Bus Tour
Experiences in London
Topics in London
★★☆
Bus Tour Tours3h | from £25.00
Starting at the world famous Hard Rock Cafe in London's Piccadilly, this 3 hour tour takes you through West London's cradle of rock finishing up at One Kew Road bar and restaurant in Richmond, formally the Station Hotel, from where The Rolling Stones launched their illustrious career back in February 1963 and where The Beatles first met them two months later.
This exclusive tour offers passengers a rare opportunity to travel on an original 1960s Routemaster London Bus to a backdrop of live commetary and 60s hit music as we transport you back to one of the most defining decades in 20th Century Britain
Pick-up in Richmond option for those who live closer to West LondonThis unique tour transports you back to the most defining decade in 20th Century Britain as you pass by iconic music venues and locations on the way to the Cradle of Rock. You’ll see the locations of the Chelsea Drug Store, immortalised in The Rolling Stones’ song ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ and Mary Quant’s boutique ‘Bazaar’ famed inventor of the mini skirt. View the architectural splendour of The Pheasantry, once owned by Eric Clapton in the 60s, the site of ‘Granny Takes a Trip’, the first psychedelic boutique in London who’s customers included Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and many other music legends and socialites of the 60s. Then onto the Half Moon Pub in Putney where, allegedly, live music has been played there every night since 1963 and has hosted the world’s biggest names in folk, blues and rock. Olympic Studios in Barnes has featured more prominently in recording the world’s top bands than any other… including Abbey Road!
You'll take in the homes of celebrated 60s music legends and locations like Twickenham Film Studios where The Beatles filmed ‘HELP!’ and ‘A Hard Day’s Night’. You’ll see where 'Sir' Rod Stewart got his first break and you’ll hear about the famous artists who performed at the Richmond Jazz and Blues Festival between 1961 and 1965 as we stop on the very site and you'll capture the views from the top of Richmond Hill, immortalized in paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds and J. M. W. Turner - it was described by Sir Walter Scott as "an unrivalled landscape". The view from the north side of Richmond Hill was protected by an Act of Parliament in 1902.
In addition to live commentary from your friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, they will play 60s hit music by the seminal artists who regularly performed at local venues such as The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, The Beatles, Elton John, The Yardbirds, David Bowie, The Who, Cream, Pink Floyd, The Kinks, Manfred Mann, The Animals, Genesis, Long John Baldry, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Mott The Hoople.
Keep your eyes out for the occasional music celebrity hopping aboard to share some amazing 60s memories. Recent guests have included Steve Hackett (Genesis), John Fiddler (Medicine Head), (Atomic Rooster), Don Craine (Downliners Sect) Derek Griffiths (The Artwoods), John Gieves-Watson (The Temperance Seven & Bob Kerr's Whoopee Band), Mike Berry, Debi Doss (The Buggles and Kinks backing singer) Phil Lanzon (Uriah Heep) and Peter French (Atomic Rooster).
(no rating)4h | from £28.00
Discover London’s highlights on this action-packed half-day tour. Explore the city by vintage double-decker bus and see famous sights such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. Cruise down the Thames River on a sightseeing cruise to Westminster; watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Alternatively, upgrade to round off the day with fish and chips at a central London pub.Hop aboard a vintage red double-decker bus, and then sit back and relax on a sightseeing tour of London. On a route around the city center, watch out for iconic London monuments like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey — where Prince William married Kate Middleton in 2011. Listen to details of each sight’s history from your guide.
Pass St Paul's Cathedral, a much-loved Baroque cathedral that has hosted countless services for London’s dignitaries over the years, and hear details of significant occasions, such as the wedding of Lady Diana to Prince Charles, from your guide.
Amble down to the banks of the Thames River for a photo stop outside the Tower of London. Designed to terrify Londoners while deterring foreign invaders, the formidable-looking tower is now home to the Crown Jewels and the famous Beefeater guards who protect them.
Walk along the river to Tower Pier and hop aboard a sightseeing boat for a leisurely cruise to Westminster. Sit out on deck or relax in the comfy seats in the saloon, listening to audio commentary about all the sites that you pass. Cruise under London Bridge, gaze at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and see the London Eye just across the river.
Next, head to the Queen’s famous residence — Buckingham Palace — and see the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony from outside the palace gates. In time to drumbeats from a military band, soldiers from the Queen’s Foot Guard march to Buckingham Palace in their eye-catching red tunics and bearskin hats.
Watch this traditional ceremony, your tour will then conclude near Victoria Railway Station in central London. Upgrade to include a delicious fish and chips lunch in a central London pub.
4h | from £52.00
Discover London’s top attractions by vintage double-decker bus and Thames River cruiser, and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with scones, too. Admire famous city sights such as Big Ben and the London Eye. After a photo stop at the Tower of London, you’ll cruise along the Thames River to Westminster and enjoy afternoon tea with Champagne as you go.Relax on board your open-top bus as you travel around central London and see the sights. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye are just a few of the landmarks you might see.
Hop off your bus near the Tower of London, and pose for photos in front of the formidable monument. Hear how the tower is now home to the world-famous Crown Jewels, and admire the smartly dressed Beefeater guards who protect them.
Walk along the river to Tower Pier and board a Thames River sightseeing boat for your 1-hour afternoon tea cruise to Westminster. Sit out on deck or relax in the comfy seats in the saloon, and listen to audio commentary about all the sites. Cruise under London Bridge, gaze at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and take in beautiful views of the London Eye just across the river.
No visit to London is complete without sampling a cup of tea alongside quintessentially British scones with jam and clotted cream. So do just that, and enjoy the sweet treats and a glass of Champagne, too.
When your cruise ends, travel back to the start point by coach.
7h 30m | from £158.00
What better time to enjoy London's landmarks than on Christmas Day, from the combined vantage points of an open top bus and a cruise boat on the River Thames! This is a great opportunity to the sights of London with minimal traffic and crowds. Your panoramic bus tour is followed with a luxurious 3 course Christmas lunch in an elegant and festive atmosphere.Enjoy great views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye as we meander through the streets and history of our great city, all brought to life by our expert guide.
Take your seat on our beautifully restored double-decker bus and marvel at all of London’s highlights, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, all brought to life by our expert guide.
Have your cameras at the ready as we stop for photos at Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral where Admirals Nelson and Wellington are buried and where Princess Diana was married. Then join us at the Tower of London that was built nearly a thousand years ago and is now home to the Crown Jewels protected by the famous Beefeaters. The imposing former palace was once used as a fortress and a prison and your guide will take you to see Traitors Gate where prisoners entered the Tower for the last time!
Take your place for an unforgettable traditional Christmas lunch cruise for the finest festive dining experience you will find on the Thames. With a luxurious 3 course menu and an elegant, seasonal atmosphere, we promise you’ll never know another Christmas like it.
(no rating)5h 30m | from £52.00
Discover London’s highlights by bus, boat and foot on this comprehensive half-day tour. Sitting comfortably aboard an iconic Routemaster bus, travel along the capital’s streets and see sights such as Big Ben and Trafalgar Square. Then, hop aboard a Thames River cruise boat to admire London’s famous skyline from the water. Cap your tour with a visit to Buckingham Palace. With a prebooked ticket, enjoy an audio tour of Queen Elizabeth II’s lavish state rooms, an experience only available to the public for two months out of the entire year.
Make your own way to Victoria Coach Station in central London, where you’ll meet your professional guide and vintage Routemaster bus. Then, after introductions, settle into your comfortable seat aboard the bus and set off on your tour of the English capital.
Gaze out of the window as you cruise through London’s most famous areas. See the iconic lion statues in Trafalgar Square before continuing to Parliament Square to see Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Down by the Thames River, hop out of your bus and climb aboard a boat to see the London skyline from the water. Look out for St Paul’s famous dome and have your camera ready as you draw closer to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. You’ll also see newer sights such as the London Eye and The Shard.
After your cruise, continue by bus to Buckingham Palace, which has served as the official London residence of the British royals since the 19th century. Walk with your guide to the entrance of the palace, a site only open to the public for two months each year, before bidding them a fond farewell (guides are not allowed inside).
Head inside with your prebooked ticket and plug into your included audio guide to learn more about the British royals and the palace’s history. See the Australian Stage Coach on display at the Grand Entrance portico and ogle the stool and sword used to confer knighthoods. Then, in Queen Elizabeth II’s State Rooms, be wowed by the lavish furnishings and other rare treasures from the Royal Collection.
