British Historical Sites Tour

Planning a few days out in the UK? Or wondering where some of the most popular historical tourist attractions are if you’re taking a longer vacation here?

Well, we’ve got a fabulous selection of ideas to pique your interest with this guide to some of the best historical sites to visit in Britain. From Scotland down to London, there will be something to engage everyone.

…and what’s more, we’ve got some hints and tips from experts so you can have the best experience traveling in the UK – whether you’re coming from home or abroad.

Ready to explore? Come with us.

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Why are we so fascinated with visiting historic prisons and sites relating to crimes?

“I spend a lot of my free time visiting other castles, prisons and heritage sites because I have a passion for history and am fascinated by what remains from the past and what we can learn from that. I have recently visited a couple of castles which have changed function over time into prisons and centres for the administration of justice and am always interested to compare and contrast the physical remains with Oxford Castle and Prison and see similar patterns and stories emerging. Many sites started out as motte and bailey Norman constructions in the post-conquest period, withstanding sieges and civil unrest, protecting the population and dominating the surrounding area and then over time became the site of county courts and gaols with many phases of construction and additional cell blocks being added due to changing ideas about prison reform and attitudes to criminal justice.

So much of our history derives from the lived experiences of those who came before us and we focus on the lives of our former inmates; drawing on their stories to communicate with our visitors and very much keeping their memories alive on site everyday through our costumed guided tours. We also draw on these back stories to mine details for our special events and experiences so it is fascinating to visit other similar sites and hear echoes of their inmates and of their shared experience of crime and punishment, poverty, injustice and the resolve with which they met their end within the walls.

I am always struck by the sense of connection when I visit other sites – in terms of feeling an instant attachment and deep sense of place and also in terms of how we present the history of the sites as contemporary commentators and interpreters of the past. I really enjoy meeting the staff and talking to them about their work and our shared feelings about communicating with visitors within the heritage tourism industry.” Katherine Newman – Reservations and Relationships Executive – Oxford Castle and Prison

What are two vitally important things to consider if you’re organising a group trip to the UK (or anywhere abroad?)

“Two key points to consider while traveling abroad are currency and documentation.

Be sure to check with your bank regarding international exchange rates and fees prior to traveling. Buying currency is becoming more difficult and expensive – make sure you are getting the best deal.

In addition, always check with your travel provider or with the destination ahead of your departure to be sure you have proper documentation. Many countries have visa requirements or waiver programs (like the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization.) Be sure you know exactly what you need to enter a country and avoid any complications.” Kory Vrieze – Director – Group Travel Odyssey

Why is Glamis Castle an ideal location to visit on a UK tour?

“Glamis Castle, reputed to be the most haunted castle in Scotland, has witnessed over six hundred years of comings and goings, from illustrious royals, prime ministers, artists, writers, family, friends, associates, tradesmen, clergy, governesses, servants, and tenants. Visitors can follow in their footsteps and drive or walk down the stunning driveway, at the bottom of which nestles the iconic Castle itself.

The Scottish family home of The Queen Mother, Glamis was the birthplace of Princess Margaret in 1930 and the much-loved childhood holiday home of Queen Elizabeth II. But royal connections go much further back. Sir John Lyon was granted the Thanage of Glamis in 1372 by King Robert II and four years later he married Princess Johanna Stewart, the King’s daughter. Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis, had the misfortune of being the sister of King James V’s despised stepfather, Archibald, Earl of Angus, and she was falsely accused of treason and burnt at the stake at Edinburgh Castle in 1537. Mary, Queen of Scots visited Glamis in 1562 (perhaps to atone for her father’s vindictiveness) and dined in the Great Hall, now the impressive Drawing Room. Glamis is probably best known for its association with Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’, written for King James VI and I after his accession to the throne of England. In 1603 Patrick, 9th Lord Glamis accompanied the King to the English court, and in 1606 the King granted him the title of ‘Earl of Kinghorne’, which was extended in 1677 to include ‘Strathmore’.

The self-styled Jacobite King James VIII and III (known by his enemies as ‘The Old Pretender’) stayed at Glamis in January 1716 and ‘touched for the King’s evil’ (Scrofula, a form of tuberculosis) in the Chapel at Glamis, as it was believed only true monarchs had healing powers.

Today, Glamis is one of the top visitor attractions in Scotland and is a must-see for travellers” Ingrid Thomson – Archivist – Glamis Castle

What would you say are the main reasons Americans want to visit the UK?

“I think that a lot of Americans who want to visit the UK want to check out the historic cathedrals, ruined castles, quaint market towns, and villages — the sorts of things many Britons perhaps take for granted and maybe even find a bit boring. The UK feels familiar — but different in a way that is not completely disorienting — even to someone from Iowa. Why are what we call Milky Ways packaged as Mars bars? Why is there so much watercress in the produce section? A trip to a market or convenience store (or corner shop) can feel like a small adventure… even a trip to Basingstoke can feel like a magical journey into Hogwarts. Most of us aren’t used to roundabouts and terraced houses, after all.

Americans, on the whole, also love to visit places that don’t require them to learn another language beyond a couple of words or phrases like “muchas gracias” and “cuanto cuesta?” Americans go to Japan and leave nasty reviews on websites, complaining that Japanese people don’t even TRY to speak American. The English, on the other hand, by and large speak something that sounds like American — with just enough spelling and vocabulary differences to make things like an easily winnable game. Conversely, this is why you don’t get many American tourists in Glasgow or Newcastle.

I think that one of the real benefits of visiting the UK comes from the things you don’t necessarily expect or seek out. London is not just vibrant but international but far more diverse than most Americans expect. And even though British publications are constantly bemoaning the death of pub culture — there’s nowhere else on Earth that’s even remotely as pubby. Finally, most places in the UK — especially the cities — are extremely easy to navigate on foot, bike, bus, or train — especially compared to most of the US. As with any good vacation, you hopefully come back with a changed perspective. Maybe you’ll walk, instead of drive, to a grocery store or bar next time. It turns out that buses don’t bite. You’ll still have to make a bit of an effort to track down watercress, though, should you develop a taste for it.” Eric Brightwell – Writer and Owner – ericbrightwell.com