England and Scotland Small Group Tours
4.5 stars on(8,179 reviews)- Choose from 23 England and Scotland tours
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10 best England And Scotland small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaEngland and Scotland travel expert at TourRadar
- 5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Best of England, Wales and Scotland
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Edinburgh
- London and Edinburgh in a week
- Scotland NC500 Route Tour in Jaguar V8 F-Type Cabriolet, pre-set sat-nav guided
- 5-Day York, the Dales, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
- 4-Day Outlander Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
- 3-Day The North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour from Inverness
- 4-Day Magical Mull, Isle of Iona & West Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
- 3-Day Isle of Mull and Iona Small-Group Tour from Glasgow
5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
74 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our accommodations in B&Bs were excellent and our tour stops were really interesting and beautiful places to visit.”
Joan, traveled in September
Premium Mercedes mini-coach tours accommodate 16 fellow travelers. Small group size (rated 4.7/5 by 70+ guests) enables hidden-path exploration from Edinburgh Castle to Orkney's ancient sites, with personalized guiding.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Doune, Callander, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney IslandsSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
- NZ$2,132
Small groups, averaging 72 years in age, visit England and Scotland. The intimate size allows private punting in Oxford and exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle. Perfect for sharing meals in historic pubs and exploring Lake District trails together.
Duration 19 days Destinations England, Wales, Scotland Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $12,605
15% Off- NZ$10,714You save $1,891
Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Edinburgh
125 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Was amazing! We even got to see some highland cows!”
Chelsea, traveled in March
Groups of 19 travelers access remote Scottish and English sites. The small setting allows exploration of narrow Highland paths and tiny fishing villages, with guides rated 4.9/5. Flexible stops at hidden viewpoints perfect for photography.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William, Ben Nevis, Eilean Donan, Portree, Isle of Skye, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, LagganSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 33 Group Type Group Operator Timberbush Tours From
15% Off- NZ$526
Intimate walking tours of 15-20 people wind through London and Edinburgh, while Highland excursions limit groups to 16 travelers, ensuring personal attention at landmarks like Edinburgh Castle.
Duration 7 days Destinations London, Edinburgh Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Private Operator WiseYatra From $3,792
15% Off- NZ$3,224You save $568
Tailored route guidance accompanies this private tour through England and Scotland. Features Jaguar F-Type V8 access and luxury stays at The Roseate Edinburgh and Cameron House Loch Lomond. Expert briefing covers Highland road navigation.
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Balmoral Castle, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, Gairlochy, Ullapool, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Ben NevisSee all destinations Age Range 25 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 2 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator EPIKdrives From
15% Off- NZ$11,399
5-Day York, the Dales, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well planned and well executed tour. She provided history and context for the places visited.”
Mark, traveled in August
Small groups of 16 travelers navigate narrow Lake District lanes and Yorkshire village streets. The intimate size ensures personal attention at Bamburgh Castle and flexible exploration time in York, rated 4.9/5 by previous guests.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Bamburgh, York, North York Moors National Park, Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire Dales National Park, Keswick, WindermereSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
15% Off- NZ$1,871
4-Day Outlander Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was absolutely wonderful! The small group with such a wonderful, knowledgeable guide made all the difference.”
Shannon, traveled in July
Mercedes mini-coach carries maximum 16 passengers to remote Scottish and English sites. Groups enjoy extended time at Urquhart Castle and Culloden Battlefield. Guides rated 4.9/5 share detailed historical insights.
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Doune, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Ben Nevis, Fort William, Inverness, Glen Affric, Loch NessSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
15% Off- NZ$1,499
3-Day The North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour from Inverness
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was more than expected and will certainly be booking another one.”
Jennifer, traveled in May
Small groups of 16 visit Highland gems like Dunrobin Castle and Corrieshalloch Gorge. The intimate size ensures personal attention and authentic experiences in remote villages like Shieldaig and Applecross.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Strathcarron, Applecross, Shieldaig, Gairloch, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, Ullapool, Durness, Bettyhill, ThursoSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
15% Off- NZ$816
4-Day Magical Mull, Isle of Iona & West Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Accomodation was great, very interesting and informative.”