Your experience concludes when you leave Buckingham Palace, leaving you free to continue sightseeing independently or head back to your accommodation.
3h 30m | from £28.00
Whether it's your first or fifth time in London, traveling around on a vintage Routemaster bus is the perfect way to get a comprehensive view of the city. This fully guided tour includes a Thames River Cruise, and is the ideal orientation if you're new to London, and return visitors will discover new facts and hear new stories from the professional live commentary aboard the London double-decker bus tour. Pass famous sights such as St Paul's Cathedral and Tower of London.
Red double-decker Routemaster buses are a much-loved London icon, and the only way to tour London.Other famous London landmarks you'll see include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.
Next, you'll jump onboard a Thames River Cruise to see all of the famous London landmarks and bridges from a different perspective. The cruise passes Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle and London Bridge before you arrive at Westminster pier to rejoin the bus and head for Buckingham Palace.
Watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony as the soldiers, dressed in their fabulous tunics and busbies, march to military music. If the guard change is not taking place, you will stop for photos of the Horseguards.
Add one of the following attractions for a comprehensive introduction to the city of London:
Top London Attractions:
Enjoy fast, hassle-free entry to the London Eye or Tower of London. Pre-booked and pre-paid tickets ensure speedy access to London’s top attractions.
Stonehenge Shuttle:
Combine the tour with an afternoon visit to Stonehenge. After the morning tour of London, you'll be dropped off at Victoria Coach Station ready to depart on the roundtrip shuttle bus (5 hours) to Stonehenge at 12:30pm. Designed to give you a fast, hassle-free independent trip to Stonehenge, collect your entrance tickets (included in the tour price!) and free audio-guide before exploring at your own pace.
Flexible | from £59.00
Discover the joy of sightseeing with the London Pass, and enjoy free entry to 60 of its world-class sites like Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. Save time as you skip the queues with fast-track entry at countless attractions, and take advantage of special offers at quality London restaurants and shops.
Even better, why not upgrade and include transport with your London Pass? Choose from a 1-, 2-, 3- or 6- day sightseeing pass with Oyster Travelcard included and see the highlights of England’s cosmopolitan capital with ease.With the London Pass, save both time and money as you skip admission lines with fast-track entrance and enjoy free entry to more than 60 top London attractions. There is no need to use cash – simply show your London Pass for fast and easy entry to London’s most popular sites.
Choose from a 1-, 2-, 3-,6- day pass, plus enjoy discounts on your shopping and dining. Keen to explore the city in the most hassle-free way? Upgrade your London Pass to include a Oyster Travelcard. Competitively priced, the upgrade option allows journeys made on the London Underground, London Overground, buses and Dockland Light Railway.
London Pass includes:
- A 120-page London guidebook
- Public transport in travel zones 1-6 for the validity of your pass (if Oyster upgrade option selected)
- Free entry to 60 attractions (see Itinerary)
- Discounts and benefits at selected London restaurants, theaters and shops
- Fast-track entrance to many top London-area attractions, like Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London
Special Offer - Buy one 3-Day Pass (excluding travelcard) to save up to 54% on London admissions, compared to booking attractions separately.
There are similar savings to be made on the 1-Day, 2-Day and 6-Day Passes (excluding travelcards)! - Book Now!
3h | from £28.00
Enjoy a 3-hour mini coach tour of Beatles locations in central London including Abbey Road and Trident Studios. This guided, small-group tour (of no more than 15) will show you their hangouts, gig locations and much more. In total, you will see over 30 Beatles related sites on this magical mystery tour around London.
Meet your guide at Sloane Square Tube Station at 2pm and start your journey into the Beatles world. You will experience the most comprehensive tour of Beatles sites in London on this bus adventure into the world of John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Trace the rise of the world’s first supergroup and learn all about Beatles history. You’ll have the chance to get off the bus on several occasions, take pictures and see the sites up close.
See over 30 Beatles related sites including the home of John, Paul and Ringo, the studios where they recorded many of their famous tracks, some of the famous locations where they played live gigs including the famous rooftop concert. You will also visit sites featured in album covers, photo-shoots, and even film locations from Help! and A Hard Days Night.
During the tour you will hear Beatles tracks as you travel through the London of the Fab Four and to a time when the boys from Liverpool ruled the world of music. Your Beatles tour ends at 5pm back at Sloane Square Tube Station.
(no rating)15h | from £175.00
Enjoy a day trip to Paris with reserved Eurostar seats. Included is an open top bus tour, Metro ticket and a walking map of Paris. Standard Premier (optional extra) includes a light meal and drinks served at your seat.Begin at St. Pancras International, a tour representative will meet you at 5.45am (5.15am on Saturdays), you’ll swap your voucher for an informative welcome pack.
When you arrive at Gare du Nord Station in Paris, make your way to the Open Top Bus stop, situated outside the station at 10 boulevard de denain: Eurostar et Thalys. See the true beauty of Paris as you drive past the Champs–Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. You have the option to hop off and ascend the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views across Paris (not included).
After a fantastic day spent exploring Paris, make your own way back to Gare Du Nord. Your departure time from Gare du Nord Station is 8:13pm, arriving in London at 9:29pm.
Standard Premier option: (optional extra) includes a light meal and refreshments served at your seat on the Eurostar
(no rating)1 day | from £30.00
Discover London at your leisure with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket that includes a 20-minute Thames riverboat ride and 2-hour walking tour. Enjoy included Wi-Fi and audio commentary in your choice of eight languages as you see sights from St. Paul's Cathedral and Big Ben to the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace, taking the time to explore whatever interests you.
Stop at one of your local operator's central locations, which include Victoria, King's Cross, Leicester Square, and Paddington, to convert your voucher into a ticket. That's good for 24 consecutive hours of hop-on, hop-off bus travel, covering over 60 stops on three routes, as well as a walking tour and Thames boat ride.
Take your time to explore London at your leisure, seeing the sights you want and traveling with ease between the main tourist areas. The buses visit all the classic London attractions, from Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and much, much more (see itinerary for route details).
Multilingual audio guides are available on all routes in English, Brazilian Portuguese, Mandarin, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. The classic Blue Route, covering London's highlights, features a live, English-speaking guide. Open-top buses also offer free Wi-Fi.
Your ticket includes your choice of two 2-hour walking tours: the Royal Walking Tour, covering the royal family's favorite places to escape within the capital, and the Beatles London Walking Tour, exploring places where the iconic British band worked and played. The Royal Walking Tour starts from Leicester Square at 10am daily and finishes in Westminster at 12pm; the Beatles London Walking Tour starts from Leicester Square at 1pm daily and finishes there at 3pm.
Also on the menu is a 20-minute riverboat ride, giving an alternative perspective on some of the London sights you've seen from the bus. You can ride from Embankment or London Eye to Tower Pier (home of Tower Bridge), or from Tower Pier to London Eye or Embankment: boats start before 7am and run until after 9pm on weekdays, starting soon after 9am on weekends. Timetables, route maps, and further information will be available when you collect your ticket.
3h | from £28.00
Delve into 007’s dangerous world of espionage and discover filming locations used in the movies on this 3-hour James Bond bus tour of London. Travel past the streets and squares of the British capital with a guide, and discover top city landmarks used in Bond movies such as ‘Spectre’ and 'The World is Not Enough'. Gain insight into life on-set for crew and actors like Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, and take in sites from the life of Ian Fleming — the man who gave us James Bond.Hop aboard your minibus at 10:30am near Temple tube station in central London, then spin through the city streets to begin your 3-hour tour.
Take in movie locations linked with Ian Fleming and 007 — including the MI6 building and locations from the Bond film, Spectre — and listen as your guide sheds light on the action behind the scenes of filming.
Along the way, learn how the James Bond films were made and gain insight into the secret world of espionage. Follow in the footsteps of famous Bond stars including Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig, then alight from your minibus by the London Eye to conclude your tour.
(no rating)3h | from £28.00
Tour the muggle capital of London to see film locations used in the acclaimed Harry Potter films on an exciting 3-hour tour! While traveling around the city by luxury coach, visit must-see fictional sites such as Platform 9 ¾ and Number 12, Grimmauld Place. Hear insider gossip about the films from an expert guide, and discover the London landmarks that inspired the Harry Potter books and films to be made.Meet your guide in central London, and hop aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach for your tour of the capital’s best Harry Potter film locations. As you travel, your guide will keep you entertained with tales of Harry Potter wizardry and also show off the familiar London attractions that inspired J K Rowling when she wrote her award-winning books.
