Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Tourist England and what tours do you offer?

Since 2011, Tourist England has been helping travelers make the most of their time in the UK with unforgettable sightseeing experiences and guided adventures. Whether you’re after tickets to top attractions, a day trip to the countryside, a scenic rail journey, a river cruise, or even a quick getaway to Paris on the Eurostar, we’ve got you covered.

You’ll travel in comfort on premium, air-conditioned coaches or train, led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who bring every destination to life. Looking for something more tailored? We also offer exclusive private tours across the UK, as well as cruise-friendly excursions and cruise transfer services designed to fit smoothly into your travel plans.

Why should I book my London tour in advance?

Things can get busy in the summer and around Christmas, so it’s a good idea to book your tours, activities, and transfers ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out. The good news? Most of our tours come with free cancellation, so if your plans change, you can easily adjust or cancel in advance without any hassle.

Can I make changes to my booking?

Need a hand with your booking? We’re here to help! Just reply to your booking confirmation email, and one of our team members will get back to you. 

For some tours, we can assist you in making changes, provided you contact us in accordance with our cancellation policy. Just note that attraction, rail, and theatre tickets can’t be changed once booked.

What is Tourist England’s cancellation and refund policy?

We get it, plans can change! If you need to cancel a booking, just check the cancellation policy listed on the tour, activity or booking page, as it can vary depending on the product. To cancel, simply reply to your booking confirmation email, and we’ll take it from there.

Just a quick note: some things, like theatre tickets, are non-refundable, but we’ll always let you know that upfront before you book.

Where do London sightseeing tours drop off?

We try to make your journey as easy as possible, but sometimes, because of time limits and driving regulations, we can’t always return to the exact departure point. When that happens, we always drop off in central London, close to a Tube station and within easy reach of major hotels.

For the specific drop-off location for your tour, take a quick look at the tour page, it’ll have all the details.

Are Tourist England's Tours accessible for passengers with disabilities?

We do our best to make our tours welcoming for everyone, but accessibility can vary depending on the vehicle used for a particular trip. If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility needs, please get in touch with us before booking. We’ll be happy to check what’s possible and help you find the right option.

You can reach us by emailing [email protected] or by filling out the form on our Contact Us page.

Can I bring a foldable wheelchair on the tour?

We’re happy to say that some of our tours can accommodate foldable wheelchairs. If you or someone in your group uses one, just get in touch with us before you book so we can check if the tour will be a good fit for your needs. You can email us at [email protected] or reach out through the form on our Contact Us page.

Please note that while we’ll do our best to make things easy, we kindly request that guests handle boarding with assistance from someone in their own group, as our team is unable to assist with lifting.

How Much Walking is There on a Tour?

It really depends on the tour. Some involve more walking than others. If you’re not sure whether a particular tour might be too much, feel free to reach out. Our friendly team is always happy to help and can guide you to the best option for your comfort. Just drop us an email at [email protected] or send us a message through our Contact Us page.

What Should I Wear on a Tour?

England’s weather loves to keep us guessing—it can change in a flash! We recommend checking the forecast before you head out, just to be safe. No matter the weather, comfortable walking shoes are a must. You’ll thank yourself later!

What else should I know about what’s included in the tour?

Each tour is different and so it is important to check the individual details on the tour page to see what is included, and what, if any, are the optional extras. Always happy to help, just drop us a line at [email protected] or fill out our contact form. 

Are there senior discounts?

Most of our tours offer discounts for ages 60+. You can see the discounted price on both the description page and checkout page.

Are there toilets on board the Coaches?

For our smaller group tours (up to 16 people), the coaches don’t have toilets on board. Many of our larger coaches do, but we can’t always guarantee it. That said, we make regular stops along the way, and you’ll also find restrooms at most of the attractions we visit,so there are plenty of chances for a break.

What if I’m late Arriving At The Tour Departure Point?

We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time—unless it says otherwise on your tour page. Our coaches run on a tight schedule, so if you’re late, there’s a chance the tour may leave without you, and we’d hate for you to miss out.

