Destination: England

Small group tours to England
England may be small (it is about the same size of the state of New York) but its history is deep. From Hadrian’s wall to Buckingham palace it has no equal in Great Britain. A good escorted tour will be bursting with experiences to share about the history and culture on your trip around the British isles. History is always present in England as its architecture such as St Paul’s Cathedral or Westminster abbey, show in London or a UNESCO World heritage site monument such as Stonehenge, or the Lake district national park reveal as inspirational destinations to explore. This history is intrinsically linked to histories around the world and the sense of England’s past power still lingers.Tours of England
Crafted for mature World Travellers

23 days
Oct, Apr, SepCanals and Railways in the Industrial Revolution Tour | Tours for Seniors in Britain
Visiting England, Scotland
A small group tour of Wales, Scotland & England that traces the history of the journey that is the Industrial revolution. Knowledgeable local guides and your tour leader share their history with you on this escorted tour including Glasgow, London, New Lanark & Manchester, Liverpool and the Lake district.
From A$16,225 AUD
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17 days
Apr, SepDevon and Cornwall, England
Visiting England
Our guided small group tour of Devon and Cornwall in England, designed for mature and senior travellers who are travelling with their partner or as a solo traveller. A journey filled with medieval treasures, charming fishing villages in the north Cornish coast, stunning cliff-top coastal views of the blue Atlantic, and atmospheric destinations traditionally linked to the legends of King Arthur.
From A$15,995 AUD
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19 days
Sep, JunEngland’s villages small group history tours for mature travellers
Visiting England
Guided tour of the villages of England. The tour leader manages local guides to share their knowledge to give an authentic experience across England. This trip includes the UNESCO World heritage site of Avebury as well as villages in Cornwall, Devon, Dartmoor the border of Wales and the Cotswolds.
From A$14,750 AUD
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20 days
May, Sep, JunWalking Ancient Britain
Visiting England
A walking tour of England & the border of Wales. Explore on foot UNESCO World Heritage sites, Neolithic, Bronze age and Roman landscapes and the occasional Norman castle on your journey. Your tour director and tour guide walk you through the Brecon beacons, the Cotswolds and Welsh borders on this small group tour.
From A$13,995 AUD
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From A$13,915 AUD
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21 days
May, AugHabsburg Spain vs Tudor England: small group tour exploring 16th century history of England & Spain
Visiting England
This holiday with a leading tour operator allows the escorted tour for seniors to explore the life and times of the royal families responsible for making England and Spain so significant in the 16th century with local guides providing the travel experience for the detailed itineraries. We spend 10 days travelling from London to Madrid.
From A$14,295 AUD
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22 days
Apr, May, SepAnglo French Tour | Normandy, Brittany, Channel Islands tour
Visiting Channel Islands, England
Our 21 night program has daily itineraries with plenty of authentic experiences provided by passionate local guides in the key destinations in France, Channel Islands and England for this small group of like minded people. For Solo travellers minimal single supplement applies for this European tour.
From A$17,995 AUD
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23 days
AprAgrarian and Industrial Britain | Small Group Tour for Mature Travellers
Visiting England, Wales
A small group tour of England that will explore the history of Agrarian and Industrial period. An escorted tour with a tour director and knowledgeable local guides take you on a 22 day trip to key places such as London, Bristol, Oxford & York, where the history was made.
From A$16,450 AUD
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10 days
MayWorld of Shakespeare | Small Group Tour
Visiting England
This small group tour for mature couples and solo travellers visits Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford upon Avon and Anne Hathaway's cottage all form part of this small group tour escorted by a tour director and local guides sharing their knowledge on this guided tour. Included are performances in London at the Globe & RSC in Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon.
From A$7,950 AUD
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22 days
Sep, JunRural Britain | Walking Small Group Tour
Visiting England, Scotland
A walking tour into England, Scotland and Wales provides small group journeys with breathtaking scenery to destinations such as Snowdonia national park , the UNESCO world heritage site Hadrians wall and the lake district. each day tour provides authentic experiences often off the beaten path from our local guides.
