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What is the Best Tour Company in the UK?

by Our Local Tour / Friday, 11 July 2025 / Published in Specialist Travel
UKs Best Tour Operators - Blog

So, you are looking for the Best Tour Company in the UK?

When it comes to exploring the world, the UK is home to some of the most reputable and diverse tour operators offering outbound travel experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, the vibrant souks of Marrakech, or the majestic temples of Kyoto, finding the right tour company can transform a good holiday into an unforgettable journey. 

In this guide, we explore the various types of outbound tours available to UK travellers, the qualities that define a top-tier tour operator, and why Our Local Tour is now recognised as a leader in immersive, culturally rich travel experiences abroad.

Types of Outbound Tours for UK Travellers

UK-based travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to outbound tourism. The variety of destinations and travel styles on offer means there’s something for every kind of explorer. Here are some of the most popular outbound tour types:

1. Cultural Discovery Tours

These tours are designed for those who want to delve into the history, art, and traditions of a region. Whether it’s wandering through the ruins of ancient Greece, attending a tea ceremony in Japan, or exploring the imperial palaces of Vienna, cultural tours often include expert guides, museum visits, and immersive local experiences.

2. Gastronomic Adventures

Food-focused tours are perfect for travellers who believe that cuisine is a gateway to culture. These tours might take you truffle hunting in Italy, wine tasting in Bordeaux, or cooking tagine with a local chef in Morocco. It’s a delicious way to travel and learn.

3. Nature and Wildlife Tours

From African safaris and Costa Rican rainforest expeditions to Arctic cruises in search of polar bears, nature and wildlife tours are for those who crave the outdoors and want to witness the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems.

4. Active and Adventure Tours

Hiking the Inca Trail, cycling through Vietnam, or kayaking in the fjords of Norway — these tours are tailored for active travellers seeking adventure, challenge, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

5. Local and Immersive Experiences

This rising trend in outbound tourism focuses on meaningful interactions with people and places. Think: spending a night with a Berber family in the Atlas Mountains, joining a textile workshop in Nepal, or learning to make dumplings with a family in rural Vietnam. This is where Our Local Tour truly excels.

What Makes a Great Outbound Tour Company?

Not all tour operators are created equal. Here are some of the qualities that define a world-class outbound tour company:

  • Authentic Local Connections: The best companies build relationships with local guides and communities to provide genuine, enriching experiences.
  • Well-Curated Itineraries: A great tour strikes a balance between structured activities and free time for personal exploration.
  • Small Group Sizes: If travelling on a group tour, smaller groups mean a more personalised experience and less environmental impact.
  • Sustainability: Responsible tourism practices, including fair wages for local partners and eco-conscious travel, are at the heart of what you should be looking for. 
  • Recognition and Reviews: Awards and positive customer feedback offer valuable insight into a company’s consistency and reliability. 

Why Choose Our Local Tour?

Our Local Tour is a UK-based company that specialises in private guided tours and small-group, immersive outbound travel experiences. While many companies offer standard tours to classic destinations, Our Local Tour goes a step further by creating journeys that foster genuine connections with people, culture, and place.

Here’s why they’re rapidly becoming a favourite among UK travellers:

1. Award-Winning Innovation

Our Local Tour has been recognised by leading travel industry bodies, including the British Travel Awards, for its excellence in sustainable and community-based tourism. Their commitment to authentic travel has earned them a growing list of accolades.

2. Locally-Led Global Experiences

Instead of relying on generic itineraries, Our Local Tour partners with local experts around the world. Whether it’s exploring rural Ghana with a village elder or joining a family celebration in Sri Lanka, their trips offer unique access to local life.

3. Ethical and Sustainable Travel

From supporting local NGO’s to using locally owned accommodation and ensuring fair pay for all partners, Our Local Tour is committed to ethical travel. Their tours are designed to benefit both travellers and the communities they visit.

4. Perfect for the Culturally Curious

Their itineraries are built for those who want more than just photo ops. With experiences like learning traditional basket weaving in Uganda or participating in a temple ceremony in Nepal, Our Local Tour helps travellers go deeper.

5. Highly Rated by Travellers

Customer reviews consistently highlight Our Local Tour‘s attention to detail, passionate guides, and the richness of experience. Five-star ratings on platforms such as Trustpilot back their reputation.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Tour Operator for Your Next Adventure

Choosing the best outbound tour company depends on your travel goals. If you’re looking for cruise deals or resort packages, the big names may suffice. But if you want to connect more deeply with the world — to learn, to engage, to experience — then Our Local Tour stands apart.

As outbound tourism continues to shift toward more meaningful and sustainable travel, companies like Our Local Tour are leading the charge. Their focus on cultural immersion, ethical partnerships, and authentic storytelling ensures every trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

So the next time you’re planning to travel beyond the UK, ask yourself not just where you want to go, but what kind of story you want to tell. With Our Local Tour, that story begins with a passport and a purpose.

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About Our Local Tour

Our Local Tour works with local travel specialists all over the world, offering unique and authentic travel experiences. At Our Local Tour our goal is to bring the most amazing responsible travel experiences the world over to our clients. We want our travellers to have a positive, engaging and responsible travel experience, and we want to protect as many of the world’s wonderful places, people and wildlife as we can from the effects of thoughtless tourism.

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