Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
Book a Call
Flag

Activities

Locations

Selected Trips

    Culture & Heritage Tours

    Tales told over shared tables. Sea air and garden paths. A slower rhythm that lets the spirit of a place rise to the surface.
    Step into the story of a landscape on a Culture & Heritage journey through England and Wales.

    Cultural Highlights
    Knowledgeable Guides
    Small Groups
    Slow Travel

    Discover the Culture & Heritage of England and Wales

    On our Culture and Heritage tours, travel at a gentle pace through some of the most beautiful and culturally rich corners of England and Wales. From grand manor houses to traditional fishing villages and from literary landscapes to ancient stone circles, each trip offers a deep connection to place, guided by those who know it best.

    Though you may stroll through walled gardens and wander the cobbled lanes of a golden-stone village, these are not one of our walking holidays. With a relaxed pace and a strong sense of connection, these journeys invite you to slow down, look closer, and engage more meaningfully with the culture, history and spirit of the places you explore.

    Wander through historic towns, creative communities and coastlines steeped in folklore. Hear the stories that shaped the land—from ancient monuments to modern makers—and meet the people who carry those stories forward today. Along the way, savour local food, stay in hand-picked accommodation, and travel in the company of expert guides who bring each location to life with warmth, depth and curiosity.

    If you’ve ever longed to truly get beneath the surface of a place, this is your invitation.

    Our Culture & Heritage Holidays

    1 Culture & Heritage Trips

    Load More Departures

    First Time Visitors

    We take great pride in introducing travellers to the rich culture and timeless beauty of England and Wales. From the honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds to the coastal traditions of Cornwall and the literary landscapes of the Lake District, our Culture & Heritage journeys invite you to experience the heart of each unique region in an immersive and meaningful way.

    These carefully designed, small group trips offer a relaxed pace and a strong sense of connection. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, each itinerary is crafted to help you discover the stories, flavours and traditions that make this part of the world so captivating. Building on over 20 years of experience from our teams across the UK, we work closely with local partners and communities to offer genuine, in-depth experiences rooted in place.

    Pre-Trip Planning and Customer Support

    I’m Booked – What Should I Pack? Read More

    Preparing for your Culture & Heritage trip is easy with our tailored kit list, sent to you well in advance of departure. You won’t need technical hiking gear, but we do recommend packing comfortable footwear suitable for exploring gardens, villages, historic sites and occasionally uneven or cobbled ground. Lightweight layers and a reliable waterproof jacket will help you enjoy the ever-changing British weather, whether you’re strolling along a clifftop path or enjoying a cream tea by the sea.

    We also suggest a soft duffle bag (ideal for our vehicles) and a small daypack for daily essentials like your water bottle, sun protection, a notebook or an extra sweater. Your main luggage will be securely stored at your accommodation or transported for you when we change locations.

    As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes. With the right gear, you’ll be ready to embrace every part of the experience.

    Where Do I Meet My Guide at the Start of the Trip? Read More

    Your trip begins and ends at a well-connected railway station as listed on each trip webpage, with full details confirmed in your pre-trip information pack. On arrival, your Wilderness guide will be waiting with a warm welcome and everything in place to help you settle into your new surroundings ready for the journey ahead.

    We make starting your trip as seamless as possible, leaving you free to focus on the good stuff, from your first cup of English tea to your first view of our romantic coastline.

    Where Do I Meet the Guide at the Start of My Trip? Read More

    Your trip begins and ends at a well-connected railway station as listed on each trip webpage, with full details confirmed in your pre-trip information pack. On arrival, your Wilderness guide will be waiting with a warm welcome and everything in place to help you settle into your new surroundings ready for the journey ahead.

    We make starting your trip as seamless as possible, leaving you free to focus on the good stuff, from your first cup of English tea to your first view of our romantic coastline.

    Our Stay See Guides for Before and After Your Trip Read More

    If you’re planning to arrive early or linger a little longer after your trip, our Stay See guides are full of helpful local insight. Whether it’s a boutique hotel in Bath or a hidden gem tucked away in a Cornish village, these guides offer suggestions for where to stay and what to do before or after your Culture & Heritage adventure.

    And of course, our team is always happy to answer questions, offer advice or help with the logistics of planning a longer stay. After all, once you’ve arrived, you might not want to leave.

    Getting to the UK Read More

    Arriving in the UK is simple, with excellent international connections to major airports such as London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester. From there, onward travel is straightforward, with rail links and public transport offering smooth access to the start point of your journey. Whether you’re travelling from nearby or afar, we’re happy to help advise on the best options for your route.

    Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): For the latest updates on entry requirements to the UK, including passport, visa and customs information, we recommend checking the official UK Government website or speaking with our team if you’re unsure.