From A$15,880 AUD
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22 days
DecOpera Tour Europe | Theatre-Opera-Ballet and Classical Music Small Group Tour for Seniors
Visiting England
This 22-day small group program visits the major arts centres of Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris, and London. We travel in winter avoiding crowds and enjoy a different perspective of the places visited. At Odyssey Traveller we have sought to assemble entry and show tickets to what many will consider the best arts experiences available in those cities during each program.
From A$19,450 AUD
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22 days
Apr, SepSmall group tours Medieval England
Visiting England
A small group tour of England focused on Medieval England and Wales. Spend 21 days on this escorted tour with tour director and local guides travelling from Canterbury to Cambridge, passing through Winchester, Salisbury, Bristol, Hereford and Norwich along the way. Castles, villages, Cathedrals and churches all feature in the Medieval landscapes visited.
From A$14,665 AUD
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27 days
Jun, Aug, MaySmall Group Tour along the Wainwright Walking trail
Visiting England
Part of the small group tour of the British isles series, this walking tour goes west to east across England. The tour leader takes you into the national park of the UNESCO World heritage site in the Lake district and the North Yorkshire moors. This trip concludes in York. It is designed for senior walkers seeking authentic experiences.
From A$17,595 AUD
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22 days
Apr, AugSeven Ages of Britain, snapshots of Britain through the ages.
Visiting England, Scotland
This guided small group tour starts in Scotland and finishes in England. On Orkney we have a day tour to the UNESCO World heritage site, Skara Brae, before travelling to city of York. Your tour leader continues to share the history from the Neolithic to the Victorian era. The tour concludes in the capital city, London.
From A$15,995 AUD
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22 days
AugRoman Britain
Visiting England
On this small group tour explore with a tour director and local guides the world of Roman Britain. The Romans occupied Britain for some 400 years and left behind a lasting legacy from roads Hadrian's wall to Roman Baths many are UNSECO World heritage listed.
From A$13,855 AUD
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21 days
Jun, SepQueen Victoria's Great Britain: a small group tour
Visiting England, Scotland
A small group tour of England that explores the history of Victorian Britain. This escorted tour spends time knowledgeable local guides with travellers in key destinations in England and Scotland that shaped the British isles in this period including a collection of UNESCO world heritage locations.
From A$15,880 AUD
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25 days
AugIreland and Lake District walking small group tour
Visiting England, Ireland
A guided small group tour for senior walkers that starts in the capital of Ireland, Dublin. This escorted tour with local guides also explores the Giant's causeway, a UNESCO World heritage site. It transfers from Ireland to Scotland to head to walk in the National park of the Lake district.
From A$14,850 AUD
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9 days
AugGilbert and Sullivan Festival Small Group tour
Visiting England
A 9 day tour with a tour director and local guide explore the Victorian music of Gilbert and Sullivan. We visit on this journey, Manchester, Harrogate, Oxford & London, attending the Gilbert & Sullivan festival and places of historic interest.
From A$8,910 AUD
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22 days
AugDiscovering the art and literature of England: Jane Austen, Shakespeare, and more
Visiting England
Stratford upon Avon, Shakespeares birthplace and Anne Hathaway's cottage as well as the Lake district a UNESCO World site and Dicken's London are part of guided tour for a small group tour of like minded people learning about the art and literature of England. Your tour leader and local guides share day tour itineraries to create a unique travel experience.
From A$17,765 AUD
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16 days
JunBritish Gardens Small Group Tour including Chatsworth RHS show
Visiting England, Scotland
From A$16,095 AUD
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6 days
Apr, SepLondon Short Tour
Visiting England
A small group tour of London is a collection of day tours that visit and explore through the villages of the city. This escorted tour includes a journey out to Windsor castle. We explore Contemporary and learn about Roman Walled city, Medieval, Victorian London and the contemporary city today.
From A$6,995 AUD
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21 days
AugPrehistoric Britain small group history tour including standing stones
Visiting England, Scotland
This guided tour invites you to explore UNESCO World heritage sites at Skara Brae in the Orkneys, Isle of Skye, and Stonehenge in a prehistoric tour. This escorted tour has trips to key sites in Scotland, and the Irish sea in Wales such as Gower Peninsula and National Museum in Cardiff and England. Each day tour is supported by local guides.
