Despite today’s modern electronic age where we can find out whatever we need in just a few clicks, we are still obsessed with traditional tours. Having an experienced guide tell you the information about what you’re seeing, rather than being forced to read it yourself, is a much more enjoyable experience. The only trouble is finding a tour worth going on that meets your interests and expectations.
This is especially true in large major cities where there are so many options you can often find yourself paralysed by choice. To help you in the decision-making process, we’ve put together this quick guide covering some of the most impressive tours in the UK. We’ve tried to make the list varied so that whatever your preferences, there’s something in here for you.
The Giant’s Causeway Tour
The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most famous and only UNESCO Heritage Site. Formed between 50 and 60 million years ago via a volcanic eruption, the Giant’s Causeway is an iconic natural wonder that has inspired authors, storytellers and filmmakers for thousands of years. In fact, the tale of the Giant’s Causeway and the folk legend surrounding it are still told to this day.
There are a host of different tour operators that organise trips to the Giant’s Causeway from the Northern Irish capital of Belfast, each with their own unique routes. Investigate what’s right for you and make sure to bring a camera if you’re interested!
City of the Dead Tour
The City of the Dead Tour is one of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions. Also dubbed the ‘Underground City of the Dead’, Edinburgh’s most popular ghost tour guides visitors through the city’s legendary underground city where citizens used to live in poverty and misery. Exploring the most haunted area of the subterranean environment, guides explain the stories behind the different tunnels and the horrors that occurred down there – perfect for any true crime or gruesome history lover.
The Jack the Ripper Tour
Jack the Ripper is a name that many people recognise, and he is easily one of the most well-known serial killers in the world. Whilst the identity of the 19th Century murderer is still unknown, there are still plenty of theories around who he was and why he committed such atrocities. Questions ranging from why he stopped killing, all the way through to who his victim were, are answered on the Jack the Ripper tours available in London’s Whitechapel district.
If you’re visiting the English capital, definitely consider a Jack the Ripper tour on your trip.
Shoreditch Street Art Tour
Sticking with London, the region of Shoreditch is well known as a street art hub within the city. A vast range of different artists and styles are on display and with such great material on view, there was bound to be a tour founded that explored the area. Again, there are a variety of different Shoreditch Street art tours, though as the route is completely free to traverse, you can always grab a map, do some research and explore the area yourself instead. It all depends on whether you want the story behind the artwork or just the beauty of the pieces themselves.
Loch Ness and the Highlands Tour
Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions and, complete with the legendary monster, is full of curious folklore and incredible landscapes. If you like natural beauty, then taking a tour around the Scottish Highlands and the surrounding area is guaranteed to show you something that you haven’t seen before. Keep in mind that Scotland is exceptionally windy and cold though, so make sure to wrap up, especially during the winter months.
These are obviously not the only tours available in the UK, but they are definitely some of the most interesting and enjoyable. As always, be sure to do your own research around a topic and make sure that it interests you before going on a tour, or if you prefer a little excitement hen just take the plunge and see how it goes!
