Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before booking a SmartVisitUK.com tour. Can't find your answer here? Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
We recommend booking at least 6–8 weeks before departure, especially for tours in the summer months (June–August) or around Christmas and Hogmanay, when hotels and popular attractions fill up quickly. Shorter tours like our Stonehenge & Bath trip can sometimes be arranged with less notice, but booking early always gives you the best choice of dates and accommodation.
We deliberately keep group sizes small so every traveller gets real access to their guide rather than following a flag through a crowd. Exact numbers vary by tour, but our small-group approach is a core part of how we design every itinerary — it is what allows guides to answer questions properly and adapt the pace to the group.
Every tour page lists exactly what is included and excluded — typically accommodation with breakfast, transportation for the itinerary, entry fees to the attractions mentioned, and an expert local guide. Flights to the UK, lunches, additional dinners, travel insurance and personal expenses are generally not included. Check the "What's Included" and "Not Included" panel on each individual tour page for the full breakdown.
We arrange payment details directly once you get in touch to book a tour, and we will confirm the available options with you at that stage. Get in touch via our Contact page and we will walk you through the process.
We understand that plans change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact us as early as possible — the more notice you give us, the more flexibility we generally have with hotels and suppliers. Every booking is handled individually, so please reach out directly and we will explain the options available for your specific tour and dates.
It depends on your nationality. Many visitors now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visa before arrival, while others can enter visa-free for short stays. Requirements change, so always check the official rules for your passport before booking flights. Our guide to Visa & Entry Requirements for the UK covers the basics to help you get started.
It depends what you want from your trip — early summer and September tend to offer the best balance of mild weather and smaller crowds, while winter brings festive city breaks and lower prices. Our full guide, Best Time to Visit the UK, breaks it down season by season.
The UK uses the pound sterling (£). Card payments, including contactless, are accepted almost everywhere, so you rarely need much cash. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: around 10–12.5% in restaurants (often added automatically as a service charge, so check your bill), and a few pounds for guides or drivers who go the extra mile is always welcome.
Most of our city-based tours (London, Bath, Oxford & the Cotswolds) involve a moderate amount of walking on flat or gently sloped ground and suit most fitness levels. Tours like the Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness Adventure or the Hadrian's Wall Trek involve more hiking on uneven terrain, so a reasonable level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Each tour page notes the general pace so you can pick the right trip for you.
Absolutely — a significant number of our guests travel solo. Small group sizes make it easy to meet fellow travellers, and our guides are used to making solo guests feel welcome and included from day one.
Many of our tours are enjoyable for families, though the pace and content vary — a heritage-focused hike like Hadrian's Wall suits older children better than very young ones, while The Wizard's Trail film tour is a favourite with families of all ages. Get in touch before booking and we can advise on which itinerary suits your children's ages best.
Yes — we strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance before your trip. It is not included in our tour prices, but it is an essential safety net for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delayed flights and lost luggage while you are travelling in the UK.
The golden rule is layers, plus something waterproof — British weather can change within the same afternoon. Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are essential for every itinerary, and a compact umbrella or packable rain jacket earns its place in every UK suitcase. Our guide to UK Weather & What to Pack has a full season-by-season packing list.
Accessibility varies by tour — city itineraries like Ultimate London Explorer generally involve less rough terrain than a hiking-focused trip like Hadrian's Wall or the Scottish Highlands. If you have specific mobility requirements, contact us before booking and we will be upfront about what each itinerary involves so you can choose with confidence.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to talk you through any tour in detail before you book.
Contact Us