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United Kingdom (UK)

United Kingdom (UK) Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Q: What should I know before traveling to the UK?

When visiting the United Kingdom it’s important to know that the country is made up of several regions with their own unique national identities and cultures. The major regions are England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland - collectively referred to as the United Kingdom. Several islands and overseas territories spanning the globe also fall under UK jurisdiction, and the country is also home to diverse cultures from all across the globe.

Q: When is the best time to visit the UK?

For most, the best season to visit the UK would be during summer time (June - August), simply because the days are warmer and generally sunnier (though rain is always around the corner in the British Isles). If you’d prefer to experience some skiing or snowboarding in Scotland, you’d do best to visit between December and February.

Q: Do's and Don’ts in the United Kingdom

DO’S Queuing culture - never cut in line when waiting at a shop or for transport. Be polite - everyone appreciates ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ Drive on the left - if you’re renting a car this is particularly important to remember for obvious reasons. Respect local customs, especially at places of worship. Remember that the UK is a multicultural place, so be respectful of different groups. DON’TS Don’t litter, and only smoke in designated areas. Don’t chew with your mouth open or spit in public. Don’t forget to tip if required, ask your waiter about their restaurant’s policy. Don’t refer to all locals as ‘English’, people from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland prefer to be addressed by their cultural identity. Don’t take photos of people without their permission.

Q: Why are private tours better?

Having a private tour guide accompany you will help ensure you get the most out of your United Kingdom tour experience . Our guides can not only take you to the best spots, use their experience as locals to show you the country’s hidden gems, and generally take care of details such as transportation, scheduling, and travel recommendations.

Plan a Trip to United Kingdom (UK) with Local Tour Guides, and London, Edinburgh, Cambridge and More.

4.83 / 5

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Popular United Kingdom (UK) Tour Destinations

London

Edinburgh

Cambridge

Southampton

Dorset

Liverpool

Bath

Winchester

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Popular United Kingdom (UK) Tour Guides

Manuel S.

5.00 / 5

(2 reviews)

United Kingdom (UK)

Hello! I am Manuel, an experienced and professional tour guide with extensive knowledge of the historic city centre of Cambridge. My walking tours describe men and women whose ideas and actions have affected nearly every area of human endeavour. It is very likely that someone from your region or country is already in this city to either work or study. How can that be possible in a city of less than 150,000 people? Come to one of my tours and find out. I will ensure that, no matter your background or age, your visit to Cambridge is a memorable experience. I hope to see you soon!

Alan P.

5.00 / 5

(1 reviews)

United Kingdom (UK)

I am a fully-qualified Blue Badge guide with experience all around Scotland. If your guests want to find out all about Edinburgh and Scotland then I am the guide you need. I am proud of Scotland and its history and wear the kilt when I can! I have also lived in Spain and Italy and guide in Italian too, I have had a number of different work and cultural experiences and I also currently work as a teacher - teaching English to foreign students and I have met and enjoyed teaching English to a number of Japanese students too! I have a wide range of interests with my knowledge of the history of Scotland being my top passion, with perhaps the Jacobite struggle being my favourite period. I am also enthusiastic about the geography and nature of this wonderful country so I can talk in detail about the wildlife that you will see when you are here. Another great interest of mine is Sport and in particular football and golf. I can’t wait to show you as much as possible in your time here and make sure that your stay was fun, enjoyable and that you have acquired a lot of knowledge about Scotland!

Andrew W.

United Kingdom (UK)

I have been a Tourist Guide since c.2014. I started out as a Green Badge Tourist Guide for Southampton, then took a Blue Badge course to become a guide for the central southern region of England. I have a passion for history and beautiful places, and would like to share them with you.

Bea P.

United Kingdom (UK)

