Best Self-Guided Walking Tours in the UK

Considering some self-guided walking tours in the UK? They’re perfect if you enjoy leisure exploration of interesting regions on foot.

You’ll find everything from brief walking tours and themed itineraries to more ambitious hikes in the United Kingdom below.

Which one is perfect for you?

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CONTENTS: In this article, you will learn about the best self-guided walking tours in the UK, including:

• England
  • Bath: A Day Trip from London
  • Belgravia, London UK
  • Eastbourne to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters
  • Formby Beach and Red Squirrel Woods
  • Fritham, New Forest
  • Hadrian’s Wall Walk in Northern England
  • Harry Potter in London
  • Harry Potter in Oxford
  • Hull
  • Knightsbridge in West London
  • Liverpool (William Brown Street to the Docks)
  • London’s South Bank (Dog-Friendly)
  • Manchester
  • Shoreditch Street Art Walking Tour
  • The Isle of Wight
  • York
• Scotland
  • City Centre Mural Trail, Glasgow
  • Edinburgh’s New Town
  • Old Town Edinburgh, UK
• Northern Ireland
  • Belfast
• Final Thoughts

Walking Tours in England

Do you want to take a historic stroll in London?

Enjoy the bucolic countryside at Hadrian’s Wall?

Indulge in a Harry Potter tour (or two!)?

Then these self-guided walking tours in England will provide easy guidance–and lots of inspiring ideas.

Bath: A Day Trip from London

by Bhushavali at My Travelogue by Bhushavali | Facebook 

Bath is one of the 3 UNESCO World Heritage Cities in the UK (the other 2 being Edinburgh & Liverpool). Unlike the other sites where individual monuments are protected, here the entire towns are protected by UNESCO. 

The city of Bath, England is small, clean, and makes an easy day trip from London. It is possible to walk and explore the whole city on this self-guided walking tour in the UK.

The best way to begin the walking tour would be at Bath Abbey. 

Though the current structure only belongs to the 19^th Century, a church has been standing here since the 8^th century. The pillars of the original Norman church are still present below the current building.

The historic stained glass windows of early 19^th C. are a visual treat!

Your next stop on this self-guided UK walking tour in Bath could be Roman Baths. 

In fact, the city gets its name from the natural thermal baths. Today, the historic baths can only be viewed but not used.

This is more of a site-museum with displays of the artifacts retrieved here along with skeletons, coins, jewelry and other pieces of history.

You can take a dip or soak in the natural thermal waters at our next stop, the Thermae Bath Spa. Apart from the regular pool, there’s even a roof-top open air pool here.

Next, be sure to stop-over at one or more of these museums:

• Sally Lunn’s Museum
• Jane Austen Centre
• Fashion Museum

The final stop is, of course, at the Royal Crescent, the most magnificent architecture of Bath.

Ideally, set aside 6-8 hours for this tour, which would include 2 hrs in the Spa.

However, you could always join a luxurious and wonderfully comfortable group tour to Bath. Because for just $60 per person, you’ll be able to easily, quickly, and comfortably see the astounding beauty of Lacock Village.

You’ll discover the long-forgotten beauty of the standing stones of Avebury and explore the exquisite Roman and Georgian monuments of Bath.

It is just one of the amazing places you will find when you explore south west England!

Belgravia, London UK

By Jiayi from The Diary of a Nomad | Instagram

Belgravia is an incredibly charming neighborhood with lots of cute shops, elegant cafes, and places to relax.

It’s also one of the most photogenic places in London, largely thanks to its impressive amount of stores with gorgeous facades.

This walkable neighborhood exudes a very chill vibe, making it perfect for one of the most relaxing self-guided walking tours in the UK. You’ll find plenty of places to grab a bite and interesting stops along the way.

Here’s a quick route itinerary that also takes you through the nearby Hyde Park:

• Start off your tour with a visit to Dominique Ansel Bakery. Their storefront is beautifully decorated with plants and flowers, so it’s worth visiting even if you’re not hungry.
• Then, make your way to Peggy Porschen, a stunning cupcake store with absolutely incredible storefront decorations. Its facade is breathtaking, and you can enjoy some delicious cupcakes inside.
• Another photogenic stop is Les Senteurs, a beautiful perfume store just a minute away from Peggy Porschen. Snap a photo of its stylish storefront before you move on to the next stop.
• Head over to Belgrave Square Garden, a peaceful green space perfect for sitting down with a book or people watching.
• Now it’s time to make your way into Hyde Park, an amazing place for a peaceful stroll through more trees and greeneries.
• Make sure to stop by the Serpentine River in Hyde Park. The atmosphere there is amazing, and you’ll also see lots of ducks around.
• Hyde Park is huge, and you can easily spend hours exploring its different corners. Once you’re ready to get out of the park, cut straight through it and end your tour in the nearby Saint Aymes, a friendly coffee shop famous for its incredibly picturesque flower walls.