Hear insider tales of how the films were made from your guide, and chat with fellow muggles in your group about magic and all-things Harry Potter as you see the sites. Visit Number 12, Grimmauld Place, home of the Black family of wizards in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and as you walk around your guide will regale you with tales of Sirius Black who fought evil Lord Voldemort.
See the site that was used to create the Leaky Cauldron pub, which served as a gateway to Diagon Alley for muggles. Head to Kings Cross Station to see fabled Platform 9 ¾ and pose for pictures in front of the sign as you imagine how Harry leaping through the wall in the first film – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
After three hours of exploring the magical world that Harry Potter lived, in, your tour finishes at King’s Cross station in central London, and your guide will happily point you in the right direction for your on-going travel.
Varies | from £31.50
See the sights of London aboard an open-top, double-decker Big Bus as you admire 360-degree views of top attractions and listen to captivating commentary. Use your 1-, 2-, or 3- days tickets on three different routes, one with an onboard guide and the other with audio narration, and hop on or off at any more than 40 stops around town. A free walking tour ais included with each option, as well as a River Thames cruise.Home to British royalty as well as some of the world’s best-known historical monuments, attractions and landmarks, London is a city with sightseeing opportunities aplenty. Hop aboard an open-top Big Bus to soak up the sights of the beloved English capital and discover its delights at your own pace. Three routes are included with your ticket: the Red Route, which lasts for a full 2.5 hours and includes an onboard guide; the Blue Route, which lasts for a full-loop duration of 3.5 hours with audio commentary; and the Green Route, which includes stops at Covent Garden and the British Museum.
For those who want to take it easy, stay on board for the full loops listening to entertaining commentary as you go. If you want to explore the city on foot, hop on and off wherever, and whenever, you like. Big Bus offers a range of activities to do in between daily rides, including three walking tours and a 30-minute River Thames sightseeing cruise. See the Itinerary for a full list of stops and more information on the included daily activities.
With your Classic (1 day), Premium (2 day), or Deluxe (3 day) pass, the sights to see are endless. Travel to Trafalgar Square to stand in awe of Nelson’s Column, or stretch your legs on a stroll through beautiful Hyde Park. With your camera in hand, hop off your bus near Buckingham Palace to capture sights of the Queen’s London home, and look out for must-see landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and more.
Click on the ‘Additional Info’ button below to see a map of the London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour route.
60m | from £21.00
Unearth London’s gruesome past on this 1-hour ghost bus tour, led by a ghoulishly entertaining guide. See the capital’s sites of murder, execution and torture, and learn about the restless spirits that haunt some of London’s most famous landmarks. From the comfort of a Routemaster — a classic double-decker bus — pass by must-see attractions including St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, and visit lesser-known spots such as the chilling Cross Bones Graveyard.
Choose the evening departure time most convenient to you, then make your own way to the prearranged meeting point near Trafalgar Square in central London. Greet your ghoulish guide, then climb aboard the eerie ghost bus, a classic 1960s Routemaster with a Gothic edge and a dark backstory.
Find a secluded spot in the shadows of the lower deck, or boldly ascend to the top deck and settle into one of the blood red seats. Feel the roar of the engine, and prepare yourself for a thrilling tour of London’s darker side.
As your bus weaves its wicked way through London’s streets, listen to your guide, a somewhat unhinged bus conductor, recount gruesome tales from the capital’s long, depraved past. Feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end as you learn about the Whitehall Mystery, a particularly bloody murder case where neither the victim nor the killer were ever identified, though some believe that Jack the Ripper, London’s most fearsome serial killer, may have been behind it.
Hear spine-chilling stories about the city’s most famous ghosts as you pass by some of London’s must-see attractions including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
Steel yourself as you learn about the ancient royal tombs that were uncovered at Westminster Abbey, the black dog of Newgate Prison, and the demon barber of Fleet Street. You’ll also visit the Cross Bones Graveyard, a pauper's burial ground with a legend that dates back to medieval times.
After around an hour, your tour concludes back at the original start point.
60m | from £20.00
Travel through London’s past, present and future on this entertaining tour of the British capital by vintage bus. Sitting comfortably aboard a tricked-out Routemaster, see top sights such as Big Ben, Downing Street, Tower Bridge and Westminster Abbey. Along the way, be entertained by your expert guide, the eccentric Professor Quantum, whose time traveling tales and fascinating commentary will reveal a new side to the historical city.Make your own way to the prearranged meeting point near Trafalgar Square in central London. Greet your guide, the eccentric Professor Quantum, then climb aboard a classic 1960s Routemaster bus, kitted out (British slang for customized) with time-bending gadgets and mind-boggling devices.
Get comfortable inside the lower deck or find a seat on the top deck, then feel the rumble of the engine and prepare to travel back in time on an entertaining tour of historical London.
Pass by premier sights including the magnificent Neo-Gothic Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married.
Then continue on to Whitehall, the center of the British Government. Pass by Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister, and catch a glimpse of the Horse Guards Parade.
Next, marvel at St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic buildings, and be awed by the monumental Tower of London and Tower Bridge, as well as the more modern sights around the London Bridge area.
As your bus makes its way through the capital’s streets, listen to the professor recount tales of his experiences from the past, present and future, as well as the history behind the sights you see. You’ll also have the opportunity to make contact with famous figures from by-gone times through a fully functioning time phone.
After around an hour, your tour concludes at the original start point.
(no rating)75m | from £21.00
Step onboard a 1960s Routemaster bus that has been transformed into a state of the art open top sightseeing experience. From Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London via the Houses of Parliament, The Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral, see the beautiful city come alive before your eyes. Music and sound effects add to the experience, creating the most entertaining sightseeing tour around.Perfect for days out in London, this tours has been specifically designed to show you all the sights of the city in 75 minutes. This tour gives you a flavor of the swinging sixties on a timeless Routemaster bus, now converted into an open top bus and filled with state of the art technology.
Handpicked by comedy writers and directors, your London tour guides will come from a wide variety of professional entertainment backgrounds. From award winning comedians to the finest tour guides in the city with years of experience, the performers bring you a comedy tour like no other.
The tours provide more than just the finest things to see in London, the buses are equipped with high definition screens and an exclusively designed sound system. With footage of London through the ages and site-specific music and songs, this tour immerses you in the London experience.
3h | from £28.00
Explore sites made famous in the filming of the BBC’s popular ‘Sherlock’ TV series on this 3-hour mini-coach tour in London. Travel through the British capital with a guide and discover sites where scenes from ‘Sherlock’ were filmed. Visit Euston, Southwark, the City and Westminster, and follow in the footsteps of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, the two stars of the hit show. Tour includes live commentary and round-trip travel from central London.Hop aboard your mini-coach in central London at 9:30am, then spin through the city as your guide sheds light on hit BBC TV series Sherlock. Since first airing in 2010, Sherlock has gained a huge audience worldwide for its alternative take on Conan Doyle’s famous detective.
During your 3-hour tour, visit filming locations featured in the first three series of the show such as Euston, the City Southwark, and Westminster. Along the way, hear stories from behind the scenes of filming.
Explore key sites of interest with your guide, and capture famous landmarks and hidden locations featured in Sherlock Holmes’ adventures through the lens of your camera. Afterward, conclude your tour in central London.
(no rating)
4h 30m | from £70.00
See the best of London in an afternoon, with a visit to the Tower of London and a city tour including St Paul's Cathedral. The tour also includes a ticket for a sightseeing cruise from the Tower of London to Westminster Pier, to be used after your tour or another time.Pop in your state-of-the-art Vox headphones as your tour starts and listen to your guide talking clearly about each site. If you want to wander aside and take photos of attractions, you won’t miss any of the commentary!
First stop is a guided tour of Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece, St. Paul's Cathedral. Crowned by the magnificent dome that continues to dominate the London skyline, the cathedral was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666. In recent years it has seen the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer and, most recently, the thanksgiving services for both the Golden Jubilee and 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.
Then it's on to the Tower of London, the ancient fortress steeped in centuries of murder and treason, guarded by jet-black ravens. The splendidly dressed Beefeaters will tell you about the Tower's history, including tragic tales of royals and nobles who met their end within its walls. You'll also see the fabulous Crown Jewels, including the 6,000-year-old Koh-I-Noor diamond and impressive coronation regalia. Before you leave the tower, your guide will hand you a ticket for sightseeing cruise to Westminster Pier. The ticket can be used after your tour, or any other day of your choice (up until March 31, 2016).
