History on the ground · HISTORY WALKING TOURS IN THE UK

15 History Walking Tours in the UK Worth Booking

32 tours  ·  from $9 a head

Good history walking tours in the UK fill up weeks ahead and the best go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour - Donegall Place and the Ring of Steel
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A History of Terror – Belfast City Centre Walking Tour

1.A History of Terror – Belfast City Centre Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,883 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36Our pick

Walk 1.5 miles through central Belfast with guides such as James, Anne, Mylie, and Róisín, stopping at City Hall, Donegall Place, the Cathedral Quarter, and the Beacon of Hope. You’ll hear a balanced account of The Troubles, personal memories, and how Belfast reached its fragile peace. Headsets help you follow the guide in a group of up to 25.

“Walking tour of places of history and interest in Belfast. Our guide was a Belfast native who offered valuable insight as to how the city has evolved over the years.”

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Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour - Meeting at Caffe Nero beside the Adam Smith Statue
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Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour

2.Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,361 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Walk Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with an English-speaking guide such as Koffe, Max, Ben, Euan, or Graeme. Over two hours, visit Mercat Cross, St. Giles Cathedral, and the Grassmarket while hearing tales of Auld Reekie, the Scottish Enlightenment, local folklore, and Harry Potter inspirations. Comfortable shoes and weather-ready clothing are essential.

“We had an amazing Edinburgh tour experience. Our guide was truly a character incredibly funny, engaging, and full of personality. He had deep knowledge of the city’s history and shared fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that you don’t usually hear. We laughed a lot, learned so much, and genuinely enjoyed every moment. Highly recommended!”

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Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh - Who should book this Edinburgh walk?
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Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

3.Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Walk Edinburgh’s cobbled Old Town with guides such as Max, Greg, Angus, Ben, and Jule. In about two hours, you’ll see St Giles Cathedral, Mercat Cross, George Heriot School, and Edinburgh Castle from outside, while hearing colorful stories and getting useful food and sightseeing tips.

“Great tour, and definitely worth doing if you’re in Edinburgh for a short time. There wasn’t much walking involved, but we still managed to see different parts of the old town that we would have otherwise missed, and hear about the related stories.”

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Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. - Meeting near the Guy Fawkes Inn
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Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.

4.Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $18

Meet at the Guy Fawkes Inn at 6:30 pm for a 90-minute walk through York’s darker corners. Guides such as Dan, Josh, and Mackenzie use theatrical storytelling, gallows humor, and local tales to bring the city’s ghosts and grim past to life. The route passes outside the Minster and finishes near the Shambles.

“Knowledgeable guide. Saw parts of York I had not experience. Stories were interesting. If you want a fun evening book it.”

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Private Historical Walking Tour of York - Starting beside York Minster
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Private Historical Walking Tour of York

5.Private Historical Walking Tour of York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,324 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Walk York’s historic centre with a private guide for two to three hours. Begin near York Minster, or arrange a central pickup, then follow stories tied to the Minster, kings, an abbey, the Shambles, and Clifford’s Tower. Guides may include Alan, Karen, Chris, Sean, or David. Expect a history-led walk with room for personal questions and local tips.

“I chose this tour because I wanted to learn about all of York’s history from the Romans to the Vikings to Henry VIII to Guy Fawes and everything in between. Chris was an amazing tour guide. He knows sooo much about history and weaves the stories so well. His local knowledge of York is impressive. He went above and beyond to make the day educational and amazing.”

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Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour - Through the Old Town’s closes and wynds
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Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

6.Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,290 reviews · 1h 15m · from $24

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with a character guide such as Hazel, Juniper, or Angelica, hearing respectful stories of accused witches, haunted closes, and public executions. The 75-minute English tour starts near St. Giles’ Cathedral and ends in Grassmarket. Expect outdoor walking, stairs, weather, humor, and a serious look at Scotland’s witch trials.

“Witch Hazel was our guide for this tour and it didn’t disappoint. This lady has a wealth of information, and provided us with so much insight into the witch trials of Edinburgh and North Berwick in a lighthearted but heartfelt manner. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wishes to explore Edinburgh’s deeper past, points of interest and has a real interest in the witch trials”

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London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour - Starting outside St Paul’s Underground station
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London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

7.London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,065 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $39

Meet outside St Paul’s Underground station for a 3.5-hour, 2-mile stroll through London’s pub history. An English-speaking guide leads you to four characterful pubs, including a Victorian gin palace and taverns dating to 1549. Drinks cost extra, and guides such as Dave, Tim, Freddie, Shadow, and Lachlan bring the stories to life.

“A great way to spend an afternoon in London. History, humour and beers. Tour Guide Dave was excellent.”

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Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour - The Royal Mile starting point at 10:30 am
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Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour

8.Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,016 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Start at 10:30 am on the Royal Mile and walk Edinburgh’s historic center with a professional guide. You’ll hear stories from medieval to modern times, spot lesser-known details, and finish near Greyfriars Kirkyard. The tour runs in English, with French also noted in the activity details, and groups can reach 30 people.

“German tour with Urs was full of historical places, explanations and fun. The best tour during our stay.”

