Britain · HISTORICAL TOURS

15 History Tours in Britain to Build a Day Around

71 tours  ·  from $9

The 15 best history tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour - Starting outside St Paul’s Underground Station
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London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

1.Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,065 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $39Our pick

Spend 3.5 hours walking from St Paul’s to the Strand, stopping at four old pubs and a Victorian gin palace. Guides such as Dave, Tim, Freddie, Shadow, and Lachlan mix London history, pub lore, humor, and practical drink tips. Bring cash, comfortable shoes, and ID. Drinks cost extra.

“We had the best time exploring London’s pubs: great atmosphere, fun stories, and amazing beer! Our guide Shadow was the absolute highlight: funny, knowledgeable, and full of energy. She made everyone feel welcome and turned the evening into something truly special. Highly recommend this tour (especially with Shadow)! 🍻✨”

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Portsmouth: Historic Dockyard Ultimate Explorer Ticket - The Mary Rose, a Tudor time capsule
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Portsmouth: Historic Dockyard Ultimate Explorer Ticket

2.Historic Dockyard Ultimate Explorer Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,052 reviews · 365 days · from $62

Spend a day, or return for a full year, at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. See the Mary Rose, Nelson’s HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, HMS M.33 and HMS Alliance submarine, plus naval museums, a harbour cruise and seasonal water bus.

“The guides were really good with the exception of the victory one who was uninspiring and miserable and who said no questions until he had finished as he might cover them in his talk - he ran off afterwards so didn’t even allow for questions at the end/ he also said things I would question the accuracy of - the Mary Rose and warrior people either in role or not were very knowledgeable and friendly”

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York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour - Meeting a witch at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate
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York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

3.Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 928 reviews · 1h 15m · from $22

Follow an English-speaking witch guide for 75 minutes from Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate through the Shambles, York Minster, Stonegate, Barley Hall, and Shambles Market. Expect true tales of Mad Alice, Mary Bateman, and other suspected Yorkshire witches, mixed with local history, humor, hauntings, and theatrical storytelling.

“Our guide the Magnificent Merlot was amazing. There was dramatic flair with story telling, laughs and some amazing historical facts!”

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London: Soho Music and Historic Pubs Walking Tour - Four pubs, four chances to see Soho differently
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London: Soho Music and Historic Pubs Walking Tour

4.Soho Music and Historic Pubs Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 836 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $39

Walk from Piccadilly Circus through Soho with an English-speaking guide such as Gherto, Henry, Ben, or Sy. Visit four historic pubs, hear stories about Lennon, Hendrix, Bowie, Mozart, and The Who, and buy drinks as you go. Expect stairs, narrow lanes, rain or shine, and an adults-only group.

“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.”

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London: Rock 'n' Roll History Tour - Starting in central London
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London: Rock ‘n’ Roll History Tour

5.Rock ‘n’ Roll History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 645 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $74

Spend 3.5 hours tracing London’s rock story through Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hill, and St John’s Wood. Your English-speaking guide, often Clive, Ian, Colin, or Richard, pairs music tales with neighborhood history, then helps you take the classic Abbey Road crossing photo.

“Loved the tour! Our guide, Steve knew so much and had lots of stories to tell.”

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London: Royal Historic Pubs Walking Tour - Four Pubs, Four Different Slices of London
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London: Royal Historic Pubs Walking Tour

6.Royal Historic Pubs Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 536 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $39Top rated

Meet your English-speaking guide at Piccadilly Circus and walk through London’s royal district, stopping at four historic pubs near Buckingham Palace. Hear stories of Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, James Bond, the royal family, and Ed Sheeran. Drinks cost extra, and the tour is for adults only.

“This tour was fantastic, and our guide AL was an absolute delight, what a character! Way more than just a Pub tour, so much history and other fun storys. The group was small enough to get comfortable with everybody, and again, AL ist the man...totally worth it. 5/5”

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Liverpool: Haunted History Guided City Tour - Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral: a striking first stop
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Liverpool: Haunted History Guided City Tour

7.Haunted History Guided City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 404 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $26

Follow theatrical guides such as Chilla Black, Meryl Creep, or Indiana Bones from the Philharmonic Dining Rooms along Hope Street to Liverpool’s cathedrals and St James’ Gardens. Expect dark local history, ghost stories, acting, sound effects, and plenty of banter for $26 per person.

“Great fun! Probably one of the better guided tours I've taken in ayy city! Guides were hilarious and warm, took us through the darker parts of the city's history, with sound effects! Good stuff👍🏻”

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York: J&M’s City Sightseeing and History Walking Tour - Starting beside Constantine the Great and York Minster
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York: J&M’s City Sightseeing and History Walking Tour

8.J&M’s City Sightseeing and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 346 reviews · 1 day · from $16Best value

Meet beside Constantine the Great at York Minster for an English-language walking tour led by guides such as Nick or Liam. Walk the walls, Shambles, King’s Square and historic guild buildings while uncovering Roman, Viking and medieval York through clear stories, dry humour and myth-busting detail.

“The guide was highly knowledgeable and we enjoyed the our”

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Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. - Meeting outside the Guy Fawkes Inn
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Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.

9.Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 333 reviews · 1h 30m · from $18

Meet outside the Guy Fawkes Inn for a 90-minute English-language walk through York’s old streets. Guides including Dan, Josh, and McKenzie mix ghost tales with plague, executions, local history, and sharp humor. Expect the Minster, the Shambles, lesser-known corners, uneven paving, and no jump scares.