You'll then continue by coach to the City of London, that famous square mile where brash new architecture towers above buildings dating back to medieval times. The Romans founded Londinium here 2,000 years ago, and the city's square mile of narrow streets follows the cramped medieval street plan.
You'll see the glorious dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, the elegant Mansion House, home to the Lord Mayor of London, and the nearby Bank of England, known as the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street, at the heart of the City.
St Paul’s Cathedral is closed to the public on Sundays and following dates: December 23 2014, February 4, 18, March 19, April 3 and May 12 2015. On these dates, there will be a photo stop outside the Cathedral and the tour will visit Tower Bridge Exhibition or Banqueting House instead.
1 day | from £48.00
This tour offers a return shuttle service from central London to Stonehenge to watch the sunrise amongst the stones and enjoy the festivities of the Summer Solstice Event.At 1am, you will meet the coach and driver Opposite Earls Court Underground Station, Warwick Road Exit - Please Wait at London Bus Stop C in Front of former/closed Exhibition Centre. (Please note, we cannot hold the coach for late running passengers)
Once all passengers are on board the coach, we will depart for Stonehenge. We are expected to arrive by approximately 2:30am and you will then have free time to explore the Summer Solstice event and watch the sunrise amongst the stones at approximately 4:52am.
At 6:30am, we will depart Stonehenge to arrive back at Earls Court Underground Station for around 9am.
(no rating)8.5 - 9h | from £97.00
See London on a full-day sightseeing tour of the city, led by a guide. Hear the history of top London attractions like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, and receive fast-track entry and a guided tour of St Paul’s Cathedral. After the sightseeing tour, watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace and tour the Tower of London. As a bonus, this experience also includes a one-way River Thames sightseeing cruise, which can be used on the day or another time. Upgrade to include a flexible London Eye ticket to be used on any day you wish.
Meet your guide on board your air-conditioned coach, and then relax as you travel around central London to see the sights. Pass through Parliament Square, seeing the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock, and then travel past Westminster Abbey where Prince William married Kate Middleton in a lavish royal wedding ceremony. Admire prestigious government buildings at Whitehall and Downing Street, and then see the hustle and bustle that surrounds Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square.
Travel to Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the Queen, and walk around in front of the gates to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. Have your camera ready to capture the pomp and pageantry of the Queen’s Foot Guard as they march in their eye-catching red tunics and bearskin hats, and then travel by coach to a traditional London pub in Trafalgar Square.
Rest and refuel with a hearty lunch (own expense), and then continue your day of sightseeing with a visit to the City of London, an area just east of the city center where many of London’s banks can be found. Look out for the sights as your guide explains their history and hop out for fast-track entry and a guided tour of St Paul's Cathedral.
Continue to the Tower of London, and head inside to explore at your leisure. The former prison and fortress, which looks out over the River Thames, was built to terrify potential invaders and Londoners alike. Steeped in centuries of murder and treason, the tower is fascinating to explore with its famous jet-black ravens and Beefeater guides. Should you wish, opt to join one of the complimentary Beefeater tours that run every 30 minutes and hear tragic tales of the royals and nobles who met their end within the tower’s walls.
Before your tour finishes, receive a ticket for a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames, from the Tower of London to Westminster Pier. Upgrade to include an flexible ticket for the London Eye, to used any time you wish.
4 days | from £825.00
Get acquainted with a collection of must-visit British cities on an action-packed 5-day tour from London! Including overnight stays in York, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff, the tour also visits to Stratford-upon-Avon, Chester, Bath and Stonehenge — England’s famous UNESCO-listed stone circle. Combine walking tours with visits to top attractions such as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and enjoy ample free time to explore independently, too.Your 5-day tour introduces you to some of the top cities in England, Scotland and Wales. See the sights on walking tours, and enjoy overnight stays in York, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff. As a bonus, if you travel on August 3, 10 or 17, a standard-seat ticket to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is included. Taking place annually, the evening event draws people from all over the world and features ceremonial marches, traditional music and dancing at the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
Breakfasts are included daily (with the exception of Day 1) and ample free time is allocated for any other meals that are not included. All of your 4-star hotels are located centrally, so you can explore each city with ease in between traveling and excursions.
1 day | from £38.00
Our Cotswolds tour covers one of the most beautiful areas of England. This tour is designed to give you as much time as possible to explore this beautiful area. Included in this day trip is return luxury coach travel, the services of a tour manager plus plenty of free time explore Burford and Bourton on the Water.After your central London pickup, we depart London and head for Burford. Upon arrival in the small picturesque town, you will give given free time to explore. The main street in the town slopes gently down to the river Windrush and is lined with lots of old houses and ancient cottages all of which appear to have not changed since Tudor times .There are also wonderful little side streets to explore, old pubs, tea and antique shops aplenty. You may wish to visit the town’s museum, The Tolsey, an early Tudor building which holds two rooms of exhibits which tell of the trades that once flourished, from brewing, to leatherworking (please note: The museum is open from April to October, afternoons Tuesday to Sunday).
We then will go on to visit Bourton on the Water where you will again have free time to enjoy this beautiful area and grab some lunch (own expense). Bourton-on-the-Water is a village that is know for it's quaint High Street, and the River Windrush that is crossed by several stone bridges. Bourton has been referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds". You may wish to visit The Dragonfly Maze during our stop, and walk round the half a mile of pathways looking out for the 14 numbered clues. Or perhaps you could visit Birdland, and see its nine acres of woodland, river and gardens. The natural setting is inhabited by over 500 birds. Flamingos, pelicans, penguins, storks, and waterfowl can be seen here as well as over 50 aviaries of parrots, falcons, pheasants and many more!
We will then depart Bourton on the Water and begin our journey back to central London. Your tour manager will be sure to point out the villages and views of the countryside during our return drive as well as the exciting history of the area. The will also make stop for photos throughout. Our approximate arrival time back into London is 18:30pm.
90m | from £18.00
Discover London after dark on a 1.5-hour night tour of the city. Traveling by double decker, see top London attractions lit up, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. Learn fascinating facts about these legendary landmarks from your expert guide and hear insider tips on exciting places to visit in the capital at night.Hop on board your double decker at Green Park in central London, and set off on your 1.5-hour night tour. Taking in all of London’s iconic attractions, you’ll see how just magical the capital is at nightfall, with beautifully lit buildings lining its bustling streets.
Pass along London’s Piccadilly, the street that’s home to elegant stores like Fortnum & Mason alongside brash neon billboards, and weave through the borough of Westminster to see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and illuminated boats cruising down the River Thames. Learn about St Paul’s Cathedral from your guide as you pass by, and marvel at its size – the second largest church in the country.
Across the river, watch out for the London Eye, which lights up the city’s Southbank with its colorful nighttime illuminations. Then check out Tower Bridge, one the most photographed nighttime London landmarks; you’ll understand why as you drive past, admiring its golden lights shining out over the river.
Your tour continues to Knightsbridge, the classy neighborhood that’s home to Harrods – London’s best-loved department store. Your guide will point out famous concert halls and museums like the Royal Albert Hall and the Natural History Museum, before returning to Green Park, near the swanky Ritz hotel.
These might include bus tour
More tours
Escorted tours links- Viator.com - Offers a multitude of multi-day trips, from two days exploring beyond London, to three days of Welsh Castles, to five days of Cornwall or a week in the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands.Partner
- Cietours.com - Specialist in British Isles Tours—Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.
- Bmit.com - Specialist in British Isles Tours—Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.
- Gate1travel.com - Good generalist tour company.
- Realadventures.com - Several dozen tours from multiple companies and on various themes across the U.K.Partner
- Ricksteves.com - PBS superstar Rick Steves runs a highly successful tour company that really tries to highlight all the best of the independent travel style espoused in his books and TV show in a group format. I've bumped into several of his tour groups in Europe over the years, and the participants always gush about what a great time they're having. He also keeps his groups smaller than most (24 to 28 travelers versus the 40 to 60 many big companies cram onto the bus), and the smaller the group, the more authentic the experiences each member is going to have (to say nothing of more room on the bus). (Disclosure: I know Rick, but have recommended his product long before that, even if we were once guidebook competitors!)
- Sceptrevacations.com - Escorted and custom group tours of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, plus many great vacation packages.
