History tours · UK HISTORY TOURS

History Tours in the UK: Our 15 Picks

47 tours  ·  from $9 a head

Castles nobody stopped using, closes buried under later streets, and pubs with a date over the door. The 15 below are priced, timed and clear about what the weather does to each one.

London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs - Dickens, literary London, and a 17th-century pub
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London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs

1.London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10,422 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40Our pick

Walk from the City of London to Covent Garden with a local guide such as Tim, Chris, Freddie, or Mark. Visit four historic pubs, see St. Paul’s, Fleet Street, legal London, and literary landmarks, and buy your own beer, cider, or gin along the way. The group is limited to 14 people.

“What an incredible way to spend an afternoon in London! We loved visiting historical sites and our guide, Richie, was an absolute wealth of knowledge. The pubs we visited were gems! We loved that they were off the beaten path and were pleased with the variety of drink recommendations.”

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Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets - Walking into a fortress built on Castle Rock
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Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets

2.Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 9,933 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $49

Start on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and walk with a local English-speaking guide to the castle. In 80 minutes, hear stories of royals, rebels, prisons, battles, and James VI’s birthplace while seeing St Margaret’s Chapel, Mons Meg, Crown Square, and the One O’clock Gun. Entry is included, with free time afterward for the castle museums.

“Georgia and her little lady we excellent guides very knowledgeable about the history around Edinburgh and the castle”

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A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour - Donegall Place and the city behind the shop windows
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A History of Terror – Belfast City Centre Walking Tour

3.A History of Terror – Belfast City Centre Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,883 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36

Walk 1.5 miles through central Belfast with guides such as James, Mylie, Anne, and Róisín, learning how The Troubles began, affected daily life, and led toward peace. The route includes City Hall, the Cathedral Quarter, former attack sites, and the Beacon of Hope. Headsets help you follow the commentary in a group of up to 25.

“Fabulous tour with a great overview of the history and Troubles of Belfast. James was a brilliant guide with an in-depth knowledge and genuine passion for his job. Would 100% recommend.”

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Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling - Hot Toddy, your evening base near the Royal Mile
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Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling

4.Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,451 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Meet your English-speaking guide at Hot Toddy on Jeffrey Street, just off the Royal Mile, for two hours of whisky tasting and Scottish storytelling. You will sample four single malts from Scotland’s main whisky regions, learn how to taste them, and hear tales of kings, smugglers, outlaws, and local tradition. Non-whisky alternatives are available on request.

“Great tour, we had Ben who was very engaging and new his stuff. Well worth going.”

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Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour - Meeting Adam Smith before entering the Old Town
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Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour

5.Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,361 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Meet your English-speaking Little Fish guide outside Caffe Nero by the Adam Smith Statue, then walk into Edinburgh’s Old Town for two hours of stories, folklore, landmarks, Scottish Enlightenment history, and Harry Potter connections. Guides such as Koffe, Max, Euan, Ben, and Graeme are known for theatrical storytelling and useful pub, food, and sightseeing tips.

“Fantastic Old Town Edinburgh Tour with Ben We absolutely loved our Old Town Edinburgh tour with Ben. From the start, he was engaging, knowledgeable, and full of energy, bringing the history of the Old Town to life with fascinating stories, humor, and local insight. The tour felt well paced and never overwhelming, even with lots of historical detail. We were a bit unsure how our 4-year-old would handle a walking history tour, but Ben did an amazing job keeping things interesting and accessible. We learned so much about Edinburgh’s history and it was a great way to explore the Old Town with a knowledgeable local guide. We would highly recommend…”

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Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh - The guides make the biggest difference
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Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

6.Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Walk Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with guides such as Max, Greg, Ben, Angus, Jule, and Euan. Expect a two-hour route through the Royal Mile area, historic closes, St Giles Cathedral, Mercat Cross, George Heriot School, and an outside view of Edinburgh Castle, with stories, humor, and local tips along the way.

“Angus was such a great guide, giving us a nice tour of the Old Town quarter. Lots of laughters and emotions of surprise and curiosity were part of our 2-hour journey through the streets of the capital city of Edinburgh. My friends and I recommend it without any hesitation !”

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Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour - From Piccadilly Circus into Soho at 2:00 pm
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Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour

7.Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,993 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $44

Spend 2.5 hours walking Soho with a local English-speaking guide, stopping at four historic pubs linked to the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mozart. Guides such as Ben, Gherto, Danny, Callum, Tom, and Harvey bring the stories to life. Drinks and food cost extra, and groups are limited to 15.

“What a great way to get to know the area and context of Soho, unbelievable stories and so many interesting facts. Also the pubs we visited really were each special and would not have ventured to such interesting places without this tour. Our guide Harvey was phenomenal! He informed about interesting landmarks in Soho and made us laugh. He also had an extensive knowledge of music world and how Soho has played its part in rock music history.”