Don, traveled in September
Sixteen travelers share a Mercedes mini-coach through England and Scotland's hidden gems. Small groups enjoy flexible Glencoe stops, personal exploration of Iona Abbey, and access to remote Highland locations with Rabbie's guides.
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Callander, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Lochaline, Isle of Mull, Tobermory, Isle of IonaSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
15% Off- NZ$1,490
3-Day Isle of Mull and Iona Small-Group Tour from Glasgow
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic trip. Driver Cameron's tour duties, commentaries, care of passengers, was absolutely stunning.”
Linda, traveled in April
A select group of 16 guests ventures through England and Scotland's most dramatic landscapes. The small-group format enables impromptu photo stops at Glencoe, unhurried visits to Iona's abbey, while your guide shares Highland clan histories and geological insights.
Duration 3 days Destinations Glasgow, Luss, Glencoe, Lochaline, Isle of Mull, Tobermory, Isle of Iona, Staffa, Craignure, ObanSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
15% Off- NZ$1,046
Reviews of Small Group tours to England And Scotland
- 5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
James was an excellent tour guide. He was friendly, calm and very knowledgeable. He also had a great sense of humour and was very considerate. The itinerary was interesting and informative. The group size was small and friendly. I would thoroughly recommend touring with James again. Donna
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Edinburgh
We had a great time on our 3 day tour. Stuart is the perfect guide, he gave us lots of great information but also a fun time. Everything was perfectly organised, timing was good and the accommodation Timberbush booked for us was amazing. We loved it!
- 5-Day York, the Dales, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
We visited hidden places that would only be known to someone with an intimate knowledge of the locale itself and also of the historical and cultural environment in which it finds itself. I got the impression that, while we visited the more well-known and popular sites, we also visited places that the guide himself felt empowered to add to the itinerary. B&B's were somewhat eccentric but very satisfactory. The itinerary was well planned and executed.
What our customers ask about England and Scotland Small Group Tours
What is the best season for small group tours in England and Scotland?
The most favorable time runs from May through September when temperatures are mild and daylight hours are longer. While summer brings peak crowds to landmarks like Edinburgh Castle tours run year-round offering distinct experiences each season. A recent traveler on TourRadar noted "visiting in October meant fewer crowds at places like Eilean Donan Castle plus stunning fall colors in Glencoe." Winter provides dramatic snowy landscapes and evenings by the fire at hotels like the Crown Hotel in Portree.
What unique sites can you access with a small group tour in England and Scotland?
The smaller vehicles used for these tours can navigate routes inaccessible to large coaches including the narrow streets of Robin Hood's Bay and single-track roads to Tobermory. Groups can reach remote destinations like the ancient settlement of Skara Brae Calgary Bay on Mull and lesser-visited sections of Hadrian's Wall. A TourRadar guest shared: "We visited hidden places that would only be known to someone with an intimate knowledge of the locale itself and the historical and cultural environment."
What type of accommodation can I expect on small group tours in England and Scotland?
Accommodations blend well-chosen hotels and local B&Bs that add to the personalized experience. In Portree groups often stay at the traditional Tongadale Hotel while the Harbour House in Ullapool provides waterfront views. The properties are selected for their local character convenient locations and warm hospitality. One TourRadar review noted "our B&B in Fort William had incredible views of Ben Nevis and the hosts made us feel like family."
How much interaction is there with local communities on small group tours?
The small group format creates natural opportunities to connect with local residents. Guests stay at family-run establishments like the Delnashaugh Hotel meet local historians in Glencoe and join pub conversations with residents. One TourRadar participant observed "our small group size meant we could actually chat with locals at pubs and learn about life in the Highlands firsthand." Activities often include whisky tastings at small distilleries and traditional music sessions.
What is the pace like on small group tours through England and Scotland?
Tours maintain an unhurried rhythm with frequent stops every 1-2 hours at key sites like Loch Ness Eilean Donan Castle and the Quiraing on Skye. The small group size allows flexibility to linger at particularly interesting locations. A TourRadar reviewer shared "with just 16 people we never felt rushed and could take our time at places like Glencoe and the Highland villages." Photo opportunities and comfort breaks are built into the schedule.