Hello, My name is Bea. I am a City of Westminster Guide, offering highlights walks in Central London as well as theme walks that feature arts, history, royalty, and filming locations. As a Westminster Guide, my specialty is the borough of London where we find most of the historic and popular attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament with Elizabeth Tower (aka 'Big Ben'), but also four royal parks, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the learned societies and areas known as St James's, Covent Garden, Soho, Mayfair and Belgravia, to mention the most attractive ones. So the heart of monarchy, politics, as well as arts and science! :) Unlike many of my excellent colleagues here, I am not a driver guide, I offer walking tours only. I believe that the best way to get to know a city is on foot, pausing from time to time and looking up to take in the beauty and decipher the hidden messages of the buildings around us.   If you have mobility issues, I can accommodate my walks to your needs and can guarantee step-free walks (except for roadside kerbs) that are suitable for guests in wheelchair or with limited mobility. The advantage of a private walk is that we can take a break any time if you need.   I also have my own 'Vox Tour Guide System' which means that with the help of a pair of earphones connected to a tiny little box (the receiver that you can wear in your neck), you will not miss a word I am saying, even if we are standing by a busy a road, or you are taking photos a few meters away from me!   As a qualified teacher and former Mary Poppins (nanny) with an enhanced DBS, I am happy to guide families with children, and come up with suggestions regarding how to make the tour enjoyable for all age groups. The key to having fun while sightseeing with kids is considering their needs.   I look forward to guiding you!   Best regards,  Bea

Joy W.

4.50 / 5

(2 reviews)

United Kingdom (UK)

I am a qualified Blue Badge Tour Guide with accreditation to guide in South Central England [Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and West Sussex] including Windsor Castle. I have particular expertise in Thomas Hardy, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Salisbury, archaeology including Roman history and Stonehenge, wildlife and nature conservation especially sites in Dorset and the New Forest. Whichever site you wish to take your guests to, I can always enhance their visit giving extra information on the social history of the area as well as indicating additional points of interest, including many stories connected to the area and the people who live and have lived there, as well as much information on the wildlife and geology. I am experienced in adapting tours to fit the interests and abilities of guests either beforehand or on the day.

Kevin N.

United Kingdom (UK)

Hi, my name is Kemal (English name : Kevin). I'm a, professional photographer, tour guide and whisky enthusiast. I'll be happy to help you for specialist tours in London and the UK. In college I studied law but decided to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a photographer and started my professional career in 1993. I was granted a professional tour guide badge in Istanbul, Turkey in 1996 after a vigorous training by the Ministry of Tourism. I spent my last 30 years working for top magazines and taking people around the World with private and group photography tours. My work has been published globally by well-known magazines including National Geographic, Geo, Cosmopolitan, Reader's Digest, Atlas etc. and my photographs were exhibited internationally. Anthropology Museum of Wichita State University in Kansas holds a permanent exhibition of my work on the last remaining Kurdish Nomads of Eastern Turkey. My prints are sold regularly through art galleries, Gallery The Route in Amsterdam is the main gallery that I'm working with. I was the Deputy Editor of the Turkish Edition of National Geographic Magazine from 2000 to 2011. I did my first photo tour in 2007 and I loved it so much I went on doing it on weekends and holidays while working at the magazine. At one point I left my full-time position at NatGeo in order of doing more photography tours & workshops. Since then I've done hundreds of photography tours all around the World including in the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa. I also did birdwatching, food and whisky tours as they were all, things that I personally enjoy and wanted to share my experience with my clients. In my photo tours / workshops my focus is teaching the practice and instinctual behaviour of a pro photographer and trying to catch the things as they happen, I never do any set-ups or stage the photos. Looking forward to see you in London and spend some great time together.

Maurizio S.

United Kingdom (UK)

Desiderate visitare Londra assieme a un londinese, perché non prenotare uno dei miei tour? Mi chiamo Maurizio, sono una guida turistica attiva da oltre un decennio e qualificata per guidare in italiano secondo gli standard del prestigioso 'Institute of Tourist Guiding'. Le mie proposte sono indirizzate a singoli, coppie, famiglie con bambini e piccoli gruppi di amici che vogliono vivere un'esperienza memorabile attraverso una visita "classica" della città oppure un itinerario personalizzato, studiato in funzione delle vostre esigenze ed elaborato grazie alla mia esperienza.

David C.

United Kingdom (UK)

I am professionally working in travel business since 1998 , studied high school and university in tourism fiel management. Worked in operations , guided tours and now managing own tours and operations.

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New United Kingdom (UK) Tour Guides

Irene K.

United Kingdom (UK)

Hello, I started working as a guide fifteen years ago, while studying at the University of Oxford. I collaborated with Oxbridge tours travel company where I acted as a tour guide for four years until I moved to London. I hold an M.A in art history and I taught art history at Sotheby's Institute of Art and the University of Glasgow. My tours are intended for history and art lovers. I take my guests around art galleries and British country houses. However, I will also be delighted to take you on a walking tour around London or Oxford, and show you some hidden gems most visitors do not know of or have no access to. I will customise your tour to make it a unique and memorable experience. I normally offer tours in English.