The entire route should take you around 45 minutes to 1 hour by foot if you don’t stop at any of the places.

If you do, though, it can easily take you half a day.

However, if you’re searching for a more alternative tour of London, then try this amazing, secret, 3-hour, culinary tour of London’s best Indian food.

For just $80 per person, you’ll discover seven of East London’s most delicious and most iconic restaurants. Eateries that serve a variety of amazing dishes like fluffy naan, Tandoori of every kind, delicious desserts, and so much more!

Trust me, it will be a true feast for all of your senses.

Related Article: Do you know which is the most photographed city in the world? Find out here.

Eastbourne to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters

by Alex of Alex Getting Lost | Instagram

The seaside town of Eastbourne is positioned right at the start of the South Downs Way—a 100 mile long path through the stunning Sussex countryside.

To walk the entire 100 miles, you’ll need a considerable amount of time.

Perhaps the most beautiful stretch is from Eastbourne to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters cliffs. 

Not only is the route well signposted, but the views on this walk are breathtaking. (And for the film buffs among us, this was the filming location for the Quidditch World Cup in Harry Potter).

Leave the town at Holywell Beach at the West end of Eastbourne. Tiny Victorian beach chalets stand in a row at the bottom of the cliffs, and there’s a fairly steep climb up the hill to the beginning of the South Downs. 

On a Summer day, the sea around Holywell can look almost Mediterranean: bright turquoise and crystal clear. Keep heading along the coast away from the town, and you’ll be on the right track.

The walk from Eastbourne to Beachy Head should take around an hour in total.

The white chalk cliffs and red and white striped lighthouse are a classic image of Sussex. Just be careful when you’re trying to take pictures up here. Cliff falls can happen suddenly and unexpectedly.

That’s why you’ll see plenty of signs asking you not to step too close to the edge.

If you’re feeling thirsty, you can head to the Beachy Head pub. Sit by a window for views across the fields towards Belle Tout Lighthouse (which is also a B&B), and Birling Gap.

And if you fancy a longer walk, keep going past these landmarks to the village of East Dean. There’s a lovely pub called The Tiger Inn where you can quench your thirst once more!

But, if you don’t want to travel all the way here on your own, then you could always try this fantastic full-day tour to the Seven Sisters and South Downs from London. Depart from London and explore the awe-inspiring beauty of South Downs National Park and the immortal, white cliffs of the coast.

Along the way, you’ll marvel at the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and discover the Neolithic carving of the Longman of Wilmington. And all for just $106 per person.

Formby Beach and Red Squirrel Woods

by Nancy Moore of Around the World At The Weekend

The National Trust site at Formby is one of the hidden jewels of the North West. It boasts wide sweeping beaches, dramatic dunes, and a pine wood populated by adorable red squirrels. 

If you are self-guiding around the site, follow these important words of advice: avoid sunny days if you want to avoid people! Also, be aware that there are no cafes (only sometimes an ice-cream van) so bring everything with you. 

The beach is not that close to the carpark. You’ll want to park instead at the lifeboat road car park as it’s less busy. But, be prepared to walk. 

From the car park, which is free if you are a National Trust Member, walk past the signs in the left-hand corner and you will find, after a few minutes, a wooden platform with amazing views of Wales. 

From there, follow the path up the dunes and you will find yourself on the beautiful beach. 

If red squirrels are your thing, then park in the Victoria road car park instead and follow the signs to the squirrel walk. They are at their friendliest in the Autumn. Have fun. It’s a magical place!

How much time should I plan for this tour?

It would take you about 20-30 minutes to get to the sea from the car park as proposed. It’s more like 15 if you just headed straight there.

Obviously, if you wanted to walk around the beach, it’s 7 miles long and so you can change it according to your fitness/ability. You would want to give yourself 45 minutes to 1 hour to walk around the squirrel reserve.

Fritham, New Forest 

By Izzy from The Gap Decaders | Facebook

If you’re taking a holiday in the New Forest, Fritham is a tiny hamlet with a great pub and the start point for many easy walks.

Visit Fritham in spring and enjoy the bluebells which carpet the woodland floor. Or go in October and spot fallow buck deer clashing antlers on the ancient rutting grounds in the area.

There is a purpose-built car-park in Fritham where you can park. Either way, get there early on the weekend as it gets busy.

Follow this guide for a 4.5 miles, two- to three-hour walk through the woods and across Fritham Plain. You’ll enjoy dappled shade, New Forest ponies, and far-reaching forest views along the way.

From the car park, walk back towards the road and take a sharp left past the Forestry Commission barrier onto the track. 

The track forks about 1/2 miles in; keep to the left fork and enter Islands Thorns Inclosure.

You will cross a stream on a wooden bridge. Keep bearing left on the track.

