England's Historic Cities for Groups

Unforgettable journeys through England’s Historic Cities

Discover thousands of years of England’s Historic Cities, with a unique choice of one-of-a-kind experiences and unforgettable journeys through history and culture. Contact us to discuss your group's requirements and which cities you would like to feature in your tour.

All itineraries are bespoke but suggested routes and themes include:

Quintessential England: Carlisle, Chester, Lancaster and Greenwich

Faith & Religion: Canterbury, Durham, Salisbury and York

Literary, Film & TV: Bath, Cambridge, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and York

Tour Highlights

BATH: Built for pleasure and relaxation, Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times. Discover the ancient Roman Baths and the thoroughly modern Thermae Bath Spa. Immerse yourself in Bath’s remarkable collection of gardens, museums and galleries. The stunning honey-coloured Georgian architecture feels like a Jane Austen novel and the city is often used as a filming location, including for Netflix’s Bridgerton. Bath is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and UNESCO Great Spa Town of Europe. The city offers stunning boutique hotels, five-star splendour and cosy guesthouses, as well as global brands. Alongside award-winning restaurants, there are a plenty of local specialities to discover with breweries, distilleries, vineyards, cheesemakers, and the famous Sally Lunn Bun. Bath is the perfect base to explore the beautiful surrounds of the Chew Valley, Cotswolds, Somerset, and Wiltshire market towns.
CAMBRIDGE: Packed full of stunning architecture and nature, Cambridge is a beautiful university town renowned for its impact on English history, education and scientific research, with ancient colleges, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and a diverse culinary offer. Famous alumni iclude Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Professor Stephen Hawking. Grab a pint at the Eagle Pub, the birthplace of the discovery of DNA and haven for WW2 airmen, or peek inside the stunning King’s College Chapel, an astounding piece of Gothic architecture. Watch time go by at the Corpus Clock as the Chronophage or “time-eater” devours each minute of the day. Explore the hidden gems of the city via a guided walking tour, a bike or a punt along the picturesque River Cam.
CANTERBURY: Just under an hour’s train journey from London, this medieval walled city has been hosting pilgrims for over 1,000 years, with famous Canterbury Cathedral (part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site) at its heart. Soak up the seasonal scenery next to world-class architecture and incredible, independent shops. Wander winding, cobbled streets steeped in heritage and rich culture. Culinary choices range from farmers markets to rooftop restaurants and great pubs and bars overflowing with delicious local produce.
CARLISLE: Situated near the Scottish border, Carlisle links two world heritage sites - Hadrian’s Wall, the northern frontier of a mighty empire that once covered the known world and the beautiful Lake District National Park which inspired poets and painters. Explore dungeons and labyrinths at Carlisle’s medieval castle, the 900-year-old cathedral and Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, all housed within the city’s Historic Quarter. Walk in the footsteps of the Romans and visit Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, next to one of the best-preserved sections of original Wall that stretches for nearly one mile to Gilsland. Enjoy stunning far-reaching views over towards the Lake District Fells.
CHESTER: A contemporary city packed full of ‘must see’ history and heritage, boasting the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, the most complete city walls at almost 2 miles long, and a 1,000 year old Cathedral. See Chester Cathedral, founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1092. Climb the central tower on a guided tour and see across two countries and five counties from the top. Enjoy shopping in unique medieval surroundings, with independent boutiques, cafes and coffee shops.
DURHAM: World-famous Durham Cathedral and the Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site sit proudly above the charming streets below. This heritage city is buzzing with life – from award-winning attractions and fantastic food and drink, to exciting events, independent shops and green spaces to explore.
GREENWICH: Discover Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian of the world at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, and London’s only public Planetarium. Explore Britain’s momentous naval history at the National Maritime Museum and visit Cutty Sark, the fastest ship of its time. Visit the Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and learn about the fascinating 600-year story of this site, the birthplace of Henry VIII. Fly 90m high across the Thames on the IFS Cloud Cable Car, speed down the river in a streamlined catamaran or cruise through London’s landmarks. Greenwich is a world-class destination, with excellent transport links to London.
LANCASTER: With its vibrant mix of top-notch eateries, historic landmarks, fascinating museums, lively theatres and exciting events, Lancaster is a city waiting to be explored. Its rich history spans thousands of years, best uncovered through a guided tour of Lancaster Castle or the city’s historic streets. History weaves through the charming, cobbled lanes, where you’ll find a coffee shop from 1837, a restaurant in a 300-year-old wine merchant’s cellar, and Lancaster’s oldest pub dating to the 15th century.
OXFORD: Only an hour from London, this city of dreaming spires is surrounded by historic market towns, villages of honey-coloured stone, rolling hills and waterways. Enjoy museums, a UNESCO World Heritage palace and contemporary shopping centres. Visit sites in the city and county which have starred in film and TV.
SALISBURY: Salisbury has been welcoming travellers since 1227. At the city’s heart is the 13th century cathedral, with the tallest spire in Britain, the world's oldest working clock (1386) and the world’s best-preserved original Magna Carta (1215). Gathered around the Cathedral is a modern medieval city. In the famous Cathedral Close, attractions include Mompesson House, The Rifles Military Museum, Salisbury Museum and Arundells. Traditionally English with an independent spirit, the city has some of England’s finest historic houses and heritage buildings which are brought to life with arts, culture, events and entertainment.
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON: Nestled in the rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the River Avon, lies the charming medieval birthplace of William Shakespeare, steeped in more than 800 years of Ye Olde English culture and history. Venture through the cobbled streets to find Stratford’s oldest Church, Holy Trinity, dating back to the 12th century. Celebrate the works of the ‘Bard of Avon’ in a theatre dedicated to his plays and one of Stratford’s last remaining Elizabethan townhouses. Travel back in time to explore the 16th century at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust before going on an inspiring journey of William Shakespeare’s life.
YORK: Perfectly placed half-way between Edinburgh and London and with the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Wolds on the doorstep. Step into 2,000 years of history, from the ancient walls of Roman York to the Viking remains of Jorvik and the grandeur of Georgian York. The Romans knew it as Eboracum and the Vikings called it Jorvik. Discover iconic York Minster and architecture from medieval times, magnificent Georgian town houses and the Victorian railway station. Within its ancient, encircling walls, York’s medieval streets and buildings are beautifully preserved in the historic heart of the city. Shambles is a must-visit and one of the most recognised historic streets in England.

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What Our Clients Say

I was very fortunate to be on their 70th and 75th D-Day celebration tours. The service and attention to details was exceptional. It was very moving to go back.

As a Jane Austen enthusiast, this tour was perfect - and the Jane Austen Festival in Bath was just fabulous to see!

Words fail me...The Downton Abbey was a perfectly wonderful travel experience! We did not know we would be the ONLY guests at the Abbey. When we realised how truly exclusive our tour was we were speechless! Surreal being there and actually meeting Lady Carnarvon.