Neil S.

United Kingdom (UK)

I am a Blue Badge Guide, qualified with the Scottish Tourist Guides Association to guide throughout Scotland. After thirty four years working for a large Scottish law firm and a further four in the wilderness I think I’ve finally found my calling… an opportunity to show visitors my country while telling stories, sometimes tall, while hopefully being educational and entertaining. I was born and brought up in Edinburgh and have lived in Scotland all my life with the exception of a three year period when I went East to experience another culture. I am of course biased towards what Edinburgh has to offer (it is the greatest city in the world) but acknowledge the depth of history and attraction of our other cities and of course the beauty of our islands, countryside and waterways. I have worked semi-professionally as a photographer and am familiar with the areas around Scotland where the scenery will bring out the best in your art. I am also very much interested in our national drink (not Irn Bru) and can guide you around the areas where our many distilleries are situated. There’s a lot to see and do in Scotland, I’d be happy to be part of your experience. I am a driver guide with a vehicle which can seat 7 passengers and with a long wheel base to take all of your luggage and shopping!

Andrew G.

United Kingdom (UK)

I am a qualified City of London Guide (2021) and run my own Walking Tour business. I like to do Tours with the kind of visitor who wants to know more than the standard Tour information, and really get to understand the history and development of London. My Tours are focused on a specific subject or area and aim to give you real depth of understanding, not just the "standard tourist story". Among the subjects are Roman London, the Tudor City, Trading and Commerce, Secret Gardens Hidden Churches, the Great Fire and the Beatles. I have a First in Classics from Oxford University and used to work as a stand-up comedian, so I combine rigorous detail and knowledge with an entertaining delivery style!

Ian F.

United Kingdom (UK)

I am a lawyer, historian and official City of London and Westminster tour guide. Introducing guests to the splendours and secrets of my hometown is my passion. I try to make my tours a mixture of fun and fact (with some of the facts being funny and some of the fun being factual). I would love to arrange a private tour that will make your visit to London truly memorable. All of my income from tour guiding is donated to charity - currently World Jewish Relief's Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

Aleman A.

United Kingdom (UK)

Hi friends, you can call me Ali, I am form Inverness, I welcome you to visit the scottish highlands, I will take you around the historical sites and I will show you the beautiful mother nature of scottish highlands and I have 8 seater people carrier minibus and I am a certified guide and I've been doing tours and transfers since 2008.

Trevor R.

United Kingdom (UK)

I am a qualified Northern Ireland Tour Guide Association member holding a Green badge in tourism. I have a Bachelor of Education degree and Diploma for the Advanced Study of Education from Queens University Belfast. I have also over 30 years experience guiding school groups in London and Scotland. I have a very good knowledge of the history and growth of the city of Belfast revealed through excellent communication skills. I am qualified in Geography and Geology and have a good knowledge of sites throughout the island of Ireland.

Jai B.

United Kingdom (UK)

We are passionate about sharing the many wonderful and fascinating historical sights of Great Britain. We ensure all our guests enjoy a very pleasurable and memorable experience, customised to their personal interests. Our expert chauffeur tour guides are friendly, polite and knowledgeable, and look forward to entertaining you whilst you to relax in comfort and sample the very best our country has to offer. We specialize in hosting luxury tours both in London and across the UK, and can happily accommodate individuals, couples, families and groups with our fleet of luxury tour vehicles. Whilst our service is built around luxury are prices are very reasonable, meaning you won't have to compromise on your tour itinerary.

David C.

United Kingdom (UK)

Let me take you on an entertaining, fun and informative walking tour in the historic heart of Oxford. As a qualified Green Badge guide with a passion for storytelling, I will give you the inside story on the university’s traditions and most colourful characters. You will journey through the gates and inside one of University’s famous colleges. Experience the wonderful atmosphere, learn how the students live and hear humorous stories about past students and their masters. See first-hand the most iconic buildings – the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre. And all the time you will be walking in the footsteps of famous authors, film stars, scientists and politicians.

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Popular United Kingdom (UK) Private Tours

The Cambridge years of C S Lewis

Cambridge

1 hour 30 min

This 1.5-hour walking tour covers the years that C S Lewis spent in Cambridge in the 1950s and early 1960s. We shall walk some of the streets he walked, listen to some quotes from his books read out loud, and if anyone is willing, even talk about some of the topics which interested him. Lewis once said "I can’t imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once.” This tour will show you that C S Lewis was more than the famous author who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia.