Soon you’ll come to the start of a small hill. Half-way up the hill is a cycle route sign on the right-hand side. Opposite this sign, turn left and go through the gate into Amberwood Inclosure.

Keep on this track; it is narrower but gravelled, which makes for easy walking.

You will go down a long hill. The track bears to the left. Just after this, on your right, you will see a rustic wooden bench. Stop and take a breather!

Keep on this track and you will cross a stream before going through two five-bar gates. Fallow deer are often seen here.

Follow this track around a few bends and up a hill. At the top go through another five-bar gate and onto the heath.

Follow the track round to the left and keep going until you get back to the car park.

Go through the main parking lot and across the common to The Royal Oak, order a cold beer and a pasty, relax and enjoy!

Hadrian’s Wall Walk in Northern England

by Carol Guttery at Wayfaring Views | Facebook

The Hadrian’s Wall Walk is a great hike for folks who want their outdoor adventure laced with ancient history.

The wall itself was built by Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD. He used ingenious Roman engineering to construct a bulwark that guarded Britannia’s northern borders against what he called “the barbarians.”

Today, the remaining ruins are a UNESCO-designated treasure made accessible to hikers by an 84-mile walking path. The path runs from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to Bowness-on-Solway. It traverses the old border and runs right past a series of well-preserved forts and milecastles. 

You can see the best bits of the wall along a 40-mile 4-day walk on Hadrian’s Wall.

Top cultural stops along the four-day hike include:

• Great North Museum
• Chesters Fort
• Brocolitia Fort
• Vindolanda Fort
• Thirwall Castle
• Birdoswald Fort
• Lanercost Priory

The hiking itself features a fairly gentle English countryside filled with green grass and sheep. Key natural sites include stunning views of southern Northumberland National Park, Sycamore Gap and coastal estuaries at either end.

Hikers at various budget levels can enjoy this self-guided tour.

The budget version has you carrying a full pack and stopping at hostels and bunkhouses along the way. The mid-range option has you self-booking into B&Bs along the route, carrying a daypack and using a portage service for luggage.

Or, opt to use an agency for fully booked accommodation, transportation and luggage portage.

Another fantastic way to experience Hadrian’s Wall is to join this group tour to Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall.

Depart from Edinburgh as part of a small group and learn about the legends of the Holy Grail at Rosslyn Chapel. Cross the ancient birth with England at Carter Bar, and venture all the way to the edge of the Roman Empire at Hadrian’s Wall. And all for just $50 per person.

Harry Potter Walking Tour in London

By Krystianna at Volumes and Voyages | Instagram

If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, you absolutely must go on your own Harry Potter walking tour in London. Sure, there’s lots of tour options you could pay for, but if you’re up for it, it can absolutely be done on your own for free!

The tour is best done it at least half a day (5-6 hours) but could be done in considerably less or more time. It all depends on how long you’d like to stay at each amazing spot.

All these sights are free, except for the fee you have the option of paying for a photo at platform 9 3/4. Find all the best stops below.

• St. Pancras International: This train station is the station that was used to film all the exterior shots of where the Hogwarts Express leaves!
• King’s Cross Station: The real 9 3/4 is here! Unfortunately, you do have to pay a fee equivalent to around $15 just to take a photo there.
• Cecil Court: Some argue that this was the true inspiration for Diagon Alley, but it’s up for debate against the lovely Victoria Street in Edinburgh!
• Trafalgar Square: Anyone who has seen Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince will immediately recognize that a scene was filmed here (hint: Death Eaters!).
• Borough Market: If you’ve seen the first film, you’ll realize this is where Harry first was introduced to the Wizarding world! Scenes from the Leaky Cauldron In Prisoner of Azkaban were also filmed in this area.
• Millennium Bridge: This bridge was actually from the Deathly Hallows movie, part 1. Anyone who’s watched the movie will recognize it immediately since it’s from such a vital chase scene from the beginning of the movie!

Of course, there are more locations in London, but these are the most prominent ones. They’re not all located closely near one another, so be sure to have your Oyster Card ready or wear good walking shoes!

Although, for just $25 per person, you could also embark on this fun and engaging, Harry Potter-themed tour of London.

It’s an incredibly interactive, two and a half hour experience where your expert tour guide will take on a stroll through Diagon Alley and show you exactly where to can find the Leaky Cauldron.

Along the way, you’ll also see other famous London landmarks, like Borough Market, The London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and more!

Harry Potter Walking Tour in Oxford

 by Happy Go Abi | Facebook 

If you’re looking for a fun self-guided walking tour in Oxford, then one you’ll want to consider is a Harry Potter walking tour of Oxford.

There are several Harry Potter filming locations across Oxford’s city center and going on a walking tour is the perfect way to experience these places in real life!

There are three main filming locations to visit: Christ Church College, the Bodleian Library, and New College. Within each of these locations, there are several different sights to see.