- Roadscholar.org - The travel company formerly known as Elderhostels (and, briefly, Exploritas) is devoted to "Adventures in lifelong learning," and aimed at travelers 50 and over. These are educational trips, often coordinated by universities, with nearly 70 trips in or including England, Scotland, and Wales. Your days are packed with seminars, lectures, field trips, and sightseeing, all led by academics or expert tour guides. Programs range from one to four weeks. They also offer cruises, intergenerational trips (i.e.: bring the grand kids), and outdoors adventures.
- Abercrombiekent.com - One of the best tour companies in the world—with prices to match! If you can afford it, you will love it.
- Oattravel.com - Small group adventures, with a focus on mature solo travelers.
- Contiki.com - Tours of England, Scotland, and beyond, aimed at younger travelers.Partner
- STA Travel - Tours of England and Scotland aimed at students and other young travelers.Partner
- Goway.com - Good generalist tour and package company.
- Tripmasters.com - Another good generalist tour and package company.
- Smartours.com - Good, basic tour company with a smaller roster of carefully crafted tours at decent prices.
- Brendanvacations.com - Specialists in Ireland and Scotland.
- intrepidtravel.com -
Though rarely do they have U.K. offerings, Intrepid Travel is well worth checking out. it is one of only two only major tour outfits I know (along with G Adventures) of that makes a concerted effort to travel like real independent travelers—small groups (max of 12 people), staying in mom-and-pop accommodations and getting around by public transport rather than a big tour bus.
This fantastic Australian company marries an independent travel style with the expertise of truly knowledgeable guides and a focus on the cultural experience of travel.
Intrepid really does run a different breed of group tour. Let me put it this way: When my parents—who travel widely and on their own and normally would never have even considered taking a group tour—suddenly found themselves with airfare to Japan but no time to plan a trip, I suggested they try booking with Intrepid. They did—and they have raved about it every since. Nearly seven years later, they were still in touch with their guide via email.
Partner - Gadventures.com - G Adventures is an excellent small-group adventurous tour operator. Not much on the U.K. at present—save for a small ship adventure sailing the Scottish islands and Norway coast—but worth checking out.Partner
Activities, walks, & excursions tours- Viator.com - Best one-stop shopping site for all sorts of activities, walking tours, bus tours, escorted day trips, and other excursions. It is actually a clearinghouse for many local tour companies and outfitters, and since it gets a bulk-rate deal on pricing (and takes only a token fee for itself), you can actually sometimes book an activity through Viator for less than it would cost to buy the same exact tour from the tour company itself. (I once booked a Dublin pub crawl via Viator and later discovered that I saved about $1.50; also, the tour turned out to be sold-out, and they were turning away the folks in front of me in line, but since I had a pre-booked voucher I got in.)Partner
- Londonwalks.com - Since the 1970s, the gold standard in city walking tours and museum tours—and cheap, to boot. Just meet your guide at the appointed time and place (usually a Tube stop), pay your £10 (students or over 65s are £8; under 15 free), and prepare for a good two hours of amazing cultural insight and historic anecdotes. If you plan on taking three or more walks, buy a "Frequent London Walker" card for £2 from your first guide, then each subsequent walk costs £8. They also run popular excursions outside London for £18. Note that the fee just covers the guided tour; you pay for any admissions (or, for excursions, travel expenses) yourself.
- Contexttravel.com - This bespoke walking tour company doesn't even call its 200 tour leaders "guides." It calls them "docents"—perhaps because most guides are academics and specialists in their fields: history professors, archeologists, PhDs, art historians, artists, etc. Groups are miniscule (often six people maximum), and most docents can be booked for private guiding sessions as well. They aren't always the cheapest tours, but they are invariably the best. People rave about Context.Partner
- City-discovery.com - Chief rival to Viator (though with a less spiffy interface and often sub-par text descriptions), representing many of the same tours (at the same prices). However, it also seems to cover more destinations, especially secondary ones. When it comes down to it, City-Discovery and Viator have maybe 70% the same inventory, but then 30% will be completely different (some Viator has City-Discovery does not, other vice-versa) so it pays to check through the offerings from both.Partner
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Experiences in London
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This exclusive tour offers passengers a rare opportunity to travel on an original 1960s Routemaster London Bus to a backdrop of live commetary and 60s hit music as we transport you back to one of the most defining decades in 20th Century Britain
Pick-up in Richmond option for those who live closer to West London
This unique tour transports you back to the most defining decade in 20th Century Britain as you pass by iconic music venues and locations on the way to the Cradle of Rock. You’ll see the locations of the Chelsea Drug Store, immortalised in The Rolling Stones’ song ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ and Mary Quant’s boutique ‘Bazaar’ famed inventor of the mini skirt. View the architectural splendour of The Pheasantry, once owned by Eric Clapton in the 60s, the site of ‘Granny Takes a Trip’, the first psychedelic boutique in London who’s customers included Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and many other music legends and socialites of the 60s. Then onto the Half Moon Pub in Putney where, allegedly, live music has been played there every night since 1963 and has hosted the world’s biggest names in folk, blues and rock. Olympic Studios in Barnes has featured more prominently in recording the world’s top bands than any other… including Abbey Road!
You'll take in the homes of celebrated 60s music legends and locations like Twickenham Film Studios where The Beatles filmed ‘HELP!’ and ‘A Hard Day’s Night’. You’ll see where 'Sir' Rod Stewart got his first break and you’ll hear about the famous artists who performed at the Richmond Jazz and Blues Festival between 1961 and 1965 as we stop on the very site and you'll capture the views from the top of Richmond Hill, immortalized in paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds and J. M. W. Turner - it was described by Sir Walter Scott as "an unrivalled landscape". The view from the north side of Richmond Hill was protected by an Act of Parliament in 1902.
In addition to live commentary from your friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, they will play 60s hit music by the seminal artists who regularly performed at local venues such as The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, The Beatles, Elton John, The Yardbirds, David Bowie, The Who, Cream, Pink Floyd, The Kinks, Manfred Mann, The Animals, Genesis, Long John Baldry, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Mott The Hoople.
Keep your eyes out for the occasional music celebrity hopping aboard to share some amazing 60s memories. Recent guests have included Steve Hackett (Genesis), John Fiddler (Medicine Head), (Atomic Rooster), Don Craine (Downliners Sect) Derek Griffiths (The Artwoods), John Gieves-Watson (The Temperance Seven & Bob Kerr's Whoopee Band), Mike Berry, Debi Doss (The Buggles and Kinks backing singer) Phil Lanzon (Uriah Heep) and Peter French (Atomic Rooster).
Hop aboard a vintage red double-decker bus, and then sit back and relax on a sightseeing tour of London. On a route around the city center, watch out for iconic London monuments like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey — where Prince William married Kate Middleton in 2011. Listen to details of each sight’s history from your guide.
Pass St Paul's Cathedral, a much-loved Baroque cathedral that has hosted countless services for London’s dignitaries over the years, and hear details of significant occasions, such as the wedding of Lady Diana to Prince Charles, from your guide.
Amble down to the banks of the Thames River for a photo stop outside the Tower of London. Designed to terrify Londoners while deterring foreign invaders, the formidable-looking tower is now home to the Crown Jewels and the famous Beefeater guards who protect them.
Walk along the river to Tower Pier and hop aboard a sightseeing boat for a leisurely cruise to Westminster. Sit out on deck or relax in the comfy seats in the saloon, listening to audio commentary about all the sites that you pass. Cruise under London Bridge, gaze at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and see the London Eye just across the river.
Next, head to the Queen’s famous residence — Buckingham Palace — and see the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony from outside the palace gates. In time to drumbeats from a military band, soldiers from the Queen’s Foot Guard march to Buckingham Palace in their eye-catching red tunics and bearskin hats.
Watch this traditional ceremony, your tour will then conclude near Victoria Railway Station in central London. Upgrade to include a delicious fish and chips lunch in a central London pub.
Relax on board your open-top bus as you travel around central London and see the sights. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye are just a few of the landmarks you might see.
Hop off your bus near the Tower of London, and pose for photos in front of the formidable monument. Hear how the tower is now home to the world-famous Crown Jewels, and admire the smartly dressed Beefeater guards who protect them.
Walk along the river to Tower Pier and board a Thames River sightseeing boat for your 1-hour afternoon tea cruise to Westminster. Sit out on deck or relax in the comfy seats in the saloon, and listen to audio commentary about all the sites. Cruise under London Bridge, gaze at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and take in beautiful views of the London Eye just across the river.
