Top South East England Culture - page 7

Christ Church is home to many wonders, and I'm lucky enough to be one of the few guides accredited to take private tours inside. The college caps these at 5 people, so they are very exclusive! Christ Church is the most famous college in the world's oldest English-speaking university, unique in having a chapel that's also a cathedral. It has been a place of worship for 1300 years, founded by a feisty Saxon saint before Oxford even existed. Over time it became home not just to thousands of scholars but to the real Alice in Wonderland and, more recently, a famous boy wizard. I invite you to travel back in time via the spectacular Tudor dining hall, miraculously rescued ancient shrine, carved throne of doomed King Charles I, fabulous Hogwarts staircase and rare medieval stained glass windows to get a history of not just the college, but England itself. IMPORTANT: I'll need to check the college's availability before confirming.

Discover a range of top attractions in London with this day bus excursion. Windsor Castle This iconic site dates back to Norman times and features expansive landscaped gardens along with its distinctive Round Tower, making it easy to understand why it is favored as the King’s weekend retreat. Take an intriguing look into the opulent State Apartments where priceless artworks by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci are displayed, and visit St. George’s Chapel. Enchanting Stonehenge Stroll around this UNESCO World Heritage site and be enthralled by its extraordinary rock formations. Located on Salisbury Plain, massive 40-ton stones have stood solitary since being placed there 5,000 years ago. Roman Baths Renowned for its ancient Roman Baths, Bath is home to one of the best-preserved Roman spas from antiquity. You will return to London at approximately 8:00 PM.

The beauty of a Cotswolds private driving tour is the freedom and flexibility that it gives you on the day. This tour has a set itinerary where we have a recommended route. Here we have combined idyllic villages with the more famous Cotswold towns. This gives you a wonderful overview and experience of what the Cotswolds is all about. As it is a private tour we are totally flexible as to how long you would like in each place. We are also very flexible and are more than happy to modify the itinerary on the day if you would like.

If you’re short on time but want to see the picturesque village that typify Kent, look no further than this day trip from Dover, Folkestone, Ashford, or Canterbury. With a choice of departure time, the private tour can be tailored to you and your interests. Start with a hotel or port pickup, then travel to the most photo-worthy spots around Kent. Visits to medieval town of Sandwich, coastal town of Deal, and of, course, the UNESCO-listed white Cliffs of Dover are all on the list.

Blenheim Palace is known for being the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and the former home of the Duke of Marlborough. Learn more about this magnificent building by going on a guided tour. A guide enriches the experience with fascinating historical stories about how the palace was built, its most notable features, and entertaining stories such as when the main architect was refused entry.

Get the inside scoop on 1000 years of Windsor history from Chris Brown, a local resident and award winning tour guide. You will also find out about the present benefits and challenges of living right next door to royalty. Chris has been the official Town Crier for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead since 2012 and has played a part in many of the big occasions that Windsor has hosted over the years. This is a great fun private tour for small groups and there’s something for everyone to discover in our idyllic town, so get your bearings on your very own tour of historic Windsor.

Oxford History Tours offer real history for genuine history lovers. Experience Oxford's rich history on a 90-minute walking tour led by an Institute of Tourist Guiding professional and Guild of Guides member. Explore the city's origins from Anglo-Saxon times, the evolution of the university, its stunning architecture, libraries, and the student life of today. Stroll through Oxford's iconic sites, including: Radcliffe Camera Divinity School Bridge of Sighs Bodleian Library Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre Medieval Colleges around every corner Discover stories of patrons, artists, politicians, saints, scholars, rebels, and martyrs who shaped over 1,000 years of Oxford's history. This tour also includes practical tips to enhance your stay in Oxford. The route passes famous film, television locations and literary legend.

Explore the highlights of Oxford with this 3-hour private walking tour. Led by an Oxford University student guide, visit key sights like the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera and pass by pivotal colleges including Balliol, Hertford, and Oriel. Includes entry into one of the oldest colleges and a Harry Potter film site.

This magical walking tour is led by an award-winning Green Badge tour guide. It will introduce you to the extraordinary history and people who've shaped our city of dreaming spires. From Alice in Wonderland to JRR Tolkien, Oxford has inspired many timeless stories. But its real history is just as fascinating, and often just as strange… As we walk around Oxford's famous buildings and explore its world-renowned university and colleges this glorious city will reveal its secrets to you. This is a great tour if you only have a short time in Oxford or are visiting for the first time. I can tailor it to your interests so let me know if you are particularly interested in Harry Potter, Tolkien, CS Lewis, Morse, Alice in Wonderland etc. If you want to visit a specific college or the Divinity School you will have to pay an extra entrance fee - we can discuss the options when you book.

