Bespoke Private Tours of Scotland and the Borders
We take our time to make the very best of your time with us. Little roads and flexible journeys to get you away from the well worn paths with a rolling tale of the tour including some singing and the possibility of meeting local people. A very comfortable and quiet vehicle with excellent access. Guides are experienced, careful drivers who know their home and love to share it with you.
Duration: 4–10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh
Take a small-group day trip from Edinburgh to the beautiful Scottish Highlands and get to know Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle. The remote region is home to spectacular natural scenery with picturesque dales, mountains and lochs as well as quaint villages. After visiting the banks of Loch Lomond and exploring the Trossachs National Park, continue to the city of Stirling. Discover Stirling Castle on a tour (entrance own expense), and then return to Edinburgh via a stop at the Kelpies.
Duration: 9 hours
- Free cancellation
Journey Through Winchester's Past
Walk in the footsteps of the historical characters of Winchester's past: the Romans, Alfred the Great, William the Conqueror, Oliver Cromwell, and Henry VIII
Bring to life Winchester's great literary characters: Jane Austen, John Keats, Thomas Hardy, Sherlock Holmes, and King Arthur.
Walk the streets of Winchester, with its mighty historical and literary characters.
Groups limited to 10
Tour Starting Point: The Westgate. The medieval entrance to Winchester.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour in Whitechapel - Small Group
Delve into the chilling history of East London on a guided Jack the Ripper walking tour. The Jack the ripper murders are officially known as The Whitechapel Murders. Walk in the footsteps of the infamous killer as you explore all five canonical murder sites in Whitechapel. Discover the social conditions of 1888, view historical images and maps, and learn about the victims' lives. The tour culminates at the iconic Ten Bells pub for an authentic East End experience. With a knowledgeable guide who lives and works in the area, gain unique insights into the mysteries surrounding the Ripper murders.
- Explore all five canonical murder sites on a 2-hour walking tour
- This is a SMALL GROUP tour
- Gain insider knowledge from a local guide with extensive expertise
- View historical images, maps, and hear biographies of the victims
- Finish with a drink at the famous Ten Bells pub for an East End vibe
*This is the FULL Jack the Ripper Tour so there is more walking to do than the shorter tours*
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Ghost Tour of Oxford
Join us for an unforgettable evening as our costumed guide—cloaked in mystery and centuries of secrets—leads you through Oxford’s haunted heart. Beneath the dreaming spires and cobbled lanes lies a darker tale: ghostly whispers in ancient college halls, eerie echoes from long-forgotten trials, and spirits said to walk the night still.
This isn’t your average history tour. With dramatic flair and spine-tingling storytelling, our in-character guide brings the city's spectral past to life. You'll laugh, shiver, and maybe even glance over your shoulder as you uncover the secrets they never told you in the textbooks.
Whether you're a curious visitor, a brave local, or just love a good ghost story, The Oxford Ghost Tour promises thrills, chills, and a dash of theatrical fun. Dare to walk with us… if you’re not afraid of what lingers in the dark.
Duration: 1 hr 15 min
- Free cancellation
Private Walking Tour of Oxford: Explore History and Colleges
Discover the rich history and unique architecture of Oxford on a personalized walking tour led by an experienced, independent, local guide. This tour provides insights into the Oxford University system, the colleges, and fascinating stories of notable figures who shaped the city. Tailor your experience by choosing a theme such as literature, history, or music to enhance your visit. Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour, allowing you to explore hidden corners and learn about the vibrant student life at Oxford today. A visit to one or more colleges is highly recommended for a complete experience.
- Private tour tailored to your interests and schedule (see example itinerary)
- Flexible duration, typically 2 hours, with options to extend
- Explore themes like literature, history, and architecture
- Entry to one or more colleges can be arranged. We will arrange this with you in advance. This is an extra cost.
