CityTour.co.uk/Experiences

England

South West England

From £20 walking tours to private Cotswolds day trips—here’s what each kind of tour really delivers.

See all on Viatorfrom £35.00 per person
Experiences486
From£35.00per person
Under £25152
Viator's Top Product42
What people book here

Walking tours, private day trips, adventure activities and art classes across the region.

Nearly half the tours in South West England are walking or historical tours, with 43% and 45% of the catalogue respectively. Private and luxury options are also common, making up 59% of listings, but this label covers everything from affordable walks to high-end day trips. The largest single price band is under £25, with 31% of all experiences, and 61% are under £100.

The best-reviewed tours tend to be guided, interactive, and personal—none of the 40 most-reviewed top-rated tours have less than 5 stars, and all feature guides praised for knowledge and flexibility. By contrast, the few poorly rated products are mostly self-guided or transfer-only, with complaints about communication and value.

What is on offer

The catalogue

With 486 experiences, South West England offers a wide range of tours, but nearly half are walking or historical. Prices start at £5, but the overall median is £63—this is higher than it looks for most categories, as private tours priced per vehicle pull up the figure. 31% of all tours are under £25, and 61% cost less than £100, but 28% are over £200 and 10% exceed £500.

Quality marks are selective: only 42 tours carry the seller's top badge, and 91 are flagged for excellent quality. Just 5% of all listings are rated below 4 stars, and almost all of these are in the private/luxury or walking tour categories. Most tours offer free cancellation as standard (86%).

Category medians can be misleading: for example, 'Bus Tours' range from £30 sightseeing buses to £500+ private chauffeur days, and 'Private and Luxury' covers both low-cost and premium experiences. Always check what is included and how the price is charged.

By category

Private and Luxury289£125
Historical Tours219£63
Walking Tours208£63
Cultural Tours135£125
Bus Tours123£375
Day Trips76£375
How to choose

Where the money goes

Walking tours dominate the catalogue, with a median price of £63, but many highly rated options are available from £20–£50 per person. These tours consistently receive praise for knowledgeable, personable guides and engaging itineraries. If you want a group experience or to meet other travellers, these are the best value and have almost no negative reviews.

Private day trips and full-day tours, especially those to the Cotswolds or Stonehenge, can run from £375 to over £1,100. These are often priced per vehicle, so for groups of 4–8, the per-person cost can be competitive with mid-range group tours. The best-rated private tours are flexible and tailored, with guides who adapt the day to guest interests.

Adventure and activity experiences—such as climbing, surfing, or e-bike tours—are generally £35–£95 per person. These are among the best-reviewed products, with instructors praised for safety, encouragement, and making activities accessible to all levels. They rarely disappoint.

Poorly rated tours are almost always self-guided or transfer-only. Critical reviews mention confusing apps, poor communication, or a lack of meaningful content—especially in self-guided walking tours and port transfers. Complaints include not receiving meeting instructions, insufficient time at attractions, or technical problems with apps. If the tour relies on an app or is 'transfer only', check reviews carefully before booking.

For most travellers, money is best spent on guided or small-group experiences, where the guide's expertise and flexibility make the difference. The catalogue's highest prices are for private, all-day vehicle tours, which are only worth it for groups or those wanting a tailored itinerary. Avoid the cheapest self-guided or transfer-only options unless you are confident in the logistics.

When to book

Most tours confirm instantly—45 out of the top 60—so last-minute bookings are usually possible. However, a few high-demand experiences, especially those flagged as likely to sell out or with 'Excellent Quality' badges, can fill up days in advance.

Reviews rarely mention booking issues, but for private day trips or activities during peak weekends, booking at least a week ahead is safest. For walking tours and small-group activities, same-day booking is often available.

The experiences

Worth a look.

Life Drawing Classes

Life Drawing Classes

The only art class among the twelve, and every review is 5 stars.

5.0 ★ · 40 reviews · 1 h 30 min

Free cancellation
£35.00per personSee this experience
Try out the local ale and cider

Bath: Local Pubs & Historic Sights Walking Tour (3h)

The lowest-priced guided walking tour, with a perfect record from 41 reviewers.

5.0 ★ · 41 reviews · 3 h

Free cancellationInstant confirmationExcellent Quality
£38.00per personSee this experience
PRIVATE TOUR of DORSET | UP TO 8 Passengers

PRIVATE TOUR of DORSET | UP TO 8 Passengers

Per vehicle: for a group of 8, the per-person cost undercuts most full-day tours.

5.0 ★ · 47 reviews · 8 h

Free cancellation
£399.00per vehicle · up to 8 peopleSee this experience
Rock Climbing Experiences at Avon Gorge, Bristol.

Avon Gorge Rock Climbing Experiences

Adventure activity with an Excellent Quality badge; every review is 5 stars.