Actual walking time between these locations is under 20 minutes. However, you will want to plan for your tour to take somewhere between 1.5-2 hours. That way, you have time to explore each stop fully.

Here are the seven main sights you need to see:

• Bodley Tower Staircase
• Christ Church Dining Hall
• Christ Church Cloisters
• Duke Humfrey’s Library
• Divinity School
• New College Cloisters
• New College Quad

From visiting places like Bodley Tower Staircase (where McGonagall greets the first years in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone) to seeing inside the Divinity School (frequently used as Hogwarts’ Infirmary), you are sure to feel the magic of Harry Potter when you step into these filming locations!

And when you take a self-guided tour, you can even stop along the way to watch clips from the movies that were filmed in each of these spots.

It’s the perfect way to get into the spirit of Harry Potter while exploring Oxford!

As popular tourist destinations, these locations do charge small admission fees to enter. If you visit all three places, you can expect to pay somewhere around £19-30, depending on the admission options you choose.

But even though there are some costs associated with this self-guided tour, it is a must for any Harry Potter fans and you can be sure you will love the experience!

Another option would be to join this 2-hour, Harry Potter themed walking tour of Oxford for $25 pee person. Not only will you get to visit Bodleian, but you’ll also embark on a magical, student-led adventure.

This tour will lead you through the amazing, medieval buildings that were used as filming locations for several Harry Potter films.

Along the way, you’ll also find the Door to Narnia and learn about the lives of famous authors, J. R. R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll.

Hull by Foot 

by Nick from Illness To Ultra | Instagram

Hull is often overlooked for nearby historic York. But you shouldn’t miss the quaint Old Town that is filled with a unique and rich history. You just need to scratch the surface. 

With a variety of museums and protected buildings, Hull has done a good job of documenting its history and keeping the old town in great condition.

That’s why it’s the perfect place for an interesting self-guided walking tour in the UK. (Just don’t trip on the cobbled roads.)

Route Highlights:

• Beverley Gate
• Hull Minster
• Old Grammar School
• Streetlife Museum: The history of transport in the area, a great one for the kids.
• Wilberforce Museum: Exhibits on slavery and celebrating the life of a local key player in the abolition of slavery, William Wilberforce.

Start your tour in the docks near Princes Quay shopping center.

There you’ll find a large, open excavation site where Beverley Gate stood. This gate was a major part of the old walls of Hull and dates back to the 1300s.

From there you’ll walk dockside along Princes Dock Street and make a left onto Posterngate. There, you’ll walk alongside many buildings that date back to the 1800s when the docks thrived with trade.

Continuing down Posterngate, you’ll come to a square where you’ll get your first glimpse of Hull Minster. This church dates back to 1285 and is said to be the largest parish church (by floor area) in England. 

Right across from the Minster on South Church Road, you’ll find an old 1500s Grammar school. That’s where William Wilberforce, a leader in the movement to abolish the slave trade, was taught.

From South Church Road, continue east onto Market Place and continue north until you see Scale Lane on the right. Take Scale Lane all the way to High street and just north you’ll find Hull’s Museum quarter.

All the museums here are free, so you can have a quick look at each to decide which suits you best!

Knightsbridge, West London 

By Sarah from Dukes Avenue | Blog

There is no better way to get the feel for the real upmarket and secretive area of Knightsbridge in West London than to spend an afternoon exploring its many sites and streets.

Harrods department store is likely any visitor’s entry point to Knightsbridge accessible from the Piccadilly line platforms from the nearby underground station.

Harrods is the bustling beating heart of Knightsbridge with its tourists, taxis, well-heeled shoppers and exotic luxury cars. But its soul and character are its beautiful residential streets and garden squares either side of Knightsbridge’s main thoroughfare.

You’ll find a great example just across Brompton Road from Harrods, up Montpellier Street.

Rows of lovely white-stucco terraced houses surround a lush private communal garden in Montpellier Square. Small painted brick houses radiate off the square. This is one of London’s hidden gems!

Another grand square is Ennismore Gardens.

With its charming mews streets and grand stone-facade buildings, it is accessible from Montpellier Village. A wall on Rutland Street once divided the estates of Hyde Park and Knightsbridge.

After being destroyed during the Second World War, it was turned into a doorway known by residents as the “Hole in the Wall” to allow foot traffic to and from Hyde Park.

Cross back over to the south side of Brompton Road to Egerton Terrace and then the rows of expensive boutiques lining Walton Street. It ends with the red brick mansion blocks of Pont Street, Lennox Gardens, Hans Place, and Cadogan Square—the home of the most expensive street in the UK.

This walk takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It will be closer to 2 hours if you’re stopping to take photos, take in the surroundings, and grab a snack.

It may take even longer if you decide to stop at Harrods/the boutiques for some shopping!

