Tuesday, 17 May 2016

Here to help in every way we can...


We want to make planning your trip to the UK as easy and stress-free as possible. That's why we've compiled some useful travel advice worth knowing before you embark on your visit.

Passports
To enter the UK you will need to show a valid passport, or national identity card if you are an EEA citizen. If you are not an EU national, you will need to show further documentation, and may need a visa. For more information please refer to the UK Visa and Immigration website.

Currency
Britain’s unit of currency is the Great British Pound (sterling) – GBP. The symbol for the pound sterling is ​£. There are 100 pence (p) to the pound (£). Notes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20 and £50. Coins come in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.

Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, post offices, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports, main stations and city centres. It’s worth shopping around to get the best deal – compare the exchange rates and remember to check the commission.

Credit Cards
Credit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in UK shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés. Diners Club and American Express cards are less commonly accepted. There are many cash machines (also known as ATMs), most accept international cards with the Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Cirrus or Maestro symbols. Charges for using them may apply, it's a good idea to check with your bank before you travel.

Gratuity
The culture around tipping in the UK is generally discretional. It's up to you if you feel the service was good and want to show your appreciation. If you are having lunch or dinner at a restaurant, sometimes meals will include a service charge of approximately 10-12%.Tour gratuity is again entirely at your discretion and can be paid to the driver on the day.

Disabled Access
The majority of our tours cater for disabled wheelchair access, though we recommend checking with us before you book to avoid any disappointment. If one of your party has difficulty walking and/or requires the use of a wheelchair, we can happily provide this at the hire of £15 per day. Please give us at least a weeks notice before your tour date if this is required.



Airport Transfer
Whether it's a pick-up from the airport or transfer to your next holiday destination, we can arrange for one of our chauffeurs to take you to your chosen destination. Simply let us know in advance and we can be waiting for you when you arrive! Our transfer prices are very reasonable from just £150 (depending on pick-up location).

Language
Although understanding/speaking English would be useful it is not essential for your tour as many of the attractions are visual, and some also offer language translations. Our driver tour guide will always do their best to help and take care of you whilst you are with them.

Mobile (Cell) Phones
If you want to use your mobile phone in the UK, please check with your network provider before travelling or your phone may not work. You may be able to switch to an international tariff that gives you cheaper calls. Alternatively you may wish to purchase a UK SIM card or phone whilst you are here. Remember our vehicles are equipped with 4G Wi-Fi so you can connect to the Internet free-of-charge whilst on your private tour.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in the UK in all indoor public places (including platforms at train stations). Airports have designated smoking areas outside by the entrance/exit. Smoking is also not allowed in our tour vehicles, however our drivers will happily provide breaks during your travels for any smoking requirements.

Electricity in the UK
UK power sockets use three-pin plugs with on/off switches. You will need a simple adaptor for your electrical equipment which can be purchased from airports and some retail & hardware stores. Our vehicles are also equipped with power adaptors for most devices so you can recharge your phone, tablet or camera whilst you are with us for your tour.

Bank Holidays
Public holidays, or 'bank holidays' as they are known, are spread throughout the year and mark religious, historical and special events. On bank holidays many business and banks are closed, however, plenty of shops and attractions stay open. This can affect their opening hours and we will confirm if this is the case on your booking itinerary.

Emergencies
In an emergency that requires ambulance, police or fire services dial 999from any telephone.

Cruise Ship Pickup Tour


Tour Overview...

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is steeped in great history and royal tradition and captures the imagination of visitors from all over the world. This the perfect sightseeing tour for cruise ship guests visiting one of the ports along the South Coast. It is fully customisable to your interests and has something for everyone. Guests may even like to invite other couples on the cruise ship to enjoy the tour and share the tour cost.

Please note due to location we can only currently provide this trip to guests porting at Southampton or Dover seaports.

Royal Heritage
Admire the glory of Buckingham Palace, the home of the royal family and see the changing of the guard, subject to army schedule. View the ever-impressive Crown Jewels and
discover the secrets of the Tower of London. Learn about the famous individuals who were detained there including Anne Boleyn, Thomas Cromwell, Princess Elizabeth and Guy Fawkes. Plus, take in a private tour of Westminster Abbey, famous for the coronations, royal weddings and impressive architecture. 

Classic Attractions
Other classic attractions await you on your private tour including Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Harrods, Shakespeare's Globe and Kensington Palace. Our expert driver guide will be delighted to explain the history of them and share interesting stories, giving you a rare and personal insight into one of the greatest cities of the world.

Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is the Queens favourite residency making it a real must-see for royal enthusiasts. Originally built by William the Conqueror, the monarchy have added additional buildings to the castle over the last 900 years. Here you can enjoy a grand tour of the State Apartments and see the magical Queen Mary's Dolls' House.

Stonehenge
Instead of Windsor Castle why not choose to add mystery to your day with a special trip to Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world. This ancient temple was built around 5,000 years ago, making it older than the pyramids of Egypt. It is classed as a World Heritage Site and thought to be a place of healing, as well as an astronomical clock and a religious site.

Lunch
For lunch a lot of our guests like to eat at a traditional English pub, and we will be happy to give you a number of options for you to choose from on the day. During the summer months we would highly recommend a picnic in Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park. We can provide you with a luxury picnic hamper including a variety of meats, cheeses, local breads, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, from just £35 per person. Please specify this upon your booking and we will take care of the rest. 

Overnight Tours of England


Tour Overview...

With so many interesting and beautiful places to visit, sometimes a single day tour is not enough. For those of you who want to discover more of what Great Britain has to offer and travel a bit further field, we operate overnight tours of England ranging from 2-14 days.

Our overnight tours are of course fully customisable to make your experience unique and personal to your interests. Before booking, we recommend you contact us to discuss the tour so we can fully accommodate your needs. Feel free to call us on +44 (0) 800 988 7202 or email us with your enquiry.

Popular Locations
Some of the finest attractions and hidden gems are based in the far South West regions of England, including Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. We have carefully selected a number of places for you to visit that will bring the fascinating history of England to life. You may even wish to customise one of our single day tours to include these as part of an overnight tour. For example a trip to Durdle Door and Corfe Catle, and then onto Tintagle Castle.

Locations catered for by an overnight tour include:
Lunch/Dinner
During your private tour, our driver guide will be happy to give you a number of options for you to choose from for lunch and dinner. Breakfast will normally be available from your hotel as part of your booking. During the summer months we would highly recommend a picnic in a scenic location for one of the days. We can provide you with aluxury picnic hamper including a variety of meats, cheeses, local breads, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, from just £35 per person. Please specify this upon your booking and we will take care of the rest.
Accommodation
Unwind after a rewarding day of sightseeing in a luxury hotel that we can help recommend based on the location of your tour and itinerary. Please note hotel accommodation is not included within the tour price and must be booked seperately with the hotel in advance.
Dartmouth Castle
Beautifully-located, 15th century fortresses overlooking the estuary of the River Dart and Estuary, in Devon. Explore the castle inside and out and take a ferry boat ride to enjoy the stunning scenary and wildlife.

Drogo Castle
A country house near Drewsteignton in Devon, Drogo Castle is the 'last castle to be built in England'. Discover the fascinating architecture inside the currently redeveloped castle and enter the enchanting gardens and Teign Gorge.

Launceston Castle
13th-century round tower built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, inside an earlier circular shell-keep. Set on a large natural mound it offers breathtaking views of the historic town and countryside.

Pendennis Castle
Explore one of Henry VIII's finest coastal fortresses, Pendennis Castle, which has defended Cornwall against foreign invasion since Tudor times.

Restormel Castle
Restormel Castle lies by the River Fowey near Lostwithiel in Cornwall. It is one of the four chief Norman castles of Cornwall, and notable for its perfectly circular design.

St Mawes Castle
St Mawes Castle is an artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII near Falmouth, Cornwall, between 1540 and 1542. It is both well preserved and elaborately decorated and offers stunning views over the sea.

Tintagle Castle (King Arthurs Birthplace)
A castle that needs no introduction, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel, a place inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur. The magnificent castle ruins and surrounding location will not disappoint.

If you would like to see more of the attractions, please visit our more tour attractionspage. If you have a particular place of interest in mind that we have not listed, don't hesitate to get in touch as we can accommodate most tour locations at very reasonable prices.

Popular Locations
Some of the finest attractions and hidden gems are based in the far South West regions of England, including Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. We have carefully selected a number of places for you to visit that will bring the fascinating history of England to life. You may even wish to customise one of our single day tours to include these as part of an overnight tour. For example a trip to Durdle Door and Corfe Catle, and then onto Tintagle Castle.

Locations catered for by an overnight tour include:

Lunch/Dinner
During your private tour, our driver guide will be happy to give you a number of options for you to choose from for lunch and dinner. Breakfast will normally be available from your hotel as part of your booking. During the summer months we would highly recommend a picnic in a scenic location for one of the days. We can provide you with aluxury picnic hamper including a variety of meats, cheeses, local breads, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, from just £35 per person. Please specify this upon your booking and we will take care of the rest.


