Self-Guided Tours in UK and Great Britain
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10 best Self-Guided UK and Great Britain tour packages
Compiled by

SteffUK and Great Britain travel expert at TourRadar
- Best of the UK & Ireland - Self Guided Rail Tour
- Best of the Cotswolds Self-Guided Walk
- Independent Edinburgh & London City Stay
- Scotland Culinary | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Taste of South England and Wales
- Independent London City Stay
- 4 Day Inverness Tour With Car Rental
- Muggle’s Guide to Harry Potter’s London
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland
The historic heart of Britain unfolds through London's South Bank, York's Shambles, and Edinburgh's Royal Mile at your pace. This 21-day adventure includes accommodation, rail tickets, and detailed travel packs with local insights.
Duration 21 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Euroventure Travel From
- NZ$6,272
The charming Cotswold villages await with detailed route maps. Admire Stanway House's medieval tithe barn and Broadway Tower at your leisure. Walking options vary between shorter and longer routes around Bourton-on-the-Water and Lower Slaughter.
Duration 9 days Destinations Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Guiting Power, Winchcombe, Stanton, Broadway, Chipping Campden Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$3,915
Independent Edinburgh & London City Stay
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It was an amazing experience. The Globus representatives in Edinburgh and London were very helpful and nice.”
Mary, traveled in May
Britain's iconic landmarks open up with GlobusGO app support. Take in Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul's Cathedral as you wish. Rail travel and centrally located hotels included.
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, London Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $2,899
9% Off- NZ$2,649You save $250
This 7-city culinary expedition through Britain combines food tours with cultural immersion. Visit Glasgow's Union Street buskers, explore Highland Folk Museum's 1700s exhibits, and enjoy traditional cream tea by Loch Ness. Perfect for ages 18-85, with B&B stays in iconic locations like Loch Lomond and Edinburgh's historic districts.
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Stirling, Fort William, Inverness, Loch Ness, Edinburgh Age Range Ages 12+ Operator BTOURS From $3,640
15% Off- NZ$3,094You save $546
Taste of South England and Wales
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary includes stops in London, Bournemouth/Southampton, Exeter/Torquay, and Cornwall. I could spend as much or as little time as I wanted in each place.”
Dan, traveled in June
Southern England's treasures unfold from mystical Stonehenge to Cardiff Castle. The 150km route from London to Bournemouth passes Winchester Cathedral. Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast, St Michael's Mount in Cornwall, and wild ponies in Dartmoor National Park lead to Bath's Roman Baths.
Duration 7 days Destinations London, Winchester, Salisbury, Bournemouth, Southampton, Exeter, Torquay, Dartmoor National Park, Cardiff, Pembrokeshire Coast National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $2,299
15% Off- NZ$1,954You save $345
Independent London City Stay
27 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Local guides were all great and gave us terrific advice on ways to enjoy our stay in London.”
Sue, traveled in September
Your British adventure begins at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel. Morning tours of Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral included, with time to visit Tower Bridge or join Thames dinner cruises.
Duration 4 days Destinations London Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From
15% Off- NZ$1,419
Explore Britain's Highlands at your pace with rental car from Inverness. Stay at historic Royal Highland Hotel, visit Urquhart Castle ruins, and discover hidden spots along Dores Beach. Includes daily breakfast and private transfers.
Duration 4 days Destinations Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,595
5% Off- NZ$1,515You save $80
Duration 7 days Destinations London, Greenwich, Oxford Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
5% Off- NZ$974
Ireland’s Ancient East
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Loved the excursions and the choice of hotels!”
Suhani, traveled in October
Ireland's British-influenced heritage spans from Dublin Castle to Battle of Boyne. The route takes in Viking Waterford, medieval Kilkenny Castle, and ancient Newgrange with pre-booked country accommodations.
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Lismore, Cashel, Kilkenny Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $1,642
15% Off- NZ$1,396You save $246
Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very well organised, all accommodation booked for you. Excellent communication would use again.”
Martin, traveled in October
The British Isles beckon from Dublin's Phoenix Park to Donegal's craft workshops. Hidden coastal gems and traditional villages dot your route. B&B stays and breakfast included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Enniskillen, Donegal, Sligo, Connemara National Park, Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Dingle, Ring of KerrySee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $2,883
15% Off- NZ$2,451You save $432
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Tours in UK and Great Britain
What is typically included in the price of a self-guided UK tour?
A self-guided UK tour package typically covers the essential elements needed for independent travel with built-in support. The standard inclusions encompass lodging daily breakfast route materials including maps and digital apps intercity transport and entry to main sites. The Irish Legends Self-Drive package serves as a good example providing 9 breakfasts car rental stays at properties like the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin and entry to attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse. Daily rates range from $150-300 based on comfort level and package features. Additional costs often include airport transfers some local transport and city taxes which usually run $2-7 per person nightly paid directly at hotels.
What type of accommodation can I expect on a self-guided tour in UK and Great Britain?
The accommodations on these tours blend comfort with local character featuring a selection of 3-4 star hotels historic properties and family-run B&Bs. Take the Dales Way tour where guests stay at properties that tell the story of the region. You'll find yourself at the Victorian-era Riverside Hotel in Ilkley or settling in at the Queens Head Inn a 17th-century establishment in Hawkshead. The Lake District portion includes stays at the Wordsworth Hotel & Spa in Grasmere alongside traditional lakeside lodgings. Guest reviews frequently mention the thoughtful selection of properties noting their authentic charm and convenient locations along the routes.
When is the best time to do a self-guided walking tour in UK and Great Britain?
Walking tours in Britain find their sweet spot between April and October with the most reliable conditions from May through September. Summer brings stable weather ideal for Lake District excursions while the Channel Islands routes through Jersey and Guernsey benefit from mild temperatures starting in early spring. The South Devon coastal paths remain accessible year-round though winter walks require additional preparation and weather monitoring. Previous travelers point to May as particularly rewarding especially for routes like Hadrian's Wall where spring flowers and moderate temperatures create ideal walking conditions.
How flexible are the itineraries on self-guided tours in the UK and Great Britain?
These tours strike a balance between structure and independence. Take the 21-day "Best of UK & Ireland" tour where travelers can linger at Edinburgh Castle or spend extra time exploring the Tower of London. The framework provides secured accommodations at places like the Royal Highland Hotel in Inverness while leaving daily schedules open to personal preference. Each tour comes equipped with detailed navigation materials and round-the-clock support. This setup allows travelers to maintain their own pace while having the security of professional planning behind their journey.
How far in advance should I book a self-guided tour in the UK and Great Britain?
Booking patterns show a 3-6 month advance window works best especially for summer travel. Popular routes like the Edinburgh and London City Stay see bookings made 92-211 days before departure. For peak season tours running June through August or those coinciding with events like the Edinburgh Festival a 6-month advance booking is recommended. Previous travelers note that securing spots early particularly for specialized tours like the Hebridean Way cycle tour ensures preferred accommodation choices and optimal scheduling for included services.