Explore the lives of two of Oxford's greatest writers, and their friendship, with an award-winning guide. On this tour we will follow in the footsteps of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. We will see where they studied, taught, lived, worshipped, lectured, wrote and - most importantly - drank with their friends the Inklings. Out of these friendships and conversations emerged Aslan, Gandalf and many other much-loved characters and stories. Both men became extremely famous in their lifetimes, but never gave up their day-jobs of teaching in the English department. We will explore CS Lewis's conversion to Christianity and late-life marriage to Joy Gresham, and hear about Tolkien's student pranks and life-long deep love for trees. We will end at the beautiful college of Magdalen, where Lewis taught for nearly 30 years and the Inklings met every Thursday. If you want to go inside it, you will need to pay the entrance fee, which is £9.50 adults/£8.50 concessions.

Experience Windsor like never before on this tour exploring Windsor's darker side. From the ominous halls of England’s most haunted building to the eerie gallows of local executions and royal disasters long buried in history, prepare to have your spine tingled as Windsor’s hidden horrors are brought to life. Behind the grandeur and royal prestige, Windsor harbors untold mysteries and ghostly happenings. Walk the same streets as phantoms and uncover spine-tingling tales that reveal the sinister side of our iconic town. Each step on this 1.5-hour journey will plunge you deeper into Windsor's macabre past—some centuries old, others still lingering in the present. Guided by a local guide, you’ll explore eerie legends, supernatural sightings, and infamous tragedies that will leave you questioning what’s real… and what’s waiting in the shadows

Spend half a day with an award-winning guide who knows and loves Oxford, to get a thorough overview of its extraordinary history, architecture, and stories. Whether you are interested in the city's ancient origins, the rise of the university, the many fascinating personalities who have studied here, or its famous film locations, this bespoke tour will take you off the beaten track, guide you amongst the dreaming spires, and give you the inside story of this beautiful and eccentric city. You will see inside one of Oxford's most fascinating colleges, including its chapel and dining hall. You will visit the oldest classroom in the world and learn not just about the ancient university but how it works today. And you will hear many stories about the city's famous - and infamous – inhabitants, including its connections with Tolkien, CS Lewis, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter and Wonka. The timings include a coffee break and walking times between stops.

Discover some of the most picturesque highlights of the Cotswolds—and visit UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace—on this full-day, private tour. Meet your guide at your area accommodation, and set off via air-conditioned vehicle. Head first to the Cotswolds (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) to visit charming English villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. Next, transfer to Blenheim Palace: famed for its opulent design, the palace was also Winston Churchill’s birthplace. As this is a private tour, the itinerary can also be customized to suit your interests.

Escape the busy tourist routes and discover the charm of the Cotswolds with a private, tailor-made tour led by a professional local guide. Travelling in the comfort of a private car, you’ll explore postcard-perfect villages, hidden gems, and scenic spots that large tour groups can’t reach. Create your own itinerary or follow my recommendations, blending famous sights with lesser-known treasures. Enjoy plenty of time to wander honey-stone streets, browse independent shops, or capture stunning landscapes through your lens. As a local photographer, I’ll guide you to the best photo stops. With a flexible schedule and relaxed pace, you'll experience the Cotswolds through the eyes of someone who lives here. Each tour is crafted around your interests—be it history, scenery, local flavours, or a bit of everything. * Hotel pick-up and drop-off is available if you're staying in the Cotswolds. Please ask, I'll do my best.

I have personally been touring this enchanting area for over 10 years now. The beauty of a Cotswolds private driving tour is the freedom and flexibility that it gives you on the day. This tour has a set itinerary where I have a recommended route. Here I have combined idyllic hidden villages with the more famous Cotswold towns. This gives you a wonderful overview and experience of what the Cotswolds is all about. You get to see the postcode locations as well as escape the tourist trail and discover hidden gems that only us locals know about. As it is a private tour I am totally flexible as to how long you would like in each place, and are more than happy to adapt the itinerary on the day if you would like. If you want more hidden villages, more market towns or natural beauty then your wish is my command! With that in mind if you have any specific requests in advance or pickup locations then feel free to message me. I will be happy to help.

With so much to see, planning an itinerary in Kent and Canterbury can feel overwhelming. Leave your agenda to your private guide, who holds a history doctorate from Cambridge, on this convenient tour. It blends a minibus journey through Kent with a walking tour of Canterbury, letting you see all three of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed sites. From Roman times to medieval monks to Mozart, it’s a comprehensive overview.