Liverpool: William Brown Street to the Docks of Liverpool

By Alexandrina from EarthOSea | Pinterest

Liverpool is one of the oldest cities and the cradle of the seafarer trade in the United Kingdom.

The city is an excellent choice for walking around and most of its landmarks are close to each other.

One of the best routes to take on is the one from William Brown street next to St. George’s Hall and to follow down to the docks of Liverpool.

This self-guided tour is perfect for those who would like a carefree walk around the city’s center. It’s also great for anyone who would like to learn more about the history of Liverpool and the world.

Also, there are no entrance fees for any of the museums.

Along the route, you will be able to check out Walker Art Gallery and enjoy world-famous pieces of art. Some notable pieces include:

• “Dante’s Dream” by Rossetti
• A fake “Mona Lisa” painting
• Portraits of Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth I 

Then, next to Liverpool’s gallery is the World Museum. This holds one of the greatest collections of Egyptian artifacts and mummies. Along with that, there are dinosaur and animal collections, and a huge aquarium housing various underwater species.

Going down to the docks of Liverpool, you will find the Beatles Statue at Georges Pierhead street. It’s a famous tourist spot. Right next to it is Liverpool’s seaport and the Museum of Liverpool. 

The Museum of Liverpool is a very interesting take, showing the history of the city from the very beginning. It starts with the first settlers and gradually leads to the city’s great inventors and major events.

Eventually, you can end up in Merseyside’s Maritime Museum and learn more about seafarer trade. Along with that, you will learn about the Titanic and Lusitania. They were the biggest ships in the beginning of the 20th century.

Finally, stop off at Liverpool’s docks and enjoy the gift of a beautiful sunset over River Mersey. 

Set aside a day to complete this walking tour, or about 7-8 hours, depending on your pace.

Or, if you’re short on time, you can always do this two and a half hour walking tour of Liverpool instead. For just $13 per person, you’ll be introduced to the fascinating history and culture of this exciting city.

It’s a place that was named the European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Liverpool is also known for being the birthplace of the Beatles. And, it is home to the largest Chinese Arch in all of Europe.

London’s South Bank Walking Tour

by Jenna Emmons at Dog Friendly Travel | Twitter

London is one of the world’s greatest walking cities.

I especially enjoy taking long walks along the River Thames with my French Bulldog, Louie.

Here is my favorite route along the south bank of the Thames. This self-guided walking tour in the UK includes some of London’s most famous landmarks, including a few dog-friendly stops.

Distance: 3 miles total

Time: 1-3 hours

Highlights:

• Tower of London & Roman Wall
• Tower Bridge
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
• Tate Modern
• Southbank Centre
• London Eye
• Big Ben & Westminster Cathedral

Beginning at Tower Hill Underground, follow the signs for “Tower Bridge.” The arrows will guide you past remnants of walls dating back to Roman times. You will also walk alongside the grassy moat surrounding the notorious Tower of London. 

About halfway across Tower Bridge, there is a unique dog friendly attraction. Buying a ticket (Adult £10.60 / Child £5.30) gives you access to the bridge’s upper level.

The views are breathtaking in all directions, including down through the glass floor! 

Upon arriving on the far side, begin walking west, loosely following the Thames.

By the time you reach the Globe Theatre, you will probably be thirsty. I recommend taking a break at the Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Dogs are welcome in the bar area, which also offers a menu of contemporary British fare. 

After resting up, continue walking along the river. 

To your left, you will pass the Tate Modern museum, OXO Tower and Southbank Centre. Crossing over the Jubilee Footbridge, stop for some photos of the London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster Cathedral.

The bridge ends at Embankment Underground.

Manchester Walking Tour 

by Pauline from BeeLoved City | Instagram

Located in Northern England, Manchester is a great destination if you are looking for a little weekend getaway. It’s easy enough to book London to Manchester train tickets at Rail Online.

Even though it is the third biggest city in the UK, Manchester has quite a small city center. It’s easy to navigate and makes it the perfect place to go on a self-guided walking tour in the UK.

Manchester was mainly built during the industrial revolution.

As you roam around, you will see that this industrial heritage is everywhere! Old warehouses, Museum of Science and Industry… Manchester has this unique industrial yet modern vibe.

If you are spending a day in Manchester, here is the itinerary you should follow:

• Piccadilly Station
• Alan Turing Memorial and Sackville Gardens
• Gay Village
• Piccadilly Gardens
• Market Street
• Royal Exchange
• Corn Exchange
• Manchester Cathedral and gardens
• Printworks
• Northern Quarter
• Ancoats

The Gay Village is a very lively neighbourhood. You will discover iconic LGBT landmarks and bars such as The New Union Pub.

As you keep going towards Piccadilly Gardens, you enter what feels to be a different version of Manchester that’s more modern and shopping-oriented.