No visit to London is complete without sampling a cup of tea alongside quintessentially British scones with jam and clotted cream. So do just that, and enjoy the sweet treats and a glass of Champagne, too.
When your cruise ends, travel back to the start point by coach.
Enjoy great views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye as we meander through the streets and history of our great city, all brought to life by our expert guide.
Take your seat on our beautifully restored double-decker bus and marvel at all of London’s highlights, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, all brought to life by our expert guide.
Have your cameras at the ready as we stop for photos at Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral where Admirals Nelson and Wellington are buried and where Princess Diana was married. Then join us at the Tower of London that was built nearly a thousand years ago and is now home to the Crown Jewels protected by the famous Beefeaters. The imposing former palace was once used as a fortress and a prison and your guide will take you to see Traitors Gate where prisoners entered the Tower for the last time!
Take your place for an unforgettable traditional Christmas lunch cruise for the finest festive dining experience you will find on the Thames. With a luxurious 3 course menu and an elegant, seasonal atmosphere, we promise you’ll never know another Christmas like it.
Red double-decker Routemaster buses are a much-loved London icon, and the only way to tour London.
Other famous London landmarks you'll see include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.
Next, you'll jump onboard a Thames River Cruise to see all of the famous London landmarks and bridges from a different perspective. The cruise passes Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle and London Bridge before you arrive at Westminster pier to rejoin the bus and head for Buckingham Palace.
Watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony as the soldiers, dressed in their fabulous tunics and busbies, march to military music. If the guard change is not taking place, you will stop for photos of the Horseguards.
Add one of the following attractions for a comprehensive introduction to the city of London:
Top London Attractions:
Enjoy fast, hassle-free entry to the London Eye or Tower of London. Pre-booked and pre-paid tickets ensure speedy access to London’s top attractions.
Stonehenge Shuttle:
Combine the tour with an afternoon visit to Stonehenge. After the morning tour of London, you'll be dropped off at Victoria Coach Station ready to depart on the roundtrip shuttle bus (5 hours) to Stonehenge at 12:30pm. Designed to give you a fast, hassle-free independent trip to Stonehenge, collect your entrance tickets (included in the tour price!) and free audio-guide before exploring at your own pace.
Even better, why not upgrade and include transport with your London Pass? Choose from a 1-, 2-, 3- or 6- day sightseeing pass with Oyster Travelcard included and see the highlights of England’s cosmopolitan capital with ease.
With the London Pass, save both time and money as you skip admission lines with fast-track entrance and enjoy free entry to more than 60 top London attractions. There is no need to use cash – simply show your London Pass for fast and easy entry to London’s most popular sites.
Choose from a 1-, 2-, 3-,6- day pass, plus enjoy discounts on your shopping and dining. Keen to explore the city in the most hassle-free way? Upgrade your London Pass to include a Oyster Travelcard. Competitively priced, the upgrade option allows journeys made on the London Underground, London Overground, buses and Dockland Light Railway.
London Pass includes:
- A 120-page London guidebook
- Public transport in travel zones 1-6 for the validity of your pass (if Oyster upgrade option selected)
- Free entry to 60 attractions (see Itinerary)
- Discounts and benefits at selected London restaurants, theaters and shops
- Fast-track entrance to many top London-area attractions, like Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London
Special Offer - Buy one 3-Day Pass (excluding travelcard) to save up to 54% on London admissions, compared to booking attractions separately.
There are similar savings to be made on the 1-Day, 2-Day and 6-Day Passes (excluding travelcards)! - Book Now!
Enjoy a 3-hour mini coach tour of Beatles locations in central London including Abbey Road and Trident Studios. This guided, small-group tour (of no more than 15) will show you their hangouts, gig locations and much more. In total, you will see over 30 Beatles related sites on this magical mystery tour around London.
Meet your guide at Sloane Square Tube Station at 2pm and start your journey into the Beatles world. You will experience the most comprehensive tour of Beatles sites in London on this bus adventure into the world of John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Trace the rise of the world’s first supergroup and learn all about Beatles history. You’ll have the chance to get off the bus on several occasions, take pictures and see the sites up close.
See over 30 Beatles related sites including the home of John, Paul and Ringo, the studios where they recorded many of their famous tracks, some of the famous locations where they played live gigs including the famous rooftop concert. You will also visit sites featured in album covers, photo-shoots, and even film locations from Help! and A Hard Days Night.
During the tour you will hear Beatles tracks as you travel through the London of the Fab Four and to a time when the boys from Liverpool ruled the world of music. Your Beatles tour ends at 5pm back at Sloane Square Tube Station.
Begin at St. Pancras International, a tour representative will meet you at 5.45am (5.15am on Saturdays), you’ll swap your voucher for an informative welcome pack.
When you arrive at Gare du Nord Station in Paris, make your way to the Open Top Bus stop, situated outside the station at 10 boulevard de denain: Eurostar et Thalys. See the true beauty of Paris as you drive past the Champs–Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. You have the option to hop off and ascend the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views across Paris (not included).
After a fantastic day spent exploring Paris, make your own way back to Gare Du Nord. Your departure time from Gare du Nord Station is 8:13pm, arriving in London at 9:29pm.
Standard Premier option: (optional extra) includes a light meal and refreshments served at your seat on the Eurostar
Discover London at your leisure with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket that includes a 20-minute Thames riverboat ride and 2-hour walking tour. Enjoy included Wi-Fi and audio commentary in your choice of eight languages as you see sights from St. Paul's Cathedral and Big Ben to the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace, taking the time to explore whatever interests you.
Stop at one of your local operator's central locations, which include Victoria, King's Cross, Leicester Square, and Paddington, to convert your voucher into a ticket. That's good for 24 consecutive hours of hop-on, hop-off bus travel, covering over 60 stops on three routes, as well as a walking tour and Thames boat ride.
Take your time to explore London at your leisure, seeing the sights you want and traveling with ease between the main tourist areas. The buses visit all the classic London attractions, from Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and much, much more (see itinerary for route details).
Multilingual audio guides are available on all routes in English, Brazilian Portuguese, Mandarin, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. The classic Blue Route, covering London's highlights, features a live, English-speaking guide. Open-top buses also offer free Wi-Fi.
Your ticket includes your choice of two 2-hour walking tours: the Royal Walking Tour, covering the royal family's favorite places to escape within the capital, and the Beatles London Walking Tour, exploring places where the iconic British band worked and played. The Royal Walking Tour starts from Leicester Square at 10am daily and finishes in Westminster at 12pm; the Beatles London Walking Tour starts from Leicester Square at 1pm daily and finishes there at 3pm.
Also on the menu is a 20-minute riverboat ride, giving an alternative perspective on some of the London sights you've seen from the bus. You can ride from Embankment or London Eye to Tower Pier (home of Tower Bridge), or from Tower Pier to London Eye or Embankment: boats start before 7am and run until after 9pm on weekdays, starting soon after 9am on weekends. Timetables, route maps, and further information will be available when you collect your ticket.
Hop aboard your minibus at 10:30am near Temple tube station in central London, then spin through the city streets to begin your 3-hour tour.
Take in movie locations linked with Ian Fleming and 007 — including the MI6 building and locations from the Bond film, Spectre — and listen as your guide sheds light on the action behind the scenes of filming.
Along the way, learn how the James Bond films were made and gain insight into the secret world of espionage. Follow in the footsteps of famous Bond stars including Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig, then alight from your minibus by the London Eye to conclude your tour.
Meet your guide in central London, and hop aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach for your tour of the capital’s best Harry Potter film locations. As you travel, your guide will keep you entertained with tales of Harry Potter wizardry and also show off the familiar London attractions that inspired J K Rowling when she wrote her award-winning books.
Hear insider tales of how the films were made from your guide, and chat with fellow muggles in your group about magic and all-things Harry Potter as you see the sites. Visit Number 12, Grimmauld Place, home of the Black family of wizards in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and as you walk around your guide will regale you with tales of Sirius Black who fought evil Lord Voldemort.
See the site that was used to create the Leaky Cauldron pub, which served as a gateway to Diagon Alley for muggles. Head to Kings Cross Station to see fabled Platform 9 ¾ and pose for pictures in front of the sign as you imagine how Harry leaping through the wall in the first film – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
After three hours of exploring the magical world that Harry Potter lived, in, your tour finishes at King’s Cross station in central London, and your guide will happily point you in the right direction for your on-going travel.