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York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour - Meeting a witch at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate
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York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

9.York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 928 reviews · 1h 15m · from $22

Follow a costumed witch guide such as Cornelius Piper, Magnificent Merlot, Willow, or Nutmeg through York’s old town. In 75 minutes, you’ll hear true stories about Mad Alice, Mary Bateman, and other suspected witches while walking from Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate past the Shambles, York Minster, Stonegate, and Barley Hall.

“Really lovely tour let by cornelius who was very friendly and informative”

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A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour - Old Hall Street and Liverpool’s trading power
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A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour

10.A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 911 reviews · 1 hour 50 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Follow Liverpool’s story from the Royal Liver Building and medieval parish grounds to the Old Dock and Royal Albert Dock. Guides John or Julio explain the city’s trade, architecture, maritime past, and role in the transatlantic slave trade. The 110-minute walk covers central Liverpool at an easy but fairly brisk pace.

“Great tour. Helpful Informative. Funny. Interesting. Great value for price. Highly Recommend this tour”

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Belfast: A History of Terror Walking Tour - Beginning at Belfast City Hall
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Belfast: A History of Terror Walking Tour

11.Belfast: A History of Terror Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 854 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $35

Meet James, Mylie, Anne, Rory, or another DC Tours guide at Belfast City Hall for a 2.5-hour, 1.5-mile walk through The Troubles. You’ll visit bombing sites, former security cordons, and the Forgotten Troubles Memorial while hearing balanced history, personal stories, and how Belfast is healing.

“The guide is very knowledgeable and informative about the very details of the Troubles! He told us all the past events that happened as we walked along the city, which gave me more perspective of the lives of Belfast back then. Money well spent!”

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London: Soho Music and Historic Pubs Walking Tour - Four pubs, four different slices of Soho
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London: Soho Music and Historic Pubs Walking Tour

12.London: Soho Music and Historic Pubs Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 836 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $39

Walk from Piccadilly Circus through Soho with an English-speaking guide such as Gherto, Henry, Sy, or Ben. Visit four historic pubs, hear stories about Lennon, Hendrix, Bowie, Mozart, and the Sex Pistols, and buy drinks along the way. Expect easy walking, lively banter, and plenty of music history.

“The guide Gherto was awesome, I highly recomment this tour!”

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Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour in London - St. James’s Palace and the royal setting
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Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour in London

13.Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour in London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 803 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $44

Walk from Piccadilly Circus through St. James’s and nearby streets, stopping at historic pubs while guides such as Ben, Luke, Henry, and Tom share royal tales, celebrity links, and local beer advice. The 2 to 3-hour tour costs $44.38, with drinks extra, and has a maximum of 12 people.

“Perfect with tom . Great day. Very interesting and fun . Go ! Vraiment une belle découverte originale”

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Edinburgh: 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Italian - Walking the Royal Mile toward St Giles’ Cathedral
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Edinburgh: 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Italian

14.Edinburgh: 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Italian

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 734 reviews · 3 hours · from $20

Spend three hours exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town with an Italian-speaking guide. Follow the Royal Mile, hear stories of Mary, Queen of Scots and the Scottish Enlightenment, see Edinburgh Castle, visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, and finish with castle views from The Vennel. Recent guides have included Alessandra, Dominga, and Davide.

“La nostra guida Alessandra è stata cordiale e disponibile! Tour interessante! Consigliato!”

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Private Group: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London - Black Friar, an Art Nouveau pub with a strong visual identity
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Private Group: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London

15.Private Group: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 660 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $173

Walk from Cheapside to Holborn with a private guide such as Lyndon, Lachlan, Adam, John, Ricky, or Freddie. Visit historic pubs including Black Friar, the Old Bank of England, and Princess Louise, while hearing stories tied to St. Paul’s, Dickens, RAF history, and the City of London. Drinks cost extra.

“Excellent! John, our tour guide was friendly and very knowledgable. We totally enjoyed the stories and history of each pub. We would have never known these special gems were there if it weren't for our tour. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone that enjoys history and of course... fine beer!! Cheers!”

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New in History Walking Tours in the UK

★ 4.9Falmouth: Vibrant Historical Walking Tour (award-winning)From $2175 reviews
★ 4.9Edinburgh’s Dark History Walking TourFrom $2155 reviews
★ 4.8Edinburgh: Pubs and History Guided Walking Tour with BeerFrom $62254 reviews
★ 4.9Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking TourFrom $2456 reviews
★ 4.8Edinburgh: Dark History Royal Mile Walking TourFrom $20271 reviews
★ 4.8Edinburgh: 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour in SpanishFrom $2099 reviews
★ 4.8London: Historic City Walking Tour(& Rooftop Garden Access*)From $4954 reviews
★ 4.9Belfast: Best of Belfast History, Culture & Art Walking TourFrom $35158 reviews
★ 4.9Belfast Walking Tour with a Local – History & CraicFrom $26130 reviews
★ 3.6Bath : 2 Hour Historic Walking Tour With An AppFrom $919 reviews
★ 4.9Winchester: Historic Castles and Cathedrals Walking TourFrom $16154 reviews

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