Evan Evans Tours

05/11/2024

🔥 🎇 Guy Fawkes Night, known as Bonfire Night, commemorates the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in which a group of English Catholics led by Robert Catesby, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to assassinate King James I by blowing up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament.

Guy Fawkes was arrested in the early hours of November 5th and, under torture, revealed details about the plot.

Following his arrest, bonfires were lit around London to celebrate the king’s survival. The tradition of lighting bonfires has continued every year since.

Fireworks are an essential part of Guy Fawkes Night, symbolising the explosives that were never used.

The Gunpowder Plot led to lasting changes in Parliament security protocols. Today, before the State Opening of Parliament, the Yeomen of the Guard still perform a search of the Palace of Westminster’s cellars to ensure there are no hidden explosives.

Guy Fawkes Night is also observed in some Commonwealth nations, like New Zealand, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean.

Modern calculations showed that if the 36 barrels of gunpowder beneath Parliament had ignited, it would have created an explosion, destroying much of the surrounding area. It could have changed the course of British history entirely.

Alan Moore’s graphic novel "V for Vendetta", followed by the 2006 film adaptation, reimagined Guy Fawkes as a symbol of rebellion against oppression.

Check other things to do in November in London: https://evanevanstours.com/blog/things-to-do-in-november-in-london/

25/10/2024

What to do in London for Halloween in 2024? 👻 We’ve selected the top events and venues in and around the capital for the entire family:

If you hope to get spooked this year, then London offers plenty of opportunities. Here are the best places to go for Halloween.

23/10/2024

👻🧛 NEW: Big Bus Panoramic Halloween Tour ✨

Starting this Saturday and for a week, take a spooky hop-on hop-off tour to discover London's haunting tales for 90 minutes - Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, public executions and more as you pass London's top landmarks at dusk.

Book your tour: https://evanevanstours.com/tours/hop-on-hop-off-tours/big-bus-london-panoramic-halloween-tour/

Browse all Halloween Tours: https://evanevanstours.com/tours/halloween-tours/

21/10/2024

A few chilling facts about Jack the Ripper, one of history's most infamous serial killers:

• He operated in the Whitechapel district of London in 1888.
• His identity remains unknown to this day.
• The brutal nature of his crimes has fascinated people for over a century.
• Hundreds of letters claiming to be from Jack the Ripper were sent to the police and newspapers.
• His killing spree was limited to a few months, between August and November 1888, until the killings suddenly stopped.
• He inspired countless books, films, TV shows, and even video games.

BUT - let's not spoil you before you join our Jack the Ripper evening walking tour: https://evanevanstours.com/tours/london-tours/jack-the-ripper-walking-tour-with-ripper-ologist/

Browse more Halloween tours: https://evanevanstours.com/tours/halloween-tours/

Travel in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper, London's most infamous serial killer on this exciting evening walking tour.

17/10/2024

Supporting a great cause today at Evan Evans Tours 👚🦩🌷💖💗 Breast Cancer Now

10/10/2024

📍Byland Abbey, York, YO61 4BD

1️⃣ Cistercian monastery founded in 1135. The Cistercian monks were known for their dedication to manual labor and simplicity.

2️⃣ The monks moved multiple times due to disputes with other religious houses and finally settled in the current location circa 1170s.

3️⃣ Legend says it’s haunted by a ghostly dog, based on a medieval manuscript found nearby.

4️⃣ Henry VIII dissolved Byland Abbey during the English Reformation in 1538.

5️⃣ There are hidden crypts and tunnels beneath the abbey’s ruins.

Discover the abbey and more in our North York Moors with Steam Train (NYM Railway) to Whitby 🚂

👉 https://evanevanstours.com/tours/rail-tours-from-london/the-north-york-moors-with-steam-train-nym-railway-to-whitby/

10/10/2024

6 reasons to choose travel to feel good ⚖️

😌 It reduces stress: break away from your everyday routine to relax and rejuvenate
🧘‍♀️ It's good for mindfulness: be present in the moment as you try new experiences
🚀 It fuels personal growth: stepping out of your comfort zone and adapting to new situations helps boost your sense of accomplishment
😴 It puts both the mind and body to rest: enjoy better sleep and recover from the demands of daily life
🎨 It stimulates creativity: new environments and cultures can inspire new ideas and perspectives
🌍 It enhances perspective: being exposed to different lifestyles, challenges, and worldviews helps increase your empathy and tolerance, which improves your mental health

Start your mindfulness journey with some fantastic experiences in London and beyond.

Browse experiences: https://evanevanstours.com/

09/10/2024

Looking for the perfect family experience this half-term? 🎤✨ Treat your family to an extraordinary ABBA Voyage Concert & Transfer experience, the ultimate gift for any ABBA fan.

Choose amongst:
• Concert Tickets + Coach Transfers: https://evanevanstours.com/tours/london-tours/abba-voyage-express-coach-concert-ticket/
• Coach Transfers only: https://evanevanstours.com/tours/london-tours/abba-voyage-express-coach-only/
• Private Experience: https://evanevanstours.com/experiences/private-tours/abba-voyage-private-tour/

Video © ABBA Voyage

07/10/2024

Foodies, read if you're looking for a memorable experience in London 😋

Where are quirky food experiences in London to give a try? We listed a few places to add to your bucket list. Foodies will love it!

04/10/2024

📍 EC3N 4AB 👇 Here is one infamous fact about the Tower of London...

Did you know? 💡 The Tower of London housed exotic animals for centuries. Called 'Royal Menagerie', or 'the first zoo in London', the collection was established in the 13th century, when King John (reigned 1199–1216) is believed to have received wild animals as diplomatic gifts.