From A$14,750 AUD
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28 days
Jun, SepVikings in Britain; small group tour
Visiting England, Ireland
Vikings in Britain, escorted educational small group tour for senior couples and mature solo travellers who for 27 days explore Ireland, the isle of Man, Scotland and England and the viking history.
From A$20,385 AUD
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25 days
Sep, MarYorkshire, Northumberland and the Lake District
Visiting England
Small group tour for senior couples and mature solo travellers exploring Northern England. Not just the historic cities of Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester but the Viking shaped landscapes, villages and the Lake District are visited on this program.
From A$15,820 AUD
View TourSmall group tours of England for seniors
Odyssey’s England tours for seniors focus both on the must-see sights and the hidden gems, across both rural and urban landscapes. If you’re interested in a trip discovering more about England’s history, culture, architecture, cuisine, or landscapes, the best way is to see it all for yourself with like-minded people on a guided tour. Our small group tours of England are ideal for solo travellers or couples seeking an intimate guided tour led by an expert tour manager and local guide. Odyssey tour England and select day tour destinations with an eye to getting off the beaten path while also providing the opportunity to explore the major cities including the inimitable London, golden-hued Oxford and effervescent Manchester.
Currently Odyssey Traveller offers 20 tours to England as well as tours that visit Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Our tours of England delve into Queen Victoria’s Britain; examine the world of Shakespeare with a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace at Stratford upon Avon; attempt to understand cricket if you need too; and explore the sights of medieval England, visiting some of the country’s most magnificent cathedrals and grandest castles. On our tour of Agrarian and Industrial Britain we investigate critical elements of Agrarian and Industrial Revolutions and the impact that they had on the Great Britain we know today, visiting Lincoln, Manchester and York. On a tour of England’s villages we explore the haunting standing stones at Avebury, with its very own Neolithic World Heritage Site, and view the Tudor mansion and glorious gardens of Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn. If you are considering joining a tour of an England, some of things to think about include what places you would like to visit , when you would like to go and the best way to travel around the country.
Whatever sightseeing tour you choose for your England vacation, from a tour of the entire country to immersing yourself in a particular region, Odyssey Traveller makes sure you have time to learn about and appreciate England’s rich culture, history and people when on vacation as solo travellers or with your companion.
FAQs
What are the top travel destinations in England for mature travellers?
Bath
With a treasure trove of architectural wonders to explore, the whole city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mature travellers will appreciate the guided tour to see the exquisite Georgian architecture, well-preserved Roman baths and period tearooms. For Jane Austen fans, you can visit the Jane Austen Centre and discover more about her life and works.
York
Travelling to York is like stepping back in history to a more magical and colourful version of the Middle Ages. Explore the fascinating walled city that is tucked within 13th-century walls and visit York Minster, one of the most stunning Gothic cathedrals in the world. For mature travellers, the city is well placed for a number of day tours as your tour England .
Oxford
Undoubtedly one of England’s most beautiful cities with its dreaming spires and medieval atmosphere, Oxford is a great walking tour destination for mature travellers. The historic core is small enough to walk around easily and there are plenty of old-fashioned British pubs to visit and enjoy a hearty meal. For lovers of literature, there is a lot to explore, with many authors’ works being inspired by Oxford and its formidable university.
Cambridge
Cambridge, like Oxford, offers captivating architecture and centuries of history but with a slightly more tranquil atmosphere than ‘the Other Place’ (as Oxford is referred to by Cambridge locals). Senior travellers can enjoy the idyllic riverside gardens, surrounding verdant green meadows and beautifully manicured lawns of colleges as a day tour expands their knowledge of this historic city.
What are some of England's must-see sights?
