Top East Midlands Historical Tours

Nottingham has a stranger story than you might expect. Beneath the streets are ancient caves. Above them are medieval churches, a legendary outlaw, a notorious inn and a city transformed by the Industrial Revolution. On this 1.5 hour walking tour, your local guide brings those stories to life as you explore Nottingham's historic heart. Wander through Nottingham’s oldest streets, uncovering stories of Anglo-Saxon settlers, medieval merchants, and daring outlaws. Learn how the Industrial Revolution transformed the city, hear the secrets of its ancient cave system, and uncover tales of Robin Hood, body snatchers, and revolutionary entrepreneurs who changed the course of history. All with a local, passionate guide!

Historic Cambridge is so compact that it can be hard to navigate using apps. Discover the perfect walking route for your group—including access to some university colleges (entrance fees may apply)—with the insider knowledge of your own, private Cambridge guide. Choose between two tours, one focused on Cambridge city center, which includes many university buildings, and the second highlighting the university and a scenic riverside walk.

Join me, Little John, on a journey through the heart of Nottingham! Hear the real tales of Robin Hood, the wicked Sheriff, and the fight for justice. From the mighty walls of Nottingham Castle to the hidden caves of Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, I'll share stories of power, rebellion, and survival. Walk the streets where legends were born, uncover secrets of Sherwood Forest, and discover the truth behind the myths. This lively, immersive tour brings history to life with wit, grit, and spirit. We'll also wander through the old Lace Market, once the pride of Nottingham. I'll show ye how the rich stayed rich, and how folk like us fought back! Adventure awaits — will ye stand with the Merry Men?

The historic city of Nottingham was home to one of the UK’s most popular outlaws: Robin Hood. Explore the city at your own pace while solving riddles and trying to outsmart the Sheriff of Nottingham on this self-guided interactive tour and scavenger hunt. Learn the hidden history behind some of the city’s most popular landmarks, including the oldest pub in England.

Just over an hour from London by train ( I do the journey daily), Leicester is rich in history, sport and culture. Remember the discovery of King Richard III under a carpark in Leicester. In this tour we will visit the spot where he had lain buried for 527 years as well as visiting his majestic resting place in Leicester Cathedral where he was re-interred in the presence of royals and descendants of those who fought with him at the Battle of Bosworth. On our private walking tour of Leicester we will also visit the beautiful old Guildhall and see the old Jewry Wall Bathhouse which dates from Roman times and visit other spots that were important in the life and death of King Richard III Leicester also played host to the English Civil War. Whilst not much of the castle remains now it has an important past. You can still see the loopholes the Parliamentary defenders made to shoot out at the Royalists outside. We will also explore the ‘modern’ Georgian streets in the centre of the city.

Plan your ultimate getaway, a magnificent estate offering a full day of discovery. Step inside the grand Regency castle, famous for its opulent rooms and as a location for "The Crown." Afterwards, wander through acres of breathtaking gardens, with landscapes designed by the legendary 'Capability' Brown. Complete your visit at a charming artisan retail village where you can find unique gifts, local produce, and delicious food and drink.

Turning the streets of Lincoln into an adventure playground! Get a unique perspective of this historical city on this self-guided, interactive treasure hunt with an escape room twist. It's the best way to see the city! On your adventure, unlock a hidden trail, find clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges, earning points along the way. Discover the city's highlights, explore hidden gems, learn some fun facts, and see things that most people just pass by. As the activity is all self-guided through the app, you can start your Quest when you want and go at your own pace, stopping for breaks. It's an ideal activity for couples, families, and groups of friends. Will you conquer the Quest?

This self-guided audio walking tour through medieval Leicester is hosted by historian and History Hit podcaster Matt Lewis. On this walking tour, you'll discover the dramatic history hiding behind the 2012 discovery of King Richard III beneath a city car park. Over the next hour, your smartphone's GPS automatically plays Matt’s narration at exactly the right time and place, letting you safely explore at your own pace. Starting at the Richard III Visitor Centre, you'll track the final footsteps of England’s last Plantagenet king. You'll learn the secrets of the Newarke Gateway, pass the drafty remains of Leicester Castle, and look down at the ancient Roman wall. You'll walk to Bow Bridge to learn the grim legend of Richard's departure, explore St. Nicholas Church, and marvel at the architecture of Guildhall Lane. The tour finishes at the Cathedral Gardens by Richard's statue and final tomb. Download the app and step into history!

