If you’re looking for the best things to do in London but are unsure where to begin, consider a guided tour of the city. Many sightseeing excursions cover the iconic landmarks (think: Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge), while other London tours focus on “Harry Potter,” Jack the Ripper and day trips to Stonehenge. Read on to discover the best tours and excursions in and around London.
Price: Adults from 133 pounds (about $173); kids from 123 pounds (about $160)
Duration: 9 hours
This full-day bus tour packs in an impressive number of London’s must-see sights, with free time to explore at each stop.
We boarded at Victoria Coach Station before ambling through Westminster, getting up-close views of honey-hued Parliament Square – framed by the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey – from the bus.
From there it was on to St. Paul’s Cathedral, where we were given a guided tour of this chandelier-bedecked marvel as our English guide shared intriguing facts about its history.
Next up was Buckingham Palace, where our guide timed the visit so we’d catch the changing of the guard.
Our next stop was the Tower of London, where we had a brief lunch break and guided orientation before having a couple of hours to roam freely. Most of the tour group made an immediate beeline for the crown jewels, eyes goggling at the impressive collection of diamond encrusted crowns and gold chalices. We rounded off the day with a cruise along the Thames. The tour ended at the London Eye, where several in the group had opted for an add-on whirl on the wheel, and a few left for cream tea at Harrod’s (two activities included in the upgraded ticket option).
Tours run daily from 7:45 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m. It’s worth noting the changing of the guard only takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, so if you’re hoping to catch it, book the tour for one of those days (and while guides will do their best to accommodate seeing the changing of the guard, there’s never a guarantee).
Good to know:
- You’ll be on your feet a fair amount, so it’s best to wear comfy shoes.
- You’ll also want to pack light – in the morning, you can leave things on the bus, but when you get off at the Tower of London, you’ll need to take everything with you, as the rest of the tour is on foot and by boat.
- You’ll have to wait in line for the crown jewels, but it’s worth the wait!

Why we love it:
- Beyond the official stops, our guide pointed out plenty of other intriguing spots along the way – from Downing Street, official home of the prime minister, to Fleet Street, the former epicenter of British journalism, and the West End, the biggest theater district in the world. Despite having grown up in and around the city, I gleaned plenty of new historical facts myself, and spotted things I’d never noticed before (including the building that served as Gringotts Wizarding Bank in the “Harry Potter” movies).
- The tour ticket covers the cost of entry for St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the river cruise.
- The guide also gave us plenty of other tips – such as when to come to see the dress rehearsals for the Trooping the Color (the king’s official birthday) – and pointed out a good fish and chip shop by the Tower of London for a classic British lunch.
Duration: 1 hour
Previous travelers highly recommend taking the Yeoman Warder Tours that are included with admission to to the Tower of London. The Yeoman Warders (also known as “Beefeaters”) share fascinating stories about the tower’s history as a fortress and prison. The outing is regarded as one of the best Tower of London tours. Note that some parts of the tour can be scary for young children.
The Tower of London is open daily and tours take place every 30 minutes.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Price: Adults from 56 pounds ($73); kids from 45 pounds ($59)
Duration: 3.5 to 7 hours
If you’re a fan of “Harry Potter,” you already know that this London tour is a must. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter offers a behind-the-scenes look at sets, props and costumes used in the film franchise. Walk through the Great Hall – which is set for dinner – and explore Diagon Alley and Platform 9 3/4.
Other exhibits include Creature Effects, where you can see how characters like Buckbeak the Hippogriff and Aragog were brought to life. You can even enjoy a butterbeer in the Backlot Café. Special exhibits are also displayed throughout the year and around the holidays.
Plan to spend at least half a day to fully experience the collection and discover its intricate details. Themed packages and add-on experiences are also available, as are tours that include transportation to Warner Bros. Studio.
Price: From 25 pounds (about $33)
Duration: 2 hours
Discover where legendary musicians and bands including David Bowie, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones got their start on this music-themed tour of London. The tour includes a visit to Denmark Street – known as “Britain’s Tin Pan Alley” for its music shops and studios – and concludes with a beer at a local rock ’n’ roll-inspired pub. Previous patrons say they thoroughly enjoyed this small-group tour, noting that the guides are excellent storytellers.
Tours depart at 11 a.m. daily.
Price: Adults from 179 pounds (about $232); kids from 169 pounds (about $219)
Duration: 11 hours
Depart London for a “Downton Abbey”-themed tour with International Friends. On this daylong excursion, you’ll visit the charming Cotswolds – known as Yorkshire in the TV series and films – and the village of Bampton (Downton Village). You’ll also visit Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey. Previous tourgoers say this tour is a must for any “Downton Abbey” fan, with some calling it the highlight of their London vacation.
Tours are offered between April and October on dates that Highclere Castle is open to the public.

Courtesy of Secret Food Tours
Price: Adults from 90 pounds (about $117); kids from 80 pounds (about $104)
Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours
British food often gets a bad reputation, but this tour will change your mind. You’ll visit seven different eateries, sampling everything from sausage rolls to sticky toffee pudding.
The tour begins at bustling Borough Market, where you’ll snack on a bacon and egg bap (the U.K. version of a breakfast sandwich) as your guide tells you about the history of the market, as well as an overview of the city’s history and culture. Other stops include a historic pub for a cheese tasting paired with English cider. And – as is standard on a Secret Food Tour – there will be a secret dish offered somewhere along the way.
As you eat your way through London, you’ll also enjoy great views of the city skyline, London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Past participants appreciate the quantity and quality of food provided, as well as the entertaining guides.
Tours depart several times a day beginning at 10:30 a.m. Secret Food Tours also offers Indian food tours and Camden Market food tours, among other options.
Price: From 29 pounds (about $38)
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
If the idea of walking – and drinking – in the footsteps of literary luminaries like Shakespeare and Dickens seems appealing, this is the tour for you. On the Drink London Tour, you’ll stroll along the “Street of Shame” (Fleet Street) for approximately 2 miles and stop in at least four historic pubs, some centuries old. You’ll stroll by St. Paul’s Cathedral, peek into secluded courtyards and listen to tales about Sweeney Todd. Travelers love the stories the guides share just as much as they enjoy drinking the local brews.
Note that the cost of drinks is not included, and reservations are required for this tour. Participants must be at least 18 years old. If you’re traveling with a group, consider one of Liquid History Tours’ private excursions.
Price: Adults from 59.95 pounds (about $78); kids from 49.95 pounds (about $65)
Duration: 50 minutes
The Ultimate London Adventure tour is a sightseeing cruise like no other. As your actor-turned-guide narrates your trip, you’ll take in iconic sights along the Thames, such as the Tate Modern, the Gherkin and the Houses of Parliament. Once you get under the Tower Bridge, the speedboat captain ramps up to speeds of 30 knots (35 mph) and takes you on a thrilling ride as music blasts and passengers shriek. Tourgoers describe it as an exhilarating, fantastic experience.
Tours depart several times daily. Keep in mind: From November through January, tours are only offered Thursday through Sunday. Thames Rockets also offers adults-only evening rides, as well as longer 80-minute cruises, among other options.
Price: Adults from 39.95 pounds (about $52); kids from 29.95 pounds (about $39)
Duration: 3 hours
Travelers consistently give the London Bicycle Tour Company high marks for its fun guides who are vigilant about ensuring riders’ safety. On the Classic Tour – which travels about 8 miles – you’ll breeze past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Banksy Tunnel (where you’ll likely witness artists at work) and other local landmarks. Your tour guide will offer commentary and give you plenty of time to stop and take photos.
Tours are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. Children need to be at least 10 years old and stable riders to participate.
To admire the city lights at night, consider the company’s daily sunset ride.
Price: Adults from 25 pounds (about $33); kids from 17 pounds (about $22)
Duration: 75 minutes
Ride a vintage double-decker bus for a spooky peek into London’s lesser-known history with Ghost Bus Tours. Mixing horror with a fair bit of comedy – an aspect reviewers love – the actors-turned-guides describe the haunted history of top attractions, such as the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, among other famous landmarks. Both visitors and locals value the obscure stories guides share.
Tours run several times each evening, though departure times vary by day.

Courtesy of Jack the Ripper Tour
Price: Adults from 19 pounds (about $25); kids from 11 pounds (about $17)
Duration: 2 hours
This offbeat Jack the Ripper tour has a unique spin: the company uses what it calls “Ripper-Vision” to tell the story of the notorious murderer. A hand-held projector, “Ripper-Vision” displays pictures on walls and sides of buildings throughout the tour, allowing the guides to show (and tell) all about the infamous serial killer.
You’ll visit the actual murder sites where Jack the Ripper commited his crimes, and will get a glimpse of what London was like in the late 1800s. Tourgoers say guides are informative, entertaining and skilled at retelling the stories of Jack the Ripper’s escapades.
Tours are offered nightly at 5 and 7:30 p.m. The company also offers Jack the Ripper-themed pub tours and Halloween outings.

Courtesy of Alternative London
Price: Adults from 20 pounds ($26); kids from 14 pounds (about $19)
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Promising to show you things London guidebooks don’t cover, Alternative London’s walking tour takes you to East London, where guides showcase the area’s street art and discuss its culture and history. The company employs street artists and other creative types as guides so you get an insider’s look into the community, something travelers say makes the tour unique.
No two tours are alike because every guide has their favorite route and spots to highlight. Past tourgoers say the tour is fun and full of interesting insights.
Tours run at 11 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays, as well as 2 p.m. on Fridays. Outings are limited to 20 people. Looking to explore more of London’s hidden spots? Alternative London offers a bike tour that emphasizes street art.

Courtesy of Brigit’s Bakery’s Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Price: Adults from 65 pounds (about $85); kids from 60 pounds (about $78)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Offering a unique twist on a bus tour and afternoon tea, Brigit’s Bakery London’s Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour combines the two for a tasty outing. During the tour, you’ll ride on a vintage double-decker Routemaster bus through central London, passing by Big Ben, Hyde Park, Downing Street and more. As you sightsee, servers pour tea and offer sandwiches, cakes and pastries. In addition to the tour’s novelty, visitors find the prerecorded commentary entertaining and informative, and most say they enjoyed the food.
Tours run several times daily and depart from either Northumberland Avenue or Victoria Coach Station. The tour accommodates several dietary restrictions, though these options may have an additional fee. Children ages 4 and younger are not permitted. The company also offers a Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour and a Peppa Pig-themed outing, among other options.
Price: Free
Duration: 2 hours
Since the mid-19th century, Soho has been a haven for musicians, writers and bohemians. Learn about the neighborhood’s famous residents and much more on this free two-hour London walking tour. Your guide will talk about famous bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and their connection to the area. You’ll also learn about the history of Soho’s sex industry, a topic not always discussed on local tours. Guides will take you by the Old Red Light District, Carnaby Street, the West End Theatre District and more. Tourgoers rave about the expert guides and are awestruck by the history of the area.
As its name suggests, the tour is free, but at the end of tour, you can pay your guide what you wish. This tour runs Wednesday through Sunday at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Strawberry Tours offers other free excursions around London, such as street art-themed tours and several London landmarks tours.
Price: From 144 pounds (around $187) per person
Duration: 12 hours
After you’ve had your fill of London’s hustle, take a day trip to the countryside for a tour of Stonehenge. On this small tour of 16 people or fewer, you’ll depart London in a Mercedes minibus and head to both Stonehenge and Bath. At Stonehenge, you’ll have time to walk around the ancient stones and marvel at their enormity. In Bath, you’ll have time to stop for lunch and either explore on your own or take a guided tour. The twist to this tour is that you’ll also visit a secret spot on the way back to London, which is only revealed when you arrive.
The English Bus’s vehicle, with panoramic windows and a glass roof, is small enough to go down back roads and through the countryside – a feature travelers love. Reviewers are also complimentary of the guides, who they describe as friendly, educational and well-versed in British history.
Tours depart daily at 8:45 a.m. and return to central London around 8:30 p.m. Tickets do not include food, drinks or admission to Stonehenge. The English Bus also operates daylong trips to the Cotswolds, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, among other destinations.