Top England Seasonal & Special Occasions - page 2

Get up close to one of London's UNESCO World Heritage sites on a visit to Greenwich's Royal Observatory. Stand astride the Prime Meridian: The line that divides the eastern and western hemispheres and defines Greenwich Mean Time. With the help of an audio guide, learn about the work of British honorary astronomers and hear fun facts about space, time, and the stars.

Immerse yourself in the history of England—and see some fantastic architecture along the way—on a full-day trip to Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds from London. Rather than spending hours figuring out how to reach this rural part of England, you'll be transported through the countryside on a Wi-Fi-equipped coach that ensures you stay connected. See filming locations used in the hit TV series "Downton Abbey" and upgrade to go inside Blenheim Palace, to see landscaped gardens and lavish decor.

Visit the charming villages of the Cotswolds region, without worrying about driving (or finding parking), by booking this small-group tour of the region. You'll visit Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water (the so-called "Venice of the Cotswolds"), with time left over to visit Malmesbury Abbey, the burial site of Athelstan, England's first king.

London’s top sights are spread out, making it tiring to try to hit them all with limited time. Instead, zip by attractions such as Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye during this double-decker sightseeing tour. Even better, coaches depart in the evening so you can beat London’s snarls of traffic while seeing its landmarks all lit up after dark.

London's landmarks are spread along the Thames, and pairing dinner with sightseeing usually means choosing between the two and getting caught between them. Do both from the water instead, cruising past the lit-up city over a three-course dinner as the sights pass by. A glass of sparkling wine on boarding starts the evening, with music and dancing to follow once you've eaten.

Learn about a different, macabre side of the UK's capital city on this evening ghost tour. Follow your guide as you listen to haunting tales of London’s hidden history that most tourists miss out on—spanning crime, murder, and mayhem. Check city landmarks off your sightseeing list at the same time, including St Paul's Cathedral and more.

Visit many of London's top landmarks in one convenient booking. Start with an early-access visit to the UNESCO-listed Tower of London, including the Opening Ceremony and a self-guided Tower of London visit via a multilingual app, taking it all in at your own pace. Then, take another self-guided walking tour for independent exploration of other Westminster landmarks, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Get into the festive spirit with this nighttime tour around London’s sparkling Christmas lights—without having to battle the crowds on the city's busy sidewalks. Ride through the bustling city streets on a classic 50-year-old double-decker bus and see Oxford Street, Knightsbridge, the Houses of Parliament, the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, and more. Hear all about the sights you’re seeing from your guide’s commentary, and enjoy the lights from a unique vantage point that many travelers miss.

Built using more than 12,000 tons (11,000 tonnes) of steel, Tower Bridge is a London icon. Get up close when you book this timed-entry ticket that grants you access to both the glass-floor walkways and the engine rooms. Inhale views of St. Paul’s, The Shard, the Tower of London, and more, from 138 feet (42 meters) above the river, and discover its story through interactive displays and exhibitions.

Delve into the dark side of York, and see the city in a new light, on this evening ghost bus tour. Visit notorious local haunts of restless spirits and pass eerie sites such as York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and the grave of Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman and murderer. Throughout the tour, hear anecdotes and fascinating facts about York’s grisly past, and make key stops for a closer look at the city’s most haunted buildings.

Savor traditional British favorites on this small-group London food tour. Led by a local guide, guests are taken to artisanal and local food stalls at the city’s historic Borough and Leadenhall Markets and nearby Southwark. The tour menu may include stops to try sausage rolls, fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding. An excellent option for travelers who like to learn about a city through its culinary heritage, this tour allows guests to sample a selection of classic British flavors in a single morning.

Visit the historic spa city of Bath, explore Windsor, and add-on extra visits to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge, if you wish. All options include a break for a traditional English pub lunch, along with well-honed logistics and transport for a hassle-free day. Avoid the stress of renting a car and navigating between England’s rural highlights, leaving you free to focus on the sights beyond London.

Be immersed in Britain’s most famous cultural activity on this afternoon pub tour of London. Visit some of the city’s oldest taverns and get the traditional experience, with classic drinks and pub food included in the price. Benefit from the insider knowledge of your local guide and receive personalized attention on this small-group tour.

Explore London’s historic pubs on a guided walking tour through Covent Garden, visiting four centuries-old pubs with unique histories. Enjoy time for a local drink at each stop while learning about the pubs’ colorful pasts and social role. This tour offers a rich experience of British pub culture and lively atmosphere, with plenty of pub recommendations to enhance your visit.

Perfect for WWII history buffs, this private tour traces Winston Churchill's life through his childhood homes, favorite tailors, and cigar shops. Cross essential London sights off your bucket list, like 10 Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament, then enjoy skip-the-line entry to the Churchill War Rooms for a focused visit without waiting.

Delve into London’s dark history on an evening ghost tour of the city’s royal parks, ideal for thrill-seekers and history buffs. Under the cloak of darkness, explore dimly lit parks and historic buildings while listening to spine chilling stories from your ghoulish guide. Plus, enjoy a Thames River cruise which ends at the Tower of London, allegedly London’s most haunted landmark.

The medieval Tower of London is widely considered among London’s top attractions, but exploring independently means missing its hidden secrets. On this private tour, explore the tower as your guide brings its history to life—from its previous inmates to the treasures it currently holds. Along the way, meet the ravens guarding the tower, and discover must-see sites including the crown jewels and the White Tower. Upgrade to include a classic afternoon tea after your tour.

London's darker history is scattered across the city, and the sites tied to it are easy to walk past without knowing what happened there. Ride a vintage Routemaster bus with a guide instead, covering the ground between them while the stories fill in what you're looking at. Pass landmarks such as St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, and Fleet Street, lit up as you go.

Enjoy a new way to explore London—and benefit from a time-saving option that's perfect for thrill-seekers—on this speedboat tour of the Thames River. With just a small group for company, hop aboard, get settled, and then hit high speeds of up to 35 mph (56 kph). As you splash down the river, pass landmarks such as Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe, the Tower of London, and the London Eye.

Step into the murky world of Victorian-era London as you uncover the shocking truths of the city’s most notorious serial killer, Jack the Ripper. Brave a 90-minute walking tour of the murderous streets of East London where Jack the Ripper found his unfortunate victims, as you unravel the facts and play detective to one of London’s greatest mysteries.

Eat your way around London’s Notting Hill area like a local, stopping at spots you’d easily miss if you tried exploring on your own. Ideal for fans of all things baked, try a range of sweet and savoury treats, such as cardamom buns, scones, bakewell tarts, and more. Avoid the tourist traps and learn about the neighborhood while you eat.

London's headline sights are spread across the city, and stitching them into one day on your own means a lot of transit and timing. Cover the main landmarks in one loop, taking in St. Paul's Cathedral, a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. An extended Thames River cruise rounds out the day, with the option to add a London Eye ride or cream tea at Harrods.

One of London’s most recognizable and in-demand attractions, the Lastminute.com London Eye welcomes millions of visitors every year. Save yourself any sightseeing hassle, and secure your admission before you travel, when you book your tickets in advance. Upon arrival, step into a large, air-conditioned capsule and take to the skies for impeccable views of Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and other key landmarks.

Book your tickets in advance and step aboard the Cutty Sark in Greenwich to discover what life was like on board a 19th-century tea clipper boat. The world’s sole surviving clipper, the 'Cutty Sark' today is an award-winning boat-museum, which allows you to learn about the China tea trade voyages and life at sea. Your admission ticket lets you stay as long as you want aboard the boat and explore at your own pace.