Stonehenge
A UNESCO world heritage site, Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in Europe. To visit Stonehenge remains an inspiration to many who take the trip. Stonehenge has drawn millions of visitors over the years, mystified by the mysteries collection of stones. A new visitor centre provides more information on the history of Stonehenge, thought to have been around for over five millennia, and explores with a local guides some of the startling ideas of archaeologists and anthropologists who have worked on the site.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall was built by the Romans in 122 AD and, at 117 km long, it was intended to separate the Romans from the barbarians of Scotland. As local guides explain on a trip to Hadrian’s wall, this wall was built in under six years by a force of 15,000 men, it’s as impressive today for its sheer vision as it is for its remarkable engineering.
Tower of London
The Tower of London was once a royal palace and infamous prison but today is it a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Home to the dazzling Crown Jewels, a visit to the Tower of London offers a gripping insight into England’s history.
Windsor Castle
Still a ‘working’ castle, Windsor Castle is the weekend holiday house of the Royal Family and one of our day tours from London. Windsor Castle has been a Royal residence and fortress for almost 1000 years since the site was picked out by William the Conqueror. At Windsor Castle on this trip you can explore the grand State Apartments with the tour leader , view the impressive family portraits and pour over Queen Mary’s Doll House.
The Royal Pavilion
Another one of our day tours as part of a small group tour of England is to the The Royal Palace,in Brighton, was built by King George IV as a seaside pleasure palace. George IV was a notorious womaniser and gambler and the splendid summer house is obscene experience in extravagance, mixing Regency grandeur with the visual style of Indian and Chinese palaces.
What are the best ways to get around England?
In England, the country’s efficient transportation system and extensive rail network make travelling relatively painless..
When is the best time to go on your UK trip?
The best time to visit the United Kingdom is in spring (late March to early June) and autumn (September to November), when it’s usually warm and dry. You’ll see beautiful spring flowers or the leaves changing hue in autumn, and avoid the much busier summer period.
Why choose a small group tour?
Odyssey specialises in educational small group tours, for seniors, typically groups between 6 to 12 people, and no more than 18 travellers. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs, since 1983.
We offer a wide range of educational, cultural and heritage journeys that expand horizons and broaden the mind. Our tours are designed for active, inquisitive travellers in a small group environment.
What's the accommodation like on a group tour?
Whether travelling solo, in a couple, or with friends, Odyssey Traveller caters primarily for travellers over 50, over 60, over 70 or 80 years of age. Therefore, your travelling companions are sure to share your interests. They will want similar experiences in an environment of mutual understanding. We design all programs with the mature traveller in mind. Travelling solo does not mean travelling alone, so when there’s free time to explore you’re sure to have another solo traveler or couple ready to join you if you wish. Single travelers make about a third of our groups and many a repeat travelers!
All Odyssey Traveller participants want more than just a blur of museums and monuments. We work to create a lively learning experience and cover some of the world’s most fascinating destinations and authentic cultural experiences. We are also, of course, aware of your need for free-time, so many of our itineraries allowing space for you to explore, or simply relax on your own.
Do you have any other holidays that aren't with a group?
Odyssey welcome enquiries for private groups, at a minimum of 6 participants.
What is a small group tour?
Tours typically span between two to three weeks in duration. An Odyssey small group tour seeks to stay typically 2 to 3 nights in each location in good 3 or 4 star hotels. These are an escorted tour that have evolved to be a good blend of touring and seeing. As well as opportunities to spend time in key places to take a half or full day break from the group enabling you should you with to be a solo traveller for a few hours or explore with a travelling companion a particular place or take time out for a break, before we travel on to our next destination. For the solo traveller , Odyssey has a expansive range of holidays for solo travellers over 50 to choose from, though we do not offer a regular river cruise or a dedicated solos holiday or solo travel tours.
For the solo traveller there is a single supplement charged on all of Odyssey Travellers small group tour programs. The single supplement reflects the cost of single occupancy of a hotel room with a double bed in your own room (generally, no single bedded rooms are offered across Europe) or a single cabin on a cruise . There are no additional charges made any client booking holidays for solo travellers over 50 years of age, just the single supplement , we like to keep a level of transparency in the prices charged.
Which countries do small group tours go to?
