Culture & Heritage Tours

The rich history of England and Wales, stretching back over thousands of years, is etched into the landscape, with imposing castles and grand stately homes serving as reminders of the UK’s storied past. See medieval history come alive at Warwick Castle, explore the grandeur of Arundel Castle nestled amidst the beauty of the South Downs National Park and brush shoulders with the Royal Family at Windsor Castle on the outskirts of bustling London. Cross the border into Wales to explore the country with the most castles per square mile in Europe.

Step into the pages of Pride and Prejudice with a visit to one of the country’s many stately homes and grand country estates. Quite literally enter the world of Austen with a visit to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, suggested to be her inspiration for Mr Darcy’s Pemberley, and the house’s filming location in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.

Explore Castle Howard, an impressive stately home on the southern tip of the North York Moors National Park, wander the sprawling gardens at Stourhead in southwest England, and head west into Norfolk to visit Sandringham, an unusual Royal residence owned by the Monarch, not the Crown.

From the Neolithic standing stones of Stonehenge to the prehistoric burial mounds of Avebury, the ancient monuments of England and Wales offer a glimpse into the distant past. Walk the Ridgeway, perhaps the oldest road in the country, passing by hillforts, barrows and other relics of the Iron Age.

In London, iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey showcase the capital’s historic and architectural legacy. Further afield, the Angel of the North in Gateshead and Antony Gormley’s sculptures on Crosby Beach add a modern twist to England’s cultural landscape.

The UK’s varied terrain offers something for every traveller, from the white cliffs of Dover to the windswept moors of Exmoor and Northumberland.

The Yorkshire Dales, with their patchwork of dry stone walls and rolling hills, offer charming exploration. With the sea air on your face, explore the dramatic scenery of the Seven Sisters in Sussex, where chalk cliffs plunge into the sea, or the sweeping beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on the west coast of Wales.

Head east across England to enjoy the serene beauty of the Broads National Park, spanning Norfolk and Suffolk, where reed-lined waterways and wetlands are home to otters, kingfishers and rare birds.

England and Wales are both lands of legendary tales, where iconic landscapes inspire enduring myths and folklore. Legend tells of Robin Hood roaming Sherwood Forest, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, while stories of the great King Arthur and wizard Merlin are rooted in the cliffs of Cornwall.

In the Peak District, the haunting beauty of the Nine Ladies Stone Circle is said to be where nine women were turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath, while Stonehenge continues to intrigue with its age and size.

In Wales, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is famed as the resting place of King Arthur’s giant foe, Rhitta Gawr, and the rugged landscape sings with songs of dragons from ages long ago.

Our guides are more than just experts—they’re passionate hosts, insightful storytellers and experienced companions. Each has deep knowledge of local history, traditions and ways of life, along with the warmth and flexibility to ensure everyone feels welcome. Whether sharing the best Cornish ice cream, interpreting centuries-old legends, or gently adjusting the day’s pace, they’re attuned to your experience from start to finish.

Authentic cultural experiences are rooted in people. That’s why our trips are shaped by strong local connections; relationships built over years with craftspeople, chefs, custodians of heritage and community hosts. Whether sharing stories over a slow-cooked meal, stepping into a working vineyard, or exploring a historic estate with someone who knows every nook and cranny, these encounters offer a genuine insight into place and everyday life.

England and Wales are rich in legend, folklore and lived history, offering the perfect ground for storytelling. Our guides weave together ancient tales, literary insights and personal anecdotes, creating a vivid backdrop to each day’s discoveries. From whispered myths and mining lore to poetry recited in the very places it was inspired, this is history you can feel.

Flexibility is at the heart of every Culture & Heritage itinerary. With your guide’s deep local knowledge, plans can shift organically, allowing space to linger longer in a museum, take a spontaneous detour or enjoy an unexpected conversation with a local maker. These unscripted moments often become the ones you’ll remember most.

Our guides handle the behind-the-scenes details with care and precision, from arranging tastings and timed entries to ensuring dietary needs are met and daily transitions are smooth. This frees you up to fully immerse yourself in each experience, knowing every element is thoughtfully taken care of.

With a dedicated guide leading the way, you can relax into the rhythm of your trip. Whether navigating coastal ferries or bustling village cafés, your guide ensures you’re in safe, knowledgeable hands, allowing you to enjoy each moment without the worry of logistics.

While we visit iconic sites, the heart of a Culture & Heritage trip lies in the unexpected: the family-run distillery down a quiet lane, the artist’s studio tucked behind a garden gate or the ancient chapel hidden in the dunes. These curated surprises help you see beyond the surface and into the soul of the places you visit.

Though not the central focus, the natural world is ever-present on our journeys. You may spot seals basking near an island harbour, hear larks rising above a moor or pass a flock of adorable Herdwick sheep tucked into a hillside field. In these moments, the cultural and natural worlds gently intertwine, enriching the texture of your journey.