The London Pass®: 100+ Things To Do – Includes Tower Bridge

Experience London’s Top Sights with the London Pass®: 100+ Things To Do – Includes Tower Bridge

If you’re planning a trip to London, the London Pass® offers a tempting way to see many of the city’s highlights without breaking the bank. For around $149.40 per person, you gain access to more than 100 attractions over different durations—from 1 to 10 days. This digital pass promises to help you maximize your time by skipping lines, planning ahead with the Go City app, and exploring everything from historic sites to modern marvels.

What we love about this experience is how it combines practical convenience with the ability to see London’s most famous sights at your own pace. The modern London Eye and the impressive Tower of London are just a few of the highlights included, with some attractions like Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace offering a glimpse into royal history. Plus, the Thames river cruise aboard the Uber Boat makes city navigation both scenic and effortless.

However, a word of caution: some reviewers have found the planning process, especially booking slots for popular attractions like The View from The Shard or Windsor Castle, can be tricky. You’ll need to reserve in advance, and availability might be limited depending on the day. This means that for those who prefer a completely spontaneous itinerary, the pass could sometimes feel restrictive.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a flexible, self-guided adventure and aren’t shy about planning ahead. If you like the idea of skipping lines and knocking out major sights efficiently, you’ll find this pass a real time-saver—especially if you’re comfortable using a smartphone app for reservations and navigation.

Key Points

Value for money: The pass can save you nearly 50% compared to paying at each attraction, especially if you plan your visits well.
Flexibility: Multiple durations from 1 to 10 days mean you can tailor the experience to your trip length.
Comprehensive access: Over 100 attractions, including top sights like Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye.
Pre-planning needed: Many attractions require reservations, so some advance planning is necessary to maximize your visit.
Authentic experiences: You’ll visit iconic landmarks, royal palaces, and cultural institutions, often with skip-the-line privileges.
Occasional scheduling issues: Some reviews note difficulties with booking slots or technical glitches, so patience and early reservations are advised.

A Full Breakdown of the London Pass Experience

What’s Included and How It Works

The London Pass® operates as a digital package loaded with credits you redeem at over 100 attractions. It’s designed to make entry smoother and more efficient—no need to buy tickets on-site at most places. Instead, you show your mobile ticket or PDF guide, and your credits get you inside.

The pass is valid for up to a year from purchase, so you can buy it well in advance and activate it when you’re ready. Once activated, your pass is good for the specified number of days—either 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10. This flexibility means you can pace your visits without feeling rushed.

How You’ll Use It Day-to-Day

Most of the attractions are straightforward; just show your pass and go. Some spots, like Westminster Abbey or Kensington Palace, require advance reservations, which you handle through the included app or digital guide. This upfront planning is a double-edged sword: it guarantees your spot but requires some extra effort.

The Thames cruise aboard Uber Boat is a highlight. It includes a River Roamer pass for unlimited use for one day, making it a fun way to see the city from the water and hop on and off at key sites. Many reviews appreciated this feature, calling it “a scenic and easy way to get around.”

Each Stop in Detail

London Eye: Standing at 135 meters, the London Eye offers panoramic views of the city. Your ticket includes a 30-minute ride in a glass pod, with reservations required. Travelers love the views but note that booking in advance is essential, especially during busy periods.

Tower of London: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortress is packed with stories of royal intrigue, imprisonment, and the crown jewels. A two-hour visit gives you time to explore the towers, see the Crown Jewels, and learn from the Yeoman Warders. Many reviewers described it as “a must-see,” though some found the lines long without the skip-the-line benefit.

Thames River Cruise: The Uber Boat service stops frequently, making it an effective way to traverse London while sightseeing. Plus, it’s a relaxing break from walking and offers some of the best city views.

The View from The Shard: At 72 floors, this is London’s tallest viewing platform. Your pass includes both indoor and open-air galleries, with a panoramic guide and digital photos. Reservations are necessary, and some reviewers have expressed disappointment about the difficulty in booking.

Westminster Abbey: This iconic church is steeped in royal history, from coronations to funerals. The one-hour visit lets you soak in its Gothic architecture and history. Many visitors found it a highlight, though some wished they had more time.

Big Bus Tours or Hop-On Hop-Off: You can choose to redeem your credits for a 2-day classic London tour, with the benefit of seeing the city at your own pace. Reviewers appreciated the flexibility, but some experienced delays or crowded buses, particularly with the Big Bus operator.

St. Paul’s Cathedral: Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this cathedral offers awe-inspiring architecture. Most visitors spend about an hour here admiring the dome and the treasury.

Tower Bridge: An engineering marvel, this iconic bascule bridge offers a glass-floored walkway and the chance to learn about its Victorian construction. Many enjoy the views from the walkway, though some found it a bit crowded.

Kensington Palace: The residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, this palace provides insight into royal life and Queen Victoria’s history. Reservations are recommended, and the visit tends to last around two hours.

Madame Tussauds: A fun stop where you can pose with wax figures of celebrities, royalty, and sports stars. Many reviews highlight the interactive zones and the “backstage” areas that bring the experience to life.

Additional sites such as the Royal Albert Hall, Hampton Court Palace, Kew Gardens, Greenwich, and even sports stadiums like Wembley and Twickenham provide a diverse range of activities—whether you’re into art, royal history, science, or sports.

Visiting Tips

• Reservations are key: For popular attractions like The Shard, Windsor Castle, and Kensington Palace, booking early through the app or digital guide ensures you avoid disappointment.
• Plan your route: The combination of walking, boat, and bus options makes sense, but some reviewers noted delays or scheduling hiccups, especially with the Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
• Use the app: The included Go City app is a handy tool for keeping track of reservations, opening hours, and attraction details.
• Don’t forget your patience: Some attractions can be crowded, particularly in peak season or bad weather, which might slow your progress.

Authenticity and Value

Many travelers find that the London Pass® delivers excellent value if used strategically. For instance, booking the London Eye in advance and combining it with a Thames cruise maximizes your sightseeing for less. The skip-the-line privileges can save hours during busy periods, and the inclusion of attractions like Windsor Castle or the Royal Observatory make it a versatile choice.

However, some reviews highlight frustrations—particularly with booking difficulties or delays in some tour operators, like Big Bus or the Tower of London. It’s worth noting that the pass doesn’t cover everything, and some attractions require additional tickets or reservations. Still, for those who enjoy self-guided exploration and planning, it’s a flexible and cost-effective way to experience London’s highlights.

Who Should Consider the London Pass®

This pass is best for travelers who want to make the most of their limited time in London without wasting hours waiting in lines. If you’re comfortable with some planning and using a smartphone app to reserve spots and navigate, you’ll find it worth the effort. It’s particularly suited for families or groups that plan to visit multiple major landmarks, as the savings can add up quickly.

Those who prefer a relaxed, unstructured sightseeing style might find the need for early reservations and some logistical juggling less appealing. But if ticking off the big sights, enjoying scenic rides, and gaining skip-the-line entry excite you, the London Pass® could greatly enhance your visit.

FAQ

Do I need to book attractions in advance?
Yes, for popular sites like The Shard, Windsor Castle, and Kensington Palace, you’ll need to reserve your spots ahead of time using the included app or digital guide.

Can I use the pass for multiple days?
Absolutely. The pass is valid for the number of days you purchase—1, 2, 3, and up to 10 days—and can be activated at any time within a year of purchase.

Is the pass good for all attractions listed?
Most attractions are included, but some, like special exhibitions or certain tours, might require extra tickets or reservations. Check the details for each site.

How do I access the attractions?
Your pass is digital, so you show it on your phone or print a PDF. Make sure to have the Go City app handy for reservations and updates.

Are there any attractions that don’t accept the pass?
Some reviews mention booking issues or attractions not being able to honor the pass, especially if not booked properly. Always confirm your reservations early.

How flexible is the schedule?
You can visit attractions over the span of your purchased days, but some sites require specific time slots. It’s best to plan ahead to avoid missing out.

Does the pass include transportation?
Yes, it includes options like the Thames river cruise and the hop-on hop-off bus (if chosen). However, it does not cover transportation to the attractions themselves outside of these services.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, especially since it includes family-friendly venues like the London Zoo, Sea Life, and the Science Museum. Just keep in mind the need to plan for reservations.

What about the reviews mentioning technical issues?
Some users experienced difficulties downloading or using the pass, so it’s wise to confirm your booking early and keep backups of your tickets.

Final Thoughts

The London Pass® offers a comprehensive, flexible way to experience the best of London, especially if you’re eager to see many sights without the hassle of ticket lines. Its strength lies in the combination of great attractions, skip-the-line privileges, and a handy app for planning.

That said, it demands some organizational effort—early reservations and understanding that not everything is included without extra steps. For travelers who enjoy a proactive approach to sightseeing, it can turn a usually hectic city tour into a manageable, enjoyable experience.

If you’re visiting London for a limited time, love iconic landmarks, and don’t mind booking ahead, this pass can truly boost your trip. Just be prepared for some scheduling and technical quirks—and remember that a few attractions may require additional fees or reservations.

In essence, the London Pass® is ideal for those who want a cost-effective, flexible, and comprehensive way to explore London’s treasures, provided they’re ready to plan a little in advance.