England and Scotland Small Group Tours
Despite being close together, England and Scotland have distinct identities. Are you ready to explore them both? Head to London and see the capital’s main sights, enjoy the beauty of the Lake District, and cross the border to Scotland. You’ll see Edinburgh Castle, the beautiful Highlands, and look for monsters in Loch Ness. You’ll certainly want to return.
10 best England And Scotland small group tours
Compiled by

MelissaEngland and Scotland travel expert at TourRadar
- 5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Best of England, Wales and Scotland
- The England - Scotland Tour
- Scotland Through the Eyes of Kovy and Mira
- 14 Days from London to Edinburgh by Train: Palaces, Football & Harry Potter Highlights
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Edinburgh
- 7 Days in Edinburgh: Highlands, Loch Ness, Harry Potter Train & Scottish Castles Adventure
- 5-Day Iona, Mull & the Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
- 5-Day York, the Dales, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
- 3-Day Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
89 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well planned. Took different routes to suit the travellers.”
David, traveled in May
Premium Mercedes mini-coach tours accommodate 16 fellow travelers. Small group size (rated 4.7/5 by 70+ guests) enables hidden-path exploration from Edinburgh Castle to Orkney's ancient sites, with personalized guiding.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Callander, Doune, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Dunrobin, John O'GroatsSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From $1,332
10% Off- US$1,199You save $133
Small groups, averaging 72 years in age, visit England and Scotland. The intimate size allows private punting in Oxford and exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle. Perfect for sharing meals in historic pubs and exploring Lake District trails together.
Duration 19 days Destinations England, Wales, Scotland Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $9,090
10% Off- US$8,181You save $909
The England - Scotland Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great way to see iconic sites inexpensively. We had a blast.”
David, traveled in June
Small groups of 2-10 travelers head out from Edinburgh past Stirling Castle and through the Pass of Glencoe, site of the 1692 massacre. You'll cross Rannoch Moor to Fort William, then reach Fort Augustus on Loch Ness for a boat cruise before stopping in Victorian Pitlochry and crossing the Forth Road Bridge.
Duration 9 days Destinations London, Windsor, Salisbury, Bath, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Fort AugustusSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator EUROLATINO Tour Operators From
10% Off- US$3,257
Duration 12 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Dundee, Stonehaven, Balmoral Castle, Dinnet, Ballater, Loch Ness, Inverness, Isle of SkyeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
10% Off- US$1,486
Duration 14 days Destinations London, Oxford, Warwick, Stamford, Manchester, Edinburgh Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $6,649
35% Off- US$4,322You save $2,327
Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Edinburgh
128 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Was amazing! We even got to see some highland cows!”
Chelsea, traveled in March
Groups of 19 travelers access remote Scottish and English sites. The small setting allows exploration of narrow Highland paths and tiny fishing villages, with guides rated 4.9/5. Flexible stops at hidden viewpoints perfect for photography.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William, Ben Nevis, Eilean Donan, Portree, Isle of Skye, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, LagganSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 33 Group Type Group Operator Timberbush Tours From
35% Off- US$320
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, Stirling, Loch Ness, Doune, St Andrews, Fife Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $3,876
35% Off- US$2,519You save $1,357
5-Day Iona, Mull & the Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was very picturesque.”
Ray, traveled in July
Sixteen passengers visit remote Highland villages and islands. Small groups enjoy flexible photo stops at Glencoe and personal storytelling at Eilean Donan Castle, with comfortable B&B accommodations throughout.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Inveraray, Oban, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Staffa, Fort William, GlencoeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From $1,253
10% Off- US$1,127You save $125
5-Day York, the Dales, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent trip. Bus great.”
Vivienne, traveled in August
Small groups of 16 travelers navigate narrow Lake District lanes and Yorkshire village streets. The intimate size ensures personal attention at Bamburgh Castle and flexible exploration time in York, rated 4.9/5 by previous guests.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Bamburgh, York, North York Moors National Park, Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire Dales National Park, Keswick, WindermereSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From $1,168
10% Off- US$1,051You save $117
3-Day Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
74 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time, learned a lot from our guide. Highly recommend!”
Alayna, traveled in December
Your intimate group of 16 travelers winds through England and Scotland's remarkable sites. The limited numbers allow for impromptu visits to hidden gems like Kilt Rock and Old Man of Storr. Guides rated 4.9+ provide personal attention, complemented by cozy B&B stays in Portree.
Duration 3 days Destinations Stirling, Ben Nevis, Portree, Glencoe, Callander, Doune, Eilean Donan, Isle of Skye, Dunvegan, Storr MountainsSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
10% Off- US$645
Reviews of Small Group tours to England And Scotland
- 5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
The tour was well worth taking. The sights were incredible, especially on the Orkney Islands
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Edinburgh
We went to Isle of Skye tour with Timberbush Tours. Absolutely beautiful scenery! Even weather did not cooperate, our tour guide Andrew made any effort to make our tour very entertaining and memorable. Thanks a lot Andrew!
- 5-Day Iona, Mull & the Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
Our guide Glan is funny and told interesting stories of Scotland. And our staying in Plockton Inn was very nice.
What our customers ask about England and Scotland Small Group Tours
What is the best season for small group tours in England and Scotland?
The most favorable time runs from May through September when temperatures are mild and daylight hours are longer. While summer brings peak crowds to landmarks like Edinburgh Castle tours run year-round offering distinct experiences each season. A recent traveler on TourRadar noted "visiting in October meant fewer crowds at places like Eilean Donan Castle plus stunning fall colors in Glencoe." Winter provides dramatic snowy landscapes and evenings by the fire at hotels like the Crown Hotel in Portree.
What unique sites can you access with a small group tour in England and Scotland?
The smaller vehicles used for these tours can navigate routes inaccessible to large coaches including the narrow streets of Robin Hood's Bay and single-track roads to Tobermory. Groups can reach remote destinations like the ancient settlement of Skara Brae Calgary Bay on Mull and lesser-visited sections of Hadrian's Wall. A TourRadar guest shared: "We visited hidden places that would only be known to someone with an intimate knowledge of the locale itself and the historical and cultural environment."
What type of accommodation can I expect on small group tours in England and Scotland?
Accommodations blend well-chosen hotels and local B&Bs that add to the personalized experience. In Portree groups often stay at the traditional Tongadale Hotel while the Harbour House in Ullapool provides waterfront views. The properties are selected for their local character convenient locations and warm hospitality. One TourRadar review noted "our B&B in Fort William had incredible views of Ben Nevis and the hosts made us feel like family."
How much interaction is there with local communities on small group tours?
The small group format creates natural opportunities to connect with local residents. Guests stay at family-run establishments like the Delnashaugh Hotel meet local historians in Glencoe and join pub conversations with residents. One TourRadar participant observed "our small group size meant we could actually chat with locals at pubs and learn about life in the Highlands firsthand." Activities often include whisky tastings at small distilleries and traditional music sessions.
What is the pace like on small group tours through England and Scotland?
Tours maintain an unhurried rhythm with frequent stops every 1-2 hours at key sites like Loch Ness Eilean Donan Castle and the Quiraing on Skye. The small group size allows flexibility to linger at particularly interesting locations. A TourRadar reviewer shared "with just 16 people we never felt rushed and could take our time at places like Glencoe and the Highland villages." Photo opportunities and comfort breaks are built into the schedule.
























