London: Children's Open Top Bus Tour

Imagine cruising through London’s iconic streets on a bright red double-decker bus, with the wind in your hair and your children’s eyes wide with excitement. This Children’s Open Top Bus Tour offers just that—an engaging, kid-friendly way to see the city’s main sights while enjoying lively commentary tailored for young explorers. For just $23 per person, you get a 45-minute non-stop journey past landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, all accompanied by a lively guide with a talent for entertaining kids.

What makes this tour particularly attractive is its special Halloween edition, running from mid-October to early November, with spooky stories, treats, and costumes that make London’s history a little darker—and a lot more fun. We especially appreciated the live, easy-to-understand commentary tailored for children, and the fact that the entire experience is designed to keep little ones engaged without overstaying their welcome.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the potential for traffic delays in central London, which can affect the schedule or length of the tour. If your children love stories, costumes, and a quick, entertaining introduction to London’s landmarks, then this tour is a great choice—especially during school holidays when it offers a fun, educational outing.

Key Points

Ideal for families with children aged 6-12 who want a lively, engaging way to see London.
Short but sweet: 45-minute tour packs a lot of sights and stories without tiring young travelers.
Halloween theme adds fun with spooky tales, treats, and costume contests.
Live guides make the experience lively and easy to follow, especially for kids.
Self-guided walking tours via the Tootbus app extend the adventure beyond the bus.
Affordable at just $23, offering good value for a city tour with plenty of entertainment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

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The Route and Sights

Starting at Charles II Street near His Majesty’s Theatre, the tour whips past some of London’s most recognizable landmarks. From the London Eye to Downing Street, the bus covers a broad swath of the West End and Westminster. The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Piccadilly Circus are all part of the ride, giving children a quick, visual introduction to the city’s political and cultural heart.

What we loved was how the driver and guide managed to keep the tour lively, even with occasional traffic delays. One reviewer praised a guide named Luke for his interesting and engaging commentary, which kept everyone entertained, especially during traffic jams.

Kid-Friendly Commentary and Stories

The onboard live English-speaking guide is a highlight, offering stories that are both educational and amusing. The content is specifically tailored for children aged 6-12, mixing facts with fun anecdotes and ghoulish tales perfect for Halloween. Several reviews mentioned how the guide’s storytelling style made historic landmarks come alive, capturing the imagination of young passengers.

For example, the guide might share a spooky legend about the Tower of London or tell a funny story about famous residents of Buckingham Palace, making the history accessible and memorable. Kids are encouraged to participate with quizzes and questions, which many found highly engaging. One parent said, “My 6-year-old has been drip-feeding us facts ever since, proving he was taking it all in.”

Halloween Special: Spooky Fun with a Twist

Running from October 18 to November 2, this edition of the tour brings a Halloween theme. Kids are invited to wear costumes, and there are treats like Halloween masks and sweets onboard. The guide is dressed up and adds a spooky twist to the stories, including ghoulish facts and eerie anecdotes about London’s darker side.

Parents appreciated the balance of fun and education, noting that the stories were suitable for children but still interesting for adults. Some reviews highlight the interactive elements, like quizzes and costumes, which heighten the fun.

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Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour lasts 45 minutes, which is perfect for maintaining children’s attention without causing fatigue. The meeting point is easy to find if you download the Tootbus app, which provides real-time updates and directions. The app also offers self-guided walking tours, extending your exploration of London after the bus ride.

Wi-Fi is available onboard, allowing families to share photos or look up information during the ride. The bus is open-top, offering fantastic views of London’s skyline and landmarks—an essential feature for sightseeing with kids.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The cost includes the 45-minute tour, live guided commentary, access to the Tootbus app, and onboard Wi-Fi. It does not include food or drinks, so plan to bring snacks or picnic in nearby parks after the tour. The cost-benefit ratio is quite favorable, considering the lively guide and special Halloween theme, which adds value beyond just sightseeing.

Considerations for Your Visit

While the experience is generally smooth, some reviewers pointed out possible traffic-related delays—a common issue in central London. Also, the meeting point isn’t marked with prominent signage, so downloading the app and arriving a few minutes early is advisable.

Another thing to note is the duration—45 minutes might seem short if you’re eager to see more, but it’s just right for children. For those wanting a deeper exploration, combining this with self-guided walking tours using the app can fill in the gaps.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If your family loves interactive storytelling, costumes, and quick sightseeing, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially perfect during school holidays or special occasions like Halloween when the spooky theme adds extra excitement. It’s ideal for younger children (ages 6-12) who might find longer tours tiring but still want a memorable, lively introduction to London.