“I absolutely loved the tour walk with McKenzie. she was engaging and entertaining. The group was 20ish people and a good size, not too big. I would recommend this tour for history as well as ghosts.”

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St Andrews: Golf Origins and Old Course History Tour - Starting at Hotel du Vin and looking across the links
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St Andrews: Golf Origins and Old Course History Tour

10.Golf Origins and Old Course History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 1h 15m · from $20

Spend 75 minutes walking around St Andrews’ Old Course with a fluent English-speaking local guide. Hear how golf developed, see the 1st and 18th fairways, learn Open history, and pose on Swilcan Bridge when tournament play is not taking place. Finish near the Jigger Inn.

“Good historical information. Thrilled to get on the course”

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London: Medieval History Walking Tour from The Tower - Crossing Tower Bridge into Southwark
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London: Medieval History Walking Tour from The Tower

11.Medieval History Walking Tour from The Tower

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 318 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Walk from Tower Hill to St Paul's with historian Mick Priestley, crossing Tower Bridge and following the Thames past the Tower, HMS Belfast, Borough Market, Winchester Palace, Shakespeare's Globe, and Millennium Bridge. Expect vivid medieval stories, archive images, questions, and a brisk two-hour route.

“We had an absolute blast on this tour! We had a fairly small group which made things easy and the whole tour felt very relaxed. Mick is super knowledgeable and his passion for history really shines through in his delivery. We learned a lot and saw some beautiful sights along the way. Mick was happy to point out good photo ops as well and made some great recommendations after the tour. He was excellent at keeping everyone's attention, especially in some of the more crowded areas where things got a little bit more distracting. An absolute gentleman through and through, thanks again!”

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London: Witches and History Bankside Walking Tour - Southwark Cathedral and the stories beneath the stones
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London: Witches and History Bankside Walking Tour

12.Witches and History Bankside Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 223 reviews · 1h 15m · from $24

Follow a costumed guide such as Gary the Grey, Beatrix, or Veronica from London Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral. Hear true stories of suspected witches, pass Borough Market, The Clink, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Millennium Bridge, and enjoy a lively outdoor history lesson.

“Pleasant walk with guide Garry , we were satisfied and got that we awaited. No long climb , but fresh 75 minutes walk with nice views and informations.”

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Chatham Historic Dockyard: Call the Midwife Tour - Following the midwives through the dockyard
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Chatham Historic Dockyard: Call the Midwife Tour

13.Chatham Historic Dockyard: Call the Midwife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 216 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $53

Join a costumed English-speaking guide such as Helen, Irene, or Heather for a 90-minute walk through Call the Midwife filming locations at Chatham Historic Dockyard. See Poplar Dock streets, filming props, costumes, and set pieces, then explore warships, a submarine, and the Victorian rope factory with your all-day entry.

“Guide was very good with lots of knowledge of the programme. She made it very enjoyable.”

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London: Natural History Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour - Meeting your guide on Exhibition Road
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London: Natural History Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour

14.Natural History Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 212 reviews · 1 hour · from $76

Spend one focused hour with an English-speaking guide at London’s Natural History Museum. You’ll see major highlights such as the 82-foot blue whale, dinosaur skeletons, gems, and Earth science galleries, with Paul often praised for making the museum clear and engaging for adults and children.

“Paul, our guide, was super. He was very knowledgeable and friendly and took us to all the key stops at the museum. He engaged so well with our 8 year olds and made the tour a great one for us all. Thank you, Paul.”

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Liverpool: A Walk Through Time: Full History Walking Tour - Starting beside the Royal Liver Building
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Liverpool: A Walk Through Time: Full History Walking Tour

15.A Walk Through Time: Full History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 184 reviews · 2 hours · from $22

Start at the Royal Liver Building and walk through Liverpool’s story from 1207 to today. Guides including John, who holds a PhD in imperial and maritime history, connect the waterfront, Old Dock, Liverpool ONE, Castle Street, and the Three Graces in clear, engaging English.

“Informative and entertaining, providing fascinating facts about the city of Liverpool. Delivered with humour and passion which was good to see.”

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New in Historical Tours

★ 4.5Tower of London Crown Jewels and English Royal History TourFrom $1205 reviews
★ 4.0The London Historic Pubs TourFrom $643 reviews
★ 4.6Chatham: The Historic Dockyard Chatham Annual TicketFrom $3766 reviews
★ 4.7The Grimleens Dark History and Lore Evening Tour o KirkwallFrom $437 reviews
★ 5.0London’s East End Food & History Tour: Choose Your Own MenuFrom $594 reviews
★ 4.4Historical Walking Tour in SpanishFrom $244 reviews
★ 4.890-Minute Historical Walking TourFrom $2023 reviews
★ 5.0Pub and History Tour Durham CityFrom $534 reviews
★ 4.9Private City Tour & University Historical Highlights14 reviews
★ 4.2History of Medicine Tour – by Uncomfortable Oxford™From $297 reviews
★ 4.6Historic Pubs & Taverns Guided Walking TourFrom $205 reviews
★ 5.0Old Portsmouth Historical Walking TourFrom $1616 reviews
★ 4.8Historical Tour with Seafood Lunch OptionFrom $12223 reviews
★ 4.8Natural History Museum Private Guided Tour5 reviews
★ 4.5World War II History in London Private Guided TourFrom $2798 reviews

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Walking Tours314Ghost Tours30Jack the Ripper Tours33City Tours83Self-Guided Tours36Audio Tours9
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Explore Britain

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On foot

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