Top South West England Culture - page 2

Bath is the official birthplace of Frankenstein! Few know that In 1816, Mary Shelley wrote the world’s first science fiction novel, Frankenstein, while living in Bath. Extending over four atmospheric floors in a 300-year-old town house, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is an award winning, multi-sensory visitor Museum & Escape Rooms where visitors will be immersed in Shelley’s unconventional tragic life and the lasting legacy of her infamous creation. Bursting with unusual artefacts, ominous soundtracks, bespoke smells and special effects, we also present an 8ft animatronic breathing creature, authentically reproduced for the first time exactly as Mary Shelley described. The House also features two rooms dedicated to popular culture, an intimate screening room showing the first ever Frankenstein film from 1910, and, for the braver visitor, a thrilling horror walkthrough experience in the basement!

Discover the hidden, eerie tales of Bath on a two-hour ghost walk that explores the city's darker history. From ancient burial grounds to the chilling stories of the Grey Lady at the Theatre Royal, this immersive experience reveals the shadows of a city rich in history and legend. Walk through haunted lanes and hear about the phantom carriage at Royal Crescent while uncovering Bath's haunting past. This guided tour invites participants to share their own ghostly encounters, ensuring a unique experience every time. - Two-hour immersive ghost walk through Bath's haunted history - Explore sites like Bath Abbey and the Theatre Royal - Share your own spooky stories during the tour - Perfect for both first-time visitors and locals eager to learn more about Bath's past

It’s a day of magic, imagination, and inspiration. Many have gazed upon Stonehenge and wondered how the enormous standing stones ended up like that. Some believe the wizard Merlin worked his magic to create them. Others imagine aliens are involved. While some agree it was the Romans. Standing stones constantly inspire the imagination and on this tour you get to see not just one, but two of these amazing constructs. And it doesn’t stop with these monuments. Many know the Cotswolds as a place of quintessential beauty and it’s time for you to see for yourself. From movie set locations to fascinating history, you’ll love exploring this beautiful region.

THE BEATLES IN BATH 1963 This tour of the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE BATH for English and German speaking visitors (minimum participants: 3 persons) is suitable for singles, couples, groups and private groups alike and starts on Pulteney Bridge, leading to and visiting The Pavilion Hall and Photo Gallery where The Beatles performed songs of their first ever album ‘Please Please Me’ on June 10th 1963 as part of their UK tour with Roy Orbison. Details will be highlighted , their legacies and why their Hamburg days were important in becoming the most celebrated band of all times. From there we are heading to the Roman Bath and the Bath Abbey followed by your Host’s live piano performance at The Square Restaurant’s Piano Bar opposite the famous Pump Room, playing Ballads of The Beatles and a Tribute to John Lennon. The stories behind each song will be highlighted. IN AN ERA WHEN MANY MUSICIANS RESPONDED TO THE CULTURE OF THE TIME THE BEATLES CREATED IT.

Tour Bristol with a guide to provide narration without having to adhere to anyone else's schedule by opting for an app-based tour. You'll still get all sorts of insider commentary as you explore the oldest parts of the city. This tour has a heavy pub focus, and you'll be pointed to some of the best spots in town to sample local beer.

See UNESCO World Heritage sites, Cotswolds villages, and more on this full-day tour from Bath. Depart early in the morning and head to the world-famous Stonehenge (entry own expense), where you’ll skip the crowds and explore with an audio guide. Continue to other nearby highlights, including Avebury Stone Circle and Silbury Hill, before visiting the Tudor–era Lacock Village. End the day at Castle Combe: one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest villages.

Spend a day seeing and learning all about Oxford and the Cotswolds with a guide on this driving tour. There’s plenty to explore, from the cobbled streets and historic architecture of Oxford to the picturesque villages and waterways of the Cotswolds, including Burford and Bibury. Travel to and from Bath in a comfortable vehicle with a driver to do the navigating for you.