Home to British royalty as well as some of the world’s best-known historical monuments, attractions and landmarks, London is a city with sightseeing opportunities aplenty. Hop aboard an open-top Big Bus to soak up the sights of the beloved English capital and discover its delights at your own pace. Three routes are included with your ticket: the Red Route, which lasts for a full 2.5 hours and includes an onboard guide; the Blue Route, which lasts for a full-loop duration of 3.5 hours with audio commentary; and the Green Route, which includes stops at Covent Garden and the British Museum.
For those who want to take it easy, stay on board for the full loops listening to entertaining commentary as you go. If you want to explore the city on foot, hop on and off wherever, and whenever, you like. Big Bus offers a range of activities to do in between daily rides, including three walking tours and a 30-minute River Thames sightseeing cruise. See the Itinerary for a full list of stops and more information on the included daily activities.
With your Classic (1 day), Premium (2 day), or Deluxe (3 day) pass, the sights to see are endless. Travel to Trafalgar Square to stand in awe of Nelson’s Column, or stretch your legs on a stroll through beautiful Hyde Park. With your camera in hand, hop off your bus near Buckingham Palace to capture sights of the Queen’s London home, and look out for must-see landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and more.
Click on the ‘Additional Info’ button below to see a map of the London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour route.
Choose the evening departure time most convenient to you, then make your own way to the prearranged meeting point near Trafalgar Square in central London. Greet your ghoulish guide, then climb aboard the eerie ghost bus, a classic 1960s Routemaster with a Gothic edge and a dark backstory.
Find a secluded spot in the shadows of the lower deck, or boldly ascend to the top deck and settle into one of the blood red seats. Feel the roar of the engine, and prepare yourself for a thrilling tour of London’s darker side.
As your bus weaves its wicked way through London’s streets, listen to your guide, a somewhat unhinged bus conductor, recount gruesome tales from the capital’s long, depraved past. Feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end as you learn about the Whitehall Mystery, a particularly bloody murder case where neither the victim nor the killer were ever identified, though some believe that Jack the Ripper, London’s most fearsome serial killer, may have been behind it.
Hear spine-chilling stories about the city’s most famous ghosts as you pass by some of London’s must-see attractions including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
Steel yourself as you learn about the ancient royal tombs that were uncovered at Westminster Abbey, the black dog of Newgate Prison, and the demon barber of Fleet Street. You’ll also visit the Cross Bones Graveyard, a pauper's burial ground with a legend that dates back to medieval times.
After around an hour, your tour concludes back at the original start point.
Make your own way to the prearranged meeting point near Trafalgar Square in central London. Greet your guide, the eccentric Professor Quantum, then climb aboard a classic 1960s Routemaster bus, kitted out (British slang for customized) with time-bending gadgets and mind-boggling devices.
Get comfortable inside the lower deck or find a seat on the top deck, then feel the rumble of the engine and prepare to travel back in time on an entertaining tour of historical London.
Pass by premier sights including the magnificent Neo-Gothic Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married.
Then continue on to Whitehall, the center of the British Government. Pass by Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister, and catch a glimpse of the Horse Guards Parade.
Next, marvel at St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic buildings, and be awed by the monumental Tower of London and Tower Bridge, as well as the more modern sights around the London Bridge area.
As your bus makes its way through the capital’s streets, listen to the professor recount tales of his experiences from the past, present and future, as well as the history behind the sights you see. You’ll also have the opportunity to make contact with famous figures from by-gone times through a fully functioning time phone.
After around an hour, your tour concludes at the original start point.
Perfect for days out in London, this tours has been specifically designed to show you all the sights of the city in 75 minutes. This tour gives you a flavor of the swinging sixties on a timeless Routemaster bus, now converted into an open top bus and filled with state of the art technology.
Handpicked by comedy writers and directors, your London tour guides will come from a wide variety of professional entertainment backgrounds. From award winning comedians to the finest tour guides in the city with years of experience, the performers bring you a comedy tour like no other.
The tours provide more than just the finest things to see in London, the buses are equipped with high definition screens and an exclusively designed sound system. With footage of London through the ages and site-specific music and songs, this tour immerses you in the London experience.
Hop aboard your mini-coach in central London at 9:30am, then spin through the city as your guide sheds light on hit BBC TV series Sherlock. Since first airing in 2010, Sherlock has gained a huge audience worldwide for its alternative take on Conan Doyle’s famous detective.
During your 3-hour tour, visit filming locations featured in the first three series of the show such as Euston, the City Southwark, and Westminster. Along the way, hear stories from behind the scenes of filming.
Explore key sites of interest with your guide, and capture famous landmarks and hidden locations featured in Sherlock Holmes’ adventures through the lens of your camera. Afterward, conclude your tour in central London.
Pop in your state-of-the-art Vox headphones as your tour starts and listen to your guide talking clearly about each site. If you want to wander aside and take photos of attractions, you won’t miss any of the commentary!
First stop is a guided tour of Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece, St. Paul's Cathedral. Crowned by the magnificent dome that continues to dominate the London skyline, the cathedral was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666. In recent years it has seen the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer and, most recently, the thanksgiving services for both the Golden Jubilee and 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.
Then it's on to the Tower of London, the ancient fortress steeped in centuries of murder and treason, guarded by jet-black ravens. The splendidly dressed Beefeaters will tell you about the Tower's history, including tragic tales of royals and nobles who met their end within its walls. You'll also see the fabulous Crown Jewels, including the 6,000-year-old Koh-I-Noor diamond and impressive coronation regalia. Before you leave the tower, your guide will hand you a ticket for sightseeing cruise to Westminster Pier. The ticket can be used after your tour, or any other day of your choice (up until March 31, 2016).
You'll then continue by coach to the City of London, that famous square mile where brash new architecture towers above buildings dating back to medieval times. The Romans founded Londinium here 2,000 years ago, and the city's square mile of narrow streets follows the cramped medieval street plan.
You'll see the glorious dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, the elegant Mansion House, home to the Lord Mayor of London, and the nearby Bank of England, known as the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street, at the heart of the City.
St Paul’s Cathedral is closed to the public on Sundays and following dates: December 23 2014, February 4, 18, March 19, April 3 and May 12 2015. On these dates, there will be a photo stop outside the Cathedral and the tour will visit Tower Bridge Exhibition or Banqueting House instead.
At 1am, you will meet the coach and driver Opposite Earls Court Underground Station, Warwick Road Exit - Please Wait at London Bus Stop C in Front of former/closed Exhibition Centre. (Please note, we cannot hold the coach for late running passengers)
Once all passengers are on board the coach, we will depart for Stonehenge. We are expected to arrive by approximately 2:30am and you will then have free time to explore the Summer Solstice event and watch the sunrise amongst the stones at approximately 4:52am.
At 6:30am, we will depart Stonehenge to arrive back at Earls Court Underground Station for around 9am.
See London on a full-day sightseeing tour of the city, led by a guide. Hear the history of top London attractions like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, and receive fast-track entry and a guided tour of St Paul’s Cathedral. After the sightseeing tour, watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace and tour the Tower of London. As a bonus, this experience also includes a one-way River Thames sightseeing cruise, which can be used on the day or another time. Upgrade to include a flexible London Eye ticket to be used on any day you wish.
Meet your guide on board your air-conditioned coach, and then relax as you travel around central London to see the sights. Pass through Parliament Square, seeing the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock, and then travel past Westminster Abbey where Prince William married Kate Middleton in a lavish royal wedding ceremony. Admire prestigious government buildings at Whitehall and Downing Street, and then see the hustle and bustle that surrounds Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square.
Travel to Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the Queen, and walk around in front of the gates to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. Have your camera ready to capture the pomp and pageantry of the Queen’s Foot Guard as they march in their eye-catching red tunics and bearskin hats, and then travel by coach to a traditional London pub in Trafalgar Square.
Rest and refuel with a hearty lunch (own expense), and then continue your day of sightseeing with a visit to the City of London, an area just east of the city center where many of London’s banks can be found. Look out for the sights as your guide explains their history and hop out for fast-track entry and a guided tour of St Paul's Cathedral.
Continue to the Tower of London, and head inside to explore at your leisure. The former prison and fortress, which looks out over the River Thames, was built to terrify potential invaders and Londoners alike. Steeped in centuries of murder and treason, the tower is fascinating to explore with its famous jet-black ravens and Beefeater guides. Should you wish, opt to join one of the complimentary Beefeater tours that run every 30 minutes and hear tragic tales of the royals and nobles who met their end within the tower’s walls.