- Prices include the Contrada Tours pre-tour planning service by WhatsApp.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Private Tour, Highlights of the Victoria&Albert Museum
Join us for this private tour of The Victoria and Albert museum, recognised as the worlds leading museum of Art, Design and Performance. Your tour is led by a professional Blue Badge Guide, who will make sure you don’t miss any important artefacts and lead you around the highlights of this spectacular collection. Home to over 2 million objects there is plenty to see from British galleries and European connections to Islamic art and Asian artefacts. Your guide is full of facts, details and stories, not only about the individual items, but also about the wider history surrounding them. A fantastic collection and a highlights tour not to be missed!
Duration: 2 hours – 2 hr 30 min
- Likely to sell out
- Free cancellation
- Skip the line
- Private tour
Private Chauffeur Punt Tour
Enjoy a tranquil and personal experience on your own private punt. By selecting this private tour option, you and your group will have the luxury of the entire punt and the full attention of our experienced chauffeur. See some of the most famous Cambridge Colleges such as King’s, Clare, Trinity and St John’s as you and your group are punted along the River Cam by your very own private chauffeur.
Duration: 50 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Poole Fish & Chips Lunchtime or Evening Cruise
Set sail on a delightful 1.5-hour evening cruise around Poole Harbour, where you'll savor freshly cooked fish & chips from the award-winning All-Ways Fryday. As the sun sets, enjoy scenic views of Brownsea Island and the luxurious homes at Sandbanks, while indulging in traditional seaside comfort food. This cruise offers a unique way to relax, celebrate special moments, or simply enjoy the serene waters of one of the largest natural harbors in the world. With a full bar available and dietary options upon request, this experience guarantees a memorable evening on the water.
- Scenic 1.5-hour cruise around Poole Harbour with live commentary
- Enjoy freshly served fish & chips, with options for children and dietary needs (dietary needs to be booked 72 hrs in advance)
- Stunning sunset views and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for celebrations
- Depart from Poole Quay; casual attire recommended
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Skip-the-Line in The National Museum of Popular Music Ticket
The British Music Experience tells the story of British Music through costumes, instruments, performance and memorabilia. Whatever age you are, and whatever you are into, there is something here for you.
We’ve got outfits worn by artists from Freddie Mercury to the Spice Girls, musical instruments from Queen’s Roger Taylor and memorabilia from the Beatles through to Adele. You can also Dance the Decades in our studio, sing your heart out or play top guitars and drums.
The current temporary exhibition is 50 Years of Rock Against Racism. The exhibition will run from 10th September 2026 to 3rd January 2027. The exhibition inside the Star Café & Bar is free to visit. The museum exhibition is included with all general entry tickets.
After the main event browse an exclusive range of gifts, clothing, books and memorabilia from the Merch Store and you can rest those dancing feet with a selection of delicious snacks and meals in the Star Café.
Duration: 1–2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Skip the line
Booze, Brothels & The Bard: A Walking Tour of London's Bawdy Borough
Travel through a thousand years of history, meeting William Shakespeare, medieval Winchester Geese prostitutes, Charles Dickens, the ghost of a nineteenth century pub landlady, and the wonderfully named Doorkins Magnificat!
On our walking tour we'll visit the areas around Borough and Bankside, which being outside the jurisdiction of the City of London were for centuries the site of seedy goings on. We'll learn how the area had been notorious for prostitution since the arrival of the Romans, visit the locations of Southwark's two most notorious prisons of which parts can still be seen today, take in the sights of a millennium-old market, view the remains of a medieval palace, and find Shakespeare's Globe Theatres both old and new!
The walking tour begins outside Borough Station, ends near London Bridge Station, and will take around two hours. Total distance is about two miles.
Ticket sales will be limited to fifteen attendees, to ensure maximum enjoyment for everybody on the tour.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Drag Queen Disco Diva Tour - Silent Disco Walking Tour
A fabulous medley of 'Disco Diva' tunes are on the cards as we tour around London’s iconic Soho & Fitzrovia districts. Have you ever wanted to know where S-club got arrested for toking ganja? Where Elton John got caught with his pants down? Where Cher took a dump after eating a dodgy kebab? Our host Ms Christina Draguleira knows all the answers!