Edinburgh Old Town - Castle and Palace

Edinburgh

6 hours

Start to explore the centre of Edinburgh from its majestic castle - learn about its long and distinguished history and enjoy the views from inside. From there we will take a stroll down the "Royal Mile" passing by centuries of history. Once everybody lived together on or close to this historic street and I will show you where famous economists, philosophers and writers rubbed shoulders. We will end up in Scotland's royal palace - Holyrood where the Royal Family still visits every summer.

Maritime Portsmouth & Spice Island from Southampton

Portsmouth

8 hours

Explore England's naval history through its iconic ships. Portsmouth Historical Dockyard is home to The Mary Rose, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and HMS M33. The Mary Rose (1511) was Henry VIII's flagship that sunk in the Battle of the Solent against the French in 1545. HMS Victory was Admiral Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in c.1805. HMS Warrior is the world's first iron-clad warship, built in c.1860. HMS M33 is one of only 3 remaining WWI ships left in the world.

FROM$1,300/ per group

Andrew W.

Cambridge: excellent, objectionable, beautiful

Cambridge

2 hours

Most people know of Cambridge's excellence in many fields of human study and activity. Fewer people know, though, the physical, mental or social difficulties of the environment for the creators and pioneers of such advances. This walking tour invites you to admire the sheer beauty of Cambridge's streets, bridges, river and green spaces while you hear some fascinating stories about its people past and present..

Explore Royal London - Westminster half day walking tour

London

3 hours 30 min

A stroll and stories of Royal London: from Westminster‘s Palace and Abbey - ancient and enduring symbols of a joint enterprise between God, Monarch and the people of this country - to Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the Queen; to St James's Palace, the Tudor hunting lodge that became the centre of our monarchy. All in a short and pleasant stroll through St James's Park. From London‘s best views to secluded corners of our most exclusive shopping district.

FROM$450/ per group

Leila S.

Windsor&Eton day trip from London: Royals and Commons

Windsor and Eton

8 hours

A medieval fortress with turrets and arrow slits, kings and queens - a mixture the real and the romantic. Quaint town of Windsor with its cobbled streets and ancient pubs, magnificent vistas of Windsor Great Park, quirky ancient ceremonies and royal secrets. Windsor Castle - a home to our royal family for over 900 years, the favourite residence of the Queen. A picturesque stroll to Eton town and stories about the famous Eton College - school of the ruling elite for nearly 600 years.

FROM$680/ per group

Leila S.

The City of London - London's birthplace (Half day)

London

4 hours

The City of London is where the story of the UK's capital truly begins. Founded by the Romans after they settled in 43 AD, a walk through the City means you are passing through almost 2,000 years of history. Trade and commerce continue to define the district but amidst the modern hi-tech 21st century citadels of financial services are testaments to the past - notably The Tower of London & the magnificent St Paul's Cathedral with it's special & moving monument to Americans servicemen of WWII.

FROM$440/ per group

Sean K.

Notting Hill and Bayswater for tourists and locals

London

3 hours

Contrasts and transformations of the Twentieth Century are embodied in Notting Hill, but well disguised. There’s much more behind its bohemian and affluent surface. Home to music, social activism, Notting Hill Carnival and Portobello Market. Made famous around the world by the romantic comedy of the same name. Steve McQueen's new film Mangrove is looking at a feistier face of Notting Hill. Discover its hidden but famous spots, amazing people, history and day-to-day life - from a local.

FROM$450/ per group

Leila S.

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New United Kingdom (UK) Private Tours

The Tour of the Tower and All Hallows by the Tower Church

London

3 hours 10 min

During our tour we will explore the history of this site from Roman times and until today. We will look at how the fortress gradually evolved into a luxurious Medieval royal palace and then -- into the dark and fearsome place. You will hear the stories of the Tower's former inhabitants and inmates: from kings to courtiers who fell out of favour, young York princes, or the Gunpowder plotters. We will certainly visit the Jewel House where the Crown Jewels are kept under armed guard.

FROM$100/ per person

Irene K.

Oxford, the City of the Dreaming Spires

Oxford

3 hours 30 min

Are you ready to explore the history of one of the oldest universities in Europe and that of the city where this university was founded? Then join me on the tour of colleges and city landmarks! Children under 12 y.o. go free

FROM$130/ per person

Irene K.