For our Paris tours, please make sure to arrive at London St Pancras at least 1 hour and 15 minutes before departure so there’s enough time for check-in, passport control and security.

How much time do we spend at each attraction?

It depends on the tour. The time at each stop can vary based on travel time and the day’s schedule.

As a general rule, tours that visit just two attractions usually give you more time at each. For example, on our Stonehenge and Windsor Castle tour, you’ll spend around 3 hours at Windsor Castle and 2 hours at Stonehenge. In comparison, our Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath tour spends 1½ hours at Stonehenge, 2 hours at Windsor Castle and 1½ hours in Bath.

Do You Offer Foreign Language Tours?

Some tours offer foreign-language guides; please refer to the individual tour page for details. Many attractions have audioguides available in many languages. Our hop-on-hop-off buses have guided commentary in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese & Arabic.

What should I know before booking a Paris or Eurostar tour?

You may need a visa for Paris; it’s your responsibility to verify this. Paris train times are fixed and cannot be changed. Seating is reserved and you can normally sit together. There is an option to upgrade to Eurostar Plus class.

How Long Do You Need at The Harry Potter Studio Tour?

We recommend giving yourself about 4 hours at the Studio Tour. That’s the sweet spot to explore everything at a comfortable pace, take in the magic, and not feel rushed.

If I've booked a Ticket to the Harry Potter Studio Tour with Transport, can I stay longer?

Yes, absolutely. If you’d like more time at the Studio Tour, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Just keep in mind that if you choose to stay longer, you’ll need to make your own way back to London as your return transport is for a scheduled time. There are three ways of getting back to London. You can book a return coach, take a taxi, or catch a train.

It’s a great option if you want a little extra time to soak up the magic.

How do Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours work in London?

On our London hop-on hop-off bus tour, you’re free to hop on and off the bus as much as you like. It’s a fun and flexible way to see the sites. The buses run on three circular, interlinked routes, so it’s easy to switch between them and explore different areas.

At most stops, you’ll find friendly staff who can help answer questions and point you toward nearby attractions.

The Blue Route features a live English-speaking guide, and all routes offer audio commentary in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese, and Arabic, so you can enjoy the tour in your preferred language.

When you first hop on, you’ll get a free route map and a pair of complimentary headphones to use with the audio guide.

Do I need To Book Southampton Cruise Transfers and Tours in Advance?

We highly recommend booking as early as you can, as these Southampton transfers and tours are really popular and often sell out fast, especially during peak cruise season.

You can reserve your spot up to 18 months in advance, which gives you plenty of time to plan. And if your plans change, no stress as we offer a generous cancellation policy, with a full refund available up to 72 hours before departure.

Your Independent Southampton Shore Excursions Aren't Through The Cruise Line. What Do I Need to Know?

Our shore excursions are independent of the cruise lines. We service the following cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Oceania, NCL, Celebrity, Princess & Disney. When we collect from Southampton terminals, we closely monitor the ship’s arrival. If the cruise ship is late we will always wait. When we drop off at Southampton terminals, we will always arrive with plenty of time to check in. We have operated these cruise tours for over 15 years.

Do We Need to Tip Our Tour Guide in England?

Tipping in England isn’t expected, so you’re not obliged to tip your guide. That said, if you feel they’ve done a great job and you’d like to show your appreciation, any amount, big or small, is always a kind and welcome gesture. It’s totally up to you

Are vegetarian Options Available On Tours That Include Lunch Or Afternoon Tea?

Vegetarian options are always available on tours that include lunch or afternoon tea.

Are Gluten Free, Vegan or Halal Food Options Available On Tours That Include Lunch Or Afternoon Tea?

Some of our lunch and afternoon tea tours offer gluten-free, vegan, and halal options. Please contact us before making a booking.

Can you visit the Castle where Downton Abbey was filmed?

Yes, you can. The beautiful Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was filmed, is open to visitors and set in the stunning English countryside.

You can get there on your own by train and taxi, or make things easy by joining one of our tours from London. If you’re planning to visit independently, be sure to book your tickets in advance as they’re not sold at the door on the day.