This part was revitalised after the IRA bombings.

Keep going towards Manchester Cathedral and the Northern Quarter. This is Manchester’s trendiest neighborhood. You will find loads of cute restaurants and bars but also a lot of street art.

Manchester has so much to offer and is an amazing destination for music and history lovers!

Set aside 2 to 3 hours to complete this walking tour of Manchester.

However, if you stop along the way to check out the murals, grab lunch, and go inside the buildings, you might plan for a whole day.

If you want, you could also embark on a fun and exciting, private, two-hour tour of Manchester with a local. Because for just $35 per person, you’ll not only get secret tips on what to do and where to eat, but you’ll also get to experience a side of the city that most tourists never get to see!

Shoreditch Street Art Walking Tour

by Greta Omoboni of London Dreaming | Facebook 

If you’re interested in street art, then you should definitely visit Shoreditch in London. 

Shoreditch is the edgy and quirky neighbourhood in London and has a reputation for being a bit hipster. Over time, beautiful street art has popped up all over the area.

You can easily do your own self-guided Shoreditch street art walking tour. The main stops you should visit are:

• Doughnut Time on Old Street
• Rivington Street
• Crossing between New Inn Yard & King John Court
• Whitby Street
• Brick Lane
• Fashion Street

Walking a route that touches all these spots will probably take around 2 hours. This takes into account time for pictures and getting side-tracked by epic graffiti down a random side street. 

If it sounds like a long walk, don’t worry.

This is one of the liveliest parts of London! There are plenty of restaurants, shops, markets, and coffee shops. So, you can grab food and drinks and sit for a bit if you need it.

There are many guided tours of Shoreditch, but to be honest, unless you want a guide to tell you about the artists and story behind the street art, you don’t need one.

Part of the fun is wandering around the streets of Shoreditch and stumbling across pieces you might not have known were there.

My favorite thing about street art in Shoreditch is that every piece is unique. Some artists may have similar styles, but every piece differs from the next. I love how, despite being so different, they look awesome as a whole. 

Since you’re in the area anyway, why don’t you take an alternative, Jack the Ripper tour of London’s infamous East End?

Because for $18 a person, you can spend two hours learning all about the world’s most famous serial killer. You’ll discover where some of his most gruesome murders took place.

You can also experience some of the area’s most famous locations, like Spitalfields Market, while you crack the case and attempt to discover who Jack the Ripper really was.

The Isle of Wight

by Zoe at Together In Transit | Facebook 

This lovely little UK island is a hidden beauty spot full of nature areas and cute seaside villages.

I highly suggest that you bring your hiking boots for this self-guided walking tour of The Isle of Wight.

If possible, hike the whole island from east to west. This is hiking from one side with sunrise, to the other with sunset, or earlier, depending on your speed!

The amazing “Walk The Wight” route allows you to depart from the pretty nature area of Bembridge and head west towards the villages of Brading and Arreton. 

From Arreton, you can continue the footpath all the way to Carisbrooke. This is the halfway point of the walk. Many people like to stop here and do the 2nd half another day. For the true hikers, you can continue straight on. 

From Carisbooke, it starts to get harder as the elevation rises towards the white cliffs near Freshwater Bay. 

The last stretch is hiking to Alum Bay, which is also a perfect location for the sunset.

See here the distances:

• Route 1: Bembridge to Alum Bay (Whole)–26.5 miles / 42 km
• Route 2: Bembridge to Carisbrooke (1st Half)–12.5 miles / 21 km
• Route 3: Carisbrooke to Alum Bay (2nd Half)–14 miles / 21 km

Hiking this route offers incredible island horizon views, allowing you to stop off for a drink or a bite to eat in the villages, too. 

As mentioned above, Route 3 (the 2nd half) is the most challenging due to steep elevations.

So if you are already tired at Carisbrooke, save the rest for another day. Or start at Carisbooke and complete the 2nd half first!

Additionally, you could also visit the Isle of Wight as part of an organized, full-day trip from London.

Not only will this tour make getting there infinitely easier, but you’ll also have an expert on hand to introduce you to some of the area’s most fascinating sights.

So, save yourself a whole lot of time and aggravation by booking this amazing tour right now. Because for just $125 per person, you’ll get to see stunning places like:

• The quaint, thatched cottages of Godshill
• A museum housing an entire scale model of the village
• Two beautiful, sandy white beaches near Shanklin

York

by Coralie from Grey Globetrotters | Instagram

Compact and enclosed by a city wall, a self-guided walk is one of the best ways to experience York, which claims to be the most haunted city in the world!

Expect to see gorgeous half-timbered houses, winding cobbled streets, and architecture dating back to York’s settlement by the Romans in AD71.