5.0 ★ · 48 reviews · 3 h 30 min

Free cancellationInstant confirmationLikely to sell outExcellent Quality
£55.00per personSee this experience
Taster Bodyboard Lesson in Newquay, Cornwall

Taster Bodyboard Lesson in Newquay, Cornwall

The only surf lesson in the list, and the best-reviewed activity in its price band.

5.0 ★ · 71 reviews · 2 h

Free cancellationInstant confirmation
£65.00per personSee this experience
E-Bike excursion to Old Harry Rock, Dorset

E-Bike excursion to Old Harry Rock, Dorset

The only bike tour here, with a perfect record and an Excellent Quality badge.

5.0 ★ · 65 reviews · 3 h

Free cancellationInstant confirmationExcellent Quality
£95.00per personSee this experience
Iconic landmarks...

Private Tour of West Cornwall Highly Varied Full Day Experience

Per group: for six, the per-person cost is lower than many mid-range day trips.

5.0 ★ · 137 reviews · 8 h

Free cancellation
£625.00per vehicle · up to 6 peopleSee this experience
One of the most prestigious addresses in Bath - the Royal Crescent

Bath Tour - 3 Hour Private Tour with Local Guide, £220 per group

Most-reviewed private walking tour, and not a single review below 5 stars.

5.0 ★ · 163 reviews · 3 h

Free cancellationInstant confirmationExcellent Quality
£110.00per personSee this experience
Castle Combe Marketplace

Private Day Tour from Bath to the Captivating Cotswolds

Per vehicle: for six, the per-person price is close to shared group rates.

5.0 ★ · 59 reviews · 8 h 30 min

Instant confirmation
£1,100.00per vehicle · up to 6 peopleSee this experience
Stonehenge - One of Britain's most famous icons

Stonehenge Private Tour - Half-Day Tour from Bath

Most-reviewed Stonehenge tour, and every reviewer gave it 5 stars.

5.0 ★ · 149 reviews · 4 h

Free cancellationInstant confirmationExcellent Quality
£203.00per personSee this experience
Surfing, Coasteering & Camping in Cornwall

Surfing, Coasteering & Camping in Cornwall

The only multi-day adventure tour, and every review is 5 stars.

5.0 ★ · 113 reviews · 3 d

Instant confirmation
£289.00per personSee this experience
The outer circle of Stonehenge

Stonehenge and Bath City Tour - Private tour from Bath

The only full-day walking tour of both Bath and Stonehenge among these twelve.

5.0 ★ · 37 reviews · 8 h

Free cancellationInstant confirmationExcellent Quality
£331.50per personSee this experience

Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 05/09/2026.

Before you book

Practical notes.

31% of all tours cost under £25—good value for walking tours and short experiences.
The median walking tour is £63, but top-rated options start from £20.
Private vehicle tours can be good value for groups—check if the price is per vehicle.
Self-guided and transfer-only tours draw the most complaints about communication and value.
61% of tours are under £100, but 28% are over £200—check what is included.
Almost all tours confirm instantly, but top-rated or likely-to-sell-out tours may need advance booking.
5% of tours are rated below 4 stars—mostly self-guided or transfer-only.
Guided tours with personal interaction have the best reviews.
Questions people ask

Before you decide.

Are most tours in South West England guided or self-guided?

Most are guided, especially walking, historical, and private day tours. Self-guided options exist but are less common and less well reviewed.

What is a fair price for a walking tour?

The median is £63, but many highly rated walking tours are available from £20–£50 per person.

Are private tours priced per person or per vehicle?

Some are per person, others per vehicle. Always check the pricing details—private day trips often charge per vehicle, making them good value for groups.

Do tours sell out in advance?

Most confirm instantly and can be booked last minute, but some top-rated or likely-to-sell-out tours fill up days ahead.

Which tours tend to disappoint?

Self-guided and transfer-only tours receive the most negative reviews, mainly for poor communication or lack of content.

How common is free cancellation?

Free cancellation is standard—86% of all tours offer it.

What makes the best-rated tours stand out?

Guides who are knowledgeable, flexible, and engaging are consistently praised in the top-rated tours.

Is it worth paying for a private day trip?

For groups, private day trips can be good value compared to per-person rates. Solo travellers may find guided group tours better value.

More to see

Around South West England

More things to do around here

Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.

Tours and activities ↗
Other cities

Experiences elsewhere

Flights and hotels

Getting to South West England

Search flights and places to stay. Prices come from Expedia and update live.

Book it

Find your experience in South West England.

Experiences are booked through Viator. Live prices, free cancellation on most.

Affiliate disclosure. If you book through the links on this page we may earn a commission from Viator, GetYourGuide, Tiqets or Expedia, at no extra cost to you. It does not change your price and does not affect what we write.

Written by CityTour editorial. Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on .
More experiences