Top England Outdoor Activities

Reach new heights and enjoy unobstructed views over London with the Up at The O2 Experience. Intrepid climbers are rewarded with panoramic views during this walk to the top of this entertainment venue. Equipped with a safety harness, follow your guide to the apex of the building to look down upon Canary Wharf, the Olympic Park, and Greenwich. No climbing experience is required.

See London from the streets, water, and sky with this great-value package that lets you explore at your own pace. Choose a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket with on-board commentary and open-top panoramic views. Enjoy an aerial view aboard the London Eye giant observation wheel and a one-way River Thames cruise between the Tower of London and Westminster Pier, available in either direction.

Glide by a host of London’s must-see landmarks on a sightseeing cruise from Westminster to Greenwich on the Thames River. Step aboard your comfortable cruise boat at Westminster Pier and listen to the live commentary as you pass sights such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Drink in the views from the open or indoor deck, and at Greenwich, step ashore to visit attractions (own expense) such as the Cutty Sark or National Maritime Museum.

Discover a unique perspective on London’s landmarks—and enjoy a relaxing way to explore—on this Thames River boat tour one-way ticket. Enjoy the flexibility to board and disembark when you want from four convenient piers. Take in the views from the upper decks or relax within the cozy indoor salons, and learn more from the accompanying multilingual commentary.

Explore London’s top sights with flexibility aboard an open-top, double-decker bus. Get off only for the stops you're interested in and choose the ticket duration that works best for you from a 24- or 48-hour option. Learn more about what you're seeing with recorded commentary on Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and more.

See London from a different perspective on a one-way or round-trip Thames River cruise—without battling traffic or crowded streets. Sail between Westminster and Tower Bridge, passing landmarks including St. Paul's Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London. Along the way, enjoy live onboard commentary or access multilingual audio via a smartphone app.

To maximize limited time in London, combine a British tradition with a sightseeing excursion on an afternoon tea cruise on the Thames River. As you sail from Tower Pier to Westminster, admire London landmarks including the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye—without having to navigate or jostle among the large crowds that gather at the monuments. Plus, indulge in tea, freshly prepared cakes, and sandwiches.

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 transit, visit the splendid Blenheim Palace, the UNESCO-protected country house where Sir Winston Churchill was born—opt to include admission tickets when you book. Additionally, visit the Cotswolds and the pretty village of Bampton, home to multiple Downton Abbey filming locations.

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.

Set sail for a romantic cruise through the heart of Oxford—and pair your sightseeing with a classic afternoon tea—on this unique, two-in-one boat tour. Tuck into English teatime treats such as finger sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream as you glide downstream. Following a scenic route along the University Regatta Course, discover Oxford’s greenery and admire views of the University Boat Houses, Christ Church Meadows, and Iffley lock.

Experience the diversity of Britain’s countryside on a full-day trip to the South Downs National Park and Seven Sisters from Brighton. Travel comfortably in a luxury minibus, riding past spectacular land and seascapes with plenty of great photo opportunities, such as the Belle Tout Lighthouse and the Devil's Dyke beauty spot. For a seamless experience, all entrance fees and round-trip transport are included.

See Stonehenge before the crowds arrive—and have time for additional sightseeing afterwards—on this seamless, half-day tour from London. Public transit can be confusing and expensive, but with round-trip coach transit, this tour makes getting there easy. You'll arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site before most of the crowds, and enjoy a hassle-free experience with included admission, shuttle bus, and audio guide. Explore the landmark at your own pace before returning to London by mid-afternoon.

Witness the enchantment of London at night on an evening cruise on the River Thames, which reveals the capital from a fresh perspective. A glass-encased boat provides unrivaled views of the city’s main attractions as they begin to illuminate, so you can see the London Shard, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the HMS Belfast away from the land-based crowds. Sip a glass of sparkling wine (or soft drink) and canapés as you sail.

Discover the beauty and history of London—and see more of the city in less time—on this small-group bike tour. Grab your bicycle and helmet, and embark on a ride through Royal Parks such as Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James's Park. Pedal at your own pace past stately monuments such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and more—and learn stories about London’s rich history and modern culture you wouldn't otherwise hear.

See more of London's architectural highlights in less time on this small-group biking tour. With a guide to lead the way, and helmets and bikes provided, getting around is made easy. Cycle from Covent Garden to the royal splendor of Buckingham Palace, from Westminster to the architectural grandeur of St. Paul's Cathedral, and beyond. Throughout your ride, listen as your guide shares insider stories about the city.

See the historic city of York from a different perspective during a 45-minute or 1-hour cruise on the Ouse River. Relax during a leisurely sail, accompanied by commentary that details the history and culture of York, and enjoy unobstructed views of landmarks such as Clifford’s Tower and the York Museum and Gardens. Choose from several departure times to suit your schedule.

Embark upon a sailing adventure in London without a high price tag, and get from point A to B in style. While traveling along the Thames River in a sleek catamaran, soak up views of the city's landmarks from the climate-controlled indoor cabins or from the outdoor back decks. Tickets are valid on all piers between Battersea and Barking Riverside piers.

The O2 is one of London’s most famous music, sport, and entertainment venues, and is renowned for its unique dome architecture. With this Up at the O2 Experience, discover the arena from a whole new angle as you enjoy a thrilling roof climb. Kitted out with safety gear and a harness, admire unparalleled 360-degree views of the capital, and watch the sunset over the London skyline.

Guarantee your entry before you arrive at the London Zoo by pre-booking your tickets. This major conservation zoo and tourist attraction has enough habitats and activities to keep you—and your kids—engaged for hours. Once you head inside, you can explore its highlights all at your own pace, and visit the animals that interest you most.

See more of London as you pedal around the sights of London in style on this small-group bike tour, which reveals some of the capital's top sights along a relaxed cycling route. Hop on board your classic English bike with an optional basket and follow your guide down quiet backstreets, past famous landmarks, and along the Thames River, then get off the beaten track as you discover the street art of Banksy and even have a go at your own graffiti tag.

The University City of Oxford and the idyllic countryside of the Cotswolds are two of the most popular day trips from London, but big group tours can feel overwhelming. This small-group tour ensures that you don't miss any of the most important sites, while giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Immerse yourself in the sights and scents of London’s breathtaking Kew Gardens. A UNESCO-listed venue, the Royal Botanic Gardens features a diverse array of rare plants and flowers across 326 acres (132 hectares). Discover the lawns and gardens on foot, stroll along the Treetop Walkway to view some of the gardens’ 14,000 trees, and visit magnificent structures like the Royal Kew Palace and the Palm House – one of the largest surviving Victorian glasshouses. Note that last entry is at 2:30 p.m. as the gardens close at 3:15 p.m.

The sights and scenery of North Wales are tricky to explore from Liverpool without a rental car. Rather than string together train and bus journeys, choose this full-day tour for the benefit of comfortable minivan transport and a guide who shares background on the sights as you travel. Walk Llandudno’s pier, follow hidden roads through Snowdonia, visit Conwy Castle (own expense), and more, to discover a beautiful corner of Britain without a care in the world.