• Start with a scenic walk along the best-preserved city walls in Europe, for stunning views over the city. Check out the “bars” or gatehouses dotted around the wall, which were used in medieval times as toll gates.
• Take your pick from York’s museums. I recommend the York Castle Museum, where you can walk through the centuries of York’s history and visit a Victorian street, complete with shops to explore.
• Head to the soaring 900-year-old gothic York Minster which dominates York’s skyline and which took 250 years to build. Take the Tower Tour if you’re feeling fit. There are 275 steep, winding stone steps, but the reward is the best view of the city from the top!
• Wander the medieval warren of shops known as “The Shambles” – the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. The streets are so narrow that you could almost reach out and shake hands with someone in the house opposite from the upper floors.
• Visit the York Chocolate experience to learn about how chocolate-making was one of York’s major employers. You’ll even get to make your own chocolate lolly.
• Take in a free ghost tour then stop for a drink in one of York’s 365 atmospheric pubs. Try The Guy Fawkes near the Minster, the Evil Eye or the spectacularly odd House of the Trembling Madness

Don’t forget comfy shoes. This walk could take 4-5 hours, depending on how often you stop.

There are entrance fees for the Minster, York’s museums, and the York Chocolate experience, but you can save money with a one day York Pass.

However, if you want to save yourself some time and energy, you can always book this fascinating walking tour of York instead. Tickets start at $23 per person and entitle you to an expert-led, 90-minute walking tour of historic York.

York is a modern metropolis that is known for being the birthplace of modern-day Christianity, as well as the Kit Kat candy bar.

So, prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey where you’ll:

• Explore medieval alleys
• Discover an ancient Roman fortress
• Meander through the ruins of a former abbey
• Experience the Shamble
• Marvel at one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the area, the Minster

Scotland Walking Tours

You’ll find several self-guided walking tours in Scotland on tap for you here, including one Glasgow and two in Edinburgh.

City Centre Mural Trail, Glasgow

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Glasgow is Scotland’s beating heart. It’s the biggest city in the country and famous for its thriving music scene, the plethora of great restaurants and pubs, and an endless selection of sites and museums.

While there are many beautiful neighborhoods waiting to be discovered, it’s hard to beat the quirky and colorful surprises waiting on the City Centre Mural Trail.

If you have only one day in Glasgow, make sure you include a few hours exploring this beautiful public art trail.

This route crisscrosses Glasgow’s city center and includes stops at the most famous murals of Glasgow.

From the giant sports-themed murals commissioned during the 2014 Commonwealth Games to the numerous contributions of world-renowned artist Smug (St. Enoch and St. Mungo, both near Glasgow Cathedral), the trail offers a lot to discover.

Many of the murals are painted by local heroes like Rogue-One. (Make sure to see a recent contribution, Bubbles on Renfield Lane.)

However, international street artists have also contributed to the trail. One of them is Stormie Mills, whose “Lost Giants” can be seen in many cities around the world. As is the nature of street art, while some murals disappear from time to time, there are always new pieces added as well.

While following the Mural Trail, you will come past many of Glasgow’s top attractions, such as Glasgow Cathedral, the Lighthouse and George Square.

You can download a free map of the trail here and the brochure also includes brief descriptions of the murals and the artists.

However, if you’re not quite ready to navigate this city on your own, then you can always go on a one and a half hour walking tour of Glasgow instead.

During this tour, which costs just $15 per person, a local guide will introduce you to all the city’s top attractions and detail the rich history behind some of these fascinating locations.

Edinburgh’s New Town

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Edinburgh is a great city to explore on foot. The city center is split between the Old Town and the New Town and both areas are quite compact. You’ll find most of the city’s tourist attractions in the Old Town.

However the New Town is also home to some lovely sites, which you can visit on a self-guided tour.

• Start your walk from the west end of Princes Street and walk down Queensferry Street towards Dean Village. Tucked away along the Water of Leith (a small river that runs through Edinburgh’s New Town), Dean Village is a quiet neighborhood with postcard-perfect buildings.
• From Dean Village, walk along the Water of Leith until you reach Stockbridge, a pretty neighborhood home to several charity shops and indie cafes.
• After enjoying a nice coffee in Stockbridge, get ready for a bit of a steep hill as you head up North West Circus Place and then Howe Street. Along the way, check out Circus Lane—a crescent-shaped cobblestoned street with cute houses.
• When you reach Queen Street, pop into the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. (Entrance is free.) Housed in a red, Neo-Gothic building, this art museum is home to several old and contemporary artworks by Scottish artists.
• From the art museum, head back to Princes Street and make your way towards Calton Hill. The way up may seem a bit intimidating, but climbing Calton Hill is one of the most amazing things to do in Edinburgh. After a long walk through the New Town, you can just plonk yourself on the grass and have a wee snack while enjoying panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.

This walk through the New Town can take between 3-4 hours.

