Discover Britain's Hidden Historical Pathways

Uncover secret routes once travelled by kings, smugglers, and ancient Britons through the lesser-known corners of the United Kingdom

Explore Our Tours

About Hidden Britain Tours

Illuminating Britain's forgotten historical routes since 2010

Founder walking ancient path

Hidden Britain Tours was founded by Dr. Eleanor Worthington, a historian with a passion for uncovering the lesser-known historical routes that crisscross our nation. What began as personal research into forgotten pathways has grown into a specialist tour company dedicated to sharing these discoveries.

Our guided experiences take small groups away from the tourist-heavy sites to discover the authentic historical fabric of Britain - from ancient trackways and pilgrimage routes to smugglers' paths and royal procession routes that have faded from common knowledge.

Based in the historic city of York, our team of historians and local guides bring profound knowledge and captivating storytelling to each journey, ensuring an experience that's both educational and thoroughly entertaining.

Our Specialised Historical Routes

Experience Britain's history through its hidden pathways

Hadrian's Wall hidden sections

Hadrian's Forgotten Frontiers

Explore the lesser-known sections of Hadrian's Wall where few tourists venture, discovering abandoned milecastles and the daily life of Roman soldiers on the empire's edge.

Northumberland

3 days

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Medieval market town street

Medieval Merchant Routes

Follow the footsteps of medieval traders along the forgotten commercial routes connecting market towns across the Cotswolds, with stories of commerce, crime, and everyday medieval life.

Cotswolds

4 days

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Coastal smugglers' cove

Smugglers' Cornwall

Discover the secret coves and hidden paths used by Cornwall's notorious smuggling gangs in the 18th century, with exclusive access to rarely-visited caves and coastal hideaways.

Cornwall

5 days

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Ancient forest path

Royal Forest Passages

Walk the secret pathways through ancient royal hunting forests, exploring the hidden infrastructure of medieval royal power and encountering remnants of hunting lodges unknown to most visitors.

New Forest & Sherwood

4 days

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The Hidden Britain Experience

What makes our historical routes special

Small Groups

Maximum of 12 people per tour for a personal, immersive experience away from the crowds

Expert Historians

Led by qualified historians specialising in the exact historical period of each route

Exclusive Access

Visit locations normally closed to the public through our special arrangements with landowners

Characterful Accommodation

Stay in historic inns and guesthouses along the routes, often with histories stretching back centuries

Traveller Stories

Experiences from our history explorers

"The Smugglers' Cornwall tour was a revelation. Walking paths I'd never have found on my own, hearing tales that aren't in any guidebook, and staying in inns where the smugglers themselves once drank. Simply outstanding."

Margaret Sinclair

Margaret Sinclair

Edinburgh

"As a history professor, I'm hard to impress, but the depth of knowledge on the Medieval Merchant Routes tour was exceptional. The guide knew more obscure details about 14th century commerce than some of my colleagues!"

Dr. James Henderson

Dr. James Henderson

Oxford

"The Royal Forest Passages tour changed how I see the English countryside. These ancient woodland paths tell stories that most tourists completely miss. I've recommended Hidden Britain Tours to everyone in my history society."

Thomas Blackwood

Thomas Blackwood

Manchester

Get in Touch

Questions about our historical routes? We're here to help

Address

15 Stonegate
York, YO1 8ZW
United Kingdom

Phone

+44 (0)1904 555123

Office Hours

Monday-Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Sunday: Closed

Map showing our location in York