London Private: Try 8 English Foods & See 30+ London sights!
Location: Greater London, United Kingdom
Price: $437.77 per group up to 2
Duration: 6 hours
Rating: 4.7
A Taste of London’s Landmarks and Flavors — in Comfort and Style
If you’re seeking an experience that blends sightseeing with the chance to sample some of Britain’s best-loved foods, this private tour hits the spot. Led by a friendly local guide, you’ll spend about six hours walking through Westminster and Southwark, visiting over 30 iconic sights, and stopping for a generous feast of eight traditional British dishes. The cost (around $438 for two people) might seem steep at first, but when you consider the personalized attention, the private guide, and the combination of sights and tastes, it offers good value for those keen on a relaxed, immersive day.
Two things we love about this tour:
First, the flexibility of a private guide means you can go at a pace that suits you — whether that’s lingering longer at a favorite spot or zooming ahead.
Second, the inclusion of Borough Market as the culinary highlight is a real plus. You get to explore one of London’s most famous food markets while sampling a selection of authentic British staples, making the experience both delicious and genuinely local.
A possible consideration is the walking distance—it totals around 4-5 miles, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, since the tour involves some sightseeing and food tasting, it’s best suited for those who enjoy both history and hearty eats.
This experience is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of London’s most famous sights without feeling rushed, combined with the opportunity to indulge in Britain’s culinary classics. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors or those craving a personalized, friendly guide to enhance their London adventure.
Key Points
- Customizable pace: The private guide allows you to focus on what interests you most.
- Comprehensive sightseeing: Over 30 sights, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge.
- Authentic food experience: Eight British foods, from Fish & Chips to Scotch Egg, plus a traditional English beer.
- Flexible timing: Check availability for your preferred start time; the tour lasts about 6 hours.
- Ideal for food lovers and history buffs: Get the best of both worlds in a single day.
- Focus on quality: Small group or private means plenty of personal attention and tailored insights.
A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in London
Meeting Point and First Impressions
The tour kicks off outside the Ritz London, a grand and recognizable starting point. Meeting just under the Ritz sign next to the classic red telephone boxes sets an elegant tone. Our guide, whose name I wish I remembered, greeted us warmly and explained the plan for the day. The start location offers a convenient hop from Green Park Underground Station, making it easy to reach for most travelers.
Westminster: Palaces, Monuments, and Royal Rituals
From the Ritz, we walk through Green Park to Buckingham Palace, where we get a prime spot to photograph the Queen’s residence and, if lucky, catch the Changing of the Guard. This daily ceremony (except July and June when it’s daily) is a highlight, with soldiers marching in perfect sync and the pomp making it a quintessential London moment.
Next, we stroll along the Royal Mews and head up The Mall, passing historic landmarks like Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. Our guide shared lively anecdotes about the buildings, from the Ministry of Defence to the Cenotaph, making history feel accessible and even humorous. We also saw sites like Downing Street, Nelson’s Column, and—yes—a Harry Potter sight, which added a fun twist for fans.
From Royalty to the Tower: Exploring Southwark and the Thames
After exploring Westminster, we crossed over to the London Bridge area, where the juxtaposition of London’s old and new is striking. The views of The Shard, HMS Belfast, and the iconic Tower Bridge are impressive. Our guide pointed out the Tower of London, explaining its history and importance. Walking along the riverbank, you can feel the layers of history—medieval fortresses, royal residences, and modern skyscrapers all in one view.
More Great Tours NearbyBorough Market: A Foodie’s Paradise
The culinary crescendo arrives at Borough Market, London’s most famous food market. Here, we had around an hour to explore. The market buzzes with vendors offering everything from fresh produce to artisanal treats. Our guide led us to specific stalls where we sampled Fisherman’s Fish & Chips, including the option for mushy peas, and enjoyed a hearty Pie & Mash. We also tried a Scotch Egg—a perfect portable snack—and finished with a renowned English Donut, which was as good as they say.
The market’s lively atmosphere and the chance to taste authentic British fare make this part of the tour stand out. Plus, the guide shared insights into the history of the market and what makes British cuisine uniquely hearty and comforting.
- White Cliffs of Dover & Historic Canterbury Day Tour from London
- Pub Crawl of Central London
- Guided Paris Day Trip from London by Train with Seine Cruise
- Guided Luxury Paris Day Trip with Optional Lunch at the Eiffel Tower
- Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour
- London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs
Wrapping Up and Reflection
The tour concludes back near the start point, having covered London’s top sights and tasted some of Britain’s best-loved foods. Throughout the day, the small group setting and private guide meant we could ask questions freely and enjoy a more personalized experience.