    Destination Expertise

    The stunning landscapes of England and Wales offer a rich tapestry of contrasts; rolling green hills give way to dramatic coastlines, while quiet moorlands meet ancient woodlands. Amid this beauty, traditions are kept alive in bustling market towns, tiny fishing harbours and timeless villages built from local stone.

    These are lands shaped by myth and industry, art and rebellion, a place where layers of history are written into the earth itself. Step into a relaxed rhythm as you explore cultural landmarks, storied estates and sacred sites in the company of our knowledgeable guides and local custodians. Whether sipping wine at a small family-run vineyard, exploring literary landscapes or tracing the threads of local heritage through crafts and cuisine, our Culture & Heritage trips invite you to uncover the heart and soul of a place.

    Not sure where to begin? Explore a few of our favourite places below, or reach out to our friendly Adventure Consultants for personalised advice via email, phone or live chat.

    Iconic Sites and Hidden Gems

    Your Wilderness Experience

    Expert Guides Read More

    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.

    Storytelling That Brings the UK to Life Read More

    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.

    Expect the Unexpected Read More

    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.

    Your Personal Concierge Read More

    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.

    Travel With Peace of Mind Read More

    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.

    Flexibility for Special Interests Read More

    These trips are ideal for curious minds. Whether you’re fascinated by local architecture, culinary heritage, garden design or maritime history, your guide will endeavour to find ways to incorporate your interests into the day’s flow. This thoughtful flexibility allows each trip to feel both personal and richly shared.

    Small Group Size Read More

    Travelling in a group of no more than eight allows for meaningful connection with your fellow travellers, your guide and the places you visit. Smaller groups are more nimble, more sustainable and more attuned to personal moments, whether that’s a quiet talk in a walled garden or a shared laugh over dinner.

    Sustainability and Responsible Travel

    Wilderness England was founded in 2020 by the same passionate team behind Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness Ireland. From the beginning, we have been committed to responsible travel, embedding sustainability into everything we do. Whether crafting new itineraries, choosing independent accommodation, or working with local artisans and community partners, our goal is simple: to protect what makes these places special while offering exceptional, enriching travel experiences.

    Our Culture & Heritage holidays are built on the belief that travel can be a force for good. These slower-paced journeys are not only kinder to the planet but deeply rooted in place. By focusing on local stories, regional cuisine and community connections, we offer an alternative to conventional tourism—one that supports local economies and fosters meaningful exchange.

    What Do We Mean By Responsible Travel?

    We believe that travel, done thoughtfully, has the power to connect and uplift. That’s why we design our holidays with care and intention, minimising environmental impact, extending stays and collaborating closely with local people and businesses. Whether you’re exploring the gardens of the Cotswolds, learning from a local forager in the Lakes or sipping wine at a family-run vineyard in Cornwall, your journey helps sustain the culture, landscapes and livelihoods of the places you visit.

    When you choose Wilderness England, you’re travelling with a company recognised globally for leadership in sustainable tourism and responsible practice.

    Our Sustainability Goals

    Our long term vision is to lead the way in shaping a more sustainable future for travel. That’s why we’re proud to be one of the only travel companies aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)—the world’s leading standard for True Net Zero.

    This commitment runs deep, from our carbon labelling system and Wilderness Conservation & Community Fund to where and how we choose to travel.

    Carbon Labelling Scheme

    Every trip we design is carbon labelled, giving you transparent insight into the emissions associated with your journey.

    This helps us shape more climate-friendly itineraries and empowers you to make informed choices based on your values. These calculations are reviewed annually and help guide improvements across our trip design process.

    Learn More

    Wilderness Conservation and Community Fund

    Created in 2010, our Wilderness Conservation and Community Fund has raised over £100,000 for grassroots projects across the UK and Ireland. It supports a wide range of initiatives, from environmental conservation to cultural heritage preservation, all chosen to align with the values of us, our guests and the needs of our host communities.

    By joining a trip with us, you’re contributing to this work and helping to give back to the places that make your journey so memorable.

    Learn More

    Vehicle Fleet

    To keep our impact low and your experience high-quality, we operate a carefully maintained fleet of modern vehicles, including a growing number of electric options. These provide quiet, comfortable travel through the UK, helping us reach more remote places without compromising our environmental standards.

    We are continually working to expand our EV fleet and explore cleaner transport options, making your journey more sustainable without losing any of the warmth, flexibility or personal touch that defines a Wilderness holiday.

    Learn more about our sustainability goals here.

    Read More

    Award-Winning Journeys

    gtbs
    Green Tourism
    Gold Approved
    Pure
    High-End
    Experiential Travel
    wta
    Leading Green
    Tour Operator
    mail

    Want more Wilderness in your life?

    Be the first to hear about new trips, locations and activities with our monthly newsletter

    We’re Not Online Just Now

    Our team based in Northern England is here to help—schedule a call at a time that suits you.

    Book a Call