Over nine spectacular days, we explored so many incredible historic venues, seamlessly shifting from the majestic heights of Stirling Castle to an unforgettable private champagne reception on the Royal Yacht Britannia. Staying at the iconic Caledonian Hotel provided the perfect, luxurious base of operations for our journey.
A massive thank you to Gareth Russell and Philippa, whose combined expertise, passion, and flawless organization brought history to life in a way few others can. Gareth’s deeply insightful themed talks and expert-guided tours added immense depth to every single venue we visited.

A personal highlight was the incredible welcome we received at Glamis Castle, where we were piped right into the main hall; a spine-tingling, authentically Scottish moment that sets this company apart. If you want a perfectly curated, deeply engaging luxury history experience, look no further than Gareth and Philippa’s tours. Five stars all around!

"Anne Boleyn Experience Tour----As someone who has been following this tour for years before i could go, as well as checking photos, talking to past participants etc., I can say with all sincerity that the entire tour experience exceeded all my expectations. Philippa puts together a tour of learning, luxury and of course consistent fun. She patiently answers any questions and concerns in the months before the tour and once the tour starts ensures each guest gets the most out of the events. The tour was the among the best experiences of my life and I am definitely planning on going again."

There are wonderful holidays, there are unforgettable journeys, and then there is British History Tours’ Royal Scotland Tour—a magnificent, pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming experience that deserves a category entirely its own. If I could award it a constellation instead of five stars, I would! This was history, hospitality, and luxury woven into something truly extraordinary.

"I had the most amazing experience with Philippa and British History Tours. The time spent learning more about Tudor life, staying at Hever Castle, and our private tours were very special. Gareth Russell (author and historian) was on our tour as well, and we all appreciated his knowledge about the Tudors and especially Queen Anne Boleyn. I would definitely go on another tour with this company."

"My wife & I have just completed the On Progress with Anne Boleyn tour. We cannot recommend Philippa & British History Tours highly enough! My wife is a Tudor tragic & she was mesmerised with everything that we saw & experienced. A highlight was dressing in Tudor costume for a day - truly a memory to treasure."

Visiting Scotland has been a dream of mine for many years, and to finally experience its magnificent castles, palaces, cathedrals, and historic treasures was truly a dream come true.
From Scone Palace and Glamis Castle to St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, the Kirk of the Canongate, Stirling Castle, Rosslyn Chapel, and the Royal Yacht Britannia—and, of course, the unforgettable Queen’s Piper—every day brought something special. It was nothing short of magical!
Philippa, you have truly mastered the art of tour guiding. Your knowledge, warmth, and ability to bring Scotland’s history to life made each place we visited even more meaningful. Gareth’s talks on the bus and at the hotel were equally wonderful—so informative, engaging, and full of fascinating details. His wonderful Irish humor kept us laughing and added so much joy to the experience.
What made this trip especially memorable was not just the incredible places we visited, but the care, enthusiasm, and hospitality you both brought to every day. You made us feel so welcome and gave us memories that I will treasure for a lifetime.
Please know that I will be singing your praises to everyone I can back home in Texas! I wholeheartedly recommend your tours and will continue to tell people what a truly exceptional, five-star experience you provide. Scotland has captured an even bigger piece of my heart because of you both.
Thank you again for sharing your knowledge, your humor, your kindness, and your love of Scotland with us. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this experience with you both, and I will look back on this past week with the fondest memories for many years to come.
With sincere gratitude and warmest
Patricia Loyd

"Recently returned from the “Life & Times of Elizabeth I” tour which was my second this year. (I was also on the Anne Boleyn tour in May - both had been postponed from Covid times.) I wish we could clone Phillipa the Tour Manager and Gareth the Tour Historian and station them at every corner of the world to lead tours because I travel a lot and these have been best I’ve ever experienced.

Every tour detail was meticulously arranged by Phillipa, and she was not an absentee host, she was there with us every step of the way. She included thoughtful touches like timing the Anne Boleyn tour to be at Hever on May 19, or the Elizabeth tour at Kenilworth in July. Literally every aspect: the luxury accommodations, transportation on a dedicated bus, meal arrangements including special diets, and the private “behind the scenes” tours and speakers were first rate.

And what speakers they were! All noted historians and authors speaking on their specialties with insights into the places we were visiting. These were real experts, not scripted entertainers. Having Gareth along for the whole trip, adding colorful commentary and answering our questions made it extra special. He was so approachable, and he had a way of making the history interesting and relevant while gently nudging us to consider the context and customs of the people we were hearing about.

Overall fabulous tours. Highly recommended and I will be seeking them out again."

"I've taken two British History Tours. Ms Brewell has a co-host for each tour as the historian. I do recommend anyone interested in British History look into taking one of British History Tours.