Odyssey Traveller offers tours all over the world. We have a range of tours across Europe , The British Isles , Asia , Africa , The Middle East , and The Americas . We can take you to see the Northern Lights in the outermost regions of Norway. You can travel with us to the jungles of Madagascar to experience its magnificent landscape and wildlife or see the ruins of Machu Picchu in South America . Or take a journey through history with a tour with the theme of Britain’s canals and railways . If you enjoy a spot of cruising, join our Journey through Mongolia and Russia which includes a 10 night river cruise between Moscow and St. Petersburg, or our Egypt tour with an amazing Nile river cruise . If you prefer to stay closer to home, we have a great selection of tours in Australia to Western Australia, South Australia, Northern territory, Kata tjuta Outback Queensland, but not the great barrier reef or Ayers rock, Kangaroo Island but Tasmania as well as New Zealand, visiting both North island and the South Island including the east coast, Rotorua, Milford Sound, and Queenstown.
How big are the group sizes on your tours?
Odyssey specialises in educational small group tours, for seniors, typically groups between 6 to 12 people, and averages at 12 participants per tour, a mix of singles and couples
First solo trip with Odyssey?
Odyssey offers a collection of genuine small group tour(s) Odyssey tours are priced to reflect that these are small group tours. Typically this means you are part of a small group of 6 to 12 people, not part of a group of 18 or more. Small group means you and fellow traveller enjoying an evening meal around one dinner table. So, we do not achieve the economies of scale of 18 plus on a coach that a larger tour operator would offer, because this is not the type of trip or touring experience our clients seek from us.
Odyssey tours are genuinely based around;
- A Small group tour of less than 18 people for the mature traveller as holidays for a couple and holidays for solo travellers over 50.
- Knowledgeable local expert guides and a great tour leader who has an interest in the theme of the tour.
- Inclusive pricing, including all entrances, tipping and the majority of meals included. That means, no hidden extras with respect to cost. Transparent pricing of the single supplement for the single traveller.
- A learning based escorted tour with a like minded fellow traveller.
- Accommodation in 3 & 4 star hotels and self catering apartments.
- A blend of group learning, touring activities and free time to explore a place further, whether on a discovery or walking holiday program.
- No name badges or flags to follow when out and about.
- Travel to places that extend your learning and curiosity, often where others will not follow.
- Spending typically between 60 to 85% of the operating cost of the tour in the country visited, benefiting the local communities directly.
Best walking tour, England for older travellers
Britain is renowned for its walking trails, and many world travellers choose to enjoy a walking tour of its green, rolling lands. How better to get a sense of its dramatic landscapes then from the granite clifftops and verdant countryside, and through the tunnels and bridges that tell of our human history. On a walking tour of Britain, you can smell the fresh air that drifts across the National park of the Yorkshire dales or the Lake district, taste the salt spray at its rugged coastline and feel the breeze and sun on your skin along Hadrian’s wall path along the border with Scotland. Walking activates our endorphins, and there is no better way to experience a sense of connection to the land. Enjoy a unique travel experience with a walking tour of the beautiful English countryside and country lanes with our small group tour of England. Odyssey Traveller offers a walking tour with a tour director and local guides especially for senior and mature travellers. Suitable for couples and singles, they are tailored toward varying levels of fitness and are flexible. So, if you would prefer to spend an afternoon sipping tea and watching the world go by, you can rejoin the rest of the small group later. Each Walking tour are fully mapped out, designed to maximise experience, and are led by tour director and local guides in the know. Discover the world at a slower pace and get your feet dirty walking across the British isles.The Walking Tour of Rural Britain is designed to have two days to explore per every night based at a hotel. These are rambles requiring a good level of fitness, which is repaid with postcard-worthy scenery. We will walk through Kent, Cornwall, and on the Welsh/English borders, as well as the Lake District and a day on Arran Island in Scotland.
If you want to learn more about British history, consider joining the Walking Tour of Ancient Britain, a fully escorted, small-group, 20-day program with a experienced tour director and local guides they will take you through Britain‘s ancient towns and walkways, steeped in over 5,000 years of human history. We will walk through the region surrounding Salisbury, Bath, and Stroud in the southwest of England and along the border with Wales. The tour includes some of the greatest walkways in England.If you want to learn more about British history, consider joining the Walking Tour of Ancient Britain, a fully escorted, small-group, 20-day program that will take you through Britain’s ancient towns and walkways, steeped in over 5,000 years of human history. We will walk through the region surrounding Salisbury, Bath, and Stroud in the southwest of England and along the border with Wales. The tour includes some of the greatest walkways in England.
The Walking the Wainwright Tour travels along Wainwright’s Walking Trail, also known as England’s Coast to Coast trail. The 192-mile (309-km) scenic footpath takes the walker from St Bees in Cumbria overlooking the Irish Sea, to Robin Hood’s Bay by the North Sea coast, crossing the Pennines and passing through three national parks: the UNESCO world heritage site Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the North York Moors National Park.
What to look for in a guided tour of England
When booking an Odyssey small group tour, some things to consider before you book include:
- Gratuities included: Tipping per person, per day, for all different services can quickly add up and leave you out of pocket. As well as this, it can be stressful working out how much and how often you should be tipping. When tipping is included in the price, it saves you both time and money, while giving you peace of mind that you’re not committing any type of cultural faux pas.
- Number of fellow travellers: When booking a England small group tour, you want to ensure that you are not going to get lost in a big crowd of people. This is particularly pertinent when visiting a popular holiday destination such as England, especially when travelling to major cities like London. Odyssey tours have an average of eight participants per tour with a maximum of group size of 18.
- Knowledgeable guides: England has a long, rich and compelling history, demonstrated by its multiple museums, ancient churches and infamous kings and queens. Ideally, you want to be able to gain a sense of England’s past, present and future and for this reason, an informed tour director and knowledgeable local guides are essential to a fulfilling travel experience. All Odyssey Traveller England tours include a tour director (program leader) who accompanies the group for the duration of the trip. In addition, we engage local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of the different destinations as you tour England, whether you be in a large city like London or a small rural village.
- Unique locations: England has something for everyone and when looking for a England guided tour, it is useful to consider where you might want to visit and the kind of holiday you would like. Odyssey Traveller offers tours that allow you to tour England and others that allow you to immerse yourself in one city. The British Gardens tour, for example, will guide you on an unforgettable trip through some of the best gardens across the UK and by the tour’s end, you will have a greater understanding of three centuries of garden design in Britain and an even greater appreciation for this enduring form of expression.
- Culture and History: When visiting somewhere like England, you want to return with a better understanding of English periods of history, art and architecture. Odyssey offers a wide range of educational, cultural and heritage journeys that will let you see a side of England you don’t always get from the history books. Walk through well-preserved Roman ruins, discover the beguiling operas of Gilbert and Sullivan, visit Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world and marvel at the Royal Palaces such as Buckingham palace, some of which are still in use.
Articles about England

Medieval British Village Life: The Definitive Guide for Seniors
Life in the Medieval British Village In a previous article, we looked at the icons of the British village–the pub and the cottage–and looked at their history and evolution from Roman and Norman times. In…

Canals and the Industrial Revolution, UK
An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers. This article for travllers provides an introduction to the birth of Englands canal network at the start of the industrious and then the Industrial revolutions.

John Constable
John Constable is one of Englands leading landscape painters. Article for those travellers exploring the villages and landscapes of England. An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

The Country House, Britain
Articles explores the evolution of the British country house. Landscape, the work of the likes of Capability Brown have influenced the house through time. An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

History of English Wool
English wool generated a lot of wealth for the merchants. Traded from Bruges to Venice, a product taxed by Kings and in demand across Europe. Click through to read more.n An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

Scientific Revolution, England
England encouraged free thinking in the sciences, this article explore this behaviour as the forerunner to the industrious and industrial revolution emerged. An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers.
Touring England
The need to know
Getting around
Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including trains and ferries. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. England has a centralised and impressively extensive rail network which links towns to the major cities. The Eurostar is among travel options that connect England with Europe via rail. London itself is home to one of the most extensive metro systems in the world, and a number of the stations are tourist attractions in their own right.
