England Tours & Vacation Packages 2023/2024

England Travel Guide

England Tours Things To Do

• 
  See Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace

  Headquarters and London residence of the monarchy, Buckingham Palace, has been a focal point for the British people. The Palace serves as a backdrop for the regular Changing the Guard Ceremony which is a colorful spectacle of British pageantry. 

  Best Time To Visit

  For 10 weeks each summer and select dates in the winter and spring, visitors are welcomed to tour the 19 State Rooms open to the public, including the Throne Room which is used by The Queen for court ceremonies and official entertaining. Changing the Guard is weather permitting and takes place at 11 am daily during the summer and Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday during the rest of the year.

   

  You Should Know

  To see Changing the Guard, arrive at Buckingham Palace early to save your spot. St. James's Palace and the Wellington Barracks are also one of the best places to watch Changing the Guard. Please note, there is a new Changing the Guard schedule updated every month and it is advised to re-check the timing closer to your trip.

• 
  Learn About History at Westminster Abbey

  One of the United Kingdom's most notable religious buildings, this large mainly Gothic abbey church was the traditional burial site for English and, later, British monarchs and royal weddings. Founded in 960AD, with the current building over 700 years old, the Abbey is steeped in British history. Over 3,000 famous people are buried in the Abbey, including Stephen Hawking, Nelson Mandela, and Jane Austen.

  Best Time To Visit

  Westminster Abbey welcomes over a million visitors each year and is open 7 days a week. Please keep in mind since it is a working church, some areas might be closed off to the public. Be sure to check for a full list of general opening times. The Abbey has gardens that have been cultivated for 900 years and are the perfect place to visit from Tuesday to Thursday.

   

  You Should Know

  Westminster Abby has a gift shop and café to grab a snack, meal, or traditional afternoon tea. Photography is not permitted inside Westminster Abbey. If you would like to take photos, you can in the Cloisters, Chapter House, and College Garden. Appropriate clothing is appreciated, including removing hats while inside. During the winter, it can be chilly inside the Abbey so dress warmly. 

• 
  Take a Stroll in Hyde Park

  Located in Central London, Hyde Park is the largest of the four Royal Parks surrounding Buckingham Palace. Hyde Park got its start in 1536 when King Henry VIII seized the manor and turned it into a vast hunting park. Through the years, a few updates changed the look of the park. Charles I created a circular track called the ring where members of the royal court could drive their carriages. After William and Mary became king and queen, they added a processional route that was lit by 300 oil lamps. This was the first road in England to be lit at night. More recently, a memorial fountain dedicated to Princess Diana was added.

  Best Time To Visit        

  Since the park is completely outdoors, it's best to visit when the weather is warmer.  The park also hosts lots of educational and well-being events so be sure to check the calendar for interesting gatherings. Hyde Park is family-friendly and even has playgrounds for little ones to play and explore.   

• 
  Sail Down the River Thames

  The River Thames runs from Cotswold through London and into the North Sea. It is part of the longest river in England, has 45 locks, and is home to over 25 species of fish. There are a wide variety of cruises available that explore the River Thames. Evening cruises to see the city at sunset, dinner cruises to dine with a fine background, and hop-on/hop-off cruises so you can take advantage of the cruise at any time of day.

  Best Time To Visit

  London is beautiful at any time of the day, but the city really sparkles when the sun is setting. Watching to sunset behind the buildings and seeing the lights of the London Eye, and the many towns and churches twinkle over the city is stunning and romantic. Grab dinner at a local restaurant at the end of your cruise to end a fun night in the town.

• 
  Marvel at Stonehenge

  This prehistoric monument in Wiltshire is regarded as a British cultural icon. The ring of stones is about 13 feet high and is believed to have been constructed in 3000 BC to 2000 BC. There have been many theories on why Neolithic and Bronze Age people put so much effort into building it, but no one knows for sure.

  Best Time To Visit

  The busiest season for visitors is in the summer months of July to September. In the spring and autumn, it will still be sunny and warmer than the winter months. Since this is such a popular destination, visitors should arrive before 9:30 am if you are trying to avoid crowds. Many people prefer going right before closing time in order to catch the sun dropping behind the stones.

• 
  Spend Time in the British Museum

  Dating back to 1753, the British Museum has artifacts spanning over 2 million years. They have a unique collection of world-famous objects, namely, the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Parthenon sculptures. Along with their permanent exhibits, they also have special exhibitions and displays that are only available for viewing for a short time.

  Best Time To Visit

  The British Museums is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm. If you can't get there right when it opens, go later in the afternoon, closer to closing time.  Don't save the Museum for a rainy day, it is usually more crowded when the weather is bad. If a temporary exhibit is close to ending, the Museum will be more crowded.

   

  You Should Know

  The British Museum is free for everyone. You will need to go through a security checkpoint and large luggage is not permitted. Check out the big sights before wandering around. The Museum is huge and you could spend all day there. Go see what interests you first, then explore. Most people head to the Rosetta Stone right when they go through the doors. You don't have to spend your whole day at the Museum, you can pop in and out and spread your visit over the series of a few late afternoons or early mornings.

• 
  Tour the Roman Baths

  The Roman baths, in Bath, England are one of the most well preserved religious spas of the ancient world. The water at the Baths still flows with natural hot water. The Baths, which were used for public bathing and socializing, were used until the end of Roman rule in Britain in the 5th Century.

  Best Time To Visit

  The Roman Baths are open every day except Christmas day and December 26. March through October, the Baths open at 9 am. They are open late during mid-June, July, and August. The evenings are relatively quiet, especially on the late nights. The Great Bath is lit by torches, which makes for an impressive atmosphere. The summer months are the busiest, as well as the weekends.