Matt is a local guide who knows the hidden gems, most scenic routes and the best pubs, tearooms and cafes in East Sussex. We have included an indicative itinerary in the Tour Details passing through 7 of our favourite Secret Sussex spots. However, this private tour can be totally adapted to suit the interests, wishes and physical capabilities of the clients. So, if it’s history that excites you we can focus on castles, historic buildings and monuments. If you want to sample English ale and pubs we can visit local breweries and the best village inns. If you love to stretch your legs we can include walks to beauty spots with fantastic views. If you prefer to admire the scenery from a car we can drive along hidden country lanes. Each tour will start with a briefing session during which the guide will offer suggestions but will also listen to ideas from the clients to enable a truly unique tour. The guide will also adapt the tour in the light of adverse weather conditions.

Explore the Cotswolds without having to drive on this full-day private tour from your chosen location, such as Oxford. With a private car and driver-guide, simply soak in the scenery as you follow an itinerary tailored to you. Visit manor houses, explore towns and villages such as Stow-in-the-Wold and Minster Lovell; and stop to shop and eat at your leisure—all without transport or parking issues.

Explore Christchurch, Oxford’s most prestigious college on an ancient site. Harry Potter was filmed, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland were conceived here, and 13 British Prime Ministers educated and famousHarry Potter scenes filmed. Visit the Hall, staircase, medieval cathedral, and more of its architectural marvels. The tour continues with a beautifully curated introduction to Oxford’s architectural and historical highlights, featuring its most iconic sites, offering a concise yet immersive journey through centuries of history and culture. An Institute of Tourist Guiding (ITG) certified guide is one of the few permitted to lead visitors inside Christchurch. You will enjoy an informed and enriching experience. ITG green and blue badge guides meet strict standards of historical knowledge, guiding expertise, and visitor safety. This tour is available in English, French, or both.

Stonehenge, the world famous Unesco monument, is probably the most sophisticated stone circle in the world. Learn secrets of the Sarsen and Bluestones with a bespoke tour with your knowledgeable local guide. Also discover further into the beautiful Wiltshire countryside with Durrington Walls and Woodhenge and learn how Neolithic people lived in the area of Salisbury Plain. Your journey will start from Salisbury, learning about Salisbury Cathedral tallest spire in the UK, the Magna Carta and King John at Old Sarum. Continuing through the Woodford Valley along the River Avon towards Stonehenge. The tour will also include the World Heritage site of Avebury stone circle and the South Cotswolds, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops. There are many beautiful country pubs to stop along the way and enjoy a spot of lunch and relax with a local drink (price of lunch not included) Please contact us to discuss .

Enjoy a seamless way to travel between Southampton and London (or vice versa)—and discover two of England’s top destinations en route—with this two-in-one private transfer service and sightseeing excursion. Following pickup at your Southampton address, hop aboard your modern, air-conditioned vehicle, and set off. Before arriving at your London destination, you’ll stop to admire the highlights of Oxford and then visit the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace.

On this exclusive private tour, you will discover over 2,000 years of Canterbury's incredible history with a professional, fully qualified guide who is passionate about the city, with many stories to share with you! First up your expert, local guide will lead you through the medieval lanes and narrow cobbled streets with their eclectic mix of historic timber buildings, pilgrim inns, and modern architecture, where you’ll hear the story of Thomas Becket's murder, Chaucer's pilgrims, Marlowe's suspicious death, and royal visits. Following the city tour, you will join your own private guide within the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, where you will uncover 1400 years of history through its soaring architecture, glorious glass and stunning stonework. A truly breathtaking spectacle. Please note, if you would like a short break between the tours, please contact us after booking, or let us know when we confirm your booking via the message centre.

As you plan your stay in Southampton, we are pleased to invite you to discover a destination that captures the true spirit of England. A journey to the enchanting Cotswolds reveals a landscape of remarkable beauty and timeless charm. Celebrated as the United Kingdom’s second-largest protected area, this exceptional region offers endless opportunities for discovery. Rolling countryside, ancient beech woodlands, traditional thatched cottages, honey-coloured stone walls, and centuries-old villages create an atmosphere that feels untouched by time, as though you have stepped into another era. Our private sightseeing offer an exclusive and unhurried way to explore these iconic surroundings without the limitations of public transport. Travel in comfort in an air-conditioning car, enjoy a complimentary bottle of water, and be accompanied by our professional and courteous drivers, ensuring a refined and memorable journey from beginning to end.

New tour launching in May 2026, this is a private, personalised driving experience hosted by Paul, a knowledgeable local, offering a relaxed and flexible way to explore Windsor, Eton and the surrounding area. The experience is designed for up to 4 people, with one fixed price per group. Unlike standard tours, you won’t be following a rigid schedule or part of a group. Instead, the experience is tailored to your pace, with time at each stop to step out, explore, take photographs and adjust the pace along the way. Travel in a premium SUV and enjoy a mix of well-known landmarks and lesser-known locations, all within a comfortable 3.5-hour journey.