medieval history tours england

History tours of medieval castles and cathedrals

Reserve your spot today!

Historian, Dr Geoff, PhD Oxford, leads you on Single or Multi-Day historic tours of England.

All tours begin and conclude in London.

Take a private tour of Salisbury Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, The RAF Museum, Dover Castle, Hever Castle or even Highclere Castle - made famous by Downton Abbey.

multi-day tours

Expert guides, unique boutique hotels breakfast and dinners included.

Expert guides will lead you throughout your tours. 

Tours are limited to a group of twelve so that we keep the personal touch for your needs.

Explore areas of outstanding natural beauty - what England is famous for in your private air conditioned chauffeured coach.  

Join us at fabulous boutique hotels throughout England well off the beaten path.

Enjoy full English breakfasts and dining at our hotels (Marquis of Granby Hotel room pictured above) or great local pubs.  

Experience! Live England's History

History & old pubs can life get any better.

 We will bring you to exciting places where you can watch knights in jousting tournaments, watch a trebuchet (catapult) fire a projectile, learn about stone carving from master masons at Salisbury Cathedral, test your own skills in archery and hear the sounds of WW2 Spitfires and P51s overhead. On our tours you live English history!

We visit some of England's oldest and most famous pubs like, The Eagle in Cambridge, and Nottingham's  Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem built in 1189!

Castles & Cathedrals - 3 tours

Medieval castles, experience history.

We offer three Castles and Cathedrals tours, East, Cotswolds and South. The East tour heads from London to Kent where we visit the castles at Leeds 'the loveliest castle in the world', Hever (13th c. and home of Anne Boleyn) and Dover (11th c. origin and perhaps the most important castle in England's history. 

The Cotswolds tour heads west visiting the castles at Thornbury (Henry VIII stayed here), Berkeley, and Oxford (both from and after 11th c.), and with time permitting we will also visit the Tower of London.  The South tour visits impressive castles at Bodiam, and Arundel - the ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk.  

On the Eastern tour we visit the cathedral at Canterbury, the most important church in England and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is also the site of the brutal murder of St Tomas Becket in 1170. We also visit Westminster Abbey, England's most famous landmark, the burial places of famous Kings and Queens of England and others including Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Dickens. On the Cotswolds tour we see the cathedrals at Salisbury, Gloucester, Bath, and Oxford (within the grounds of Christ Church College).  The Southern tour brings us to Chichester, Winchester, and Salisbury.

Our tours are not sit back and listen. Are you brave enough to get close up to a bird-of-prey, or walk Salisbury Cathedral's external parapet 75 feet up with its master masons? Or is descending into a medieval dungeon more your thing? Why not walk the ramparts of Medieval York then shop in its world famous Shambles followed by a classic English afternoon tea at Betty's. All of these are possible on our Castle and Cathedrals tours.

Great Ambiance

Pubs and great dining.

Our tours are limited to a small group of twelve. We believe that this allows us to really get to know one another on our tour and to share our love of history, great food, hotels and English pubs.

Fabulous Shopping

We will definitely have many shopping opportunities in all of the locations we visit. Highlights include Canterbury, Bath,  and Oxford.

Have a pint where King Richard the Lionheart assembled his court in Nottingham. The first round is on us at 

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem 

that dates from 1189! 

Learn more about our 2024

Castles and Cathedrals Tours

Wars of the roses - august 15-18, 2024

Richard iii, battlefields.

Villain or Noble King?

Did Richard murder the Princes in the Tower? Let us track the Wars of the Roses and maybe find answers to the Great Medieval Whodunnit

We visit the most important Wars of the Roses battlefield and museum at Bosworth Field. Here you can follow a guided walk on the battlefield and explore the weapons and armour used on the fateful day of August 22, 1485. The tour ends with the Bosworth Medieval Festival for an entire day at Bosworth Field. This is not to be missed!

Cathedrals, Abbeys and Churches

Our tours take you to some of the most important castles in the Wars of the Roses. We visit Warwick Castle, one of the best preserved castles in England and the home of Neville, Earl of Warwick a great baron in the Wars. We also visit castles at Berkeley, York and time permitting at Nottingham.

Our tours head to Tewkesbury Abbey which was the site of a battle inside the church! We also proceed to York, the heart of Richard III's powerbase. We visit York's cathedral, as well as the smaller churches where Robert Beauchamp, the Earl of Warwick is buried.

Incomparable York

York retains much of its medieval charm. The Shambles is its famous shopping area within yards of the cathedral. There is so much to see in this gem of Yorkshire. We will take a guided tour along the castle walls then stop for a traditional English afternoon tea at the famous Betty's.  

Incredible Pubs

The pubs along this tour are exceptional. Starting with Ye Olde Starr Inne built in the early 1600s, The Abbot's Table in Tewkesbury,  and The Old Coffee Tavern steps from Warwick Castle.

Wars of the Roses Tours

britain at war 1939-1945 - June 27- July 1, 2024

Ww2 air show - duxford.

Perhaps the highlight of the tour is the Duxford Air Show. The July aerial extravaganza is dedicated to The Americans. The 2022 exhibition showed many classic WW2 planes including the B17G, P51D, P47D, P40F and others. It is not to be missed and is always sold out. 

Tanks in Action

No student of WW2 can miss the incredible Bovington Tank Museum. Its collection is second to none. Its WW2 collection includes, Tiger I, Tiger II, Jagd-Tiger as well as the M4 Sherman, M26 Pershing and Soviet tanks. The museum also has tanks of WW1 and the Cold War.

The Ultra Secret

Breaking Germany's codes, the Ultra Secret, played an enormous role in the victory over Nazi Germany. Alan Turing (played by Benedict Cumberbatch in The Imitation Game 2014) was central to this battle. We visit Bletchley Park and see where he and the famous Bletchley girls helped win the war.

Blenheim Palace

Winston Churchill held Britain together in its darkest hour. We visit the underground Churchill Cabinet War Rooms in London. See where he conducted the war 'safe' from the bombs and rockets fired in the Blitz. 

We also visit one of England's treasures, Blenheim Palace. Built in 1705-22 it was the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough. The 1st Duke was John Churchill the victor of the Battle of Blenheim. His more famous descendant, Winston Churchill was born here in 1874.

D-Day Museum

The greatest amphibious invasion in history left the ports and airfields of England on June 6, 1944. We discover more about the invasion at the D-Day Museum in Portsmouth, a major port and embarkation point for the armada heading to Normandy. If time permits, we may also visit HMS Victory, Lord Nelson's 104 gun Ship-of-the-Line flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar 1805. 

Britain at War Tours

important terms and conditions - full terms are on the link below

Deposits and Payment

• Multi-Day Tour Price is based on double occupancy of hotel rooms.
• Single travellers will be required to pay a supplement of 35% of the Tour Price. 
• A Deposit of 10% of the value of the Multi-Day Tour Price or £50 per person on a Single Day Tour is required to confirm your reservation.
• The Deposit is refundable if a cancellation request is delivered and confirmed by return email at least 120 days prior to the Tour Date.
• The Deposit will not be refundable within 120 days of any Tour Date. 
• The Balance of Payment is due 90 days prior to any Tour Date.
• Payment may be made via PayPal, or accepted credit card, to Historic Tours of England Limited.

Hotel and Room Availability

• All hotels and rooms selected are subject to availability.
• In the unlikely event that a chosen hotel(s) is not available, an alternate hotel(s) in a similar category will be substituted as required.  

Special Food and/or Mobility Requirements

• Please let us know at the time of booking if you have mobility or dietary requirements.
• A modest surcharge may be required based on your particular needs, please see our Reservation Form for more details. 

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For small group tours, we can customize an itinerary to emphasize your interests. If you have a special request, send us a message, and we will be sure to get back to you soon.

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We take you on unique tour of The Cousin’s War, more famously known as the Wars of the Roses. We delve into the period to find the women behind the Kings. Were they the real heroes, the power brokers and the villains?

Over a 7 night fully guided tour we meet the famous and infamous women of the Tudor period from Princesses to Queens, Courtiers and wives.

Our 10 night, 11- day escorted tour around England takes you on an evocative journey to discover the real lives of Henry VIII's six wives.

Over 500 years ago Henry VIII was declared Defender of the Faith by Pope Leo 10th. This 8 nights, 8 day fully escorted tour finds the real Henry through a Grand Progress of Southern England.

Testimonials

'This tour was so much fun and I definitely would consider doing something like this again. I learnt so much!'

'I think the whole thing is JUST GREAT! You've included most of the "must see" places for England.'

'The entire agenda was planned out well with careful research and attention to detail. This tour fully realised my objectives for this trip.'

'Overall we were extremely pleased with the preparation, attentiveness of Steve before and during our time in England.'

'The group had diverse interests and our guide was able to meet the needs of everyone.'

'Just excellent. Can’t wait to come back and do another visit. I travel a lot and it’s such a better experience with a knowledgeable guide.'

'We could not have asked for a better host. Steve was knowledgeable adding perspective and amazing insight.'

'I just wanted to say what a fabulous trip we had! Truly the best trip I have ever taken. I would go with Tudor History Tours in a heartbeat.'

'Atmosphere was everywhere and if you are at all interested in history, this tour is a must. You will never find another quite like it.'

'Steve is wonderful! Kind, thoughtful, patient, really nice to be with, so knowledgeable. A pleasure.'

'Steve was great at personalising the tour and enthusiastic. All the places were very interesting, each in their own way.'

'Steve was constantly striving to give us the best experience possible. Very personable and knowledgeable.'

'What a memorable, magical tour through Tudor England. It exceeded all expectations - and I have pretty high expectations!'

'I feel like I have a lifelong tour guide when coming to London. The entire experience was exceptional.'

Latest News

We give reflections on a busy summer as we look forward to 2024 and welcoming new and returning guests with a new Sovereign on the throne.

APRIL SALE Extended:   Book now for   up to 60% off!

Historical Tours & Trips in England

Step back in time and learn the secrets of ancient times on a historical tour of England. With 95 adventures, you're sure to visit the best historical places packed full of stories from days long ago.

95 Historical tour packages in England with 838 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

5-Day Devon & Cornwall Small Group from London

I had a great time on the tour. Our driver Francis really added to the experience with his very extensive knowledge of the places we visited. He was always on hand to assist whichever one of us required a little bit of help to climb the various hills and tors. It was amazing to reach the summit and experience such majestic views.

2-Day Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath & Oxford Small-Group Tour from London

We enjoyed the trip and Christo was a great guide! The only thing I was not too happy about, is the one night stay in Bath. I had requested for a bedroom for all 4 of us and whilst I understand some accommodation cannot put up 4 pax in a room, the least was to put us in side by side rooms as we’re one family. It was so disruptive having to shift clothes from the luggage up and down the B&B. I made the booking way in advance and would have appreciated a heads up at least of this arrangement. When we checked in, there were others behind us who were checked into rooms next to either of our rooms so they could have easily put us in adjacent rooms. But when we asked, we were told they’re fully booked. I would appreciate it if Rabbies or TourRadar can explain why this arrangement was poorly managed given the months of advanced notice (booking was made in Sep).

• Hiking & Trekking

Walk Hadrian's Wall Highlights

Highlights of South-West England

Corners of Cornwall

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Kent: The Garden of England

Stonehenge, Devon & Cornwall - 5 days

Taste of England

Independent London City Stay

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Heart of England Express (Hotel) - 2 days

• Self Guided Walking Holidays

Walking The Best of Hadrian's Wall

Royal Indulgence | London, England

Spotlight on London (2024)

London Explorer (3 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

London Explorer (4 Days)

What people love about historical tours in england.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Devon and Cornwall tour with Jack. Jack is extremely knowledgeable about the area, so engaging with a lot of humour and an excellent driver! We would love to join another tour on our next visit to the UK.

Was a fantastic trip. Our guide was the best. Our trip was Sept 10/11 with an overnight stay in Bath.

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England’s Cathedrals, Abbeys, and Medieval Painted Churches

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• July 20 – August 3, 2024
• $10,295.00 + air
• Single Supplement: $1495.00

Embark on a Cathedral Tour of England: Medieval Masterpieces from Durham to Canterbury

During the medieval era, England witnessed the establishment of nearly a thousand religious edifices, including abbeys, priories, cathedrals, and friaries. The grandeur of their architecture and embellishments symbolized the Church’s devotion and reverence to God. Even modest parish churches showcased splendid biblical scenes painted with great care.

Far Horizons presents a select group of 14 participants with a two-week journey through England’s rich medieval history. Our meticulously curated route unveils both renowned and secluded gems that house some of the finest art and architectural marvels from the Middle Ages. 

The highlights include awe-inspiring cathedrals, remnants of ancient sanctuaries, and churches adorned with vivid, centuries-old biblical illustrations, which once aided priests in educating their largely illiterate congregation.

A Medieval Holiday in England: Tracing the Legacy of Faith and Artistry

Our guided tour of England commences at the illustrious Durham Cathedral, then winds its way through the ruins of Fountains Abbey and onto quaint village churches, each guarding its treasure trove of medieval art and architectural details.

Spanning from the northernmost regions, westwards to Bath, and then southeast to the historical Canterbury, our itinerary encompasses four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Guests will dine and rest in handpicked traditional pubs and inns to enjoy the historical ambiance.

Read the full itinerary below. If you have any questions, please get in touch .

(Browse our other historical tours of England with our Calendar of Trips. )

Guided Tour of England Led by:

Dr William R. Cook

State University of New York – Geneseo Department of History

Why Take this Medieval History Tour of England?

• Led by William R. Cook, medieval history specialist and lecturer for the Great Courses
• Experience Evensong at Oxford’s Christchurch
• Observe one of only four remaining Magna Cartas
• See Four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Cathedrals of Durham & Canterbury, the city of Bath and Fountains Abbey
• View rarely visited medieval frescoes in remote parish churches
• Limited to 14 participants

Guided Tour of England Itinerary

Day 1 depart for england.

Depart on an overnight flight to Newcastle, England.

Day 2 Arrive into Newcastle, Durham Cathedral

Arrive Newcastle upon Tyne Airport in the early morning. Then, drive to Durham where we will have our lunch. In the afternoon, enter monumental Durham Cathedral , regarded as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with nearby Durham Castle which faces it across Palace Green. 

The cathedral was constructed between 1093 and 1133 to house the shrine of St. Cuthbert. This venerated preacher in the 7 th century was responsible for the spread of Christianity in the North of England. Durham Cathedral attests to the importance of the early Benedictine monastic community. It is the oldest surviving building with a stone vaulted ceiling of such a large scale.

We will enter the new Open Treasure Exhibit, located in previously hidden spaces within the Cathedral Cloister. Here, 2,000 years of history are on display.

Overnight at the Marriott Hotel in Durham, located within walking distance of the Cathedral. Gather this evening for our welcome dinner party. (L/D)

Day 3 Rievaulx Abbey, York Minster

This morning’s drive takes us to Rievaulx Abbey, the splendid remains of one of England’s most powerful Cistercian monasteries. We will learn about the monks who dwelled here in medieval times – how they devoted their lives to spiritual matters and at the same time established a thriving business to become one of the wealthiest monasteries in Britain. Our visit will include the abbey’s museum with displays of previously unseen artifacts.

Continue to York, one of England’s finest and most beautiful historic cities. Our destination is the Cathedral and Church of St Peter, better known as York Minster. The magnificent structure’s Gothic style is most notable for its distinctive pointed arches and its gorgeous ornamentation. This is England’s treasure house of stained glass, with a larger and more varied collection of windows than any other building in the country. The Great East Window is thought to be the largest area of stained glass in the world. The panels depict the beginning and end of the world according to the Book of Genesis, scenes from the Acts of Apostles and the Book of Revelations.

To the west of York Minster can be seen the ruined Benedictine abbey of St. Mary, once the richest religious house in England.

Overnight for three nights in the charming Dean Court Hotel, sited within three Victorian houses overlooking the Cathedral in York. (B/ /D)

Day 4 Whitby Abbey, Pickering and Barton-le-Street Churches

Our drive outside York takes us north to imposing Whitby Abbey, a 7 th  century monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey. The building and its possessions were confiscated by the crown during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. Perched high on a cliff, it’s easy to see why the haunting remains were inspiration for Bram Stoker’s tale of ‘Dracula’. 

Heading back towards York, stop in the market town of Pickering to visit St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church. During the medieval period nearly all houses of worship were painted with scenes from the bible so that priests could use the images to teach to the mostly illiterate parishioners about the bible and aspects of morality. Inside this village parish church the compositions, created sometime between 1461 and 1483, cover the majority of the nave walls and depict scenes from the lives of the saints, the seven corporal acts of mercy, and the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ, together with the torments of the inferno.

Our final stop will be the village of Barton-le-Street and the Church of Michael & All Angels containing a treasure house of Norman sculpture, including some of the finest chancel arch capitals found anywhere in England. (B/L/D)

Day 5 Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal Park

A one hour drive takes us to  Fountains Abbey , one of the largest and best preserved Cistercian monasteries in England. The religious complex was founded in 1132 by 13 Benedictine monks from St. Mary’s in York seeking to live a devout and simple lifestyle. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the remains of the abbey are enclosed within the 18 th -century landscape of Studley Royal Park. There will be time to walk through the water garden here that was created in 1718 and is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England.

Return to York with the afternoon and dinner on our own. This evening we may want to hear the choral singing at York Minster. (B/L)

Day 6 Lincoln Cathedral, Brant Broughton and Corby Glen Churches

Lincoln Cathedral dates from 1072 when William the Conqueror instructed that the bishopric of this, then the largest diocese in England, be moved from Dorchester, near Oxford, to Lincoln. In spite of its size, the sanctuary is filled with intricate details and is one of the high points of Gothic architecture. The nave is awe-inspiring, with slender pillars of Purbeck marble rising up to the painted ceiling high above. Two glorious rose windows light the transept. The earliest is the Dean’s Eye window, dating from 1220, still with much of its original medieval glass depicting the Last Judgment.

As we continue south, stop in Brant Broughton to see the small Church of St. Helen covered with attractive carved decoration, both on the exterior and interior of the building. Time permitting, continue to Corby Glen to enter St. John’s Church. The earliest part of the church, the north aisle, dates from the late 13 th  century. It is celebrated for its medieval wall paintings covering the interior. These fascinating illustrations were discovered, buried under layers of plaster and whitewash, by a churchwarden when redecorating the church in 1939. The images include a Tree of Jesse, a depiction of the ancestors of Christ, shown in a tree which rises from Jesse of Bethlehem, the father of King David.

Continue to Peterborough and overnight for two nights in The Bull, originally dating back to the 17 th  century and a 5-minute walk from Peterborough Cathedral. Dinner will be in one of Peterborough’s finest restaurants, a short walk from the hotel. (B/ /D)

Day 7 Peterborough Cathedral, Longthorpe Tower, St. Kyneburgha’s Church

Begin in Peterborough Cathedral, one of the most intact Norman buildings in England. It is renowned for its imposing early English Gothic West Front which, with its three enormous arches, is without architectural precedent. Nearby Longthorpe Tower, built around 1300, is a rare surviving medieval tower house. The Great Chamber on the first floor was the family’s private living and sleeping quarters. The walls of this room are adorned with some of the finest and most complete examples of medieval domestic art in northern Europe. The religious and mythical depictions offer an intriguing insight into the mind of the Middle Ages and demonstrate the often blurred line dividing the sacred and secular during this period.

We move on to the tiny village of Castor, dominated by St. Kyneburgha’s Church. One of the finest Norman churches in England, St. Kyneburgha’s is filled with spectacular treasures. An 8 th -century carving of St Mark was found under the altar rails when they were removed and is said to be from the original shrine of St. Kyneburgha. A fragment of an Anglo-Saxon cross is displayed in the north aisle that is believed to be a re-used Roman pagan altar. And each of the round Norman arches has wonderfully-carved capitals. Dinner is on our own tonight. (B/L)

Day 8 Ely Cathedral, Beckley Church

After a morning and lunch on our own, we drive to Ely Cathedral, one of the marvels of the medieval world and the only UK building to be listed as one of the “Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages”. The present structure dates from 1081 and is a remarkable example of both Romanesque and Norman architecture. The famous Lantern which towers 70 feet over the center of the church is truly a masterpiece of engineering.

Continue on to Oxford and overnight for two nights in the Mercure Eastgate Hotel, located in the heart of the University of Oxford. (B/ /D)

Day 9 Oxford, St. James the Great Church

Oxford is a gorgeous city of captivating architecture, history and culture, and Oxford University, in existence for 1000 years, is the oldest institution of higher education in the English-speaking world. Today we will enjoy tours of several of the university buildings.

Christchurch Cathedral is the smallest cathedral in England and the seat of the Bishop of Oxford. This medieval structure contains the Shrine of St. Frideswide, Oxford’s patron saint. Frideswide hid in a tree to escape from the pursuit of a king and a worldly life. Search among the arches in the shrine to see her face peering from the vegetation.

Attached to the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest in Europe, the Divinity School was constructed in the 15th century as a school of theology. Although no longer used for that purpose, it was used as the Hogwart’s Hospital in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The Late Gothic Ceiling, designed by William Orchard in the 1480s, consists of very elaborate lierne vaulting with bosses. Despite its name, New College is one of the oldest of the Oxford colleges, and is renowned for its grand interior and superb medieval stained glass.

In the early evening, enjoy an optional return to the university for the Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral. (B/ /D)

Day 10 Wells Cathedral

Depart Oxford and meander through the stunning landscape of the Mendip foothills into the Somerset District to reach Wells, England’s smallest city. Famed for its medieval architecture, Wells is home to a magnificent cathedral, the earliest English cathedral to be built in the Gothic style, and the nearby Bishop’s Palace, home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years.

The Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, commonly known as Wells Cathedral, was erected between the 12th and 15th centuries, and is dedicated to St Andrew the Apostle. The stunning West Front is decorated with 500 sculptures of kings, saints, and bishops that were originally decorated with red and green paint. . The interior is an elegant example of Early English Gothic and contains three scissor arches that were added in 1338 to support the central tower. The medieval art inside includes the Jesse Window that contains the family tree of Christ in stained glass and an astronomical clock made in 1390 with jousting knights that charge outside their castle four times an hour.

In the afternoon, we will walk through the portcullis and cross the drawbridge spanning the moat (with resplendent swans who ring a bell for food), to enter the picturesque Bishop’s Palace. Within the fortified Palace walls are found the remains of the Great Hall, the Bishop’s private chapel and 14 acres of gardens.

Overnight for one night at the historic Crown Hotel in Wells, located just steps from the cathedral. (B/L/D)

Day 11 Bath, Holy Trinity Church

Begin today with a drive to picturesque Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Here we will explore Bath Abbey, a parish church of the Church of England and former Benedictine monastery. Founded in the 7th century, it was reorganized in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries. It is one of the largest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England.

We continue to Bradford on Avon, a charming town with one of the best-preserved Anglo-Saxon parish churches. Major work was carried out in 1864 to “restore” the internal appearance to suit Victorian taste. This resulted in stripping out many Georgian features, including the box pews, galleries, wooden pulpit and plaster ceiling.

In the late afternoon, drive to Salisbury and overnight for two nights at the Mercure Salisbury White Hart Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 12 St. Thomas Becket Church, Salisbury Cathedral

Begin the day in St. Thomas Becket Church, where a 15th century mural of the Last Judgment dominates the chancel arch.

Then it’s on to Salisbury Cathedral, the finest example of Early English architecture in the country. Built almost entirely in the 13th century, the final structure boasts the tallest spire and the largest cloisters in England. Salisbury Cathedral owns one of only four surviving copies of Magna Carta, signed in 1215. Sunlight filtering through the windows of the cathedral’s Chapter House, where the Magna Carta is displayed, will add a mythical touch when looking at the beautifully rendered Latin text written on the aged parchment. Walk up 332 steps to the tallest spire in England on a specially arranged tour. Enjoy unimpeded views of the spectacular Nave from above and admire the West Window at close quarters while we learn how this architectural masterpiece was constructed. (B/ /D)

Day 13 Winchester Cathedral

The historic city of Winchester and its awe-inspiring Cathedral, the longest medieval cathedral in Britain, is our destination today. Dating from 1079, it was built in the Norman Romanesque style with the towering Perpendicular Gothic nave the focal point. But equally impressive are the reredos, ornamental wooden screens behind the altar, and the carved choir stalls embellished with plants, animals, dragons.

We will walk to The Chesil Rectory for a special lunch. Dating back to 1450, this beautifully preserved city landmark has been stylishly refurbished and retains solid oak beams, ancient doorways and beautiful open fireplaces.

After lunch, continue to London and overnight for two nights at the Radisson Blu Edwardian London Heathrow. Dinner is on our own tonight. (B/L)

Day 14 Canterbury Cathedral

Today’s all-day excursion takes us into southeastern England to Canterbury, a site of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages. Fortification walls, originally built by the Romans, encircle the city’s medieval center and its picturesque cobblestone streets and timber-framed houses.

Canterbury Cathedral  has been the primary ecclesiastical center of England since the early 7 th  century. The seat of the spiritual head of the Church of England for nearly five centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It became a pilgrimage site with the martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket in 1170 and the glorious stained glass windows in the Cathedral depict miracles performed by the saint.

We will have lunch in one of Canterbury’s fine bistros before we return to the Radisson Blu Edwardian London Heathrow. Gather this evening for our final dinner party. (B/L/D)

Day 15 Depart England

Transfer to the airport for our flights back home. (B)

Tour Information

Tour cost & inclusions.

Price is based on double occupancy and includes:

• Internal flights during the trip (if applicable)
• The accompaniment of your scholar throughout the entire trip
• Local English-speaking guide
• Hotel accommodations (3 or 4 stars; or best available based in the area)
• Ground transportation
• Airport transfers for arrivals and departures
• Most meals as noted in the itinerary
• Entry fees to all included sites and museums
• Gratuities to guides, drivers, and restaurant and hotel staff
• Coordination for any private presentations or tours

Trip prices are based on a minimum number of participants. If this minimum number is not met, trip prices are subject to change. Should the prices need to change, Far Horizons will reach out to registered guests to discuss directly.

Single Supplement

Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.

• International round trip airfare
• A separate donation check of $150.00 per person to a designated donation project
• Passport or visa fees
• Required vaccines or tests
• Airport or departure taxes
• Alcoholic drinks, beverages or food not included on set menus
• Excess baggage charges
• Personal tips and hotel incidental expenses
• Laundry or other items of a personal nature

Donation Checks

As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural sites and projects which we visit. This has created a bond between Far Horizons and the academic and local communities that has helped us establish an extensive list of lecturers and contacts in each of our destinations. We ask that each participant donate to the noteworthy project we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person. Note that the donation is required as part of your registration for the trip and that it is non-refundable.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Prices are based on currency exchange rates keeping below a projected level. While it is unlikely, if the exchange rates should change substantially, Far Horizons reserves the right to charge an additional amount to the trip cost.

Registration

A deposit of $1000 per person is required along with your registration & health forms, which will be linked in the email confirmation you receive once you pay your deposit on our booking platform. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. Prior to departure, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information.

Cancellation

Cancellations received in writing at least 120 days before departure will receive a refund less a $500 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 120 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Upon registering for the tour, the purchase of travel protection with both trip cancellation and emergency evacuation is strongly advised. Links to recommended insurance policies will be included in the email you receive confirming receipt of your deposit.

Air Ticketing

International round trip flights are not included in the cost of the trip. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. Please send your complete air schedule as soon as you have it. NOTE: Please contact Far Horizons if you would like for us to handle your air ticketing.

Private Tours and Talks

The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be on site when our groups arrive due to other commitments.

Walking and Standing

Far Horizons expects all participants to be physically active and able to walk and climb independently throughout the full touring days. This includes walking over uneven terrain (uphill and downhill) for 2 miles or more at each site. You should expect to be on your feet for much of each day, averaging as much as 5 miles of walking per day. As such, each participant should be able to walk unaided at a pace of 3 miles per hour for at least an hour at a time, and to stand unsupported for at least 60 minutes. Bearing this in mind, we suggest that, if you have not already done so, you begin walking several miles every day, ideally including stairs and hills. If you have questions about your ability to keep up with the group or the strenuous nature of this trip, please contact the Far Horizons staff.

Expectations During Travel

This tour is designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active, have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. We have designed this trip to be as comfortable as possible, while also aiming to visit some remote or unique sites that other companies do not attempt to include in their itineraries. There may be days where we have very long drives and the conditions of the roads may vary. Hotels and transportation in some remote areas may not be up to western standards. There may be times when no bellhops are available; please pack with the understanding that you need to be able to handle your own luggage at times. Sometimes we may be walking over uneven trails for a mile or more; hiking boots are strongly recommended. Not every meal will be haute cuisine and several lunches may be picnics or box lunches. By maintaining a flexible attitude we will soon be captivated by the beauty of the natural scenery, the hospitality of the local people, and the fascinating sites we will see. Your flexibility and patience will be appreciated.

Itinerary Changes

Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. While we are committed to keeping as close to the published details as possible, sometimes it is simply not possible. Weather events, government affairs, or other factors out of our control sometimes come into play. A good book to read as well as patience, flexible attitude, and a sense of humor are essential.

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• Trip Overview

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Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration, customizable itinerary, amberley castle – welcome to royal rural england.

Amberley Castle is hidden away, 900 years of history surrounded by landscaped gardens and unrivaled tranquility. Enter into its medieval walls and there's an immediate sense of decadence. Welcome to a world of elaborate four-poster beds, opulent gardens, 60-ft high ceilings, and the untamed excess of England's regal past. And this is just the first of your six castle stays. There's plenty more to experience over these nine days. You'll be picked up at the airport by your private transfer and transferred out to West Sussex, and this delightful castle amongst green pastures. A spa bathroom helps alleviate any travel aches, and there are two sumptuous restaurants to choose from. Settle into the grandeur, explore the grounds and enjoy your first taste of England's castles. Consider reading some of our traveler reviews of England , and see how you can further refine and perfect your own itinerary.

What's Included:

Thornbury Castle – Regal Windsor and Hampton Court Palace

Birds tweet a good morning as a royal breakfast is served; picture tea in china teapots and multiple courses to enjoy. Today's drive towards Thornbury takes you past two iconic English landmarks. Windsor Castle is almost big enough to be a city. Ginormous turreted walls dominate the landscape, rising with an air of indomitability that comes from having never being conquered. Guards change, cannons fire, and you wander into the residence of Her Majesty the Queen. London's Buckingham Palace is her working residence while Windsor Castle is her official home. Wander through the stately rooms, basking in the luxuriant style you'd associated with the monarchy. Corridors are lined with world-famous paintings, sofas are lined with gold leaf, and carpets feel thick and cozy beneath your feet. This is the world's oldest continually inhabited castle and the world's largest inhabited castle, so expect to be inspired by scale and grandeur.

After lunch along Eton High Street, you weave onto the edge of London and explore the flamboyance of England's most famous king. Henry VIII went through six wives in search of a son, beheading two of them and splitting from the church so that he could divorce another two. Hampton Court Palace is liberally decorated in his ostentatious style, and the rooms filled with bizarre luxury and unusual art. You're not sure whether to be impressed or jest at the excess. Either way, Hampton Court Palace is undoubtedly enthralling.

Thornbury Castle – Exploring Bath and the West Country

Thornbury Castle continues the King Henry VIII theme. This was where he would visit with his second wife, Anne Boleyn before he had her beheaded on charges of incest and witchcraft. Arrow loops and ornate carved ceiling stand above the Coat of Arms while the English flag flies proudly from the towering summit. Take breakfast onto the manicured lawn and admire the ivy that creeps along the walls. Built in the 16th century, Thornbury Castle introduces you to a more modern castle style, one that reflects a certain paranoia around invading pirates and civil rebellion. Despite the relatively small size, the main entrance is almost spookily domineering. But once inside the walls, you find that the old-world charm of England's past.

You have the whole day today to loop around the iconic attractions of the West Country. Bathe in the Neolithic splendor of Stonehenge, the mysterious blocks of stone that stand on remote countryside fields. Spend a couple of hours in the spa town of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that unravels an architectural history from 1st-century Rome to 18th-century Georgian townhouses. Nearby Wells Cathedral appears to be almost toppling over; history radiates through its interior, and it's a site that's rarely visited by tourists. Throughout today's journey, there's always another postcard angle of rural England; this sleepy area maintains the serenity of a distant era.

Coombe Abbey – 12th-Century Wonder Besides the Cotswolds

As you head north, you journey through the centuries. Stratford-upon-Avon seems stuck in the 17th century, the birthplace of Shakespeare filled with thatched roofs and cute cobbled streets. Quiet country lanes weave through villages frozen in time, including one where livestock still grace its square. Like every day on this luxury tour, the daily itinerary is mostly dictated by you. Your guide will outline different places that can be visited on the route and you decide which are of pertinent interest to you. On this itinerary, you wind through an iconic route north to south through England, so you'll pass by most of its stand-out attractions. So choose to spend the day in the Cotswolds or move a little quicker to Coombe Abbey.

Now you're in the 12th century, wandering through the landscaped grounds that were originally the home to Cistercian monks. But King Henry VIII wasn't too fond of that. He removed the monks and the Abbey became an illustrious royal residence, until it was commandeered and integrally involved in the Gunpowder Plot – if you've ever celebrated Guy Fawkes, (or Bonfire Night as it's sometimes known) then its origins date from the 17th-century date when plotters tried to blow up the King while he sat in parliament. Nestled in the heartland of Warwickshire, Coombe Abbey combines its captivating history with lavish formal gardens, a tranquil lake, and stunning fine dining.

Swinton Park Castle – York Minster and the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales resemble an oil painting, colors blurring with brushstrokes and an intricate depth flowing across the canvas. Green hills rise and fall, demarcated by dry stone walls and the speckles of sheep. The vast Swinton Park Castle grounds spreads out across this blissful landscape, with much of the estate left to blend into a redolent sense of wilderness. You'll still find the manicured gardens, swan-filled lakes, and rousing forests surrounding the castle. But the estate is practically the size of a province, so there's lots of space to amble into nature. Horse riding and shooting excursions within the grounds are specialties of Swinton Park Castle.

Your journey north takes you into Yorkshire and the charms of York. Roman remnants are scattered across the city while the towering York Minster is Northern Europe's second largest gothic cathedral. Explore the city on foot and you walk through tiny alleyways, each decorated with cozy tea rooms and boutique indulgence. Then it's into the Yorkshire Dales and the oil painting. Small villages are dominated by faded stone; market life continues as it has done for centuries, and there are very few other vehicles on the road. There are dozens of potential villages where you can stop and explore; your guide will offer the options for today's drive. You might want to continue straight to Swinton Park for a gallop through the Dales.

Langley Castle Hotel – Medieval Musing in Northumberland

In Southern England, the landscapes are mostly flat and cultivated. Ever since William the Conquerer united the country in the 11th century, the leveled south has been England's bread basket. Nothing is flat in the north, and the undulating hills are mostly wild, especially if a flock of sheep hasn't been grazing there for a while. Today's journey into Northumberland unveils a strong sense of wilderness; villages pass by at decreased frequency, roads slowly narrow, and every mile brings a dozen turns. For a scenic drive, this is England at its finest.

Hidden in a Northumberland valley is Langley Castle, a 14th-century fort that resembles how a young child would draw a castle; think square blocks, iconic turrets, and a style designed to ward off invaders. It doesn't look like the kind of place you'd visit without an invitation. Architecturally, the building has remained since the year 1350, without any of the luxurious additions found at many of England's other castles. It's easily one of England's finest medieval castles, yet the interior has been expertly revamped to provide contemporary luxury within the fortified shell. Like each castle you stay in, expect service and room quality that befits a royal past.

Melville Castle – Hadrian's Wall and Rural Scotland

Winding further north, you cross the great divide. Let's clarify; Hadrian's Wall isn't the Wall of China. Most of the wall is easily low enough to climb over, and you could even step over some sections. But Hadrian's Wall represents a distinguished piece of world history. This was the very northern boundary of the Roman Empire, the line they drew to stop the barbarians from the north. Your guide takes you to various stops along the wall, providing the chance to dispel the myths of this great wall and narrate its 2000-year history. Then you cross, heading into Scotland and roving through a stretch of tumbling countryside.

Situated on the edge of Edinburgh, Melville Castle imbues a real country estate feel. It looks warm and inviting, surrounded by lavish woodland and reflecting a setting for royal parties rather than royal defense. Charming rooms and an iconic lounge make this the final piece in the jigsaw of castles. Melville is a place for entertaining, complete with cellar bar, broad gardens, and ample space to reflect on your journey so far. Spend the evening at the castle or your driver guide can take you into Edinburgh itself for dinner.

Melville Castle – Discovering Edinburgh and its Sublime Castle

Edinburgh Castle dominates from afar, even when the skies are gray, or the city's mist is rolling in. Dominating the city with its ode to grandeur, the castle is Scotland's unmissable highlight, a gargantuan expanse of fortified walls, stately rooms, and history. From here you walk, taking the Royal Mile between the castle and the Queen's Scottish residence. First head downhill, running along its boutique collection of pubs and antique stores. Dip into a maze of atmospheric side streets, each emitting the scent of classic Scotland. Keep walking – it's only about a mile in length, but it can take hours given how much there is to look at. Now the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an expanse of fabulous state rooms that marks the final stop on this itinerary. Bathe in the glory of the monarch's tastes and complete the journey from Windsor to Scotland. A farewell dinner with your guide at Melville Castle completes the day.

Edinburgh – Departure

Enjoy a final regal breakfast in the castle before the short transfer to Edinburgh's large international airport. Say goodbye to your driver guide and leave the big island behind, hundreds of unique memories accompanying the flight home.

Trip Highlights

• Spend the night in six different castles, each an ode to England's regal history and a wonderfully luxurious snapshot of yesteryear
• Travel from London to Edinburgh with a private driver guide, stopping off at various sublime historical attractions, like Stonehenge, Hadrian's Wall, and Bath
• Enjoy intimate visits to Britain's royal residences, including Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Bask in the stunning countryside locations of your castle hotels, with stops in the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland, and the West Country
• Savor a style fit for monarchs with exquisite dining in each of the castles
• Connect the architectural dots as each castle has been handpicked to reflect the style of a different era

Detailed Description

The English landscape is liberally dotted with castles. The timeless structures revel in their old grandeur, with the faded stone and stately rooms revealing many centuries of history. Each is sublimely situated, standing alone amidst the glorious colors of the English countryside. They're national treasures. And they're not just for sightseeing. With this England castles tour, you don't merely walk around and explore ancient castles; you spend the night. Wander through the ornate hallways, open the door to an elaborate four-poster bed, and delight in the sense of regal splendor.

Over nine days, you enjoy six different castles; each showcases another architectural era and new narratives on England's royal past. There is an excess of 12th-century medieval charm, ancestral homes of earls and bishops, and fortified 14th-century estates hidden behind curtains of oak trees. Staying in these timeless castles enables you to recreate history, not just glimpse it on a day trip. In most of them, you're amongst a small handful of guests enjoying exclusive access to the vast landscaped grounds and magisterial interiors. These aren't places for the paying public. They're intimate destinations for guests who appreciate being treated like the monarchs who used to visit them.

This handcrafted tour in England takes you from London to Edinburgh with a private driver guide. The castle accommodation is nestled into the countryside, away from the bustle of the cities. However, your journey north weaves past many of England's most iconic attractions. Stop at Stonehenge for Neolithic brilliance, wander the streets of World Heritage Bath, visit the picture-perfect birthplace of Shakespeare and explore Northern Europe's largest Gothic cathedral. With the castles providing a serene and sublime evening, the days are spent connecting the stunning dots of England's diverse destinations.

The lifestyle of monarchs is very much a focus on this luxury itinerary, so there are a few attractions that are simply essential. See the splendor of Windsor Castle, the Queen's official home and the largest occupied castle in the world. Admire the flamboyance of Henry VIII by discovering Hampton Court. And complete the trip with a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official Scottish residence.

It's not just impressive architecture. Discover the kaleidoscopic tones of the countryside as you weave through rural life. Your journey isn't on the motorway. It's mostly along the quiet country roads that reflect classic images of England. Every angle is a postcard, complete with a cute market town, dry stone walls, and a fairytale cottage on the horizon. Head through the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Dales, the untamed landscapes of Northumberland, and then into Scotland. The journey finishes in Edinburgh, home to a famous castle and more royal history. You'll be staying close to the city, in a castle surrounded by luscious woodlands.

Starting Price

$4,090  per person (excluding international flights)

What's Included

• Accommodations
• In-country transportation
• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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Medieval Battlefield Tours

To keep them topical we tend to schedule these tours to coincide with anniversaries of the event concerned – and thus tie in with re-enactments and concurrent publications and documentaries on the subject. We've previously celebrated the battle of Bannockburn and the emergence of Scottish national identity to coincide with the battle and the Scottish Referendum debate.

All of our forthcoming Scheduled Medieval Tours are listed below.

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Medieval Tours - Future Planning

We intend to run all of the following tours in the near future. Final dates and prices are yet to be confirmed. Register your interest and we will contact you as soon as these tours become available.

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Enjoy the royal treatment in Great Britain

Travel through time on one of our legendary England tours, from the prehistoric mysteries of Stonehenge through the grand castles and battlements of the British Empire, to the pop culture touchstones of modern England and Wales. Whether you opt for a grand tour or a quick getaway, you'll get to glimpse a side of Great Britain you've never seen before.

London's iconic clock tower holds the bell named "Big Ben," which weighs over 15 tons and rings out the time on the hour.

Researchers now believe it took more than 1,500 years for ancient tribes to build this stone monument. Yet it still aligns perfectly with the sunrise on summer solstice.

• Snowdonia National Park

This beautiful 823-square-mile national park boasts the highest mountain in England and Wales, and the largest natural lake in Wales.

Shakespeare's Birthplace

The home where Shakespeare grew up—and which he later bequeathed to his heirs—once served as an inn, called the Swan and Maidenhead.

• Windsor Castle

This thousand-year-old castle is the longest-inhabited castle in the world, and was a particular favorite of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.

• Tower of London

The fortress at the heart of London has a long and exciting past, as a royal residence, a prison, an armory, and even a zoo. It's currently home to the royal family's priceless Crown Jewels, including the incredible Cullinan diamond, over 500 carats of sparkle.

The Cotswolds

The rolling hills and charming villages of The Cotswolds served as the inspiration for the equally charming Shire in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings novels.

Roman Baths

The mineral-rich hot springs in Bath drew visitors for more than 2,000 years. The ancient Romans and Britons soaked away their aches and pains here in the time of Caesar.

Harry Potter Studio Tour

The moviemaking magic that helped create the eight movies of J.K. Rowling's classic Harry Potter novels is on full display at the Studio Tour. Visitors can see many of the thousands of costumes, props and sets that went into creating the series—including the full-sized Hogwarts Express.

• Cardiff Castle

There are 2,000 years of history inside the walls of this grand castle in the "World Capital of Castles." Cardiff Castle started as a Roman fortification before the current towers and walls were built in medieval times.

Big Ben and Parliament

No trip to London is complete without a visit to these imposing, world-famous landmarks.

Hampton Court

The dramatic history of Henry VIII and his wives comes alive in this Tudor palace in Richmond, surrounded by gorgeous gardens and the famous Maze and Great Vine.

• Castle Howard

This sublime 18th-century mansion with its elaborate chambers was the setting for the filming of Brideshead Revisited.

The Fab Four got their start in this port city, noted for launching the Beatles—and a famous football team.

Coastal England

On England's beautiful, rustic coast, you're never very far from glorious views.

London's Tower Bridge

The grand bridge over the Thames is often erroneously called London Bridge (and it's never fallen down!).

Palace Ceiling

English castles and palaces boast splendid interiors reminiscent of the country's regal and lordly past.

England & Wales Tours

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• Giant’s Causeway
• Glamis Castle
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Glen Grant Distillery
• Glencoe Mountains
• Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
• Glenfiddich Distillery
• Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter)
• Glengesh Pass
• Goathland Station (Hogsmeade from Harry Potter)
• Golden Circle
• Golden Lane
• Goriska Brda
• Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St. Mark
• Government Palace
• Gower Peninsula
• Grafton Street, Dublin
• Grampian Mountains
• Great Orme Tramway
• Gruz Harbor
• Guinness Storehouse
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Hallgrímskirkja
• Harlech Castle
• Harry Potter Walking Tour
• Harry’s Bar
• Hebridean Smokehouse
• Hekla Volcano
• Heroes’ Square
• Highland Safaris
• Hillsborough Castle
• Hofburg Palace
• Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra
• Horgabost Beach
• Horseshoe Pass
• Houses of Parliament
• Husref Bay’s Mosque
• Hvar Island
• Inveraray Castle
• Inverewe Gardens
• Iron Age House
• Isle of Benbecula
• Isle of Bute
• Isle of Harris Distillery
• Isle of Lewis
• Isle of Skye
• Italian Chapel
• Jacobite Steam Train
• Jamaica Inn
• Jaunting Car Ride
• Jewish Ghetto
• Johnstons of Elgin
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Jupiter’s Temple
• Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
• Kashmir Goats
• Kensington Palace
• Killarney National Park
• Killarney’s Lakes
• Killary Harbour
• Kilmainham Gaol
• Kilmuir Graveyard
• Kinsale Walk
• Knock Shrine
• Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
• Lake Bohinj
• Lake District
• Lake Windermere Cruise
• Lanhydrock House
• Lava Center
• Lazienki Park & Palace
• Leverburgh on Harris
• Liberty Monument
• Limerick Panoramic Tour
• Lissadell House
• Literary Tea with Scones
• Little Museum of Dublin
• Llandudno Tram
• Loch an Duin
• Loch Linnhe
• Loch Lomond
• Lochboisdale
• London Pub Food Tour
• London Tour
• Lovespoon Workshop
• Luskentyre Beach
• Lynch’s Castle
• Machynlleth
• Malo Jezero
• Matthias Church
• Mayflower Steps
• Medieval Castle Banquet
• Mercato Centrale
• Merry Ploughboy Pub
• Mljet Island & National Park
• Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto
• Moscow University
• Mount Snowdon
• Mount Stuart House
• Nace Homestead
• Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh Heritage Centre
• National Slate Museum
• Nelson’s Column
• Neolithic Tombs
• Nevsky Prospect
• Nine Glens of Antrim
• North Yorkshire Moors Railway
• Northern Lights
• Novodevichy Convent
• Old Market Square
• Old Royal Palace
• Olive Oil & Wine Tasting
• Olympic Stadium
• Orlando’s Column
• Our Lady of the Rocks
• Oxford Walking Tour
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Palace of Science and Culture
• Palace Square
• Palaces for the People
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Pembroke Castle
• Penderyn Distillery
• Peter and Paul Cathedral
• Peter and Paul Fortress
• Petrodvorets
• Piazza della Signoria
• Piccadilly Circus
• Pitlochry Pub Lunch
• Plitvice Lakes
• Politician Pub
• Poljanska Sora
• Postojna Cave
• Powerscourt House
• Prater Amusement Park
• Provand’s Lordship
• Rannoch Moor
• Rector’s Palace
• Red Deer Encounter
• Reykjavik City Tour
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• Riga Castle
• Ring of Brodgar
• River Avon Cruise
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• River Moskva
• River Shannon
• Robba’s Fountain
• Roman baths
• Roman Forum
• Ross Castle
• Royal and Ancient Clubhouse
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• Royal Castle of Hradcany
• Royal Cathedral
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
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• Royal Route
• Russborough House
• Russian Folklore
• Saxon Gardens
• Schiller Theater
• Schloss Charlottenburg
• Scone Palace
• Secret Lagoon
• Seine River Cruise
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Selska Sora
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• Senate Square
• Sergiev Posad
• Shakespeare’s Birthplace
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• Shrewsbury Walking Tour
• Skaftafell National Park
• Skellig Experience
• Skofja Loka
• Skogafoss Waterfall
• Skogar Folk Museum
• Slieve League Cliffs
• Smallest House in Britain
• Smolny Cathedral
• South Pole Inn
• Spanish Steps
• Spean Bridge
• Speyside Distilleries
• Sponza Palace
• Square of the Five Wells
• St. Anastasia
• St. Andrews Castle
• St. Andrews Walk
• St. Anne’s Church
• St. Asaph’s Cathedral
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• St. Catherine’s Church
• St. Columba’s Cathedral
• St. David’s Cathedral
• St. Fagans Castle
• St. Fagans National Museum of History
• St. George’s Basilica
• St. Isaac’s Cathedral
• St. Isaac’s Square
• St. Jacobs Cathedral
• St. John’s Cathedral
• St. Magnus Cathedral
• St. Mark’s Church
• St. Mary’s Church
• St. Michael’s Mount
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• St. Patrick’s Grave
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• St. Peter and Paul’s Church
• St. Peter’s Church
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Step Dancing
• Stirling Castle
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Best of Britain

Starting from $2,845

This fast-paced tour is the perfect introduction to England, Scotland and Wales, showcasing the very best historical and scenic spots, alongside vibrant cities. 

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

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Taste of Britain & Ireland

Starting from $4,445

Get a great introduction to two great countries on this lively trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland. Enjoy a generous helping of the essential must-dos, with a hint of the unexpected. 

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Taste of Britain

Starting from $2,195

Sample the highlights of England and Scotland on this week-long adventure, covering the bustling cities of London and Edinburgh, the history of Bath and Stratford-Upon-Avon, and the charming…

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Highlights of Britain

Starting from $4,195

Go off the beaten path as you traverse the whole of Britain to see Devon and Cornwall in England’s Southwest, the medieval heritage of Wales, and Scotland’s delights.

Gems of Northern England

Starting from $3,345

Head north to discover some of England’s most fascinating places: the romantic Lake District, the scholar’s life in Oxford and Cambridge, and York’s medieval charms. 

Gems of Southern England

Starting from $3,195

Journey through the ancient cities of England’s historic South: palaces, castles, cathedrals, and gardens await you.

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English Odyssey

Starting from $4,945

See the England of your dreams on this sweeping tour, discovering castles and cathedrals, scholarly Oxford and Cambridge, Bath’s Georgian splendor, the Lake District, and so much more.

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London Daytripper

Starting from $2,095

Enjoy the perfect combination of stay and play. On this innovative tour, make yourself at home in London, then venture out on incredible day trips to must-see attractions and experiences in…

A hidden gem

England and Wales at a glance

Pound sterling (GBP)

10-12% on dining and cabs

Avg.Summer Temp

Avg. winter temp, peak tourist season.

June, July & August

English, Welsh

Local lingo

Quid (1 pound sterling)

Scrummy (scrumptious, delicious)

Lush (Extremely nice, in Wales)

Must-have souvenirs

Welsh love spoons

English tea and tea sets

Burberry trench coat

An absolutely fabulous tour. Well-planned with a magnificent and efficient itinerary.

The Inclusive Advantage

Get more without spending more. CIE Tours includes every experience and most meals so you won't be hit with hidden expenses.

How can we help you?

Welcome to Timequest

Specialist  guided tours and medieval experiences in the heart of  the highly contested English / Welsh border  region.

Presentations for schools are very popular. Half or whole day medieval experiences include interactive talks on a range of topics and include artefact handling, stories, activities for participation and plenty of Q & A. Suitable for KS 2 and KS 3 pupils A Level and universities also covered.

The best way to predict the future is to study the past

Visit a selection of historic castles, and some lesser known archaeological sites, in the company of highly qualified and experienced guides

Large castles - small castles - archaeological sites

Combat experiences - learn the skills of a longbow archer and experience the training for hand to hand combat of a medieval knight

Longbow tuition - archery - weapon handling

Guided tours with military experts of two of the most important battles in medieval England

Battle of Tewkesbury 1471 and Battle of Evesham 1265

Reconstruct famous medieval battles as tabletop wargames and try to alter the course of history.

Wargame figures - rules - tables - scenery provided

From the great cathedrals of Worcester, Gloucester and Hereford to historic monasteries, picturesque parish churches and tiny Templar chapels there are numerous examples within easy reach of our location.

Tombs of Kings - the Mappa Mundi - relics and treasures

2024 Events Battle of Tewkesbury 13 July Battle of Evesham 3/4 August

Attendance at these events can be included in your tour

Our team of experts offer a number of interesting courses on medieval themed topics or they can visit your location to give exciting, informative 45 - 90 minute lectures with audience participation.

Courses £55 per person : Lectures from £50 plus travel

We offer a selection of evening activities .

Guest speakers - films - wargames

Some courses are run at the luxurious Verzon House country hotel near the ancient town of Ledbury.

Beautiful rooms - outstanding cuisine - spectacular location

The historic Feathers Hotel is an option for our clients. The beautiful building dates back to Tudor times so very appropriate for history enthusiasts.