Accommodation
Unwind after a rewarding day of sightseeing in a luxury hotel that we can help recommend based on the location of your tour and itinerary. Please note hotel accommodation is not included within the tour price and must be booked seperately with the hotel in advance.

Harry Potter or Downton Abbey Tour


Tour Overview...

Exclusive Harry Potter Tour inc. Warner Bros. Studio
Kingdom Private Tours is delighted to offer it's very own unique tour culminating in the magic of the Harry Potter™ films – the most successful film series of all time. Our driver tour guide will take you on a mysterious journey capturing some of the actual places where filming took place which can include Kings Cross Station (Platform 9 3/4), Picadilly Circus, Great Scotland Yard, Gloucester Castle and much more.

To complete this fabulous day you will also visit the official Harry Potter™ Warner Bros. Studio Tour that takes you behind-the-scenes and showcases a huge array of beautiful sets, costumes and props. It also reveals some closely guarded secrets, including facts about the special effects and animatronics that made these films so hugely popular all over the world - be prepared to be wowed!

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour includes:
- Walkthrough of the actual Great Hall, and Diagon Alley
- Gryffindor Common Room, Hagrid’s Hut, & Potion’s Classroom film sets
- See screen effects in action, animatronics and life-sized models
- Costumes, props, models and much more...

Great fun for couples, families and groups, our driver guide can pick you up from your chosen location and whisk you off for an exciting tour that will leave you with fond memories for life. Due to the popularity of this tour you will be required to purchase your entrance tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in advance. Once you have placed your booking we will advise you on how to do this.


Downton Abbey Tour
Highclere Castle in Berkshire (South East England) is the actual castle that features in the award-winning series Downton Abbey. Set in 1,000 acres of parkland, this Victorian manor is home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, whose family have lived on the site since 1679. Downton Abbey author, Julian Fellowes is a longstanding family friend and had Highclere in mind while writing the series.

At the castle you can experience Downton life first hand: sip tea in the café, stroll the gardens, and admire the sumptuous interiors, many of which were used for filming. Due to season restrictions at Highclere Castle & Gardens, please check with us before booking to ensure the location is open for your tour.

In addition to Highclere Castle, guests on the Downton Abbey tour will be offered the unique chance to visit other locations used for filming the series, which can include theCity of Oxford, Bampton (St Marys Church), Swinbrook (Swan Inn), The Old Forge Shilton, and Castle Combe in the Cotswolds (voted most pretiest village in England).


Lunch
For lunch our tour guide will happily give you a number of options to choose from on the day. Food is available at either of the tour locations. You may like to consider a luxury picnic hamper which includes a variety of meats, cheeses, local breads, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, from just £35 per person. Please specify this upon your booking and we will take care of the rest.

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle


Tour Overview...

Stratford-upon-Avon
A charming market town in England’s West Midlands, Stratford-upon-Avon is the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Possibly the most famous playwright in the English language, he is known for his plays and sonnets such as 'Hamlet' and 'Romeo and Juliet'. This is a unique opportunity to learn about his work and experience a real sense of the times that influenced him.

Your visit will includes Shakespeare's Birthplace, Nash’s House & New Place, Hall's Croft, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Mary Arden's Farm. Our private tour guide will take you on a facinating discovery, with many stories, for an experience that will not disappoint.


Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle developed from an original built by William the Conqueror in 1068. With over 1,000 years of history, this impressive tourist attraction is a fun and adventurous location with something to entertain everyone.

You can explore the fabulous castle grounds and grand interiors, watch bird of prey shows, delve into the dungeons and relax in the gardens, Warwick Castle is a great compliment to this day tour.


Cotswolds
Enjoy views of breath-taking countryside, sleepy villages made of honey-coloured limestone, and bustling market towns as you visit the charming scenery of one of England's most beautiful regions. Our driver guide will take you through the Cotswolds on your journey to Stratford-upon-Avon.


Alternative Tour Sights
This tour can be customised with a visit to Blenheim Palace; home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill or the city of Oxford to experience the oldest university in England.


Lunch
For lunch our tour guide will happily give you a number of options to choose from on the day. You may like to consider a luxury picnic hamper which includes a variety of meats, cheeses, local breads, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, from just £35 per person. Please specify this upon your booking and we will take care of the rest.