Featuring hits from the Spice Girls, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Kylie, Lady Gaga, Cher, Shania Twain, Tina Turner and many more – be prepared to dance, sing, strut your stuff and hear some shocking revelations (some of which may even be true) – perfect for hen nights.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Romans, Royals and Regency Bath Self Guided Tour with App
Walk through 2,000 years of history with this self-guided walking tour— from the ancient baths that gave this UNESCO city its name, to the Georgian backgrounds where many movies and series were filmed and Jane Austen set two of her novels. Along the way, you can decide if you prefer Georgian era buildings in a square, circle or a crescent!
As you walk you will encounter bakeries with 300-year-old recipes, hear why Princess Victoria never returned to Bath after a single visit, and find out what really happened at those Assembly Room balls.
This tour is the perfect introduction to Bath if you are a first time visitor. You can pause the tour whenever you want to step into and explore a sight further and then resume the tour. The walk has 13 stops that take you uphill from the picturesque Pultney bridge to the famous Royal Crescent.
Start anytime with no group to keep up with and no schedule to follow. Available in 9 languages.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour with Ripper-ologist
Embark on a thrilling walking tour with an expert 'Ripper-ologist'! On this night you will follow the footsteps of London’s most infamous serial killer - Jack the Ripper - as you visit the real-life murder locations and hear the facts, clues and theories behind one of history's most captivating and unsolved crimes.
For three months during the late 19th century, the Whitechapel area of London was enveloped in fear. During this period, a spate of murders known as the 'Whitechapel Murders' took place; five women were murdered and brutally mutilated by a killer that was never caught.
To this day, the identity of the killer remains a mystery, and well over a hundred theories exist today that attempt to lift the veil on the identity of one of history's most elusive murderers.
Visit the real-life murder locations with your expert tour guide, who will paint a picture of life in Victorian London during this period.
Duration: 2 hours
- Likely to sell out
- Free cancellation
London's Ghosts & Gruesome Past Nighttime Walking Tour
Take a walk through the sinister past of the Dark Side of London, hearing ghost stories, tragic tails, and creepy facts and figures, all the more unsettling because it is true! You will learn the salacious history of the Barber Surgeons, see the site of the execution of a legendary hero, and stand before an old Victorian hospital famous for grave-robbery.
On this tour you'll find out why Londoners used to drink blood and eat bones, learn who is said to haunt London's Underground network, and hear the story of England's most prolific serial killer (and if you think you know who it is - think again!). You'll walk over plague pits, through haunted graveyards and along the very same paths the condemned would have once taken on their final journeys.
This tour, guided by a professional storyteller and scholar, is a must for anyone who wants to get off the beaten track and learn about the macabre tales that this ancient city has to offer. You’ll never look at London the same way!
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Working Women of the East End Walking Tour
The East End has been an important area throughout London's History, a place of refuge, change, idealism but also crime and poverty. It's full of history and stories which draw in locals and tourists alike, in the streets of the East London you can experience and learn about the people that call this area home, alternative culture, dynamic street art and much more.
Our Working Women of the East End walking tour aims to change the way the East End is seen by highlighting the Women involved in the areas vibrant history, telling the stories and achievements of these Working Women and by giving a voice back to the women who were killed by Jack the Ripper.
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
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Speedboat Cruise Tour: Embankment OR Westminster Pier -70 minutes
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Then this high-speed Thames River tour RIB experience is tailor made for you! London will truly come alive and kicking with the fastest, most exciting River Thames cruise you could ever experience.
Duration: 1 hr 10 min
- Free cancellation
Jack the Ripper Tour with 'Ripper-Vision' in London- Afternoon
RIPPER-VISION™ is a new approach to Jack the Ripper tours. Top of the range hand held projectors which emblazon five-foot images upon the dark streets and alleyways of Whitechapel.This brings not only top class images, but also film clips, moving images and overlapping pictures to leave you with an everlasting memorable experience.
