Vintage Double Decker Bus Tour & Thames River Cruise

A Classic London Experience: Vintage Double Decker Bus Tour & Thames River Cruise

If you’re looking for a way to see London’s most famous sights without feeling overwhelmed, this Vintage Double Decker Bus Tour combined with a Thames River cruise offers a comfortable and engaging option. Priced at around $83.51 per person and lasting about 3.5 hours, it provides a balanced glimpse of the city’s highlights. Guided in English, the tour combines the charm of a retro Routemaster bus with the refreshing perspective of a short river cruise.

What we really love about this tour is how it hits iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye from the vantage of an open-top bus, giving us fantastic photo opportunities and a real sense of London’s layout. The changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a highlight — an event that’s as much about tradition and pageantry as it is about British history. The inclusion of a Thames cruise, passing Shakespeare’s Globe and London Bridge, adds a leisurely change of perspective, giving you a feel for the city’s riverside charm.

One thing to consider is that, due to the open-top nature of the bus, weather can be unpredictable. Some reviews mention the occasional difficulty seeing through less-than-clean boat windows or hearing the guide clearly, especially when the bus is crowded. Also, this tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.

This experience suits travelers who want a manageable, well-rounded overview of London’s most famous sights, especially those who appreciate narrated guides, vintage charm, and the flexibility to take photos and absorb the scenery at a relaxed pace. It’s particularly good for first-timers or those wanting a quick yet insightful introduction to the city’s highlights.

Key Points

• Iconic Landmarks: The tour covers Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace.
• Vintage Charm: The bus is a classic Routemaster, offering a nostalgic and photogenic way to explore.
• Multiple Perspectives: The combination of bus sightseeing and a Thames River cruise gives a well-rounded view of London from both land and water.
• Expert Guides: Guides are often praised for their knowledge and lively commentary.
• Weather Considerations: Open-top buses mean you should be prepared for rain or shine.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

When you book this half-day tour, you’re signing up for a lively and visually engaging ride through London, complemented by a short cruise along the Thames. Starting from Victoria Coach Station, the meeting point is just a five-minute walk from Victoria Train Station, making it convenient for most travelers.

The Vintage Double-Decker Bus Tour is where the magic begins. As you climb aboard the classic Routemaster, you’ll immediately notice the nostalgic appeal of the open-top design. We loved the way this setup allows for panoramic views of the city’s skyline and historic streets, perfect for taking photos or just soaking in the atmosphere. The guide (many reviews praise guides like Steve and Clive for their engaging storytelling) offers insights into London’s history, architecture, and quirks that bring the sights to life.

The route takes you past major landmarks, such as Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. From the upper deck, you can appreciate the grandeur of Westminster’s Gothic spires and the river’s winding path. The guide’s commentary often includes interesting facts, stories, and local gossip—adding depth to your sightseeing.

Next, the tour heads over to St. Paul’s Cathedral, another architectural marvel designed by Sir Christopher Wren. You’ll learn that Wren’s masterpiece is the final resting place of Admirals Nelson and Wellington, and it’s the site of the royal wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Visiting the Tower of London follows, where you’ll see the Crown Jewels and meet the famous Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters. The tour guides often take you to Traitors Gate, adding a touch of the Tower’s darker history.

The river cruise component is a delightful change of pace. Passing Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle, and London Bridge, the boat offers a different perspective of the city’s riverside architecture and activity. Many reviewers note the cruise’s scenic value, but some mention that the boat windows weren’t always spotless, making it a bit difficult to see everything clearly. The cruise is short but sweet, offering a relaxing break from the bus, and the views of the city from the water are quite special.

Back on land, the tour concludes at Westminster Pier, after which the guide takes you to Buckingham Palace for the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. This spectacle, with soldiers in bright tunics and bearskin hats marching to music, is a highlight for many. Reviewers like Sonia and Rotaya mention how lively and well-presented the commentary during the guard change enhances the experience.

The balance of transportation, sightseeing, and storytelling makes this tour a practical choice. The price might seem steep at first glance, but considering the combination of guided land and water experiences, it offers good value, especially for first-time visitors eager to get a broad overview.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

• The tour is approximately 3.5 hours long; check the schedule for specific start times.
• Weather can influence the experience; prepare for rain or shine and dress comfortably.
• It’s an open-top bus, so bring rain gear if needed.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
• You’ll meet at Victoria Coach Station; allow a few extra minutes for navigation.
• The Thames cruise part can sometimes be affected by weather or operational issues, so flexibility helps.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Reviewers point out that guides like Steve, Clive, and Gavin make a significant difference with their enthusiasm and knowledge. As one said, “Steve had a massive depth of history,” and another praised Clive as a “great and fun guide.” It’s clear that the guides’ personalities and storytelling play a big part in how much travelers enjoy the tour.

Some mention minor drawbacks like difficulty hearing the guide or cleanliness issues on the boat windows. Still, these seem to be small hiccups in an otherwise enjoyable experience. One reviewer appreciated that even as a local, they learned new facts, highlighting the tour’s educational value.

The vintage bus itself gets plenty of praise for being “loads of fun” and perfect for pictures. Several comments note that the sightseeing felt manageable and not overwhelming, making it a good choice for travelers of various activity levels.

The Sum Up: Who Should Take This Tour?

This combined vintage bus and Thames cruise is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of London’s most famous sights without the stress of navigating on their own. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate guided commentary, historic charm, and a mix of land and water perspective.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, and enjoy classic, nostalgic transport with the opportunity for great photos, this tour offers good value for its cost. However, if you prefer private, customized experiences or have mobility issues, you might want to consider other options.

For travelers who want a fun, relaxed, and informative introduction to London’s highlights—especially with the chance to see the changing of the Guard and take scenic photos—this tour delivers a memorable snapshot of the city.

More Great Tours Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While most parts are suitable for adults and older children, the tour isn’t designed for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. It’s best suited for travelers who can comfortably stand and walk briefly at stops.

How long does the Thames River cruise last?
The cruise is described as a short trip, passing by Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle, and London Bridge, giving you a different view of the city for a brief but scenic period.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the landmarks. Since it’s an open-top bus, a raincoat or umbrella is recommended, especially if rain is forecast.

What landmarks are visible from the bus?
You’ll see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London, among others.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes back at Victoria Coach Station, where you initially met.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the guides’ enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, making the sightseeing both fun and informative.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
This particular tour is conducted in English only.

What is the price compared to other London tours?
At $83.51, it’s a reasonable price for a combined land and water experience, especially considering the inclusion of the guided commentary and the changing of the Guard.

This tour offers a practical and charming way to get a solid introduction to London’s most famous sights. With its vintage charm, knowledgeable guides, and scenic river cruise, it’s particularly suited for visitors seeking a relaxed, photo-friendly, and insightful overview of this historic city. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone looking for a nostalgic touch, this experience makes for a memorable day in London.

You can check availability for your dates here: