Top England On the Water

Sail around the Farne Islands on this group tour, where you’ll have the chance to spot puffins, terns, razorbills, and loads more birds. You’ll land for an hour to visit the Inner Farne National Trust Bird Sanctuary, where your attendant will answer all your questions and tell you about the area’s history. You’ll also see seals, waterfalls, and much more.

See the historic city of York from a different perspective during an Ouse River cruise. Setting off in the early evening when the light softens, sail past ancient landmarks and quaint riverside villages, all the while learning about the area’s Roman and Viking heritage. Keep warm in the heated saloon, where you can buy alcoholic drinks, warm beverages, and snacks.

Canal cruises tend to come with dry commentary, which can make an hour on the water drag. This one keeps things entertaining, narrated by comedian Dave Spikey, of "Phoenix Nights" and "8 Out of 10 Cats," whose recorded tour walks through Skipton's history and the story of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal with jokes alongside the facts. Food and drink are served on board, and the trip runs whatever the weather.

Seeing London’s landmarks from the water offers a different perspective, especially when combined with high-speed travel. This Thames speedboat experience pairs sightseeing with an adrenaline-fueled ride through the city's heart. Cruise past highlights such as Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster along the River Thames, making it a time-efficient option for travelers who want both excitement and views in one outing.

Cambridge is known for its University colleges and its punting scene. Combine both of these things by going on a private Cambridge punting tour, which takes you past the backs of multiple colleges, such as Magdalene, and King's. You’ll see beautiful views that can only be reached by water, and a private tour means you’ll have direct access to your chauffeur for questions about Cambridge.

Warner Bros. Studios, where the "Harry Potter™" movies were made, sits on the outskirts of London, making it a bit of a trek. This full-day tour includes round-trip coach transportation from central London, so you can spend the day exploring the spellbinding movie sets on your own.

Get off the tourist trail and combine sightseeing with high-octane thrills on a Thames River speedboat cruise, the ideal choice for adrenaline junkies. On a RIB (rigid inflatable boat), zoom past London landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Shard, and HMS Belfast at full throttle, while slowing down intermittently to listen to comic commentary. Experience the river in a new way and get a brand new perspective on the city's sights.

This private sailing experience offers an intimate alternative to crowded group tours. Enjoy a skippered yacht exclusively for your group of up to four people. Choose to get involved and learn to drive the boat or relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery along Lake Windermere. Your sailing experience is tailored to your skill level and preferences, discussed with your skipper before setting sail from Storrs Hall Hotel.

Admire Cambridge from a premium perspective on the Cam River and enjoy a quintessentially English adventure on this punting tour. Hop into your punt on the banks of the river and glide gracefully along the peaceful waterway as your guide points out King's College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Mathematical Bridge, which you can enjoy away from the land-based crowds. In case the English summer takes a turn for the worse, your punt is equipped with blankets, cushions, and umbrellas.

One of London’s most recognizable and in-demand attractions, the Lastminute.com London Eye welcomes millions of visitors every year. Skip the sightseeing hassle and secure your admission before you travel by booking 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.

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.

Stonehenge and Bath sit in different directions west of London, so pairing them in a day means a lot of driving and timing to figure out. Ride a coach that links both, with the route and schedule handled for you. Choose to add entry to one or more sights when you book—Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, the Jane Austen Centre—or keep it flexible and explore on your own.

Escape the crowds on land and see London from a different perspective during a high-speed cruise on the Thames River—the ideal choice for time-pressed travelers looking to cover more sights in less time. Feel the adrenaline rush as twin turbo 740HP engines propel you past Greenwich, the O2, and many other landmarks. Plus, choose from multiple departure times throughout the day to suit your schedule.

England's rural highlights are scattered beyond London, and reaching Bath, Windsor, and Stonehenge in a day means driving and navigating country roads yourself. Skip the rental car on this day trip; with transportation handled, you can focus on the sights. Explore the spa city of Bath and the town of Windsor, with optional visits to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge to add on.

The Cornish coastline is a magical kayaking destination, with smugglers' caves, dramatic cliffs, magical coves, and crystal-clear waters, maybe even with the odd seal. This sea kayak adventure is the perfect way to discover it. Numbers are capped at eight, so there's personalized attention from your qualified kayaking instructor, while beginners will learn the kayaking fundamentals at an activity center first.

Immerse yourself in the real-life stories behind one of London's most notorious criminal cases on this Jack the Ripper tour that is like no other. Follow your guide through the streets of East London and hear their insights into the serial killer's life and crimes while state-of-the-art RIPPER-VISION™, hand-held projectors bring the atmosphere of Victorian London to life.

Explore London’s top sights with flexibility aboard an open-top, double-decker bus. Get off only at the stops you're interested in and choose the ticket duration that works best for you. Travel between Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and more while enjoying panoramic city views from an open-top bus. Explore at your own pace, learn local history with onboard commentary, and upgrade your experience to include a River Thames cruise for a fresh perspective of the capital.

Discover London from the water on a relaxing round-trip Thames River Sightseeing Cruise between Westminster Pier and Greenwich Pier. Sit back and enjoy uninterrupted views of the city's world-famous landmarks as you cruise along the iconic River Thames. Admire sights such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Canary Wharf, and the historic maritime district of Greenwich. Choose between the spacious open-air upper deck for panoramic views or the comfortable indoor saloon with large viewing windows. Enhance your journey with live commentary in English or an audio guide app available in six languages, offering fascinating insights into London's rich history and famous attractions. With onboard restroom facilities and a fully licensed bar, this round-trip cruise provides a comfortable and memorable way to experience the capital.

See London transform into a glittering art display on the Illuminated River boat tour. London's famous bridges can disappear into the background during daytime sightseeing, but this Thames boat trip reveals them in a totally new light. As night falls, watch nine iconic bridges come alive with vibrant LED displays as you cruise through the world’s longest public art installation.

Enjoy a relaxed, hassle-free evening in Oxford with this river cruise and dinner combination that takes care of both sightseeing and dining in one seamless experience. Cruise along the River Thames while sipping chilled prosecco and taking in peaceful views of Christchurch Meadows and the university boathouses. Afterward, head to a highly regarded city-center restaurant for a delicious three-course meal—perfect for making the most of your time without juggling separate bookings.

Reaching the Warner Bros. Studio Tour on the outskirts of London means working out trains and connections before you even arrive. Ride a coach straight there from central London at a departure time you pick when booking, with entry included. Once inside, explore the film sets, costumes, and props of the Harry Potter™ movies at your own pace, and see how the special effects were made.

Experience a wealth of England’s rural and historical treasures, plus the fictional "Downton Abbey" village, on this hassle-free full-day trip from London. With round-trip coach transport, visit the splendid Blenheim Palace, the UNESCO World Heritage-protected country house where Sir Winston Churchill was born—you can add admission tickets when you book. Also visit the Cotswolds and the pretty village of Bampton, home to multiple "Downton Abbey" filming locations.

Explore beyond London without renting a car or navigating unfamiliar roads on this full-day coach tour to three of Britain’s historic and culturally important destinations. Visit Windsor Castle to see the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel, then head to the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge, and finish in Bath, famed for its Georgian architecture and Roman Baths.

Set sail from Lowestoft on a seal spotting trip that takes in the picturesque coasts of Gorleston and Great Yarmouth. Enjoy speeding along on the ocean on your way to the seals, then get your binoculars at the ready as you slow down to see where the seals are basking on sand banks and bobbing in the water — this trip does not disturb the seals.