Are you looking for a way to see Falmouth without joining a tour group? Explore Falmouth at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour. Nestled along the strategic perch of the English Channel, Falmouth’s story is intertwined with the ebb and flow of the sea. On this walking tour, you’ll learn how the establishment of this harbour in the early 1600s helped shape its destiny. You’ll also hear how this natural deep-water port quickly became a hub for shipping and Falmouth a crucial naval station. By the end of this tour, you’ll have unravelled the captivating maritime tales that are anchored in Falmouth’s history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture buff, or simply a curious traveller, there’s something nautical and magical for everyone in Falmouth. Please note: Entrance fees for any optional stops en route are not included. However, no additional paid tickets are required for you to complete this tour.

Explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of England on this immersive day tour from Bath. Marvel at the dramatic Cheddar Gorge, where limestone cliffs and ancient caves invite exploration. Enjoy free time to visit iconic sites in Glastonbury, steeped in Arthurian legend, including the Chalice Well and Glastonbury Abbey. Then, wander through the medieval streets of Wells, England's smallest city, and admire the magnificent Wells Cathedral. This small group tour offers an intimate experience with knowledgeable driver-guides, ensuring an unforgettable adventure filled with natural wonders and historical insights. - Full-day tour from Bath to Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury, and Wells - Explore Cheddar Gorge with options for cliff-top walks and cave visits - Discover Glastonbury’s rich history tied to King Arthur - Visit Wells Cathedral and enjoy scenic medieval streets

Despite being set in the fictional Devonshire town of Shipton Abbott, the TV show Beyond Paradise is filmed in the Cornwall town of Looe. On this small-group guided walking tour, discover the locations seen throughout the series while learning behind-the-scenes filming facts. Wander through the town while taking in notable nearby landmarks, including the historic town center.

Bath is situated in the isle of Somerset and has the only natural spring in all of Great Britain. Indeed, for centuries, Bath was famous as a hot springs center for the Romans. From the Elizabethian until the Georgian era, Bath was mostly for the rich, which resulted in a unique collection of Georgian architecture (most notably, the Satellite Crescent). In 1987, the city was declared a World Heritage Site. With plenty of places to eat and drink, as well as some of Britain's finest independent shops, Bath is the ideal city break destination.

A natural harbor, Cornwall’s Padstow has thousands of years of history, but guidebooks don’t explore it in any depth. Join a Padstow local to unpick this beautiful town’s long story—from St. Petroc to smugglers, sailors, fishermen, and traders—on a gentle walking tour. As it’s a small group, there’s a relaxed pace and a mellow vibe, with plenty of time for questions as you stroll.

Hi, I am Mark, your experienced guide and I offer a fun and informative tour, with stories of not just history, but the people who lived in the town and the characters that make the town what it is today. You will start off by meeting ‘Nelson’ our ‘Grand Old Man of the Sea’ and from there we will wind our way through the beautiful harbour town, the hidden backstreets, the quay side and the wonderful bridge ending up at our magnificent beachfront and ‘Banjo Pier’ Along the way learn about the history of the town, its building and its people. See the hidden streets and buildings that you wouldn’t normally see, and hear stories fo the characters that have worked here . The tour is fun, light and informative, and you are free to ask me questions to make the most of your experience. I will recommend local places to eat and drink, and know the area well. I hope you will come along and I look forward to welcome you, Mark

Glastonbury is inextricably connected with the legend of King Arthur, Druid history, and mystical traditions—and on this full-day tour, you’ll see the area’s key landmarks while also learning about its associated myths and legends. Meet your guide in the morning and venture to Glastonbury Abbey, the Chalice Well (said to be where the Holy Grail was buried), Glastonbury Tor, and more. As you explore, learn all about the region’s one-of-a-kind history from your guide.

Step into the world of Bridgerton on this captivating self-guided walking tour through Bath’s elegant Georgian streets. Discover filming locations from Seasons 1-3, including the Modiste clothing shop, Lady Danbury’s house, and Bath’s Guildhall. Starting outside Bath Abbey, you’ll learn how props transformed the city into a Regency-era masterpiece. Stroll through Royal Victoria Park, visit iconic landmarks like the Royal Crescent, and promenade along Gravel Walk. This 90-minute tour offers fascinating insights into the filming process, Bridgerton bloopers, and the real-life places behind the show’s scenes. Whether you're a devoted fan or exploring Bath for the first time, this tour immerses you in the vibrant history and charm of the Ton.