Masterpieces of the Wallace Collection

London

3 hours

This tour takes you to the late 19th century time capsule. On entering its doors, you will find everything as it was arranged to the taste of its owners in the 1890s-early 1900s. You will see a magnificent collection of Dutch and Flemish masters (including the works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Rubens, Teniers, Hals) and of the French Classicist and Rococo painters (including the famous "Swing" by Fragonard, works by Watteau and Boucher). The tour lasts three hours.

FROM$90/ per person

Irene K.

London: Coronations and Royal Palaces

London

7 hours

This 6-hour tour will introduce the guests to the key venues linked with the royal British history. We shall look at the major place of coronation, The Westminster Abbey, and the Jewel Tower at the site of the former Westminster Palace. From there, we will proceed to the Banqueting Hall, Whitehall, and from there, to Buckingham Palace. After the lunch break we will head to the Kensington Palace.

FROM$150/ per person

Irene K.

Magna Carta - Trilithons - King Arthur's Round Table

Southampton

10 hours

Salisbury is home to a 13th century cathedral and an original copy of the Magna Carta. There is also a market square with the best fish n' chips in town. Stonehenge is an ancient monument, built by Neolithic Man to determine the solstices. Some people believe that it was built by aliens... Winchester is home to a Norman cathedral and the Great Hall, home to King Arthur's Round Table.

FROM$1,500/ per group

Andrew W.

Fast Track London

London

2 hours

Discover London's pulsating heart on this thrilling journey, ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike. Starting in Soho, we'll explore Chinatown, the Theatre District, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and the grand Palace of Westminster with Big Ben—all in under 2 hours. Brace yourself for an unforgettable adventure as we unveil a hidden oasis of captivating street art along the way.

FROM$185/ per group

Kevin N.

British Museum Guided Tour

London

5 hours

Meet in front of British Museum. Halfday Guided Tour . The British Museum was founded in 1753 and opened its doors in 1759. Roughly 80,000 objects are on public display at the British Museum in Bloomsbury at any one time. The British Museum is committed to lending its collection as widely as possible to increase public access and collaboration with collections and colleagues around the world. Of the 3,823 objects lent on average every year over last 5 years, 1,982 objects are lent to UK displays

FROM$330/ per group

David C.

Londra istituzionale e reale - tour a piedi guidato -

London

4 hours

Una passeggiata guidata nei luoghi maggiormente significativi di Londra, come l'Abbazia di Westminster, le Case del Parlamento, Buckingham Palace e Trafalgar Square

FROM$430/ per group

Maurizio S.

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United Kingdom (UK) Virtual Tours

Shakespeare's Virtual London

London

1 hour

A Zoom journey to the places where William Shakespeare lived and worked in London. We will view some of the most beautiful sites in London, taking in two of Shakespeare's London homes, Stationers' Hall where the earliest printed copies of Shakespeare's works were registered, the site where kidnapped boys were forced to perform by unscrupulous playhouse managers. We will also view the reconstructed Globe Theatre where Shakespeare performed in 1602. I donate all my tour proceeds to charity.

FROM$150/ per group

Ian F.

Reviews

Jed M.

5 / 5

Aug 17, 2023

“ Great Tour, Great Guide, Great Time! ”

I went on the CS Lewis tour and it was a great experience. Would highly recommend taking any tour with this guide, as he is very knowledgeable and conversational! My only regret is that I only had time to do one tour!

Manuel S.

Thank you. It was a pleasure to show you how Cambridge has links with C S Lewis. Feel free to come on another tour next time you come to Cambridge!

Bryan C.

5 / 5

Jul 14, 2023

“ Alan - 7/14 ”

Knowledgeable friendly we had a very enjoyable time walking thru Edinburgh.

Al C.

5 / 5

Jun 5, 2023

“ A wonderful tour ”

Joy is an excellent guide! She is very knowledgeable and kind. We had a big group and every one of us liked her. She tried her best to show us the best of Jurassic Coast. There was a very heavy traffic in one of the places we visit. Joy took us on an alternate route to get there. She is the best!

Diane R.

4 / 5

May 4, 2023

“ Joy is an absolute Joy! ”

Totally loved our day touring Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral with Joy. All communication was both timely and clear. She arrived well prepared and presented her tour information thoroughly and passionately. She’s smart, personable and both responsive and responsible— all you need in a top notch tour guide!