And if you’re looking for a truly unique experience while navigating the quaint, cobblestone lanes of Edinburgh, then try this one-of-a-kind, murder and mystery walking tour.

Tickets cost just $13 per person and allow you, for seventy-five glorious minutes, to experience a more supernatural side of Edinburgh.

So, pay close attention as your ghostly guide regales you with ghoulish tales of ghosts, witchcraft, and body snatching. You’ll also receive a free copy of your guide, Adam Lyal’s book, “Witchery Tales.”

Old Town Edinburgh, UK

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Edinburgh is the modern-day capital of Scotland, but it’s also filled with a fascinating history that dates back to the early Middle Ages. Most of this history can be found in Old Town, which is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Within the Old Town, you’ll find Greyfriars Cemetery, where your self-guided tour will start.

Have a wander around the eerie tombstones. Or if cemeteries aren’t your thing, head straight to Greyfriars Bobby’s statue, just outside the cemetery. This devoted dog is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

From here, you can head North on Candlemaker Row before taking a left on Cowgate Head, where you will run into Grassmarket.

This quaint historic square was of great importance from the 1400s until the early 1910s, not only because it was a popular place for executions. It was also an important horse and cattle market within the city. 

Today it holds lovely shops and restaurants.

Before you leave, be sure to look up the legend of Maggie Dickson and learn her story before you head into the nearby pub that still bears her name.

Once you’ve had your fill of ale, make your way towards Edinburgh Castle, which has overlooked the city since the 12th century.

You will probably encounter a good amount of stairs or a long but steady incline up the High Street depending on which way you take towards the castle. But the views at the top are well worth the climb. 

Once there, leave enough time to fully explore the castle. Don’t forget to have a peep into St. Margaret’s Chapel, which is the oldest building in the complex.

After you explore the castle, head back down the Royal Mile and meander your way in and out of the local shops. On your way downhill, you’ll pass the Parliament House, St. Giles Cathedral, Mercat Cross Monument, and several notable museums on Scottish history. 

This is the end of your tour, so don’t be afraid to get lost in Old Town’s winding streets.

• Greyfriars Cemetery & Bobby’s Statue
• Grassmarket
• Edinburgh Castle (fee)
• Royal Mile

The tour will take you 2-5 hours depending on if you explore Edinburgh Castle, which has an admission fee of £17.50-19.50. Prices range for seniors and youth and whether you buy tickets online or at the castle.

Related: 7 Whiskey Travel Tips: Best Ways to Safely Carry Your Whiskey

Walks in Northern Ireland

Music lovers (and others) will enjoy this unique self-guided walking tour in Northern Ireland featuring Van Morrison.

Van Morrison Trail in Belfast

By Emer and Nils from Let’s Go Ireland | Pinterest 

Belfast in Northern Ireland is a beautiful city, and has lots of cool, yet also touristy things to do.

If you are yearning for something slightly different with less hustle and bustle, then why don’t you explore the Belfast Van Morrison Trail?

Van Morrison is probably the most outstanding singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland (‘Brown Eyed Girl’ or ‘Gloria’) and one of the most influential musicians still alive.

Begin your walk perhaps at Queen’s University Belfast, where Van Morrison received an honorary doctorate. Then head east to take a trip through the Belfast of Van Morrison’s youth. 

During the walk, you will encounter many places that Van Morrison references in his music and lyrics.

The walk with stops such as Elmgrove Primary School (where Van went to school for 7 years), The Hollow (referenced in ‘Brown Eyed Girl’), 125 Hyndford Street (he was born here), Orangefield Park (this is where he spent a lot of his free time as a child) or Cyprus Avenue (from the eponymous song) is roughly 3.5 km long and will roughly take about two hours. 

• Queen’s University Belfast (optional)
• Elmgrove Primary School
• The Hollow
• 125 Hyndford Street
• Orangefield Park
• Belfast & County Down Railway
• Cyprus Avenue
• St. Donard’s Church
• Soul Food

Wear comfortable gear and prepare for some liquid sunshine as well, as steady weather in Northern Ireland isn’t guaranteed.

Since you’re in Belfast anyway, definitely consider taking a 3-hour walking tour of this amazing city. It has a sad but interesting history that you’ll learn all about from an expert guide.

Tickets also start at $23 per person and include personal stories from ex-prisoners who were involved in “The Troubles”, a detailed explanation of both the Loyalist and Republican perspectives on the conflict, and an introduction to the meaning behind some of the city’s most famous political murals.

Related Post: Portrush, a beautiful seaside town in Northern Ireland

Final Thoughts on Self-Guided Walking Tours in the UK

The United Kingdom offers a rich and diverse selection of self-guided walking tours with almost unlimited potential.

I hope you work in one or more of what we think are the best self-guided walking tours in the UK to your itinerary.

Which one(s) are high on your bucket list? Have we forgotten a favorite? Please share in the comments below!

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