Duration: 1 hr 45 min
- Free cancellation
The Inklings Oxford Writers Tour - Private Groups Daily
Our tour includes entry into CS Lewis's college called Magdalen college worth £10 per person, as and when open. See published dates below that Magdalen is closed. On such dates, we visit an alternative college- unless it's a graduation date or over Christmas vacation period mentioned also below, when most colleges closed.
This tour focuses on the Inklings' Oxford but also introduces the city history + university life. See inspiring sights relating to CS Lewis & JRR Tolkien on an average 2.5 hour plus tour of the sights where they worked & relaxed, including the pubs they enjoyed. Locations visited include Magdalen college.
Various start times are offered by time of year.
Duration: 2 hours – 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Stirling Castle and Old Town Tour by Train - Tickets Included
Leave Edinburgh behind and journey by train through the Scottish landscape to Stirling, where cobbled streets, royal intrigue and centuries of history come together.
In a small group of no more than 15 people, explore the atmospheric Old Town and walk in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots, before visiting magnificent Stirling Castle.
This carefully paced seven-hour touring experience combines a scenic rail journey, an expert local guide and time to enjoy the city without feeling rushed.
Return train tickets and the castle admission are included, so every detail is taken care of from start to finish.
Duration: 7 hours
- Free cancellation
Visit Kensington Palace & 3 Hour Westminster Walking Tour
We will see 15 of London's most iconic sights in a 3-hour historic walking tour!
After the walking tour: Visit Kensington Palace
For over 300 years Kensington Palace has been residence to Britain’s young royal families. Share the experience of this public palace and private home in the heart of Kensington Gardens.
It will be an enjoyable, educational and entertaining stroll. From Palaces (and stories of the Monarchy) to Parliament Square (with the history of the government), you will be continuously entertained with bits of history.
• See Buckingham Palace
• Walkthrough the Royal Parks
• Learn about the history of Westminster
• Visit Parliament Square
• View the London Eye, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square
Sights you will see include ;
Buckingham Palace
Trafalgar Square
Changing of the Guard (daily in Jun & Jul, otherwise only on Weds, Fri, Sun)
Big Ben
Downing Street
Westminster Abbey
Whitehall
Houses of Parliament
London Eye
Parliament Square
Queens Horse Guard
Duration: 5 hours
- Free cancellation
Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove Coast Small-Group Day Trip
Escape the city and experience one of England’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes on this full-day trip from London to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Travel from London through the scenic English countryside to the world-famous Jurassic Coast in Dorset, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its extraordinary geology and dramatic sea views.
This carefully planned day trip allows you to enjoy two of the coastline’s most iconic natural landmarks in one seamless experience. Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch that rises majestically from the English Channel. One of the most photographed coastal landmarks in the UK, Durdle Door offers truly unforgettable views.
From the main viewpoint, take in sweeping panoramas of the coastline, or follow the walking path down toward the beach for a closer look. With dedicated free time capture stunning photos, or simply relax and enjoy the fresh sea air.
Duration: 7 hours
- Free cancellation
Oban Town Daily Walking Tour (10:30am)
On this 1.5 hour tour, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds as you travel back through the centuries to discover the history and culture of Oban. Your local, expert guide will bring the gateway to the Isles to life through tales, traditions and stories.
Once hailed by Queen Victoria as 'one of the finest spots she has ever seen', you’ll soon see why. Walk along our incredible seafront, discovering our links to the isles and our incredible wildlife, seeing our Cathedral, our famous Dog Stone and Oban Distillery too.
The tour includes:
- St Columba's Cathedral
- War and Peace Museum
- Dog Stone
- Oban Distillery
- Local wildlife & seafront
And more hidden gems!
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
The Old City of London - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour
Go back to the very beginning of London’s two millennia history in the City on this 2.5 hr exclusive guided walking tour. Our local guide will take you on a trek through the site of a Roman settlement that became the epicenter of one of the world’s most bustling cities and financial centers.
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour