Top South East England Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Follow in the footsteps of famous former residents like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis—and discover many of Oxford’s top landmarks in just a couple hours—on this introductory walking tour. Meet your group in central Oxford, and set off on foot. You’ll see key attractions like the Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre, will explore the university area, and you will see many of the elegant colleges from the outside. Note: book an afternoon tour to tour inside the colleges (subject to availability).

Discover the Harry Potter movie locations of Oxford on this walking tour. Visit the famous Bodleian Library to see the hall used as Hogwarts’ Infirmary in many movies, and view other locations in one or two of Oxford’s oldest colleges. As you walk, enjoy a fun Harry Potter quiz, and learn about Oxford University and other famous children’s books written in the city. Entrance fees to the Bodleian and select colleges are included.

When your cruise concludes in the city of Southampton, discover the delights of the English countryside on a post-shore excursion to London via Salisbury, Stonehenge, and Windsor. With a knowledgeable guide, experience must-see attractions like the medieval Salisbury Cathedral and the mysterious stone ring of Stonehenge. Visit the quintessential town of Windsor to see the world’s oldest occupied castle and then travel directly to your London hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach.

Explore Oxford University’s famous regatta course on this 50-minute Thames River sightseeing cruise in Oxford. Hop aboard your sightseeing vessel in the heart of Oxford and cruise out onto the famous waterway. Listen as your guide sheds light on the city’s rich history, and discover local landmarks such as Folly Bridge, Christchurch College, the Oxford University boathouses and the Meadows. Share the waters with rowing eights, punts, university boats and cruisers, and watch the banks for sightings of native river wildlife.

Experience one of the world’s greatest university cities on this hop-on hop-off Oxford bus tour. With a 24- or 48-hour pass, design a personalized itinerary with several possible stops including the University of Oxford buildings (some featured in the 'Harry Potter' films), Oxford Castle, and Bodleian Library, one of the world’s oldest public libraries. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top viewing deck and fun onboard commentary as you savor this elegant city.

Set sail for a romantic cruise through the heart of Oxford on this 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, including afternoon tea served on-board. Tuck into traditional English teatime treats like finger sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream, as you glide downstream. Following a scenic route along the University Regatta Course, you’ll discover Oxford’s surprising greenery and enjoy marvelous views of the University Boat Houses, Christ Church Meadows and Iffley lock.

Experience the diversity of Britain’s countryside on a full-day trip to the South Downs National Park and Seven Sisters from Brighton. Travel comfortably in a luxury minibus, riding past spectacular land and seascapes with plenty of great photo opportunities, such as the Belle Tout Lighthouse and the Devil's Dyke beauty spot. For a seamless experience, all entrance fees and round-trip transport are included.

Squeeze all of Oxford's most popular sights into one day with this small group, full-day tour. Explore the oldest Colleges in Oxford with the knowledge of your Oxford student tour guide and step inside Oxford's largest College with its own deer park. Stop by a traditional pub for lunch and then continue your tour with a trip back in time at England's most iconic library. Harry Potter fan? Upgrade your ticket to include access to Christ Church, the famed college.

Immerse yourself in the world of Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Hathaway during this 2-hour walking tour in Oxford. Listen to stories about the city's most famous detectives and stop at landmarks such as Broad Street, the White Horse pub, and the Randolph Hotel.

See more of Canterbury than you would if traveling in a larger tour vehicle on a walking tour that offers an insider’s glimpse into one of Kent’s most picturesque cities. You’ll listen to stories about ghosts, authors, and historical figures that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebook as you wander down medieval lanes and cathedral precincts.

Get an overview of the City of the Dreaming Spires on this guided, small-group walking tour. Pass by some of the key attractions around this historic university town, including Carfax Tower, Christ Church College, Queen’s College, The Bridge of Sighs, Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library and more. Learn about the city’s long and rich history from your guide.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the 'Call the Midwife' set on this tour in Chatham. Follow your midwife guide on a walking tour around the exterior filming locations, including the historic Dockyard Chatham.

See the best of Canterbury in a short space of time with this guided tour around its Cathedral precincts and medieval lanes. No need to worry about navigating as a guide leads the way and keeps you entertained with stories of famous historical figures, writers, artists, and even the city’s hauntings.

Discover Brighton and it’s surroundings from above on a ride on the Brighton i360. With a similar design to the London Eye, the capsule viewing pod carries you 450 feet (138 meters) into the sky. Enjoy unbeatable views of the South Downs National Park, Brighton & Hove, the UNESCO listed Biosphere, and much more. Attentive staff are on hand to point out landmarks and answer questions.

Experience England’s Cotswolds on a private tour that whisks you around its highlights so you don’t have to worry about itineraries or transport. Avoid the inconveniences of a DIY or large-group trip, and relax on a chauffeur-driven tour of the must-see towns and villages. See the riverbank houses of Bourton-on-the-Water, and admire honey-stoned Broadway and other gems; all with a driver-guide for personalized service plus flexible pickup and drop-off options.

Discover Brighton — the vibrant English seaside town famed for its quirky shopping lanes, bustling arts scene and Pride celebrations —with a City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour. Travel around the city by open-top, double-decker bus and enjoy the freedom to hop on and off as many times as you like with your 1- or 2-day ticket. Visit Brighton Pier, SEA LIFE Brighton, Churchill Square and the Royal Pavilion, and listen to the onboard audio commentary as you ride.

Immerse yourself in the Cotswolds (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), and enjoy a fully customized sightseeing experience, on this full-day, private tour. Following morning pickup at your area hotel, hop aboard your vehicle and head into the countryside. You’ll admire quaint villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Campden; will discover lesser-known destinations that most visitors miss; and can even plan a tearoom or pub stop (separate expense).

Punting is an iconic Oxford activity. Enjoy the experience, without having to do all the punting work, with small-group guided tour. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as you glide along the River Cherwell, as your student guide directs the punt. Pass by key landmarks, colleges, and literary inspirations.

Make unforgettable memories in the heart of Oxford on this river cruise followed by a 3-course meal. Step aboard and cruise out onto the Thames River. Sip chilled Prosecco as you wind your way along the tranquil waterway, and gaze out over Christchurch Meadows and the university boathouses. Afterward, alight at the mooring outside The Folly restaurant and enjoy a delicious 3-course a la carte meal in the restaurant’s romantic surroundings. 

A must for all fans of maritime history, big ship fanatics and anyone who loved the film The Titanic. Explore the history of the building of The Titanic in Southampton’s Port of Present and Past, and learn about its unique design that hailed both the future of shipbuilding and brought about a famous shipwreck. As well as The Titanic, hear about the QE2—the Royal yacht—and the Mayflower and discover their stories on this unique tour.

Oxford University is one of the world’s most famous universities and this 90-minute walking tour takes you behind the scenes of its historic colleges. Follow in the footsteps of alumni such as Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein, and J.R.R. Tolkien; admire architectural landmarks such as Trinity College, New College and the Radcliffe Camera; and peek inside the colleges, chapels, and halls.

Admire the best-known and hidden villages of England’s Cotswolds on this full-day small-group tour from Oxford. Traveling by air-conditioned minivan with a driver-guide, stop to explore villages such as Great Tew and Stow-on-the-Wold, and the hamlets of the Windrush valley. On route, enjoy lunch (own expense) in Burford, stroll around Bourton-on-the-Water, and visit the village and 15th-century ruins of Minster Lovell. Includes transport and central Oxford pickup and drop-off, with entrance fees at your expense.

Tour Southampton with a Ph.D. historian on this private tour which takes around an hour and a half. Your guide will take you to several important places in the city, explaining their history and how modern culture has affected them. This is a private tour, so you can go at your own pace since you won’t be sharing the experience with a large group.