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Everyone knows London is one of the world’s great cities but the United Kingdom offers so much more. The highlands of Scotland, colorful seaside villages of Wales and the rugged beauty of England’s Lake District are all well worth a visit. Factor in such familiar cultural icons as the Royal Family, the Beatles and Harry Potter plus the fact that English is spoken here – well, sort of – and it’s easy to see why this is such a popular destination for Americans.
Featured Sample Itineraries
Whether you want to spend a week in London or explore more of Great Britian our itineraries are designed to take you where you want to go.
London is obviously the highlight but don’t forget cities such as Bath, York, Edinburgh and Cardiff which are full of heritage, music and highlights of their own.
London
The most visited city in the world, capital of England and a global leader in the arts, commerce, finance, and tourism. The list of things to see and do here is practically endless – Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, world-famous museums, West End theaters, the London Eye and more!
York
Rich in heritage and a backdrop for major historical events, this walled city is home to the magnificent York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic Cathedrals in the world. History is everywhere in this city that was a linchpin of both the Norman conquest and the English Civil War.
Edinburgh
Often considered one of the most picturesque cities in Europe and nicknamed Athens of the North, more than one million visitors per year make it their destination. From the steep steps and narrow lanes of the medieval Old Town to the wide boulevards of the Georgian New Town, this is a city perfect for exploring on foot. Stroll along the Royal Mile to see some of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings and make sure to tour its famous Castle, perched atop the remains of an extinct volcano.
Cardiff
Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, blends rich history with a dynamic modern culture. Renowned for landmarks like Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium, the city also boasts a thriving arts scene, lively shopping at St. David’s, and waterfront attractions at Cardiff Bay. Visitors can explore the historic arcades, enjoy world-class performances at the Wales Millennium Centre, and discover the city’s sporting passion. Compact and walkable, Cardiff offers a warm welcome and a unique mix of tradition and innovation.
Featured Venues
From the world-famous Royal Albert Hall in London to wonderful cathedrals, university halls and outdoor bandstands, the United Kingdom has a wealth of wonderful performance venues for your group.
St Paul’s Cathedral, with its vast dome, is an iconic feature of the London skyline and known across the world. It is the mother church of the Diocese of London and sits on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London. High quality choirs can apply to sing Evensong at the cathedral, which is an incredible experience for any singer.
This large concert hall in Westminster holds over 5,000 seats and is used for professional ensembles. Every year, the hall plays host to hundreds of concerts, from jazz to classical to contemporary. Be sure to stop in for a visit on your tour to London and maybe perform or attend a concert here!
On the River Thames lies the Gothic Southwark Cathedral, the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark. The venue is suitable for both choirs and orchestras wishing to perform a concert or within a church service. To perform in this venue, your ensemble must be approved in advance!
St. Saviour’s is an Anglo-Catholic church in London, located at the north end of St. George’s Square. It was constructed in the 1860’s based on a design by Thomas Cundy, who had previously built St Gabriel’s. As with St Gabriel’s, St Saviour’s was designed in the Gothic style and built in ragstone to emphasize the contrast with the classical stucco of its secular neighbors. Come at lunchtime on Friday’s for their concert series, or take part in the Westfest festival which takes place annually during the last two weeks of June and the first week of July. A wonderful venue with great audiences!
Sometimes regarded as the mother church of Presbyterianism, this 900 year-old cathedral (or the High Kirk) is a prominent feature of the Edinburgh skyline. Dedicated to St. Giles’, the patron saint of Edinburgh, the cathedral is one of Scotland’s most important and prominent historic buildings. Five services are held every Sunday, as well as daily and special services.
Built around the 12th century, this Gothic style medieval church is believed to be sitting where Saint Mungo built his church. It is one of the very few that actually survived the reformation without much damage. The cathedral was once the seat of a bishop but it is now home to the Church of Scotland. The church has played part in the battles that took place in Glasgow in 1544 and 1560, and has also been home to the University of Glasgow where the university classes originated.
Bath Abbey, an Anglican parish church and former monastery, was founded in the 7th century and is dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. The church is a UK Listed Building (historic landmark) and contains various war memorials and monuments in the form of plaques and stained glass. The abbey is often used for secular civic ceremonies, religious services, lectures, and concerts, and while it is home to its own choral groups, it has also been a popular venue for visiting choirs, as well.
The church of St. Michael’s Without, which earned its name because it formerly stood “without” the walls of the medieval city, was first built roughly 900 years ago. The current structure, which is the fourth version on this property, was dedicated in 1837. This is an incredible historic venue, and is ideal for daytime concerts.