Book this tour to find out about many different aspects of Nottingham. We will discuss the myth and legend of Robin Hood and the historical links. There will be a reflection on Nottingham's role in the civil war. You will hear about how a riot brought about the end of Nottingham Castle. We will discuss the city’s rich cultural past, from rendezvous at the Left Lion to its sporting and fashionable history. The tour will explain the Anglo-Saxon history and goose fair. The tour will take in many of the city center's top sights and stories, including; The Old Trip to Jerusalem (and the story of the Cursed Galleon), The Robin Hood statue (find out the truth behind the legend), The Nottingham Castle Gate (discover Nottingham's royal past), the Old Market Square (where the people of Nottingham meet. The tour will end at Weekday cross & the Lace Market which will allow for a reflection on Nottingham, from Anglo-Saxon times to the current day.

Turning the streets of Leicester into an adventure playground! Get a unique perspective of this historical town on this self-guided, interactive treasure hunt with an escape room twist. It's the best way to discover Leicester! On your adventure, unlock a hidden trail, find clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges, earning points along the way. Discover the town's highlights, explore hidden gems, learn some fun facts, and see things that most people just pass by. As the activity is all self-guided through the app, you can start your Quest when you want and go at your own pace, stopping for breaks. It's an ideal activity for couples, families, and groups of friends. You can use the Quests as a Team Building activity too! Will you conquer the Quest?

Our experience is totally unique as it not only gives you access to an award winning car museum but also gives the opportunity to actually drive one of the 29 cars that shaped popular British culture over the last 70 years. You can make a full day of it with freshly cooked food or refreshments at our onsite café. There are other activities like woodland walks available on site too

Explore Nottingham's rich history while visiting 5 of its finest historic pubs. This tour takes you through the city’s charming streets, revealing fascinating tales of Robin Hood, medieval knights, and local legends. Each pub holds a unique story, from one with a canal running through it to another possibly being the oldest in Britain, complete with caves beneath. Enjoy a complimentary drink at each of the four pubs you visit, making it a delightful way to savor Nottingham's vibrant pub culture while soaking in its historical ambiance. - Visit five authentic historic pubs, each with a unique character - Enjoy a free drink at each stop, including local ales and soft drinks - Sightseeing highlights include tales of Robin Hood and local history - Duration of 4-5 hours, with convenient meeting points available

Stamford is a real hidden jewel of England. It has unique mix of history and fabulous Georgian architecture along with some terrific old shopping streets. Maybe that is why Sir Walter Scott declared Stamford to be “the finest stone town in England”. With over 600 listed buildings of gorgeous limestone including five of the most spectacular medieval churches anyway it is perhaps not a surprise that it is often voted amongst the best places to live and also home to best high street in Britain.  Next to Burghley House, known around the world for its Horsetrials and depicted in all sorts of big TV and cinema shows. Burghley is one of the largest & grandest surviving houses of the 16thC & amongst the very finest examples of the great Elizabethan houses.  We will explore all over the house in the service areas & upstairs for all the magnificent rooms and corridors all richly decorated with fabulous works of art. Finally we can explore the gardens and landscaped estate.

Our private walking tour will show you all the best bits of this incredibly unique city, home to the largest public square in the U.K. There is one man who epitomizes Nottingham above all else and we will follow hot on his tail to various points in the City that are pivotal to the adventures of Robin Hood including the gatehouse and walls of Nottingham Castle. Nottingham sits upon what is known as the City of Caves with there being almost 1,000 known caves beneath the city. In our tour we will descend underground, seeing the highlights, some of which were used in WW2 as public air-raid shelters Visit the old Lace Market & uncover the secrets of this famous part of Nottinghams' heritage. We will also learn about some of the less palatable parts of the history of Nottingham, where many of the executions took place.  We end at possibly the oldest pub in Britain. Frequented by crusaders heading south and partially built into the rock beneath Nottingham Castle.

Discover Nottingham, a vibrant, forward-thinking city deeply rooted in its fascinating past. Starting and ending at the Old Market Square, this roughly circular route takes you past iconic landmarks including the Park Tunnel and historic Nottingham Castle. You'll uncover a pub uniquely carved into a cliff face and explore a mysterious sandstone tunnel deep beneath the city streets. Nottingham is famed for its subterranean wonders, expect descents into underground features, including steps and a large tunnel to walk through. Along the way, your guide Helen shares insider tips and local haunts, so you'll always know the best spots to pause and soak in the atmosphere. This is a self-guided outdoor walking tour. Most stops are exterior visits, for the few attractions offering indoor entry, you're welcome to visit independently at your own expense.

Your own guide. Your own time. Get your bearings and discover Nottingham on an exclusive private tour, with your own local, expert guide. Our tour is all about spending time with a local, as well as uncovering our deep history. Nottingham has a stranger story than you might expect. Beneath the streets are ancient caves, above them are medieval churches, a legendary outlaw, a notorious inn and a city transformed by the Industrial Revolution. On this 1.5 hour walking tour, your local guide brings those stories to life as you explore Nottingham’s historic heart. Wander through Nottingham’s oldest streets, uncovering stories of Anglo-Saxon settlers, medieval merchants, and daring outlaws. Learn how the Industrial Revolution transformed the city, hear the secrets of its ancient cave system, and uncover tales of Robin Hood, body snatchers, and revolutionary entrepreneurs who changed the course of history. All with a local, passionate guide!

This tour is great for anyone making a day trip from London. We would meet you outside Peterborough Station (45 mins from London). It's a short walk to the wonderful old Guildhall. Built originally in 1671 it has served as both a market & a townhall. A farmers market is still held here regularly along with many over events in the square. A short stroll away is the really rather wonderful Peterborough Cathedral which we shall explore inside. We can then get the train a short distance to either the beautiful Georgian Town of Stamford famed as being the most beautiful stone built and Georgian town in Britain. Then on to Oakham, see the unique castle set amongst its old walls and beautiful park with old bandstand. Admire the fabulous old church and check out the old Stocks in the Buttermarket amongst much more besides. Oakham and Rutland are known for being great for foodies and there is lots to see & buy. It's a private tour so runs when you want it and at whatever pace you like.

Step into Robin Hood’s Nottingham, explore medieval streets, iconic landmarks, and Lord Byron’s legacy on a private walking tour filled with legends, history, and hidden gems.

Our Private Oakham Pub Tour isn’t just a pub tour but also visits some of the oldest and most characterful parts of the market town of Oakham and we will see castles, churches, market squares, and all sorts of other history along the way.  A drink for each person in each pub is included in the tour price though of course, soft and sometimes hot drinks are available if preferred. We normally meet outside Oakham Railway Station which is easy for day-trippers from London (also Nottingham, Peterborough, and Leicester) but this tour is also perfect for anyone staying in one of the lovely hotels in Rutland, all just a short taxi ride away.  If you’re staying in Oakham itself, I can meet you at your hotel.

World War II buffs won't want to miss the chance to pay tribute to almost 58,000 individuals from over 60 countries who lost their lives serving with Bomber Command during the War. A visit to Lincoln's International Bomber Command Centre is the perfect way to commemorate them. Your ticket includes access to interactive galleries, landscaped peace gardens, and the 100-foot (30-meter) memorial, while tours run regularly across the day.

What makes this Nottingham tour unique is its rich blend of history, folklore, and culture. Starting at Old Market Square, the city's vibrant heart, the tour delves into Nottingham Castle's storied past, including its connections to the legendary Robin Hood. The journey through the Lace Market showcases Nottingham's industrial heritage, while the descent into the Nottingham Caves reveals hidden subterranean secrets. Visiting Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem offers a glimpse into one of England's oldest pubs, steeped in history and legends. The tour concludes with a tribute to Robin Hood, making it a comprehensive exploration of Nottingham's fascinating narrative.

Explore Melton Mowbray, a historic market town known for its rich heritage beyond just delicious pork pies and Stilton cheese. This private walking tour unveils the town’s medieval market squares, ancient churches, and Georgian architecture, all while sharing captivating stories of royalty and rebels. Perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers, the tour concludes at the Anne of Cleeves pub with a complimentary drink. - Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours - Meeting point: London St Pancras Railway Station or a hotel in the area - Discover the Church of St Mary and local legends - Group bookings available for an engaging experience

The history of Oakham goes back over a thousand years with people living here much earlier too. Oakham is a beautiful vibrant market town which somehow manages to be wonderfully quiet compared to the noisy chaos of London. It makes for a great day out or even long weekend away. Our special private walking tour is the best way to either see it all or get your bearings for a longer stay. Our Private Walking Tour is just for you and will explore all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful market town, the county town of Rutland. See the unique castle set amongst its old walls and beautiful park with old bandstand. Admire the fabulous old church and check out the old Stocks in the Buttermarket amongst much more besides. Oakham and Rutland are known for being great for foodies and there is lots to see and buy. It's a private tour so runs when you want it and at whatever pace you like. Please note Oakham is a small market town, museum & castle interior closed Sundays & Tuesdays.