Accommodation
In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our longstay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.
Tour guides
Odyssey always engages a tour director and local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.
Geography, environment, & weather
England forms part of the United Kingdom, along with Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It borders Scotland to the north and Wales to the west and is separated from continental Europe by the North Sea and English Channel. Low hills and plains make up the majority of England’s landscape, but it is punctuated by uplands in the north, including the Lake District, and to the west, with Dartmoor and the Shropshire Hills.
England’s climate is temperate maritime. This translates to relatively mild temperatures, barely exceeding 0 to 32 degrees celsius in scope. The English coast is particulary chilly, especially in the winter months of January and February. England is prone to damp, changeable conditions. This is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, northern latitude and warmer Gulf stream. It is best to pack wet-weather clothing and be prepared for the rain.
World Heritage Sites
The United Kingdom boasts 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many of which are located in England. You can view the official list of the sites here https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/gb. It is well worth visiting every site, if you are able. But here’s a few highlights from the bunch:
The Tower of London, marvel of Norman military architecture
Stonehenge and Avebury, pre-historic monuments that capture the imagination of the world
The Lake District, where the imposing peaks and depths are balanced by the warmth of the villages throughout.
Festivals & events
England is home to some eccentric festivals and events. In fact, it seems the more eccentric, the greater the fervour of participants. Glastonbury hosts one of the world’s largest contemporary music festivals; the Latitude Festival in Suffolk is a little more sedate. There’s a major cycling race around Leicester in August called the Leicester Castle Classic, and commemorative celebrations for Guy Fawkes in November. Among the most unusual calendar events is the annual Shrovetide football match held in Ashbourne and surrounds. Honouring one of the UK’s oldest sporting traditions, two competing sides must move a ball to posts at opposing ends of town. It is passionate, unruly, and can involve being plunged into waterways by your competitors. There’s truly something for every taste in England.
Reading List
- The Making of the British Landscape: From the Ice Age to the Present by Nicholas Crane.
- Iron, Steam and Money: The Making of the Industrial Revolution by Roger Osbourne
- Britain Begins by Barry Cunliffe
Eating & Drinking
Cuisine is not one of England’s primary attractions for travellers. But despite its unfortunate reputation, quality restaurants serving international dishes are on the rise. England is now experiencing a transition stage, while the eating culture catches up on the progress. In the meantime, some budget options can be hit and miss. Fish and chips is ubiquitous, usually deep fried haddock or cod. As is “curry” – a catch all term for what is arguably England’s national dish! Indian restaurants can be found in just about every village. England boasts some regional dishes too. Melton Mowbray pork pies originated in Leicestershire, and are served cold. Pancake-like oatcakes are a speciality of Stoke-on-Trent, Stafforshire and Derbyshire. Lancashire was the birthplace of the hearty Lancashire hotpot, as well as Eccles cake, a flaky pastry with raisins. If possible, indulge in a Sunday roast, which is likely to feature famous Yorkshire puddings. As for drink, a real British ale is regarded among the world’s best, but it must be sourced from a “real ale pub”. It doesn’t have the shelf life of foreign beers, and some pubs serve it past its prime – a vinegary taste is not a good sign.
While much of England is usually safe to travel around, it’s important to stay alert to anything unusual. Also, you will often see signs warning of pickpockets in areas popular with tourists, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your belongings at all times.
England’s primary travel advice is ‘see it’ say it, sorted for potential threats on public transport.
Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. The electricity supply runs at 230V, 50Hz. British plugs have three flat, rectangular pins which form a triangle. These are shared by Ireland, Malta and some former British colonies, but Australia is not one of them.
Highlights
England has too many highlights to count, but here are just a handful
The Lake District
The Lakes District, which has inspired generations of poets and painters with its natural beauty.
Read MoreStanding Stones
Stonehenge and Avebury, a source of mystery and intrigue for lovers of history. To visit Stonehenge is a memory not lost.
Read MoreLondon
London is many things: the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, the most-visited city in the world, home to almost 9 million people of 270 nationalities.
Read MoreTour Reviews
This trip could have been planned for me as all my interests were included - ballet, theatre, concerts, opera and visits to magnificent museums and galleries.
