Alternative Tourist and Tours

The guides, mostly. The Medieval Wine Tour London tastes medieval-style wine out of a coconut shell with historian Dr Matthew Green — the kind of detail a generic tour guide simply doesn't have, from £59. The Coffeehouse Tour covers London's 17th-century coffee house culture and how it quietly reshaped the city, from £34.

Most of them, one way or another. The Food Lover's Market Tour is a two-hour walk through Bermondsey's hidden food markets, from £54. The History of London in 4 Drinks traces the city's story through gin, coffee, beer and tea, from £65.

Walk The Manchester Music Scene covers the city's own music history on foot, from £22 — proof that a good tour doesn't need a London postcode. For fans further afield, Beatles Tour of Marylebone and Abbey Road in London for Two crosses the famous zebra crossing and uncovers the Fab Four's actual London haunts, from £34.

Fine Dining by Bus serves six courses from an onboard chef as you travel through London's historic streets, from £240. Magical History. Private Tour. uncovers the capital's occult and alchemical past with a guide who knows where the real secrets are, from £220.

Buy the voucher, then let the recipient pick their own date directly with the guide — nothing to coordinate in advance. eVouchers land in the inbox within 15 minutes, and every tour can be swapped for a different one if it's not quite the right fit.