Lovely rooms - fine cuisine - centre of Ledbury - pool

White House, Aylton, Ledbury, HR8 2RQ Self Catering Five characterful, listed cottages, nestled in tranquil countryside just 5 miles from Ledbury. Set on the Gloucestershire/ Herefordshire border, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Welsh border castles and historic sites

www.whitehousecottages.com

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The Best of Britain & Christian Heritage 10 Day Tour

Click on the tabs for more information, price per person double occupancy.

Price Includes: 4 star hotels, breakfast and dinner daily (beverages not included), modern transportation, sightseeing as listed, baggage handling for 1 piece per person, and taxes

Not Included: Airfare, travel insurance, lunches, gratuities to driver and guide ($88 per person will be added to the final invoice)

Deposit Required: $300 per person will reserve your place. A $200 service fee will be charged for cancellation at any time in addition to our normal payment and cancellation policy.

Day 1: Depart USA

Our adventure begins as we depart on our international flight to London, England.

Day 2: Arrival in London, Hampton Court Palace

Upon our arrival in London, our tour director meets us at the airport and we begin our tour at Hampton Court Palace. In 1604, James I commissioned the King James Version of the Bible during the Hampton Court Conference and we visit the room where it happened. In the Chapel Royal, we hear how Henry VIII’s decision to allow production of the Bible was influenced by his last wife, Catherine Parr. After the tour we have time to stroll through the beautiful gardens and try and find our way to the center of the hedge maze. Our welcome meal is at our hotel this evening. Our hotel is in London for the next three nights.

Day 3: Westminster Abbey, Thames River Boat Tour, London Eye

We begin our day at the magnificent Westminster Abbey where most British Kings and Queens since 1066 have been crowned and the final resting place of many monarchs, heroes and poets. In 2013, on the 50th anniversary of his death, C. S. Lewis will join some of Britain's greatest writers recognized here at Poets' Corner. Although not open to the public now, we will learn about historic events in the Jerusalem Chamber. It was used by the 17 men who translated the first third of the King James Bible Old Testament and the last half of the New Testament. Between 1644 and 1647, the Westminster Assembly met here to prepare the Westminster Confession of Faith. Next, we enjoy the “Changing of the Guards” at Buckingham Palace before a guided tour boat ride including all the sites along the Thames, concluding with a flight aboard the British Airways London Eye, the world's highest observation wheel offering amazing panoramic views of the capital city. The remainder of your day is free for shopping and sightseeing on your own…don’t forget to stop by Harrod’s. This evening our dinner will be on our own to be enjoyed at a local London restaurant of your choice.

Day 4: Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Bunhill Cemetery, Tower of London

This morning we visit the Metropolitan Tabernacle, where the great Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) held his great revival meetings. He preached to as many as 6,000 people every Sunday, with copies of his sermons printed and distributed worldwide. During his lifetime he preached to an estimated ten million people. It’s still a thriving congregation in the center of London. Next we visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, a marvelous building designed by Sir Christopher Wren and recently renovated to its former splendor. This afternoon we’ll enjoy a visit to Bunhill Cemetery where John Bunyan, Isaac Watts, John Gill and Susanna Wesley are all buried, before we tour the Tower of London, including the famous Crown Jewels.

Day 5: Salisbury, Stonehenge and Oxford

We depart London and make our way west to the Wessex area. Our first stop is in Salisbury for a visit to the famous cathedral. The builders of the gothic church claimed it to be "so great a church to the glory of God that those who come after us will think us mad even to have attempted it." Once again we are on our way to yet another wondrous sight, the Neolithic monument of Stonehenge which dates to around 2800 BC. Following lunch we turn northward to our lodging this evening in Oxford. The remainder of the day is free to stroll through this delightful town before dinner.

Day 6: Oxford, C. S. Lewis Tour, Stratford-upon-Avon

This morning, our local guide leads us on a tour of Oxford, including the Reformers Monument and the Cathedral. Famous Oxford alumni include: Charles and John Wesley, Lewis Carroll, William Penn, Albert Einstein, John Locke and C. S. Lewis who was later on staff. It was here that Lewis embraced Christianity, influenced by arguments with his Oxford colleague and friend J. R. R. Tolkien. He fought greatly up to the moment of his conversion, noting that he was brought into Christianity like a prodigal, "kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape”. We begin our C. S. Lewis Tour at the Headington Quarry Church, where Lewis attended and is buried. We also view the Kilns, house bought by C. S. Lewis, where he wrote "I never hoped for the like." We continue on to the Eagle and Child pub with it’s rich and colorful history for lunch. By the 1930s, the pub became one of two gathering spots for Lewis and his literary-minded colleagues and friends known as the Inklings. This afternoon we depart Oxford and set out for the charming Cotswold region. Driving through the beautiful small villages with the rolling brooks and bridges we arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon to surround ourselves by the world’s famous playwright Shakespeare. Upon arrival we view Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and stop for a tour of Shakespeare’s home in the picturesque village of Stratford-upon-Avon. This evening our lodging and dinner will be in Nottingham.

Day 7: Stratford, York, Edinburgh

After breakfast we continue north to York. York today remains as a true representation of medieval England. Taking a walking tour through these historic streets we arrive at York Minster, England’s largest cathedral. Inside you view the great stained glass window dating back to 1338 and reputably the size of a doubles tennis court. After lunch we continue northward to our lodging for the next three nights in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.

Day 8: Edinburgh, Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, John Knox

This morning we enjoy a tour of Edinburgh which takes us to the historic sites of the Edinburgh Castle, the Queen’s Holyrood Palace and points out the Royal Mile. We visit the 15th century house where John Knox, leader of the Scottish Reformation and founder of the Presbyterian Church, lived for a short time before he died. Today it is a museum that holds an exhibition about his life. We also visit St. Giles Cathedral to which Knox was appointed minister of the church and listen to the guides testimony of Knox’s great personal sacrifice and the contribution of his powerful sermons. Free time will be allowed today for your sightseeing and shopping pleasure. Your evening is free to eat in one of the local restaurants.

Day 9: St. Andrews and Stirling Castle

This morning we enjoy a morning tour of St. Andrews whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golfing. Stroll through the town, walk along the North Sea jetties that border the manicured fairways and visit the ruins of the cathedral, destroyed during the Reformation. This afternoon we enjoy a tour of Stirling Castle. Stirling is one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in Scotland. The castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. It is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving it a strong defensive position. Its strategic location, guarding what was, until the 1890s, the farthest downstream crossing of the River Forth, has made it an important fortification from the earliest times. Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1542. There have been at least eight sieges of Stirling Castle, including several during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with the last being in 1746, when Bonnie Prince Charlie unsuccessfully tried to take the castle. We return to Edinburgh this afternoon and take part in a farewell Scottish dinner together with time to share with each other the highlights of our tour.

Day 10: Return Home

We fly out today with many fond memories of our time in the British Isles.

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Historical Tours of England

Discover the History of England. Learn about England's colourful and glorious history. Pre-historic ritual landscapes to the hidden WWII tunnels.

Hear the stories behind the builders of Stonehenge, the innovative Romans, the castle building Norman’s, the opulent Tudors and Victorian merchants.

Our example castle tour visits a good historical selection of forts and castles. Our Tudor tour uncovers the most intriguing of English dynatsties.

Your tour is personally planned. Popular themes have included Richard III, the circles of the Stone Age and The Wars of the Roses. We normally plan-in historic hotels like castles and grand homes.

TOUR EXAMPLES

We have suggested two example tours to give you ideas. These tours can be adjusted to your particular interests and the time of year. Or, choose another theme. We can include historic castle hotels.

England’s most intriguing dynasty, the Tudors had a long, turbulent reign. See many of the key sites from their times.

There are over 1500 castles to tour in England and Wales. Uncover history and stay in a castle hotel at many locations.

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Short breaks.

Go on an escorted tour of Britain's beautiful historic estates with JustGo! Holidays, an official partner of Historic Houses

Take a wonderful short break holiday to discover some of Britain’s most special historic houses, castles and gardens. With specially tailored itineraries each four, five or six day escorted tour allows you to easily discover beautiful and extraordinary historic houses, castles and gardens around Britain.

On these fascinating tours we uncover the secrets and stories of the families who have lived in these special places and get a glimpse into the lives of those who still do, with many owners offering exclusive access or intriguing behind-the-scenes tours for guests.

Each tour includes fine architectural treasures, superb collections and stunning interiors, with many properties represented by Historic Houses considered iconic symbols of Britain’s unique heritage. A range of travel options are offered including return coach travel, making your own way or a door to door travel service.

The tours are run by Just Go! Holidays, one of the UK’s leading coach holiday specialists.

Charming Houses of the Cotswolds

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is a pastoral landscape of gently rolling hills, idyllic views and quintessentially English market towns and villages of honey-coloured stone where time seems to have stood still.

Hidden Houses of the Lake District

Recently recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District boasts some of England’s finest scenery. Awash with glittering midnight blue lakes, jagged fells and lush valleys, we are transported into a bucolic abundance of natural beauty.

Kent’s Most Beautiful Gardens

Kent isn’t described as the garden of England for nothing. Within Britain’s oldest county lies the perfumed landscape of fruit-laden orchards, rolling hills and a treasure trove of country estates and enchanting castles.

A Taste of the Stately High Life in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country as well as a wonderfully rich and fascinating heritage. We delve into the past with a look around some of the county’s most impressive historic houses, many...

Castles & Churches of Northumberland & the Borders

The rugged county of Northumberland is steeped in history, with a host of ancient castles, ruined abbeys and picturesque stately homes dotting the scenic countryside. We learn more about the intriguing stories behind the powerful castles that dominate the landscape,...

Homes of Edinburgh’s Landed Gentry

Scotland’s vibrant capital city of Edinburgh is surrounded by important estates and fine houses, owned by the landed gentry of generations past who often had connections to royalty or the politics of their day. These fascinating places boast an eclectic...

Special Houses & Gardens of North Norfolk

North Norfolk is not only renowned for its big skies, wide horizons and sandy beaches but also for its fascinating heritage and abundance of beautiful historic houses, ranging from Tudor moated manors to Arts and Crafts homes. Many are spectacular...

A Grand Tour of Oxford & the Home Counties

The pastoral landscapes of the Home Counties provide a beautiful backdrop to some of Britain’s most impressive houses and manors. We uncover the fascinating stories of these magnificent places with their wonderful mix of architectural styles and fine treasures within,...

Longleat Festival of Light & South West at Christmas Time

There is nothing quite like the countdown to Christmas in the enchanting South West! Soak up the wonderful yuletide atmosphere with festive market stalls, iced with glittering fairy lights and a stately home boasting the most impressive statuesque Christmas trees.

An Indulgent Tour of the Festive Castles of Kent

The Garden of England is Britain’s oldest county, steeped in thousands of years of history and full of treasures, from medieval manors to romantic castles adorned with enchanting Christmas decorations of yesteryear.

Natural Beauty & Architectural Splendours of Suffolk

Beautiful Suffolk has plenty to discover, from a glorious coastline to rolling countryside and picturesque towns. On this fascinating break we visit some of the most interesting and diverse houses of the county, as we uncover secrets of the family...

Jane Austen Festival

Jane Austen is famed for her fiction which explores the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century, and we delve into her world during this fascinating long weekend break. We head to Bath, which was Jane Austen’s...

An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland’s Finest Houses

Northern Ireland is not only renowned for the beauty of its countryside and coastline but also for the number of stunning country houses and magnificent castles that pepper the landscape. We learn more about the country’s rich heritage as we...

See all JustGo! Holidays Short Breaks

With specially tailored, bespoke itineraries, these fascinating short breaks allow you to easily discover beautiful and extraordinary historic houses, castles and gardens around Britain – places where our nation’s history lives and breathes – all in the company of like-minded...

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London : Medieval History Walking Tour from The Tower

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• I have been a tour guide for ten years, appeared on TV as an expert historian, and I am also a published author
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Medieval History Walking Tour from The Tower of London

Royal Westminster By Night Walking Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

LONDON : MEDIEVAL HISTORY WALKING TOUR FROM THE TOWER - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Go Medieval with These New Bespoke Historical Tours of England

By Zac Thompson

03/15/2023, 1:00 PM

A new tour operator based in the scenic and once hotly contested England-Wales border region aims to connect travelers to the castles, battles, and chain mail–centric fashions of the Middle Ages.  

Known as Timequest , the company, which launched earlier this year, offers customized guided tours for small groups of no more than eight participants, who collaborate with the tour operator to come up with an itinerary especially suited to the guests' specific medieval interests. 

You certainly have plenty of options in the corner of southwestern England where Timequest is headquartered. 

"There are almost 50 castles within a one-hour drive of our base" in Herefordshire , Timequest's Richard P. Jeynes told Frommer's in an email. The archaeologist and educator says you can see biggies like Goodrich Castle (pictured at the top of this post) as well as smaller sites that are "in our view far more interesting and well off the normal tourist trail."

In addition to all those strongholds erected by Norman lords, there are enough nearby battlefields to fill several Shakespearean history plays, including Tewkesbury and Bosworth Field, both of Wars of the Roses fame.

Tours can make time for the cathedrals of Worcester and Gloucester, timber-framed market towns, kings' tombs, and saints' relics, too. 

Aside from its bespoke itineraries, Timequest differentiates itself from the competition, according to Jeynes, by employing "guides and guest speakers [who] are highly qualified leaders in their fields"—erudite and engaging experts in archaeology, the Crusades, military history, and other pertinent topics. "They are not simply reciting a well rehearsed script," says Jeynes. 

What's more, the company gives tourgoers the chance to get some firsthand medieval combat training with longbow archery lessons, tabletop war games involving detailed models of famous battles, and, at certain times of year, visits to battle reenactments at medieval festivals.

Since tours are tailored to individual groups, prices vary widely, starting at £85 ($103) per person for a half-day archery experience or around £100–£150 ($122–$182) per person for a full day of castle- and battlefield-going. 

Multiday tours feature accommodations at the Verzon House Hotel in Ledbury, at a discounted nightly rate of £120 ($146), on top of the cost of tours and activities. 

Rail links will get you to nearby Gloucester from London in about 2 hours or from Birmingham in about an hour. From the Gloucester train station, Timequest reps can pick you up. Or you can always try securing a ride by frantically offering your kingdom for a horse à la Richard III at Bosworth Field. 

For more information, including details on how to book, go to TimequestMedievalExperiences.com .

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Traveller's Guide to Medieval England

A travellers guide beyond the landscapes of Medieval England supporting Britain's history from the Roman 's to Queen Victoria and the industrial revolution.

18 Sep 21 · 14 mins read

A Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England

A myth commonly repeated about the medieval world is that ordinary people never travelled more than five or six miles from their home. In reality, this was far from true – travel was an important part of daily life in medieval England. People travelled around England and sometimes went abroad for a number of reasons: trade, shopping, religious pilgrimages, and war.

Much like travel today, travel in the Middle Ages came with a number of difficulties: unreliable modes of transport, uncomfortable accommodation, and the dangers posed by bandits and other criminals.

Imagine that you were planning to travel in Medieval England. Whether your purpose was business or trade, or you were making a religious pilgrimage, you would probably have a number of questions. What route should I take? Where should I stay? What difficulties might I encounter on the way?

In this article, we use the format of one of our travel guides in order to immerse the reader in the experience of travelling in the Middle Ages. We have drawn information from Ian Mortimer’s vivid history of 14th century England, The Time Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England.

This is part of our collection of England-related articles that we share as backgrounders before you go on a England tour with us, or to simply help you as you firm up your travel plans. All of those articles can be found here.

Travellers with a particular interest in the Middle Ages might be interested in our previous articles on the topic: Village Life in Medieval Britain and Understanding British Churches .

How should I get from place to place?

Getting from place to place (for instance, to use Mortimer’s example, from London to Chester) in medieval England posed a number of difficulties. Firstly, you would have had to work out what route to take. This was made more difficult by the fact that you wouldn’t have had a map. While there were maps in the Middle Ages, these were reference works for use in libraries and households, made of heavy parchment. You certainly wouldn’t have been able to toss one in your bag to consult on the way!

The best way to find your way would have been to ask for directions. You’ll find that the locals have a good memory for places, landmarks, and routes. Directions are usually given as an itinerary, such as:

On the right hand, when ye come to a bridge, so go there over; ye shall find a little way on the left hand which shall bring you in a country where you shall see upon a church two high steeples. From thence shall ye have but four miles unto your lodging. (From a Medieval dialogue book).

Next, you would need to think about what mode of transportation you might take. The two major ways to travel are by road or by sea, each of which has a number of drawbacks.

Travel by road in the 13th century continued along the great roads established by the Ancient Romans, including Fosse Way, Ermine Street, Watling Street, and Icknield Way. The main highways are usually kept in good repair, especially when the King travels along them.

However, don’t imagine the smooth and straight roads of the Roman era. While in some places the ancient stones were still in place, in others they have been taken away for use in new buildings. In many places the old roads are now bumpy and uneven – in which case, we advise you take the smoother medieval road that might run alongside it. Some of the most popular destinations in medieval England – the university town of Oxford, the rich market town of Coventry, or the entire country of Cornwall – are not on the Roman network.

In more remote areas, the roads were less well-kept. In bad weather, they might be flooded with water – or farmyard debris let out of a latrine pit.

Moreover, if you encounter a river, there’s no guarantee of a bridge to cross it easily. While on the highways most rivers are spanned by smooth stone structures, when you get off the main road your options were usually either a wooden bridge or the old ford. Some of the old bridges are so rickety that you might find the ford preferable, even if it means that you get wet. In hillier or highland areas bridges are few and far between. Bear in mind, too, that you might have to pay a toll to cross.

The main transportation options for travel by road are:

• Horse. By far the most common option. While royal messengers can reach speeds of 80 miles/day, we advise that mature and senior travellers should not expect to travel more than ten miles per day.
• Cart/wagon. Generally used for goods (not people). Not advised as speeds are very slow and transport is uncomfortable.
• Coach. A rare option reserved for the wealthiest people (generally female members of the royal family or older noblewomen). If this is an option for you, we recommend it, but bear in mind that this will be expensive. Expect to pay up to a thousand pounds for your coach.
• Litter. Another option preferred by aristocrats. Two long poles carry a seat, supported by two horses, one before and one after. The seat has a round canopy to protect travellers from the ailments. Motion-sick travellers should beware, however – litters have a tendency to rock from side to side, particularly if the horse encounters uneven territory.

The other major option is travel by sea. Make sure to check up on the political situation before you leave, as English boats are commonly held hostage by French and Flemish sailors during periods of hostility . Even in peacetime, you may be at risk of attack from pirates.

Even leaving aside the dangers, sea travel could be unpleasant. Few people washed at sea, food did not keep well, and it was impossible to keep the boat dry during a storm. Expect to be wet and miserable – and possibly sea sick. In close quarters with your fellow travellers, expect them to begin to grate on you. Make sure, however, not to get into a physical fight – or else you might see yourself tied up with rope, and dunked three times into the sea, according to the old sea-laws of Richard I.

Where should I stay?

Several types of accommodation are commonly found around medieval England:

Inns are the major commercial form of accommodation open to travellers. Don’t expect luxury or even a friendly welcome, however – most inn-keepers are no-nonsense men, used to dealing with thieves, ruffians, and other trouble-makers. While in some towns, the law requires inn-keepers to offer every visitor a bed, in others they have the right to reject you. To ensure that you will be accommodated, we advise that you send a servant on ahead to make inquiries on your behalf.

One of the highlights of an inn is the common hall where travellers gather by the fire to drink ale, eat bread and cheese, and exchange stories with others. However, make sure to choose your inn wisely. While a good establishment will change the floor rushes regularly, and weave these with lavender, rose petals and herbs, the worst rarely change them – so you can expect a stench of mouldy food, mud and horse dung trodden in from the street.

At night, you will sleep in a bedchamber that is home to several beds, each of which holds two to three men. Women are expected to lodge in the same chambers, though it is rare for a woman to stay at an inn alone. Expect a straw mattress, and, at the best establishments, a chest for personal possessions and a pitcher of water for washing.

For more on British inns, taverns, and alehouses, take a look at our article on the history of the British pub .

Monasteries:

Most travellers in medieval England can expect to stay at a monastery at some point. All religious houses offer hospitality as a part of their Christian duty. The extent of this hospitality, however, tends to vary according to your social standing. If you’re a nobleman, or part of the higher clergy, you can expect to share the abbot’s lodgings. Travellers arriving on horse may stay in the guesthouse; while those arriving on foot are generally directed to the dormitory to share in the accommodation of pilgrims and the itinerant poor.

If you stay in the guest house, expect comfortable but simple accommodations. Most guest houses are not decorated. Like at an inn, you will sleep on a straw mattress. Monasteries do have advantages over inns, however, primarily sanitary. Unlike inns, many monasteries have efficient systems of providing clean water for washing, drinking, and cooking, and even flushing drains.

Private houses:

It is also likely that you will stay in a private house at some point. Most people in medieval England are hospitable, and understand the difficulties of travel. Hospitality is considered a work of charity, and most locals are happy to hear a stranger’s news over a mug of ale and plate of bread and cheese.

Where you find this hospitality might depend on your social status, however. If you’re a peasant, you’ll likely only find hospitality with fellow peasants, while a lord is welcome everywhere. The quality of the accommodation will reflect the social status of your host. In a castle or a rich townhouse you can expect a comfortable feather bed with linen sheets. At a peasant’s house, however, you’ll find that accommodation is much more modest – you’ll probably receive a straw- or oat-stuffed mattress, laid out in the family bedchamber. You can trust that the hospitality will be genuine, though. Expect to spend the evening swapping tales with your host over the main meal.

What should I eat?

Don’t expect that many of your favourite foods will be available: prior to the colonisation of the Americas, products we now take for granted such as potatoes or tomatoes were not available in England. Remember, too, that there are strict rules around eating meat – the Church forbids the consumption of meat on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and throughout Lent and Advent.

Most likely, you will be invited to eat with the locals. At a country peasant’s house, expect the meal to include rye bread and pottage – porridge with peas, herbs, some bacon, and white beans. In town, look out for white bread, fresh fruit, and spices. We also encourage you to try the street food, particularly the hot pies and pastries regularly sold at markets.

Since the water is often of dubious quality, alcoholic beverages are served with each meal. These include:

Ale: You’ll likely be offered this if you dine with a peasant. Made from malted barley or oats, without any hops, most ale is brewed in the home and only lightly alcoholic (a good thing, since many peasants and labourers go to work after drinking it).

Cider/perry (pear cider): Often drunk instead of ale in the western counties, cider is more likely to be highly alcoholic, and often retails for half the price of ale.

Mead and metheglin: Alcoholic drinks based on fermented honey, mead and metheglin (mead flavoured with herbs and spices) are largely drunk in the west and south. Like cider, these drinks are more affordable than ale and much more alcoholic.

Wine: Though generally beyond the means of the typical yeoman farmer, wine is more affordable in town, where tavern-owners buy in bulk. Wine served in taverns is usually imported from Bordeaux, Spain, or the Rhine region, but if you travel in the early part of the 14th century you may have the chance to taste an English wine. In the early part of the century, many noble and royal houses had extensive vineyards, but a changing climate (by 1400, the annual average temperature had dropped by 1 degree from 1300 averages) led to the destruction of the English wine industry.

What should I wear?

The 14th century saw the people of England become increasingly fashion-conscious. James Laver, a fashion historian, has suggested that the 14th century marks the beginning of recognisable ‘fashion’ in clothing. At the beginning of the century, women and men alike wore simple tunics that hang from the shoulders; status was indicated by the quality and colour of clothing, rather than cut. By the end of the 13th century, clothing had become figure-hugging, cut to display the lines of the body.

It was men’s clothing which saw the most drastic transformation. At the start of the century, men wore tunics which reached the floor; by 1400, this had become a doublet that ended at the hip, leaving the legs covered only in hose. Observers were scandalised: a French chronicle remembers that

‘Around that year (1350), men, in particular, noblemen and their squires, took to wearing tunics so short and tight they revealed what modesty bids us hide. This was a most astonishing thing for the people’. (Continuation of a chronicle of Guillaume de Nangis, quoted by Braudel, 1981).

Men’s shoes also become increasingly outlandish. While relatively modest at the beginning of the century, the toes became increasingly prolonged as the century progressed. By 1350 most toes were six to eight inches long, with the Crackow style – imported from Bohemia – reaching twenty-inches. Male travellers wary of the daring doublets of late 13th century England may find the dress of the clergy, which changed little from the beginning of the century, more congenial.

Though women’s dresses became more figure-hugging, they remained relatively modest. Women travellers should remember to dress modestly: ‘respectable’ women in the 13th century always covered their arms and legs. While women had long hair, it was never worn loose in public, and married women covered their hair.

Travellers to medieval England are also advised to research the sumptuary laws of the city they wish to visit. These are laws which restrict people from dressing above their station: so for instance, in 1337, a law was passed providing that only those with an annual income of 100 pounds per year are allowed to wear furs.

What should I buy?

One of the highlights of any visit to medieval England is a trip to market. Small towns and cities alike have markets, though in the smallest villages you shouldn’t expect much beyond fresh produce and practical hardware for home use – nails, hay, carts, and coal. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a travelling fur shop where people stock up on warm clothes for the winter. In bigger cities, you’ll find specialist stores where you can buy clothing, shoes, armour, jewellery, and cosmetics and medicines.

For the best shopping experience, time your visit with the annual fair. Most market towns have a fair, usually held on a feast day between July and September. Here, you can pick up some exotic, imported goods – spices; fruits such as oranges, lemons, figs, dates, and pomegranates; and luxury silks.

Watch out for tricks and deceptions when shopping. Common tricks include loaves of bread with iron inside them (so that they meet their legal weight), cloth mixed with human hair and cooking pots made out of soft, cheap, metal. If you feel like you’ve been ripped off, think about reporting this to the local Tradesman’s Guild – they have an interest in protecting their markets from competitors, so want to keep their good reputation.

How do I greet the locals?

Manners are very important in medieval England. Make sure to show respect to your social superiors. If you are invited to someone’s house, leave your weapons at the door, take off your hat, and when introduced, bow (if you are of equal status to them), or kneel (if they are of superior status).

If you run into a friend on the street, make sure to greet them. If they are a woman, doff your hood. Acceptable greetings include:

Sire, God you keep!

Sire ye be welcome.

Yea, lady or demoiselle (damsel), ye be welcome.

Sire, God give you good day.

Dame, good day give you our lord.

Is it safe to travel to Medieval England?

While it was perfectly safe to travel in Medieval England, travellers should be advised that they might confront certain dangers on the journey. In particular, solo travellers are often the victim of robbery by armed bandits. While the law requires that the road be cleared of trees on both sides of the highway for a hundred yards (to prevent the sneak emergence of bandits from under foliage), this is not always observed. We recommend you join with a group of other travellers or pilgrims to ensure that you reach your destination safely.

We also recommend that you avoid the areas of ongoing conflict near the Scottish border, particularly the counties of Cumberland and Northumberland. Here, large sections of the landscape have been abandoned due to population decline in the wake of the Great Plague. The area is also subject to frequent incursions from invading Scots.

What is there to do?

The people of medieval England enjoy a number of leisure activities. You might enjoy a musical performance; itinerant troubadours commonly visited the halls of great lords and performed for their fellow travellers. Dancing is popular with people of all social classes, and feel free to sing along with the music – many people did.

You may also witness a play. Most common are miracle plays and mystery plays, performed on feast days in major towns. The plays performed at York, Chester and Wakefield are known around the kingdom. Also popular are the more secular mummers, in which the emphasis is less on the story and more on characters, exemplified by the lavish masks worn by the performers.

Other cultural activities include reading and the telling of stories. While few people are literate, and even fewer have access to manuscripts in this pre-printed press age, books are often read out loud and minstrels travel the countryside, telling stories to those who cannot read. Works of literature put down in the 14th century are still read today, particularly Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales.

Travellers might also want to check out some distinctive medieval sports at a tournament. The tournament is believed to originate with a French baron, Geoffroi de Pruelly, around the middle of the 11th century. The first tournaments centred around the melee, or a mock battle between two groups of armed horsemen. These could be dangerous: in 1241, eighty knights were killed in a single tournament! By the early 14th century, melees were much more orderly, performed solely for the benefit of spectators.

Beginning in the 1330s, the melee became a thing of the past. Increasingly popular was the joust, in which two horsemen charged at each other with lances, with the aim of knocking the other of their horse. The lances used in jousting were capped, making the sport relatively safer than the melee – while combatants occasionally lost their life if they fell in a bad direction, for the most part, injuries amounted to little more than bruising, loss of teeth, or broken bones. Jousts were popular occasions, attended by huge crowds, who used the events to eat, drink copiously, and flirt with fellow attendees.

Some contemporary sports also have their origins in medieval England. In the late 14th century, a sport known as ‘tennis’ was introduced to England. Unlike today’s sport, medieval tennis was usually played inside – sometimes with rackets, and at other times with the palm of the hand.

You might also come across a sport described as:

‘adominable … more common, undignified and worthless than any other game, rarely ending but with some loss, accident or disadvantage to the players themselves’.

This is soccer. While that description might sound extreme when thinking about the modern game, most medieval games of football were more akin to a melee without weapons than anything resembling contemporary soccer. The game was banned in London in 1314, and throughout the kingdom in 1331 and 1363. If you encounter this game, we do not recommend you join in.

We hope you enjoyed this immersive guide to 14th century England. Travellers with a particular interest in the medieval era might want to join our small group tour of Medieval England . This tour is one among many devoted to the history and culture of England – take a look at the full list .

You might also be interested in our summer school devoted to Medieval and Renaissance Women .

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Archaeologists Discover Medieval Artifacts Ahead of Bridge Demolition in England

Found during a construction project near the railway station in York, the trove includes pottery and bones

Sonja Anderson

Daily Correspondent

Archaeologists have discovered 800-year-old trash discarded by medieval residents of York, England. Unearthed beneath a bridge in the city’s center, the animal bones and pieces of glazed pottery occupied large drainage ditches dating to the 13th and 14th centuries.

Researchers from York Archaeology were excavating around the Queen Street Bridge , which is set to be demolished ahead of renovations to a nearby railway station. The site had been buried for about 150 years.

“This is an area that has been substantially disturbed by building works during the Victorian era,” says project manager Mary-Anne Slater in a statement from York Archaeology. The mid-1800s brought large-scale urbanization to the area, culminating in the  York Railway Station . At the time of its 1877 opening, the station was the largest train hub in the world.

During the recent dig, researchers found large patches of Victorian brick that once paved paths to the station; these were accompanied by drainage ditches from the 19th century, reports  BBC News ’ Emily Johnson. The blueish-gray “ scoria ” bricks are composed of recycled industrial waste. According to York Archaeology, the blocks were cut from slag—a stony byproduct of  smelting ore in a blast furnace, which was an important component of English industry in the 1800s.

Below the Victorian drainage ditches, researchers discovered medieval trenches dating back between 700 and 800 years. As the  York Press ’ Stephen Lewis reports, they contained pieces of green glaze pottery and animal bones.

“This area outside the  city walls was agricultural land during the medieval period, and the ditches may have been used for dumping rubbish from the medieval city,” Slater adds.

Even earlier, the site was home to a Roman cemetery. Researchers found “disturbed bone” in part of the trench, which may have surfaced from greater depths due to farmers tilling the soil. Still, archaeologists have “yet to excavate any skeletons comparable with those found previously at York Station” in 2020 .

“From previous work in the York Station area, we know that there is a high possibility of Roman burials being present,” says Pete Kilbane , deputy leader of the City of York Council. He adds that conducting an archaeological survey ahead of construction is especially vital in York, as the city has been continuously inhabited for 2,000 years.

Excavations will continue in the area below the bridge even after the structure has been demolished (and before a new permanent road is set into the ground). As the York Press writes, “There may yet be more finds to come.”

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Sonja Anderson is a writer and reporter based in New York City.