6 Best Walking Tours in Great Britain

England, Scotland, and Wales—the three mighty nations that comprise Great Britain each boast wonders that are ready to be explored. From the idyllic Scottish Highlands to the more touristy treats in London, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to walking tours in Great Britain.

There is rarely a better way to experience these beautiful locations than by taking a walking tour. Walking tours of all different levels of difficulty can be found. Most of the tours we’ve included below aren’t difficult and can be enjoyed at any age. But as always, it’s important to assess your own physical fitness level before committing to a walk.

The following selection of tours includes short city tours and multi-day trips for those willing to push their limits. They also include both free tours and longer or more comprehensive tours available at various price ranges to accommodate everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Get your walking shoes out and get ready to dive into some of the best walking tours in Great Britain.

Tour Great Britain With These Top-Rated Tours

The following tours allow visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Great Britain’s highlights. 

1. Free Historic City of London Tour — London With a Local

London With a Local offers an excellent array of free walking tours and experiences in the city. It is undoubtedly a top contender on this list.

They cater to all age brackets and veins of interest, from simple city highlights to more niche experiences, like James Bond history tours. They also provide a mix of short walks and extended day trips, ideal for older travelers wanting to venture out into the streets of London.

The Historic City of London Tour is just one of the free experiences offered by London With a Local. The tour is nice and short, so you won’t be too tired afterward. It includes visiting over 11 London highlights, such as the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, to name a few.

You’ll start the tour at the Tower Hill Underground Station and follow a historic route detailing the city’s history from the Roman arrival to the present day. After visiting key locations and strolling alongside the River Thames, you’ll have a hearty and authentic pub lunch to refuel.

2. Free Royal Westminster Tour — London With a Local

Another incredible experience from London With a Local (so good, we mention it twice) is a royal adventure like no other. This Free Royal Westminster Tour is for all of you who adore the Royal Family and the history of the monarchy.

This short tour takes you through Westminster’s iconic locations, including the breathtaking Buckingham Palace, the House of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and more. You’ll hear from an expert guide on prominent figures and stories of key historical moments, like Guy Fawkes’ infamous attempt to destroy Parliament. 

Starting bright and early near Trafalgar Square at the Clermont Hotel, you’ll be guided to St. James’ Palace through key attractions, with the tour ending at Big Ben. You may even witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace if you’re lucky.

The tour doesn’t include lunch, so have a good breakfast beforehand and pack your own snacks if you’d like. 

3. Cotswold Way — Hillwalk Tours

There’s nothing quite as special as experiencing the English countryside, and Hillwalk Tours is just the provider to give you that. The company offers affordable and premium self-guided walking tours across the UK, starting from €319 ($344) per person.

Cotswold Way tours are a great choice. They offer varying difficulties and trip lengths, but the gentle hikes are best for seniors. These tours are flexible and easy to cater to your every need. You can marvel at the 102-mile stretch of stunning hillsides, villages, and unbeatable views between Gloucestershire and Somerset.

The shortest Cotswold Way tour length is four days and three nights, costing around €520 ($561). This goes up to 13 days and 12 nights for €1,675 ($1,806). These prices include accommodation, morning breakfasts, luggage transport, detailed map routes, insider tips, and more. 

Lunch and dinner aren’t included, but your guide will gladly recommend where to grab a bite.

4. South West Coast Path — Macs Adventure

If there is one walking tour you’ve undoubtedly heard of in the UK, then the Coastal Path is it. It’s the longest national trail in England and offers impeccable views of Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset. Macs Adventure is a superb provider of premium self-guided walking and biking tours along this path. 

There are plenty of options for walking along the South West Coast Path, ranging from six days and five nights, at €1044 per person, to nine days and eight nights, at €1,814 ($1,956) per person. The Exmouth to Lyme Regis tour option is the shortest (30 miles) and packed with incredible views and experiences you’ll love.

Starting at Exmouth, you’ll embark on your six-day journey alongside the seaside towns, like Sidmouth, Branscome, and Beer, as well as red rock formations and caves in Ladram Bay. You’ll also pass through the Undercliff National Nature Reserve before reaching your destination at Lyme Regis.

The costs include accommodation, guided trail books, delicious breakfasts each morning, and luggage transfers.

5. Edinburgh Free Tour with A World Famous Dog — GuruWalk

Moving on to Scotland, you can’t go wrong with visiting Edinburgh. GuruWalk is a community of international enthusiasts that offer friendly and personal tours on a “pay-as-you-please” basis. Tours are free, and individual guides, or gurus, are paid tips based on how you value the trip.

This Edinburgh Free Tour is a unique option, especially for animal lovers, and is presented by an enthusiastic gentleman and his wee little pup. Bobby’s Tours is dedicated to providing local knowledge and storytelling of Edinburgh’s highlights with his dog, Rowie, at his side. Of course, the center of these stories revolves around the local canine celebrity, Greyfriars Bobby.

You’ll meet the guide at the statue outside of the Greyfriars Bobby Pub and will start toward your first stop. You’ll pass by Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, the Writers Museum, and Victoria Street. You’ll also be treated to a trip to the Grassmarket and some famous filming locations for the Harry Potter movies.

The tour is only two hours long, so you’ll have plenty of time to stop for food and drinks at the market afterward.

6. Private 3-Hour City Highlights Tour — Walking Tours in Glasgow

Last on the list, but certainly not least, is provided by Walking Tours in Glasgow. As the name suggests, this company offers a mixture of private and public walking tours through Glasgow, where guides share their expertise, passion, and love for the city. There are currently 17 different guides, each offering their unique insights and perspectives.

This 3-Hour City Highlights Tour is a private tour that lasts about three hours and can accommodate a small group of up to six people. The tour costs about €24 ($26) per person or €177 ($191) for the full group of six. The starting time is flexible, so you can cater it to your schedule, which is just a bonus.

The tour begins outside the City Chambers Building in George Square or your hotel, depending on prior arrangements with your guide. You’ll view some of the best attractions and spots in the city, including George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, Iconic Street Art, and the People’s Palace. Don’t forget other spots sprinkled in along the way.

This intimate tour is perfect for capturing memorable moments and meeting the friendly locals — definitely recommended!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have a few worries lingering in your mind, here are a few frequently asked questions and answers on walking tours in Great Britain.

How Do Free Walking Tours Work? 

Typically, free walking tours don’t involve any charge or prior booking. At their own risk, the guides provide these fantastic tours to tourists looking to save money. You can (and should) tip the guide for their services based on your satisfaction with the experience.

Are Walking Tours Good For Travellers? 

Walking tours add a personal flair to your trip, letting you know the locals and their way of life. They usually include viewing some off-the-beaten-path spots and hidden gems you wouldn’t have been able to see. They also provide an opportunity to meet people from around the world.

How Long Should a Walking Tour Last?

Walking tours can vary in length, so there isn’t a set length that they have to be. In most cases, they last anywhere between two and four hours. Longer day tours can extend up to eight hours, and you can even have long hiking trips that last a few days with plenty of stops. 

However, for travelers over 60, long tours aren’t always fun, so sticking to those between two and four hours is ideal.

Walking Tours in Great Britain | Wrapped Up

It’s clear that Great Britain is a dream destination, filled to the brim with a plethora of sights to see and like-minded people to meet, no matter what age you are. These hand-picked walking tours are a perfect way to experience that.

From a simple city tour of London or the 102 miles across Cotswold in England to touring the highlights of Glasgow, this list has got you covered. So, all that’s left is to get packing and book for your next adventure. 

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