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Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour - Going eight steps below Edinburgh
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Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour

8.Old Town and Underground Historical Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,802 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $27

Follow a local historian from the Royal Mile into Edinburgh’s 400-year-old Underground Vaults, then through Old Town closes and historic sites. Expect lively stories about Burke and Hare, Jekyll and Hyde, Scrooge, crime, poverty, literature, and Edinburgh’s unusual past. The tour runs in English and costs $27 per person.

“Morven was an excellent knowledge guide. If you want a good snap shot of Edinburgh’s underground history Morven delivers the information wonderfully. Thumbs up for Morven’s tour- definitely recommend and would do a guided tour with her again.”

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Old Town Historical and Underground Tour - Entering the Niddry Wynd vaults
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Old Town Historical and Underground Tour

9.Old Town Historical and Underground Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,574 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with guides such as Holly, Chihon, Emily, and Morven, then enter the Niddry Wynd vaults beneath South Bridge. Expect Scottish history, dark tales, architecture, and plenty of questions in a relaxed group of no more than six. Wear sturdy shoes for steps and uneven ground.

“Emilee was great, such an amazing storyteller with a vast amount of knowledge. She was our favorite guide so far.”

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Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. - The Minster sets the mood
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Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $18Best value

Start at the Guy Fawkes Inn at 6:30 pm for a 90-minute English-language walk through York’s darker past. Guides including Dan, Josh, and Mackenzie use theatrical storytelling around the Minster and lesser-seen streets, finishing near the Shambles. Expect outdoor walking, cobbles, cold weather, and stories that can unsettle younger children.

“Wonderful ghost walk around the most spooky bits of York! Bought this for our grown up kids and they really enjoyed their evening out!”

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Multi-Sensory Small-Group Historic Vaults Tour in Edinburgh - Inside the Blair Street Underground Vaults
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Multi-Sensory Small-Group Historic Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

11.Multi-Sensory Small-Group Historic Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,384 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Walk from Mercat Cross to Edinburgh’s Blair Street Underground Vaults with a guide such as Linda, Veni, Nicola, or Charles. In 75 minutes, hear how workshops, taverns, storage rooms, and poor families used the chambers beneath South Bridge. Expect low light, uneven floors, headphones at some departures, and a compact museum finish.

“was really very interesting Tour. Was fascinating and our guide Nicola was excellent. I can’t say enough about this event. It should be something that everyone takes just to show the history of the area.”

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Private Historical Walking Tour of York - Royal stories and a building linked to Henry VIII
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Private Historical Walking Tour of York

12.Private Historical Walking Tour of York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,324 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Walk York’s old center with a private English-speaking guide, usually starting opposite York Minster and ending at Clifford’s Tower. Hear stories tied to Romans, Vikings, kings, Henry VIII, Guy Fawkes, and local life. Guides include Alan, Karen, Chris, Sean, and David. Central hotel pickup is available.

“Alan is an exceptional guide, incredibly knowledgeable and he made my first ever visit to York most enjoyable and informative. I would highly recommend this tour.”

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Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour - Meeting your guide on the Royal Mile
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Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

13.Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,290 reviews · 1h 15m · from $24

Join a character guide such as Hazel, Juniper, or Angelica for a 75-minute English walking tour from the Royal Mile to Grassmarket. Hear the human stories behind Scotland’s witch trials, pass historic closes and wynds, and connect Edinburgh’s dark past with places linked to Outlander and Harry Potter.

“Hazel was a lovely and knowledgeable guide , it was very interesting to know more about the history of the city and its witches. We just wish it would be a little longer or maybe with deeper explanations of other aspects of history maybe considering the price. But overall it was a nice experience.”

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London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour - Starting outside St Paul’s and finding the old streets
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London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

14.Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

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

Spend 3.5 hours walking from St Paul’s toward Strand and Covent Garden, stopping at four historic pubs. Guides such as Dave, Tim, Freddie, Shadow, and Lachlan mix London stories, alehouse lore, Dickens connections, and humor. Drinks cost extra, and the tour suits adults 18 and over who can manage a gentle two-mile walk.

“Tour was fantastic, Adam was super informative and a lot of fun!”

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Portsmouth: Historic Dockyard Ultimate Explorer Ticket - The Mary Rose, Tudor life preserved under the sea
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Portsmouth: Historic Dockyard Ultimate Explorer Ticket

15.Portsmouth: Historic Dockyard Ultimate Explorer Ticket

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

Walk through 500 years of naval history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. See the Mary Rose and its Tudor artefacts, step aboard HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, visit submarines and naval museums, and take the harbour tour. Your Ultimate Explorer ticket is valid for 365 days, so you can spread this large, rewarding visit over several days.

“You need at least a full day to see most of it. Three days would be better. Excellent!”

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