The animals were kept at the Tower for the enjoyment of the monarchs and their court. By the 19th century, the menagerie had become a popular attraction for the public. The collection of animals included many exotic species from around the world:

🦁 Several kings, starting with Henry III in the 13th century, were known to have lions. The Lion Tower was a special part of the fortress where these big cats were kept.

🐻 In 1252, Henry III received a polar bear from King Haakon of Norway. The bear was kept on a long chain and allowed to fish for its food in the River Thames.

🐘 In 1255, also during Henry III's reign, an elephant was sent as a gift from Louis IX of France. It was housed at the Tower for a few years, although elephants were not well understood, and it did not live long.

🐆 Leopards were another common gift. Henry III kept leopards at the Tower, symbolising the monarchy's power.

🐵 There were numerous records of monkeys being kept in the Tower, and they were known for causing mischief.

🐅 Tigers also lived in the menagerie and were seen as highly dangerous and impressive animals.

🦅 The Tower housed several species of birds of prey, including eagles and owls.

🦓 Over the years, there have also been zebras, kangaroos, ostriches, bears, wolves, and even snakes.

❌ The royal menagerie was eventually closed in 1835, with the animals being transferred to the newly opened London Zoo in Regent's Park.

Learn more about the Tower of London's infamous stories by booking your visit: https://evanevanstours.com/attractions/london-attractions/tower-of-london/

01/10/2024

Celebrate International Coffee Day with a perfect brew! ☕ Whether you're a latte lover or an espresso enthusiast, today’s the day to sip, savour, and share your coffee moments.
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Coffee Spots in London:

📍 Rosslyn Coffee (City of London): Known for sourcing from top global roasters.
📍 Crol and Co (Bermondsey): A cosy spot with antique vibes that is cyclist-friendly.
📍 Alchemy Coffee (Shoreditch): Renowned for top-tier coffee since 2000.
📍 Kafi Café (Fitzrovia): Vegan-friendly with rotating global roasters.

Check out more spots here 👇

But if you’re still looking for the perfect coffee spot, don't look further. We selected some of the top-rated coffee shops in London.

30/09/2024

🎙️✨ On , dive into the wizarding world with these cool Harry Potter podcasts! From fan theories to book discussions, these are perfect to fill your Pottermania before visiting the Studios!

Check out MuggleCast, Potterversity, and The Real Weird Sisters for spellbinding insights. Which one will you listen to first? 🎧

More podcasts:

We selected some of the best Harry Potter podcasts to listen to before you join our Harry Potter Studio tour and visit Warner Bros. Studios.

27/09/2024

🌟Exciting News!🌟 We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Evan Evans Tours has been awarded UKinbound’s Sightseeing Operator of the Year 2024! 🏆🎉

This prestigious recognition reflects our 90+ years of dedication to delivering unforgettable guided tours, showcasing the best of Britain’s iconic landmarks, history and culture. We are passionate about creating immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences for all our guests.

This award also underscores our commitment to product innovation, growth in regional destinations, sustainability achievements⚡️, and DEI initiatives over the past 12 months.

A massive thank you to our incredible team 🙌, partners and guests who made this possible—your support and trust have driven us to achieve this incredible accolade. We look forward to continuing our journey of excellence and welcoming even more travellers on our tours! ✨👏

27/09/2024

Did you know? 💡🌲 The TreadRight Foundation from our family of brands The Travel Corporation and the Trees For Life charity joined efforts and proudly support the critical Wild Pine Project.

This , get acquainted with this nature-based solution that is rewilding the Scottish Highlands while supporting biodiversity and strengthening communities.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/LDiYppo0QlY

(🎥 Shot and edited by .studio)

25/09/2024

Have you grabbed your tickets for one of the Oasis concerts in 2025? 🎵 Since the band reunion, we wanted to highlight some of the most famous British bands and where they were formed:

With Oasis reunion, here are some of the most famous British bands and where they were formed - Manchester, London, Liverpool and more.

24/09/2024

📍 Moco Museum London, 1-4 Marble Arch, London, W2 2UH

After tremendous success in Amsterdam and Barcelona, the Moco Museum opened its doors in London this Summer, and you can now book your tickets through Evan Evans! 💗

Set to revolutionise the London art scene, the Moco Museum should be on any art lover's bucket list, with an extensive collection of modern, contemporary, and digital art from icons like Warhol, KAWS, Haring, Hirst & many more.

📸 © Moco Museum UK

Plan your visit: https://evanevanstours.com/attractions/london-attractions/moco-museum-london/

21/09/2024

🗓️ 21 Sept 1915: The day Cecil Chubb made history by purchasing Stonehenge at an auction for £6,600 (about £668,000/€788,000/$874,000 today)! 🎉
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Legend has it, Chubb bought the iconic stones on a whim as a gift for his wife (though rumor says she wasn’t too pleased with the surprise!). Three years later, he generously donated it to the nation, securing its preservation for generations to come.⁣
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Over 100 years later, Stonehenge still stands as a symbol of mystery, ancient history, and British heritage. 🏛️✨
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Would you buy this wonder of the world? 🤔

18/09/2024

Happy ! ✨📚⁣

Enjoy today to pick a history ebook and delve into endless knowledge before your next trip to Britain: https://evanevanstours.com/travel-guide/london-guide/15-inspiring-books-to-learn-about-british-history/

What’s your favourite history read? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Whether you’re looking to read famous authors or understand the UK, here are books to learn about British history before you plan your trip.