When Should I Book Tickets for Highclere Castle?

We highly recommend booking as early as you can as Highclere Castle isn’t open every day, and tickets tend to sell out fast, even during the quieter months.

One thing to keep in mind: the castle doesn’t release its opening dates a full year in advance, which can make planning a bit tricky. But don’t worry, we’ve got an opening dates article to help keep you up to date and make planning easier.

How Long in Advance Should I Book A London Vacation Package?

We recommend booking a London vacation package as early as possible for the lowest prices and largest choice of hotel options.

Can I Visit Buckingham Palace?

Yes, you can. The inside of Buckingham Palace is open to visitors from mid-July to the end of September, offering a rare chance to explore the State Rooms while the King is away. Tickets must be booked in advance as they do sell out.

Do I Need to Book Stonehenge Inner Circle Access Tickets in Advance?

Yes, you absolutely do. Inner Circle Access tickets must be booked in advance, as they’re not available on the day.

Access is limited to just a few small groups each morning and evening,  on selected days of the year, so tickets sell out fast. You can either book just the ticket or, if you’re coming from London, it’s often easier to book one of our tours that includes both your ticket and transport. 

If you’re booking the ticket only, make sure to plan your journey carefully in advance, as Inner Circle visits often occur very early or late in the day. Getting there and back on your own can be challenging.

Where Can I buy Stonehenge Inner Circle Special Access Tickets from?

You can purchase tickets directly from English Heritage which runs Stonehenge, or from Tourist England if you would like to also include return transportation from London.

How do I contact Tourist England for help or feedback?

You can get in touch using the form on our contact us page or email us at  [email protected]. Your personal data is fully secure with encrypted submission.

Can I book a private tour with Tourist England?

Yes, absolutely. If you’d like a day out that’s tailored just for you, we offer a range of private tours across London and the UK. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the Cotswolds at your own pace, a family-friendly London highlights day, or a private visit to Stonehenge, we can make it happen. Just drop us a message, and we’ll help you plan a day that’s exactly how you want it.

Are your tours suitable for solo travellers?

There are many solo travelers on our tours, and they are always very welcome. It’s a great way to see England’s top sights while meeting other travellers along the way. Plus, you’ll have the support of a friendly guide and our team, so you’ll never feel alone during your adventure.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept most major debit and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. All online payments are fully encrypted to keep your details safe.

Will I receive a confirmation after booking?

Yes, you’ll get an email confirmation as soon as you’ve completed your booking. It will have all the details you need, including your meeting point and departure time. If it doesn’t appear in your inbox, it’s worth checking your spam or junk folder, and if it’s still not there, just get in touch and we’ll resend it for you.

What happens if it rains on the day of the tour?

Ah, English weather can be full of surprises! Our tours run rain or shine, so we recommend bringing a light rain jacket or an umbrella, just in case. If the weather is extreme and affects the tour, we’ll let you know as soon as we can.

Are there lunch breaks on tours?

Our full-day tours include a lunch break, and your guide will recommend places to eat. Some tours include lunch or afternoon tea, while others give you the flexibility to choose a spot that suits your taste.

Can I bring luggage on a day tour?

If you are joining one of our group cruise transfers, then you can bring luggage. You can find specific details about this on our cruise tour pages. You can also bring luggage on our private tours.

For our day tours, you’re welcome to bring a small bag or backpack with you. Please contact us in advance if you wish to bring any larger items of luggage. 

Can I take photos on the tours?

Absolutely! We’d love for you to capture your memories while you explore. Just keep in mind that some attractions have restrictions on photography inside certain areas, particularly art museums, and your guide will let you know if that’s the case.

What languages do your guides speak?

Our tours are usually conducted in English, but some of our tours may offer guides who speak other languages, depending on the day and the tour. We do offer specific tours in Spanish, as well as Chinese, Japanese, andMany attractions we visit also offer audioguides in multiple languages, so you can still follow along in the language you’re most comfortable with.