Participant -17
Opera Tour Europe | Theatre-Opera-Ballet and Classical Music Small Group Tour for Seniors
Robert was an excellent leader who made things run smoothly. He had great knowledge about all aspects of the content of this expedition. He interacted with all members of the group. I would be very happy to go on another tour with Robert as leader.
Participant -17
Opera Tour Europe | Theatre-Opera-Ballet and Classical Music Small Group Tour for Seniors
Excellent itinerary, transport and local guides!
Participant 2016
Prehistoric Britain small group history tour including standing stones
The tour was compact, well planned and intense of course, having to include so much in a short space of time, compared with what we would do and see normally at home. A bit overwhelming, but wonderful for looking back, and a challenge to see how much one can remember.
Participant -17
Opera Tour Europe | Theatre-Opera-Ballet and Classical Music Small Group Tour for Seniors
Overall the trip was great and met my expectation.
Errol H. June 2017
Rural Britain | Walking Small Group Tour
We found all the guides in each place excellent, some more than others, but always knowledgeable and obviously in love with their chosen careers. David our coach driver was excellent also, coping with some difficult situations with a cool head and providing us with a running commentary on a country he knows so well - especially Norfolk his home county!
Sally and Angus H. June 2017
Rural Britain | Walking Small Group Tour
Wife Brenda and I just completed Odyssey tour in UK entitled “Canals and Railways” led by Mal Bock. Absolutely superb, and Mal’s leadership faultless. Extremely good value considering only seven guests, superb local guides and drivers, a most comfortable coach with seating for 24. . Hotels chosen were excellent, most with real character, not places one would have chosen without local knowledge and recommendation, . My wife and I have visited the UK many times- I was born there, but we saw so many places which were new to us. Thank you Odyssey!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ian Sanderson
Canals and Railways in the Industrial Revolution Tour | Tours for Seniors in Britain
I was impressed by the number of places we visited. It was a very full itinerary which I like. We saw things of interest every day. I see no fault with the tour.
Participant 2017
Anglo French Tour | Normandy, Brittany, Channel Islands tour
FAQs
What is the time zone?
England has a single time zone (excluding its overseas territories), Greenwich mean time . The nation observes daylight saving time from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
Is tipping customary in England?
If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you make sure you tip an appropriate amount for services, as is the case throughout much of Europe. It’s customary to tip 10-15% of the bill at restaurants, or 1 to 3 GBP at a more casual establishment. It’s polite to round a bill up to the nearest whole figure or leave the change when buying drinks.
What is the internet access like in England?
Internet access is easily accessible, and most hotels and many cafes will be able to offer it.
Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in England?
Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you’re able to make calls and use data while in England. Many providers will offer a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you’re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.
Articles about England published by Odyssey Traveller.
- The London Underground
- Victorian Women’s Fashion
- Queen Victoria’s Britain, Part 1 and Part 2
- Understanding British Churches
- Studying Gargoyles and grotesques
- Georgian Architecture
- London’s Victorian Architecture
For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.
External articles to assist you on your visit to England.
- National Parks UK
- William the Conqueror (History.com)
- Queen Victoria
- The Royal Parks of London
- The Royal Mausoleum
Responsible travel tips for England
- If sightseeing in rural areas, remember to be respectful of residents and locals. As well as being tourist attractions, these are peoples’ homes!
- Carry a card in your wallet or purse from your local hotel, to assist you with the return journey if you do become lost.
- Always ensure that you are covered by travel insurance. If you need advice on this feel free to contact Odyssey and we’ll be able to help.
- When travelling independently, make sure you check the opening hours of shops and museums so that you don’t miss out! Museums & galleries are often closed on Mondays. Also be certain to check whether your trip coincides with any public holidays, so you can plan accordingly.
- Consider contacting your bank to inform them that you may be making purchases overseas. Otherwise, they may flag any activity on your account as suspicious. Also, check which ATMs and banks are compatible with your cards, to ensure you can withdraw cash with minimal fees.
- Before departing, make sure you have a number of pounds in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.