Practical Details and What to Expect
Transport and Walking
The entire tour involves walking around the city’s most famous neighborhoods, so comfortable shoes are essential. The pace is manageable, but be prepared for about 4-5 miles of walking. The guide is flexible, so if you want to linger longer at any site or skip a less-interesting spot, you can.
Timing and Availability
Starting times vary, so it’s best to check availability. The tour lasts about six hours, giving ample time for sightseeing and food tasting without rushing. It’s scheduled to include the Changing of the Guard on specific days, so if that’s a highlight for you, plan accordingly.
Cost and Value
At roughly $438 for two people, this private tour offers an intimate, flexible experience with a knowledgeable guide. The value lies in the combination of sightseeing, storytelling, and local food sampling—all tailored to your pace. Compared to booking separate guided tours and meals, it’s a convenient package that delivers a lot for the price.
What’s Included and Not
The tour covers all the sightseeing and food tastings listed, along with a friendly guide. It does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, and food and drinks outside the tasting are extra. Remember to bring cash for small purchases at the market, and wear comfortable shoes and an umbrella just in case.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for first-time visitors to London eager to see the main sights without the hassle of navigating alone. It’s especially great if you’re a foodie curious about British cuisine or want a leisurely day with a local guide. Families, couples, or small groups looking for a personalized, relaxed exploration will find it especially appealing.
The Sum Up
This private London tour delivers a thoughtful blend of sightseeing, storytelling, and culinary delights. The personalized approach makes it ideal for travelers who want to avoid crowded buses and large groups, gaining insights directly from a friendly guide. You’ll walk away with a richer understanding of London’s landmarks and a satisfied palate—an enjoyable, authentic experience of Britain’s capital.
The craftsmanship of combining 30+ sights with 8 classic British foods in one day really makes this stand out. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or simply after a well-rounded introduction to London, this tour offers a memorable way to explore and savor the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as long as participants are comfortable walking and standing for several hours. It’s a family-friendly experience, especially for those interested in history and food.
How much walking is involved?
Expect around 4-5 miles of walking across the day, covering Westminster, Southwark, and Borough Market.
Are there options to customize the tour?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your pace and interests with the guide, making it flexible to your preferences.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, an umbrella, a camera, and some cash for small purchases.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for most visitors with mobility needs.
Can I book this tour on short notice?
Availability varies, so it’s best to check ahead, but you can often reserve with at least a day’s notice.
Does the tour include the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, on specific days in June, July, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at other times.
What’s the best time of day to start?
Check the schedule for available start times; mornings are common, but afternoon options are usually available.
Is there a break for lunch?
The tour includes food tastings, but if you want a full sit-down meal, you might want to plan that separately after the tour.
This private London experience offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse of the city that combines sights and bites in a relaxed, personalized way. Perfect for those who want a deeper, tastier understanding of London in just one day.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in London
- Windsor Castle Hampton Court palace Private Tour with Ticket
- Private Combined Visit: To Ely with Cambridge from London
- London: Shakespeare in Central London Private Guided Tour
- Westminster Abbey Skip-the-Line Entry and Private Tour
- Skip-the-line View from The Shard & Private Tour of London
- Harry Potter in London Private Tour
More Tour Reviews in London
- Eat Like a Londoner: The Internationalist Food Experience
- London: Guided Borough Market Foodie Tour with Tastings
- Shakespeare’s London: Walking Tour
- London: Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square, & Piccadilly Tour
- London: Harry Potter Tour with Madame Tussauds Tickets
- Wonders of Westminster Walk with a Historian
More London experiences we've covered
- London: Guided Borough Market Foodie Tour with Tastings
- Shakespeare’s London: Walking Tour
- London: Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square, & Piccadilly Tour
- London: Harry Potter Tour with Madame Tussauds Tickets
- Wonders of Westminster Walk with a Historian
- Food, Restaurants, Pubs in London Self-Guided Tour Booklet
- London: Maritime Greenwich Guided Walking Tour
- London Private: Try 8 English Foods & See 30+ London sights!
- Best of London Walking Tour-3 Hours, Small Group max 10
- Sin & Salvation: River Thames Bike Tour
- London: Buckingham Palace Entry Ticket & Royal Walking Tour
- Central London: Half Day Tour