Located in the Royal College of Music, this concert hall can accommodate large orchestras/choirs and features new lighting and sound equipment, perfect for capturing professional shots and recordings of your ensemble! Joint concerts are also possible with the college students for a nice international exchange.
Christ Church is the cathedral of the Anglican diocese of Oxford and is also the chapel of Christ Church at the University of Oxford. This dual role as cathedral and college chapel is unique in the Church of England. This gorgeous cathedral has incredible acoustics and is a wonderful venue for choral music.
The Parade Garden’s Bandstand sits at the beautiful Victorian Garden’s center. The gardens sit alongside the River Avon and contain some of the best floral bedding displays in Great Britain. Though the garden is a very popular picnicking spot, it also houses an outdoor café. In the summer months, concerts and children’s entertainment programs are held in the bandstand. A beautiful spot to simultaneously bask in sunlight and perform for local and foreign onlookers
Considered to be one of the leading examples of early English architecture, Salisbury Cathedral is topped with the tallest church spire in the UK. Visitors can take the Tower Tour and view the hollow interior of the spire. The Cathedral also contains the world’s oldest working clock (1385 A.D.) and also one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. With so many treasures housed inside this gem of a church, it’s no wonder Salisbury Cathedral is a prestigious venue where our groups love to perform.
Dating back to medieval times, St Helen Stonegate is an excellent choice for any performing group as it hosts regular daytime concerts throughout the year and also takes part in the annual Festival of Ideas in June. Located in bustling central York, a good audience is almost guaranteed. In addition to its good acoustics, it also houses a wealth of history from its 16th century bells to 14th century stained glass windows as well as a magnificent organ.
William the Conqueror first constructed a wooden fort in 1068 that would later become Warwick Castle. During the 12th century, the original timber motte-and-bailey castle was rebuilt in stone. This castle represents one of the most recognizable instances of military architecture from the time period, and represents a truly unique opportunity for touring ensembles. Concerts can be performed either in the Great Hall or the Chapel, and we highly recommend dedicating a half-day for your visit and concert. There’s just so much to see!
Holy Trinity Church, located in the heart of London, stands as a beacon of historical and architectural significance. With its origins dating back to the Victorian era, this Anglican church is celebrated for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, designed to inspire awe and reverence. The church’s striking façade features intricate stonework, towering spires, and beautiful stained glass windows that cast colorful patterns inside the sanctuary. Holy Trinity is not only a place of worship but also a vibrant community center, hosting a variety of cultural and social events that enrich the local community. The church remains a cherished landmark, offering peace and spiritual solace to all who visit.
St. Mary’s Church in Thame, Oxfordshire, is a stunning medieval church with Gothic architecture, featuring intricate stonework and beautiful stained glass that reflect its 13th-century origins. This historic venue offers an inspiring setting for choral performances, providing singers with a unique opportunity to share their music in a place steeped in tradition and community heritage.
Stirling Castle, perched majestically atop Castle Hill in Stirling, Scotland, offers a breathtaking and historic venue for performances. This iconic fortress, with its rich history dating back to the 12th century, provides a dramatic and atmospheric setting that captivates both performers and audiences. The castle’s grand halls, intimate courtyards, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape create a unique and versatile space for concerts, theatrical productions, and cultural events. Performing at Stirling Castle allows artists to connect with centuries of Scottish heritage while delivering unforgettable experiences in a location steeped in grandeur and history.
This UNESCO World Heritage site in Canterbury offers a breathtaking setting for performances, with stunning architecture and a rich history. Its large capacity and historic significance make it an ideal location for choral groups seeking a majestic and memorable venue.
Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of England’s most important and iconic buildings. Founded in 1093, it was built to house the relics of St. Cuthbert, a revered Anglo-Saxon saint, and has played a central role in the region’s history for centuries. Its stunning Romanesque architecture, including the largest Romanesque vaulted ceiling in Europe, and its dramatic location atop a hill overlooking the River Wear, make it a remarkable and inspiring space, particularly well-suited for choral groups.
Victoria Embankment Gardens, located along the Thames in central London, is a historic and picturesque performance venue. The park boasts impressive floral schemes, manicured lawns, and the renowned Tropical Border. It features a bandstand for summer events, with deckchairs for audience comfort. The Gardens, designed by Alexander McKenzie and opened in 1875, include the historic 1626 Watergate and statues of notable figures like John Stuart Mill and Robert Burns. With its beautiful surroundings and rich history, Victoria Embankment Gardens offers an enchanting backdrop for unforgettable performances.