This experience suits families who appreciate value for money, as it offers a compact yet engaging way to see key sights with a friendly guide. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with children who enjoy stories and participate actively in the tour.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Route and Sights

The tour begins near His Majesty’s Theatre, a central location that’s easy to reach. From there, the bus takes you past some of London’s most well-known landmarks: the London Eye, a giant ferris wheel offering fantastic views; Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, symbols of British governance; Westminster Abbey, the historic church where monarchs are crowned; Pall Mall, a grand street lined with historic buildings; and Piccadilly Circus, famous for its bright billboards and lively atmosphere.

Traveling on an open-top bus offers an unobstructed view—perfect for kids to take in the sights, point out landmarks, and ask questions. The bus’s non-stop route means you get a quick but thorough introduction to central London.

The Guides and Stories

One reviewer mentions a guide named Jezz who was “very entertaining,” speaking at the right level for children and even engaging in traffic jams with jokes and questions. This kind of interactive storytelling makes London’s history accessible and keeps children attentive, which is no small feat in a busy city.

Stories range from historical facts to spooky legends, adding a Halloween twist that makes the experience stand out. Kids can learn about London’s darker stories while being entertained with frightening anecdotes and costume contests.

The Halloween Theme and Extras

During October’s Halloween season, the bus is decorated festively, and kids get Halloween-themed paper masks and sweets onboard. The guide is dressed up, and the stories include scary tales that are suitable for children but also fun for adults.

Children are encouraged to wear costumes, and there’s a chance to win a family ticket for the Christmas Lights tour—adding a competitive and fun element to the experience.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The tour’s short duration makes it manageable for young children, and the app allows for additional self-guided exploration after the bus ride. Wi-Fi on board is a thoughtful touch, helping parents share photos instantly or look up additional info.

The meeting point is on Charles II Street, which is convenient for those staying in the West End or nearby. Arriving at least 10 minutes early ensures a smooth start, especially since signage at the bus stop isn’t prominent.

Reviews and Real Experiences

Many visitors have left glowing reviews, praising the knowledgeable guides, the entertaining stories, and the perfect length for children. One parent said their 6-year-old was “drip-feeding facts” about London long after the tour, a testament to how engaging the storytelling is.

The value for money is frequently highlighted, with families appreciating that they get both sightseeing and a fun, themed experience for a very reasonable price.

Potential Drawbacks

Some reviews note that traffic congestion can cause delays or rerouting, which may extend the length of the tour or reduce the number of landmarks seen. Also, the lack of signage at the meeting point can be confusing, so downloading the app and arriving early is smart.

Another point is that the 45-minute duration might leave some travelers wishing for a longer experience, but most agree it’s just right for keeping kids interested without boredom setting in.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re traveling as a family with young children who enjoy stories, costumes, and short, lively outings, this tour offers a wonderful way to introduce London. It’s particularly suited for those visiting during school holidays or celebrating Halloween, when the spooky storytelling and treats add extra fun.

Those who want a cost-effective, entertaining, and educational activity will find this tour provides a memorable snapshot of London’s main sights, with enough interactive elements to keep children engaged.

Final Thoughts

This Children’s Open Top Bus Tour with its Halloween Special combines the joy of sightseeing with storytelling that appeals to young imaginations. The live guides, combined with the festive theme, make it a charming, family-friendly way to get acquainted with London’s landmarks.

While it’s not a comprehensive tour of every detail, it hits the sweet spot for short, engaging experiences. The value for money is clear, and the special Halloween edition adds a seasonal sparkle that makes the experience memorable.

If you’re after a lighthearted, kid-focused introduction to London, this tour is perfect. It’s a fun, relaxed outing that balances entertainment with education—and leaves kids with stories they’ll be retelling long after they’re back home.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all children?
Yes, it’s designed specifically for kids aged 6-12, with commentary and activities tailored to their age group.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is about 45 minutes, making it a manageable length that keeps children’s attention.

What landmarks will we see?
You’ll pass key sights like the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, and Piccadilly Circus.

Can children wear costumes?
Absolutely. The Halloween theme encourages costumes, and there are prizes for best costumes.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers the 45-minute guided bus ride, live commentary, access to the Tootbus app, and onboard Wi-Fi.

Are there any treats during the Halloween tour?
Yes, children receive Halloween-themed masks and sweets onboard.

How do I find the meeting point?
Download the Tootbus app for real-time directions. The meeting point is on Charles II Street, near His Majesty’s Theatre.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the bus is open-top, rain could affect the experience. Check the forecast and plan accordingly.

Is there an option to extend the experience?
While the tour itself is 45 minutes, you can use the self-guided walking tours via the app to explore more of London.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

In essence, this tour is a lively, family-friendly way to introduce kids to London’s main sights, with a seasonal Halloween twist that makes it extra special. It’s well-loved for its guides, engaging stories, and good value, making it a smart choice for families wanting a fun, educational outing during their visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: