Have you dreamed of vacationing in the beautiful and historical UK? Are you wondering how to find the best travel agencies in the UK? Are you searching at all the options available and confused about the best tour companies and packages to visit UK?
The UK is a world-famous vacation destination globally as it offers excellent opportunities to experience the rich culture, fascinating Thames River, multiple palaces, and world-class football stadiums. In the UK, you can spend the day sightseeing and shop in London, take a tour of Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, and Kensington Palace, or can take a day trip and visit the lush hills of Scotland or the mystical Stonehenge. At night, you will experience the cities modern architecture, visit the fantastic pubs and restaurants, or attend a roadside music concert.
Many UK travel operators offer various United Kingdom tour packages around the country. Choosing the right company requires spending a lot of time researching, which does not guarantee to select the best company. You risk wasting your time and money if you do not know where to look. How can you choose the right tour company to offer you value for money and the best travel experience in the United Kingdom?
Well, TravellersQuest has done the work for you. We spend thousands of hours searching, finding, and analyzing UK tours that design and organize the best travel package for a unique and memorable vacation. Our goal is for you to choose the most reputable, highly rated, and safe tour company.
We have analyzed for you 10 best tour companies in United Kingdom based on online reviews, the packages, and the company’s credibility.
Here we present an unbiased selection of 10 best travel agencies in the UK.
Providers | Reviews |
---|---|
Thames Rockets | Trip Advisor – 14,918 reviews |
Liquid History Tours | Trip Advisor – 5,473 reviews |
The Potter Trail | Trip Advisor – 3,335 reviews |
Strawberry Tours | Trip Advisor – 22,745 reviews |
Footprints Tours Oxford | Trip Advisor – 8,089 reviews |
Alternative London | Trip Advisor – 4,097 reviews |
London With A Local | Trip Advisor – 426 reviews |
Discover Scotland Tours | Trip Advisor – 3,151 reviews |
Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Black Cab Tours | Trip Advisor – 6,517 reviews |
London With A Local | Trip Advisor – 2,762 reviews |
Free Tours by Foot | Trip Advisor – 5,241 reviews |
Table update Jan 29, 2024
Thames Rockets
Rated as London’s no. 1 outdoors activity, Thames Rockets is here to bring you first-class entertainment! The company is one of the best tour operators in the United Kingdom, providing boat tours on London’s famous Thames River. Established in 2006, this company receives an average of 80,000 passengers every year. The tour guides are exceptionally professional and skilled at what they do. Don’t settle for less and hop on a tour tailor-made by Thames Rockets for an immersive boat experience!
Thames Rockets Best UK Tour Packages
Whether you are a solo traveler or visiting with your family and friends, Thames Rockets has detailed tour packages for every group size. Check out their most popular speed boat tour, The Ultimate London Experience. From Big Ben to the London Bridge, their tour guides will show you around London on this thrilling, speedy adventure!
If you are visiting London with your partner, you can choose their Thames Lates tour package. You will be taken on a sunset cruise on the Thames River while having a romantic experience with your partner.
Lastly, their Ultimate Kids Pirate Party tour package will provide unending entertainment for your children and family! With a special ‘Pirate Captain’ onboard, you will see all the popular sights while receiving top-notch entertainment.
Thames Rockets Reviews
As one of the best travel agencies in the UK, Thames Rockets exceeds the expectations of their clients every time. With over 14,900 reviews on TripAdvisor, they are ranked as #1 of 497 Outdoor Activities in London. They have also been awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A past customer wrote:
The trip with Thames Rockets was great fun! Entertaining guide, and great boat trip. We would for sure recommend… ericF9117WA
Read all reviews of Thames Rockets on TripAdvisor.
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Liquid History Tours
Specializing in London pub tours, Liquid History Tours was founded by local Londoners to give you a cultural tour of London’s lifestyle. They are well-versed in London’s “liquid history” and want to share their experience and knowledge with you. Their tour guides are friendly and passionate and they will take you to the best pubs in London. They organize small group tours so that you get the most immersive experience. Discover the quirky side of London on a trip with one of the best travel agencies in the United Kingdom.
Liquid History Tours Best United Kingdom Tour Packages
Drink your way through London on relaxing tours provided by Liquid History Tours’ tour packages. Their Drink London Tour will take you on a guided walk of London’s popular pubs and ale houses. On this leisure tour, you will travel at your own pace and visit at least 4 historic pubs with a wide selection of beer, gin and other alcoholic beverages.
Liquid History Tours also organizes private tours. Their Borough & Southwark tour package will take you to London’s historic brewing capital. You will get to visit local pubs including the famous “Shakespeare’s local”.
For an exciting experience, the Thames Taverns tour package will have you exploring London’s oldest riverside pubs. Your tour guides will ensure you have the best time while you drink away all your stress!
Liquid History Tours Reviews
Providing relaxing tours is a particular specialty of this United Kingdom tour company. Liquid History Tours has 5,482 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #1 of 1,424 Nightlife in London. They have received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. See what a satisfied customer said about them:
Kevins was amazing! So knowledgeable, friendly and funny! It was a wonderful experience of the historic pubs and I would highly recommend… Kathy S
Read all reviews of Liquid History Tours on TripAdvisor.
The Potter Trail
The Potter Trail invites all avid Harry Potter fans on a magical tour of Edinburgh! Discover all the magical locations of Edinburgh and see what inspired JK Rowling’s soulful characters. This highly-rated tour operator in the United Kingdom was established in 2012 and since then, the company has catered to a lot of tourists drawn to the fascinating land of Edinburgh. Their robed wizards (tour guides) will give you the most fantastic experience of Edinburgh’s atmospheric attractions.
The Potter Trail Best UK Tour Packages
Whether you are a Harry Potter fan or not, you will be sure to enjoy The Potter Trail’s immersive tour packages. You can choose to go on their magical walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town. From real life Diagon Alley to the café where JK Rowling wrote her first Harry Potter Book, you will be visiting all the popular locations around the town.
If you are traveling with your family, their Extended Magic Tour will give you a private tour of Edinburgh. You will also get a special show by Magus Negus, a real-life magician, to keep you entertained throughout your trip.
The Potter Trail also offers private school group tours where they will take students on an educational tour of the history, culture and beauty of Scotland while having fun at the same time!
The Potter Trail Reviews
The Potter Trail is one of the highest-rated and top-reviewed tour operators in the United Kingdom. With 3,339 reviews on TripAdvisor, they are ranked as #1 of 588 Tours & Activities in Edinburgh. They have received the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2023. A client of theirs wrote:
Fantastic tour of not only Harry Potter but learning about the history of Edinburgh. I’m a fan who knows quite a bit about Harry Potter but I definitely learnt a whole lot… Caitlyn J
Read all reviews of The Potter Trail on TripAdvisor.
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Strawberry Tours
Strawberry Tours is a leading free walking tour company in the United Kingdom that provides immersive tours of UK’s culture and history. The company has many years of experience in providing top-tier walking tours of London and other major cities in the UK. Their tour guides are knowledgeable and will answer any questions you throw at them. They value professionalism, customer service, reliability and innovation. Join Strawberry Tours on a memorable tour of UK’s most popular attractions.
Strawberry Tours Best United Kingdom Tour Packages
Strawberry Tours offers a wide selection of tour packages that you can choose from. You can go on their Free City Tour of London and know about its 1000 year old history. See popular attractions like the Big Ben, Fleet Street, Millennium Bridge and many more in this unique tour.
Also, uncover the mysteries of London’s famous serial killer in their Jack the Ripper London Tour. You will travel to Whitechapel and discover the dark side of Victorian Britain in this thrilling tour.
Their Free Night Tour of London will have you seeing historical sites in a unique way. From the vibrant streets of Soho to West End, this tour is a fantastic option to end your day in London.
Strawberry Tours Reviews
Strawberry Tours is one of the best free walking travel agencies in the United Kingdom with over 22,700 reviews on TripAdvisor. They have received the Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 for their excellent service and are ranked as #2 of 1,424 Nightlife in London. A customer that toured with them in the past wrote:
My friend and I did the Jack the Ripper walking tour last weekend and it was such an incredible experience. The perfect mix of informative, eerie, and lighthearted… Naomi K
Read all reviews of Strawberry Tours on TripAdvisor.
Footprints Tours Oxford
Footprints Tours Oxford is a student-led company that provides walking tours of the beautiful and historic city of Oxford. The company prioritizes attention to detail and customer care above all else. Besides walking tours, this company also provides bike tours and sightseeing tours of local attractions. As one of the most highly reviewed tour operators in the United Kingdom, Footprints Tours Oxford will make sure that you have a spectacular vacation filled with fun and entertainment.
Footprints Tours Oxford Best UK Tour Packages
Footprints Tours offers affordable tour packages that you can customize according to your budget, interests and schedule. Explore one of UK’s most popular tourist attractions, Stonehenge, in their Oxford to Stonehenge and Bath tour package. From the exquisite architecture in Bath to the historical monument of Stonehenge, this tour will provide you a truly breathtaking experience of the United Kingdom.
Their Oxford Ghost Tour will have you listening to spooky ghost stories and unsolved murders with their entertaining tour guides. Also admire Oxford University at night.
Also, you can opt for their York Minster & City Tour. You will visit the largest cathedral in Northern Europe and move through the city as you learn its culture and history.
Footprints Tours Oxford Reviews
Footprints Tours Oxford has been consistently providing satisfactory walking and day tours to its clients. This United Kingdom tour company has over 8,000 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #2 of 124 Tours & Activities in Oxford. They were awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A satisfied customer wrote:
Great walking tour in Oxford. Our guide Lizzie was excellent – friendly, personable, funny and very knowledgeable. We were able to visit parts of the University and… Susan D
Read all reviews of Footprints Tours Oxford on TripAdvisor.
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Alternative London
Prepare to be taken off the beaten track on culturally immersive tours provided by Alternative London. Founded in 2010 by Gary Means, Alternative London is the pioneering tour operator in United Kingdom for street art tours. They provide personalized service and pay attention to the interests and needs of their customers. With their highly trained and professional staffs, Alternative London provides one of the best tourist experiences in all of London.
Alternative London Best United Kingdom Tour Packages
With Alternative London’s tour packages, you will get a chance to interact with locals and see the city from a local’s perspective. Go on their original award-winning tour of London, the Alternative London Street Art Tour. Experience the culture and vibrancy of street art in East End while having a chat with world-renowned street artists in this wonderfully crafted tour package.
Delve into London’s fascinating history on their Alternative London Bike Tour. Cruise on well-serviced Pendleton bikes with professional guides as they show you around various attractions in London.
The East London Food Tour is a fantastic option for a family tour. Start your tour in Shoreditch and move deeper into East London while tasting food prepared by award-winning chefs from different cultures.
Alternative London Reviews
Alternative London has 4,098 reviews on TripAdvisor and has raised the standards of tourism in the industry through its well-crafted tours. This UK travel agency is ranked as #2 of 499 Classes & Workshops in London. Furthermore, they have also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A customer who recently visited them wrote:
Great to view a lesser-known area of London. There are so many types of street art that you might miss them without a guide. The walk was easy… Teresa N
Read all reviews of Alternative London on TripAdvisor.
Discover Scotland Tours
Discover Scotland Tours is a family-run business committed to providing exceptional Highland tour experiences. Their tours feature passionate and knowledgeable local guides who share insights into Scotland’s history, culture, and landscapes. The company wants to create unique and lasting memories for you through their carefully crafted Highland tours. At Discover Scotland Tours, they value safety, comfort, and reliability. Explore the beauty of Scotland with this excellent tour operator based in United Kingdom.
Discover Scotland Tours Best UK Tour Packages
Discover Scotland has multiple tour packages that will cater to all your travel needs. Go on their one-day excursion of Loch Ness, Haunting Glencoe & the Highlands. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Scottish countryside, visit Loch Lomond Lake and explore the last remaining wilderness of the Highlands in this superbly crafted tour package.
They also have a 4D Isle of Mull, Iona and the Highlands tour package. On this tranquil adventure, you will get to see rare white-tailed sea eagles on the isles and walk on Scotland’s finest beaches.
If you’re in Edinburgh, don’t forget to check out their St Andrews and Falkland Palace Tour. This 1 day excursion will take you through Scotland’s fishing villages and medieval towns. You can even golf at the Old Course, the best golf course in the world!
Discover Scotland Tours Reviews
Discover Scotland Tours has impressed its clientele with its authentic and enjoyable tour packages. As one of the best tour companies in the United Kingdom, Discover Scotland Tours has 3,151 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #2 of 211 Tours & Activities in Glasgow. Among their awards is the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award of 2023. A past client of theirs wrote:
We took a day tour from Glasgow to visit the highlands. Our driver, Stuart, was amazing! He spent the whole tour teaching us about Scottish history and other interesting facts… Olga I
Read all reviews of Discover Scotland Tours on TripAdvisor.
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Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Black Cab Tours
With over 38 years of taxiing experience in Belfast, Paddy Campbell’s Black Cab Tours is one of the best-rated tour companies in the United Kingdom. Their fleets of licensed drivers are all locals that know every nook and cranny of Belfast. They specialize in designing executive and fun tour experiences that can be adapted to your interests and choices. Their friendly and professional service will ensure an unforgettable experience of Belfast for you.
Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Black Cab Tours Best UK Tour Packages
With Paddy Campbell, you get tour packages that ensure maximum safety, comfort and most importantly, fun! If you are looking for a nature-based getaway, their Beyond Belfast tour package will take you on a day-trip across the North Antrim Coast. You will visit world-famous sites like the Bushmills distillery and Dunluce Castle with a professional driver on this short trip.
Opt for their most popular tour, the Political Murals Tour. Paddy Campbell will take you on an immersive tour that explores the city’s political aspects. You will see the Falls and Shankill roads, the Peaceline and Belfast’s own “Berlin Wall” on this tour.
If you are a fan of the popular TV show Game of Thrones, you can go on their Game of Thrones Tour. Filmed in Northern Ireland, this tour will have you seeing familiar & breathtaking sights of the show.
Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Black Cab Tours Reviews
With 6,517 reviews on TripAdvisor, Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Black Cab Tours has earnestly earned its spot as one of the top-rated tour operators in the UK. They are ranked as #4 of 251 Tours & Activities in Belfast. They have also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. See what a past client of theirs wrote about them:
This is the second tour I have done with Paddy Campbell’s tours (the first being ten years ago). I highly recommend these tours. Paddy took his time to tell us about the history… Melanie B
Read all reviews of Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Black Cab Tours on TripAdvisor.
London with a Local
Born out of a desire to provide unique tours of London, London with a Local was created. Since then, it has grown to become a well-known travel agency in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2018 by a mix of Londoners, this tour provider provides opportunities for tourists to see the city through the eyes of the locals. The tour guides themselves are deeply in love with their city and know the ins and outs of each corner and alley. Embark on a memorable day trip across London with the best tour guide at your side.
London with a Local Best UK Tour Packages
London with a Local will give you the best tourist experience while avoiding all of the crowded places. Their Free Royal Westminster Tour is a must-do in London. You will be taken to the Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and The House of Parliament all at once in this wonderful tour package.
If you are looking for a banger, choose their Rock and Roll Soho Tour. Explore Soho’s history, see where the Beatles played their first song and take a stroll down Carnaby Street in this pop-culture fueled trip.
Embrace the magical world on their Harry Potter Wizarding Tour. In this 2 hour tour, you will see famous places where the movies were filmed. There is even a Hogwarts Trivia quiz at the end!
London with a Local Reviews
London with a Local has redefined the standards of tourism in the industry through their superbly crafted tours. This leading United Kingdom tour operator has 2,764 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #4 of 1,932 Tours & Activities in London. They have won the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 3 consecutive years – 2021, 2022 and 2023! Here’s what a past customer said about them:
Best tour in London. Guide is knowledgeable and friendly. Also shows changing of the guards! Highly recommend… Amanda A
Read all reviews of London with a Local on TripAdvisor.
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Free Tours by Foot
As the name suggests, Free Tours by Foot is a tour company in the United Kingdom that provides free walking tours in more than 50 cities around Europe. Boasting a service of more than 3 million tourists, this tour provider is excellent at catering to tourists’ needs and interests. Their tour guides are fun-loving and passionate about what they do. The company was founded back in 2007 and since then, it has provided unforgettable experiences to many tourists.
Free Tours by Foot Best UK Tour Packages
You can choose from a range of various tour packages that Free Tours by Foot offers. Start with their All in One London Tour where they combine the best attractions that London has to offer. From Westminster and Big Ben to the London Bridge and the Thames River, this 6 hour tour will take you on an unforgettable adventure of London.
Also, join their Beatles Tour in Liverpool. See which bars and pubs the Beatles frequented, know about their musical history and see the Beatles Statues in this fun-filled trip.
Lastly, opt for Glasgow’s Dark and Mysterious Past tour package. You will explore alleys and roads and discover the deep and dark history of Glasgow and the British Empire with a professional tour guide at your side.
Free Tours by Foot Reviews
Free Tours by Foot is a leading travel agency in the United Kingdom that has many satisfactory customer reviews under its belt. An astonishing 5,241 reviews on TripAdvisor has earned them the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. They are ranked as #6 of 476 Food & Drink in London. A past customer of theirs wrote:
Excellent tour by Wesley. He is wonderful guide, vast knowledge of history, great sense of humor, very pleasant and ready to answer any question. Highly recommended… 70ava
Read all reviews of Free Tours by Foot on TripAdvisor.
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FAQs
The best tours in the UK consist of the London Bridge and Westminster Abbey tour, Stonehenge tour, Harry Potter tours, Jack the Ripper tours and traditional history and culture tours.
The best way to tour the UK is by train. With more than 2,000 stations all over the country, you can get an excellent view of the English countryside while traveling in comfortable, high-speed trains.
The best months to tour UK are from Match to June and from September to November. This will let you avoid the busy summer periods while still being able to enjoy the warm and dry weather of the country.
For a complete circuit trip in the UK, at least a month is required. However, you can cover most attractions of one or two significant areas in 2 weeks.
Most tourists head out straight to London, which can be a bit overwhelming. Instead, start at the town of Bath or Oxford. These towns offer plenty of opportunities for you to explore traditional English culture & heritage before you move to the actual big cities of UK.