   

  You Should Know

  Every town used to have its own bath complex, it is essentially a large and luxurious swimming pool. Unfortunately, visitors can't take a dip in the water. If you're peckish, the Baths have a restaurant bistro and afternoon tea.

• 
  Explore World Famous Art at the National Gallery

  Located in Trafalgar Square in London, this art museum was founded in 1824 and houses over 2,000 paintings dating all the back from the 13 ^th century. Visitors can expect to see world-famous artists like Rembrandt, van Gogh, Monet, Michelangelo, da Vinci, and more.

  Best Time To Visit

  The quietest time to visit is usually in the early morning. The Gallery is open late on Friday nights and is also a good option. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the calmest days, while all of August is the busiest. If the weather is nice out, it might be a good time to explore the Gallery. It is open on bank and public holidays, except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year.

   

  You Should Know

  Admission to the National Gallery is free, but some exhibitions and events are ticketed. You can take pictures in the Gallery for non-commercial use, but be on the lookout for signs that say No Photography. If you want to see the best-known Impressionists and van Goghs, head to rooms 45 and 46 right when you arrive. The Gallery has three entrances, circle the building if the line gets long to see if there a shorter wait time. If you want to start in chronological order, start at the Sainsbury entrance.

• 
  Learn About the Royals at Kensington Palace

  Located in London on the edge of Hyde Park, Kensington Palace has been the residence of the British Royal family since the 17 ^th century. The States Rooms are open to the public where they display many paintings and other objects from the Royal Collection. On the outside, the Palace looks like a red brick mansion, but on the inside, it is filled with intricate ceiling paintings, opulent rooms, and gold leaf trims.

  Best Time To Visit

  After lunchtime is usually when most of the crow thin out of the Palace. Tour the Sunken Garden from April to October when the flowers are blooming. Diana's Fashion Story is a popular exhibit, so if there is a long line, go upstairs to the Queen's State Apartment first. Please note, the visitors that enjoy the Palace the most are the ones who are interested in England's royal history.

   

  You Should Know

  Kensington Palace is the birthplace of Queen Victoria. You can visit the rooms where she was born and raised. Also, a children's playground was opened in memory of Princess Diana which welcomes more than a million visitors each year.

• 
  Watch a Play at Shakespeare’s Globe

  This reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse is where William Shakespeare wrote his plays. Located in Southwark, outside of London, the original theater was built in 1599 but was destroyed in a fire in 1613. It was rebuilt 200 meters from the original Globe. This world-renowned performing arts venue and cultural attraction still puts on plays year-round.

  Best Time To Visit

  The busiest months are from March until the end of August. The mornings and winter months are the least busy. The Globe Theater holds productions from mid-April to mid-October. The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse theatre runs from October to April. There are always other events taking place throughout the year. The Globe Theater is open-air, so please dress appropriately for the weather.

   

  You Should Know

  The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is an indoor Jacobean-style playhouse and is temperature-controlled. Children and families are very welcomed at the Globe. A ticket is required for everyone 3 and up.

England Tour Packages

• Summer – June to August – High Season

  During the summer, the average high is 69F and the average low is 53F. It's mostly dry and you'll find nice weather around England but also large crowds as this is the peak season for tourism. Attractions may be crowded but the atmosphere will seem almost festive.

• Spring – March to May & Fall – September to November – Good Season

  During Spring & Fall time, temperatures are similar to the average high of 52F and the average low of 42F. Although still dry time, it does rain more often than compared to Summertime. There are still crowds but not as much as during the Summer. It's also nice during this time as the leaves may still be changing colors and are very beautiful to gaze upon.

• Winter – December to February – Low Season

  During the winter, the average high is 47F and the average low is 37F. If all you care about is it not being crowded, this is the time to come. However, during the winter, it's typically the wettest time with unpredictable rain.

England Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What's an England Tour?

  England tours are prepackaged trips with a set itinerary and a dedicated tour manager. Many people who want to take an England vacation want to avoid all the planning and logistics involved in a big week or two-week foreign trip abroad and are looking to save money by doing it all in a package instead of piecing things together at full price. The trip is led by a tour director who will take care of all the services from the beginning to the end of your vacation. Your tour director connects you with local tour guides who will have a lot of knowledge on the specific cities you explore. Typically, hotels, transportation throughout your trip, some meals, and sightseeing are arranged and included with the price of your England tour.  Most England tours begin in London, a treasure-trove of important architectural sites, royal buildings, theatre experiences, and a myriad of shops and world-famous department stores. In fact, you could spend a week or more in London and never get bored!

• What's Included on an England Tour?

  Generally, an England tour will include as many services as possible, giving you less to worry about. Usually included on your England tour are transportation (getting from place to place while on tour), accommodations, most meals, and the services of a dedicated tour director. As per the itinerary, certain sightseeing opportunities are also included: tickets to special VIP access to the most famous landmarks, skip the lines, and when available, access to a personal local guide for expert commentary.  London landmarks include Westminster Abbey, Big Ben beside the River Thames, and St. Paul's Cathedral. Snap photos of the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, admire the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and see the sculptures and statues in Trafalgar Square.  View all discounted tours here!

• What’s The Best England Tour?

  The best England tour is the one that fits your budget and schedule! The most popular tour operators are Globus, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Cosmos, Costsaver, CIE Tours, Intrepid, Tauck, and others. You can't go wrong with any  England tour. Please speak with one of our travel consultants to find the best tour for you!

• How Much Do England Tours Cost?

  You can book an affordable England tour starting from under $99 per day per person. Besides our award-winning customer service, the best part about booking with AffordableTours.com is you will always receive a discount on your England tour. We are committed to providing you with the lowest prices on all top tour operators.  No one beats our prices on all of our England tours!