Dr Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez (PhD historian) presents this exclusive private tour around the beautiful market town of Salisbury. This easy and accessible walking tour will transport you to the origins of Salisbury as a medieval town, walking through some of its most important landmarks. While appreciating the local culture and historical importance of the town, we will unravel its secrets. From market life to international spies, Salisbury will charm you as the quintessential English town that it is. Your visit will end with around 30 minutes inside Salisbury cathedral, which includes the viewing of one of the original copies of the magna carta.

Discover Cornwall’s haunted history on this small-group guided ghost walking tour. Accompanied by a guide wearing 19th-century dress, explore the coastal town of Padstow while listening to tales of sea merchants and wealthy Elizabethan-era residents, visiting a centuries-old coaching inn, and the medieval St. Petroc’s Church along the way, and much more along the way.

We are the only tour company with access to Bristol's secret underground Air Raid Shelters! Discover Bristol's subterranean Raid Shelter, explore the historic Old Town and experience the nation's No.1 covered market. Join us for an experience you'll never forget. Our local guides will take you on a unique tour from the height of Bristol's trading past through the swinging 60's to the city's vibrant present. Enjoy privileged access to subterranean passageways, WW11 air raid shelters and rooms which once rocked to the best bands in the world. Once you've been fascinated and amazed, you'll be spoilt for choice with places to eat, drink and pick up the best local gifts to take back as a lasting reminder of your stay in Bristol.

A dark look at the history of crime and punishment, this tour of Shepton Mallet Prison reveals the secrets of a historic English prison. Walk the corridors and see the cells of a prison that has been standing for 400 years, and learn about the prisoners who have lived here. See where executions once took place, and where old architecture has been modernized to suit the 21st century. Notice the difference between punishment in the 1600s and the present day.

Take a deep dive into the history and medieval sites of Bath with this self-guided audio tour. Choosing an independent adventure means you can stop to take breaks and photos along the way—without feeling rushed to keep up with a group. During the tour, follow the ancient city wall and hear stories about Roman history as you pass by Bath Abbey, the River Avon, and The Roman Baths.

These tickets allow all-day access to the iconic steamship, dockyard and two museums at Bristol Dockyards. Sitting proudly on the glass ‘sea’, SS Great Britain dominates Bristol’s historic waterfront. Dressed with flags and ready for departure, just as the ship looked when it was launched in 1843, our friendly team are ready to welcome visitors on board. The ship, designed by Britain's most iconic engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, has been painstakingly restored to recreate Victorian life at sea on the world’s first great luxury liner. Climb aboard and explore scenes so life-like you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. There are two fascinating museums, as well as the dry dock, where the ship was originally built, to explore, providing hours of engrossing wonder.

Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Wells. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll savour Wells' charm, where dragon slayers and medieval streets meet. I’ll tell you about the heroic dragon-slaying bishop, Bishop Jocelin, and how the town commemorates this dramatic event every 50 years to prevent the mythical creatures’ return. At Wells Cathedral, you’ll hear about spectacular Palm Sunday processions to the cathedral, where the religious community dresses up in their cassocks, surplices, and copes. The tour ends at the Wells Market Cross & Fountain, where I’ll tell you how William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, once addressed 3,000 people at a nearby pub. At the end of this tour, you’ll have discovered Wells’ charming streets and the delightful folklore hidden around every corner. I’ll also tell you how Wells is a favourite filming destination for British studios and let you in on some famous productions filmed here.

Follow in the footsteps of the Duke of Hastings, visit Bridgerton House, and keep an ear out for Lady Whistledown’s gossip on this immersive, “Bridgerton”-themed walking tour of Bath. Led by an enthusiastic fan of the series, the tour will whisk you away to the show’s key filming locations, and will share behind-the-scenes stories about the “Bridgerton” cast and production, too. You’ll also learn more about Bath’s Georgian history as you explore.

Experience Bath with a seasoned guide and learn about this city’s treasured history. Explore the key landmarks of the city , including the Roman Baths, the Pulteney Bridge, Guildhall Market, the Royal Crescent, and more. Listen to engaging commentary from your guide about the history of Bath, which stretches back to before the Roman Empire.