Before your tour finishes, receive a ticket for a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames, from the Tower of London to Westminster Pier. Upgrade to include an flexible ticket for the London Eye, to used any time you wish.
Your 5-day tour introduces you to some of the top cities in England, Scotland and Wales. See the sights on walking tours, and enjoy overnight stays in York, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff. As a bonus, if you travel on August 3, 10 or 17, a standard-seat ticket to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is included. Taking place annually, the evening event draws people from all over the world and features ceremonial marches, traditional music and dancing at the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
Breakfasts are included daily (with the exception of Day 1) and ample free time is allocated for any other meals that are not included. All of your 4-star hotels are located centrally, so you can explore each city with ease in between traveling and excursions.
After your central London pickup, we depart London and head for Burford. Upon arrival in the small picturesque town, you will give given free time to explore. The main street in the town slopes gently down to the river Windrush and is lined with lots of old houses and ancient cottages all of which appear to have not changed since Tudor times .There are also wonderful little side streets to explore, old pubs, tea and antique shops aplenty. You may wish to visit the town’s museum, The Tolsey, an early Tudor building which holds two rooms of exhibits which tell of the trades that once flourished, from brewing, to leatherworking (please note: The museum is open from April to October, afternoons Tuesday to Sunday).
We then will go on to visit Bourton on the Water where you will again have free time to enjoy this beautiful area and grab some lunch (own expense). Bourton-on-the-Water is a village that is know for it's quaint High Street, and the River Windrush that is crossed by several stone bridges. Bourton has been referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds". You may wish to visit The Dragonfly Maze during our stop, and walk round the half a mile of pathways looking out for the 14 numbered clues. Or perhaps you could visit Birdland, and see its nine acres of woodland, river and gardens. The natural setting is inhabited by over 500 birds. Flamingos, pelicans, penguins, storks, and waterfowl can be seen here as well as over 50 aviaries of parrots, falcons, pheasants and many more!
We will then depart Bourton on the Water and begin our journey back to central London. Your tour manager will be sure to point out the villages and views of the countryside during our return drive as well as the exciting history of the area. The will also make stop for photos throughout. Our approximate arrival time back into London is 18:30pm.
Hop on board your double decker at Green Park in central London, and set off on your 1.5-hour night tour. Taking in all of London’s iconic attractions, you’ll see how just magical the capital is at nightfall, with beautifully lit buildings lining its bustling streets.
Pass along London’s Piccadilly, the street that’s home to elegant stores like Fortnum & Mason alongside brash neon billboards, and weave through the borough of Westminster to see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and illuminated boats cruising down the River Thames. Learn about St Paul’s Cathedral from your guide as you pass by, and marvel at its size – the second largest church in the country.
Across the river, watch out for the London Eye, which lights up the city’s Southbank with its colorful nighttime illuminations. Then check out Tower Bridge, one the most photographed nighttime London landmarks; you’ll understand why as you drive past, admiring its golden lights shining out over the river.
Your tour continues to Knightsbridge, the classy neighborhood that’s home to Harrods – London’s best-loved department store. Your guide will point out famous concert halls and museums like the Royal Albert Hall and the Natural History Museum, before returning to Green Park, near the swanky Ritz hotel.
- Viator.com - Offers a multitude of multi-day trips, from two days exploring beyond London, to three days of Welsh Castles, to five days of Cornwall or a week in the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands.Partner
- Cietours.com - Specialist in British Isles Tours—Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.
- Bmit.com - Specialist in British Isles Tours—Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.
- Gate1travel.com - Good generalist tour company.
- Realadventures.com - Several dozen tours from multiple companies and on various themes across the U.K.Partner
- Ricksteves.com - PBS superstar Rick Steves runs a highly successful tour company that really tries to highlight all the best of the independent travel style espoused in his books and TV show in a group format. I've bumped into several of his tour groups in Europe over the years, and the participants always gush about what a great time they're having. He also keeps his groups smaller than most (24 to 28 travelers versus the 40 to 60 many big companies cram onto the bus), and the smaller the group, the more authentic the experiences each member is going to have (to say nothing of more room on the bus). (Disclosure: I know Rick, but have recommended his product long before that, even if we were once guidebook competitors!)
- Sceptrevacations.com - Escorted and custom group tours of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, plus many great vacation packages.
- Roadscholar.org - The travel company formerly known as Elderhostels (and, briefly, Exploritas) is devoted to "Adventures in lifelong learning," and aimed at travelers 50 and over. These are educational trips, often coordinated by universities, with nearly 70 trips in or including England, Scotland, and Wales. Your days are packed with seminars, lectures, field trips, and sightseeing, all led by academics or expert tour guides. Programs range from one to four weeks. They also offer cruises, intergenerational trips (i.e.: bring the grand kids), and outdoors adventures.
- Abercrombiekent.com - One of the best tour companies in the world—with prices to match! If you can afford it, you will love it.
- Oattravel.com - Small group adventures, with a focus on mature solo travelers.
- Contiki.com - Tours of England, Scotland, and beyond, aimed at younger travelers.Partner
- STA Travel - Tours of England and Scotland aimed at students and other young travelers.Partner
- Goway.com - Good generalist tour and package company.
- Tripmasters.com - Another good generalist tour and package company.
- Smartours.com - Good, basic tour company with a smaller roster of carefully crafted tours at decent prices.
- Brendanvacations.com - Specialists in Ireland and Scotland.
- intrepidtravel.com -
Though rarely do they have U.K. offerings, Intrepid Travel is well worth checking out. it is one of only two only major tour outfits I know (along with G Adventures) of that makes a concerted effort to travel like real independent travelers—small groups (max of 12 people), staying in mom-and-pop accommodations and getting around by public transport rather than a big tour bus.
This fantastic Australian company marries an independent travel style with the expertise of truly knowledgeable guides and a focus on the cultural experience of travel.
Intrepid really does run a different breed of group tour. Let me put it this way: When my parents—who travel widely and on their own and normally would never have even considered taking a group tour—suddenly found themselves with airfare to Japan but no time to plan a trip, I suggested they try booking with Intrepid. They did—and they have raved about it every since. Nearly seven years later, they were still in touch with their guide via email.
Partner - Gadventures.com - G Adventures is an excellent small-group adventurous tour operator. Not much on the U.K. at present—save for a small ship adventure sailing the Scottish islands and Norway coast—but worth checking out.Partner
- Viator.com - Best one-stop shopping site for all sorts of activities, walking tours, bus tours, escorted day trips, and other excursions. It is actually a clearinghouse for many local tour companies and outfitters, and since it gets a bulk-rate deal on pricing (and takes only a token fee for itself), you can actually sometimes book an activity through Viator for less than it would cost to buy the same exact tour from the tour company itself. (I once booked a Dublin pub crawl via Viator and later discovered that I saved about $1.50; also, the tour turned out to be sold-out, and they were turning away the folks in front of me in line, but since I had a pre-booked voucher I got in.)Partner
- Londonwalks.com - Since the 1970s, the gold standard in city walking tours and museum tours—and cheap, to boot. Just meet your guide at the appointed time and place (usually a Tube stop), pay your £10 (students or over 65s are £8; under 15 free), and prepare for a good two hours of amazing cultural insight and historic anecdotes. If you plan on taking three or more walks, buy a "Frequent London Walker" card for £2 from your first guide, then each subsequent walk costs £8. They also run popular excursions outside London for £18. Note that the fee just covers the guided tour; you pay for any admissions (or, for excursions, travel expenses) yourself.
- Contexttravel.com - This bespoke walking tour company doesn't even call its 200 tour leaders "guides." It calls them "docents"—perhaps because most guides are academics and specialists in their fields: history professors, archeologists, PhDs, art historians, artists, etc. Groups are miniscule (often six people maximum), and most docents can be booked for private guiding sessions as well. They aren't always the cheapest tours, but they are invariably the best. People rave about Context.Partner
- City-discovery.com - Chief rival to Viator (though with a less spiffy interface and often sub-par text descriptions), representing many of the same tours (at the same prices). However, it also seems to cover more destinations, especially secondary ones. When it comes down to it, City-Discovery and Viator have maybe 70% the same inventory, but then 30% will be completely different (some Viator has City-Discovery does not, other vice-versa) so it pays to check through the offerings from both.Partner