Best of London Tour inc Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

If you’re visiting London and want to see a snapshot of its most iconic sights without spending days trying to piece everything together, this full-day guided tour is a solid choice. Priced at around $193, it offers a well-rounded look at London’s grandeur, from St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey to the Tower of London, with a scenic Thames River cruise, and optional upgrades like a London Eye ride or cream tea at Harrods. It’s a long day—about nine hours—but packed with sights and stories that bring London’s history to life.

What we especially like are the expert guides who know how to keep a large group engaged and the chance to enjoy a private boat cruise down the Thames, offering a different perspective of the city. Plus, the optional add-ons, like the London Eye or Harrods cream tea, let you customize the experience to suit your interests and pace.

That said, one potential drawback is the pace—it’s a busy tour that involves quite a bit of walking and moving from site to site. If mobility or a relaxed schedule is your priority, you might find this tour a little full-on.

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors who want a rundown of London’s highlights without renting a car or trying to plot individual visits. If you value knowledgeable guides, scenic boat rides, and seeing top landmarks all in one day, you’ll find this experience well worth the price.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major London landmarks in one day.
• Expert guides make history engaging and keep the large group moving smoothly.
• River Thames cruise offers a scenic, relaxing view of the city’s skyline.
• Optional upgrades include the London Eye or a traditional cream tea at Harrods.
• Good value for a full day of sightseeing, especially given entry to the Tower and St. Paul’s Cathedral is included.
• Pace and walking are demanding—good for active travelers but less so for those with mobility issues.

A Deep Dive into the Best of London Tour

If you’re eager to see the heart of London without the hassle of planning every stop yourself, this tour hits the high points with a mix of history, scenery, and some leisure. It’s a full nine hours, so come prepared for a lot of walking, standing, and hopping on and off the bus, but you’ll be rewarded with a well-curated experience.

Starting Point and Logistics

Begin your day at Victoria Coach Station, conveniently located in central London. The tour is designed for travelers with a moderate level of physical fitness — expect to walk quite a bit, especially at sites like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. The coach is air-conditioned, making the bus rides comfortable, and the group size is capped at 55, helping guides manage everyone more easily.

Exploring London’s Landmarks

The first stop is St. Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece by Sir Christopher Wren. Entry is included, giving you about an hour and fifteen minutes to admire its impressive dome and stunning interior. The reviews highlight that this site is a major highlight, with many travelers describing it as “magnificent.”

Next, a quick photo stop outside Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament offers a chance to snap pictures of these iconic Gothic structures and Big Ben. While admission isn’t included, the outside views alone are worth the stop, especially if you’re short on time.

The Changing of the Guard and Buckingham Palace

Depending on the day, you might catch the renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The schedule is Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, but if your tour falls on a different day or when the ceremony isn’t happening, you’ll still get a good photo opportunity outside the Palace. Several reviews note the spectacle is worth seeing, with the guards dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, marching to military music.

One reviewer mentioned that on some days, the guards aren’t on horseback or don’t perform the full ceremony, so don’t expect a Hollywood parade every time. Still, the photo op outside the Palace is a classic London moment.

The Tower of London

The highlight for many is the Tower of London, a fortress and royal palace with over a thousand years of stories. Entry is included, and with about two hours on site, you’ll have ample time to see the Crown Jewels, meet the famous Yeoman Warders, and explore the Traitors Gate and Wakefield Tower exhibits. Several reviews point out that the Crown Jewels are a must-see, still used in royal ceremonies, and worth the time to visit.

Post-visit, a walk across Tower Bridge offers one of the most photographed views of London. Some travelers mentioned being surprised by how close the Tower is to the bridge, creating memorable pictures.

Scenic Thames River Cruise

After exploring the Tower, you’ll board a private boat for a scenic cruise along the Thames. This is a major plus—many reviews praise it as a relaxing way to see London’s skyline and get a fresh perspective of landmarks like The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, and London Eye. The commentary during the cruise is informative, and the views are especially striking from the water.

Optional Upgrades

You can choose to finish your day with an optional London Eye ride, offering panoramic views of the city, or indulge in a cream tea at Harrods. The tea includes home-baked scones with clotted cream, preserves, and a glass of sparkling wine, making it a delightful way to relax and soak in some luxury. Reviewers frequently mention how enjoyable the Harrods experience is, with some noting it as a highlight of their day.

If you opt for the London Eye, you’ll get a ticket to Europe’s tallest observation wheel, giving you a breathtaking view of London’s rooftops and landmarks.

The Value of This Tour

While the price might seem steep at first glance, it includes entry to major attractions, a guided tour, a river cruise, and optional luxury experiences. Many reviews comment on the knowledge and humor of guides like Zozo and John, which turn what could be a hectic day into a fascinating journey.

However, some travelers expressed frustration over disorganization or missed sights, especially if the schedule isn’t strictly adhered to or if certain sites are unexpectedly closed. For instance, St. Paul’s can be closed on Sundays or certain days, and that can impact the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors eager to cover a lot of ground with expert guidance. It appeals to those comfortable with a busy day, walking, and a bit of a tight schedule. It’s also suitable for travelers wanting a blend of history, scenery, and leisure—with optional splurges like the London Eye or afternoon tea.

The Sum Up

This Best of London Tour offers an efficient way to see many of London’s most famous sights in one day, guided by knowledgeable and friendly guides. Its inclusion of entry tickets to top attractions like the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral makes it a good value, especially considering the convenience. The scenic Thames cruise and optional upgrades add a special touch that elevates the experience beyond just bus sightseeing.

However, the tour’s pace is brisk, and the large group size can sometimes limit personal time or comfort, notably during busy periods at attractions. It’s best suited for energetic travelers who want a rundown and don’t mind a full schedule. If you’re looking for a relaxed, leisurely visit with lots of free time, this may not be the ideal choice.

Ultimately, if your goal is to max out your sightseeing in a single day, enjoy storytelling from passionate guides, and experience London from multiple angles, this tour provides a practical and memorable way to do just that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour takes place on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, with pickup at Victoria Coach Station and transportation between sites.

What attractions are included in the price?
Entry to the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral are included, along with the Changing of the Guard (on selected days), and the private Thames River cruise.

Can I visit Westminster Abbey?
You can see the exterior and take photos, but admission inside is not included, so you won’t explore the interior unless you purchase separate tickets.

What if I want to upgrade?
You can add a London Eye ride or enjoy cream tea at Harrods for an additional cost, both offered as optional upgrades.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 7:45 am, with the final destination varying based on upgrades.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; the tour is suitable for families but expect a lot of walking.

What if some sites are closed or unavailable?
The itinerary may change depending on opening times or special circumstances, like St. Paul’s being closed on Sundays or changing of the guard not happening on certain days.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
The tour involves a good deal of walking and standing, so travelers with mobility issues should consider this before booking.

How do reviews reflect the experience?
Most reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and value for money, though some mention organizational issues or disappointing missed sights. It’s a solid option for first-timers wanting a thorough overview.