stops like Shakespeare's birthplace, everyone enjoys lively Irish music shows. Our family travelers tell us they love how the schedule works - morning guided tours in places like Edinburgh or Dublin leave afternoons free for wandering, maybe finding quiet courtyards or stopping for treats in city parks.
- Solo Travelers910 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples859 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)51 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)569 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit UK and Great Britain
- Summer 2025
Summer's long days open up so many possibilities, especially for our multi-country tours. We time several Edinburgh stays for August's Military Tattoo - our customers tell us there's nothing quite like seeing those pipes and drums against the castle at dusk. The warm weather's perfect for coastal spots: you can walk the Cliffs of Moher, take a peaceful boat ride on Loch Lomond and explore Giant's Causeway's unique rock formations. Irish routes include evening music sessions in Temple Bar pubs and medieval feasts in old castles, made extra special by those endless summer twilights.
- popular 218 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn tours catch Britain and Ireland in rich colors without the summer crowds. Our 10-day routes hit all the highlights while the weather's still mild. You'll see the Yorkshire Dales and Scottish Highlands in their autumn glory - all rust and gold colors - and ancient Stonehenge looks particularly mysterious in the softer fall light. We stop in Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, where those Tudor buildings look amazing against the changing leaves. Castle visits feel more personal this time of year - from Cardiff's Norman fortress to Edinburgh's royal castle - since you won't be sharing them with peak season crowds.
- popular 654 tours
- 551 tours
- 194 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours in Britain and Ireland adapt nicely to shorter days and occasional snow. Scotland's highland routes include warm stops at Pitlochry's whiskey distilleries and Stirling Castle, where you can duck inside from the cold while soaking up centuries of history. Edinburgh Castle feels extra special in winter light - there's something about those old stone walls in the crisp air. The schedule includes The Kelpies, these incredible horse-head sculptures that look almost magical against dark Scottish winter skies. Our travelers really appreciate letting expert drivers handle any tricky weather conditions while they stay warm and comfortable in heated coaches between stops.
- 174 tours
- January 2026 167 tours
- February 2026 popular 182 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring hits the sweet spot in Britain - the Cotswolds light up with wildflowers and Welsh valleys turn the richest green you can imagine. You can pick from tours running 10 to 19 days, perfect timing to see Bath's Roman sites and Georgian buildings before the big crowds arrive. Our guests love punting on Cambridge's River Cam when the university gardens burst into bloom, and walking York's medieval walls while chocolate scents drift up from the city's famous makers. The Lake District really shows off in spring - you'll spot newborn lambs near Beatrix Potter's farm and follow Wordsworth's old paths now lined with golden daffodils.
- 290 tours
- 428 tours
- popular 487 tours
Contact our UK and Great Britain travel experts
Joachim
Expert in UK and Great Britain at TourRadar
Joachim is one of our seasoned UK and Great Britain Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about UK and Great Britain tours answered!
- Choose from 1,218+ UK and Great Britain tours
- 36,822 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about UK and Great Britain Tours & Trips
What can visitors experience when it comes to local British culture and where should they go?
You can really get into British life in so many great ways. Head to Cambridge where punting down the River Cam is this totally classic thing to do or jump into a proper Scottish Ceilidh dance night in Edinburgh they're so much fun. If you're interested in Welsh culture Cardiff's got these amazing evenings of music and storytelling that'll give you real insight into local traditions. The Britain and Ireland Experience 15-day tour actually includes a Ceilidh night while the 7-day Great Britain tour takes you punting in Cambridge. For something really authentic just pop into a local pub grab a pint and chat with the locals it's the best way to get to know British culture.
What natural areas can you explore in Britain and how do you get to them?
Britain's got these incredible landscapes once you get outside the cities. The Scottish Highlands are just breathtaking with all these rugged peaks while England's Lake District offers these peaceful waters and stunning views and Wales well the coastline there is absolutely dramatic. Getting to these spots is pretty flexible you can hop on scenic trains take organized coach tours or just rent a car and go at your own pace. The 17-day Britain and Ireland Explorer and the 10-day Britain and Ireland Delight both include Lake District visits and they're great ways to see these natural wonders.
What are some of the less-traveled routes around Britain and why do people love them?
There's something special about getting off the main tourist track in Britain. The Cotswolds is just magical with these picture-perfect villages and rolling hills that seem to go on forever. Up north the North York Moors has this wild beautiful landscape and over in Northern Ireland the Causeway Coastal Route is absolutely stunning. Our customers keep telling us they choose these routes because they want something more personal they want to really meet locals and find those hidden spots most tourists miss. You can experience the Cotswolds on the 15-day Britain and Ireland Experience while the 10-day Essential Britain & Ireland tour takes you through the North York Moors.
Which places in Britain are less visited but really worth seeing?
There are these amazing spots that don't get the attention they deserve. Durham's got this incredible cathedral and castle that'll take your breath away and Thirsk this charming market town is where the famous vet James Herriot practiced. In Wales Betws-y-Coed tucked away in Snowdonia National Park is just gorgeous and the Isle of Anglesey has this village with Europe's longest name it's quite something. The 17-day Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland actually stops in Thirsk and it's a great way to see these hidden gems.
What local foods should you try in Britain and where's the best place to find them?
The food scene in Britain is actually really interesting. You've got to try a proper British roast dinner they're served in pubs and restaurants all over England and they're absolutely delicious. Up in Scotland haggis with neeps and tatties that's mashed turnips and potatoes is this really traditional dish you shouldn't miss. Welsh rarebit is this amazing cheesy toast creation and Irish stew is just perfect comfort food. The 7-day Great Britain tour includes a traditional roast dinner while the 10-day Essential Britain & Ireland tour shows you how to make proper Irish coffee it's pretty special.