London is one of Europe’s oldest cities, which means there is a lot to explore in and near the city. It can be difficult to decide just which tours you want to book. From Stonehenge day trips and Harry Potter tours to walking tours of London’s top attractions, here are the best London tours to take and why we think you’ll love them.
Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to London for more planning resources, our top London tours for a memorable trip, and how to see London in a day.
Should You Take a Tour in London?
Short answer: Yes, it’s one of the best places to take advantage of a passionate, knowledgeable guide who knows England’s complex yet lively history!
London has a storied past filled with Romans, crusades, and powerful monarchs who oversaw one of the world’s largest empires. While the city you see today is a fantastic blend of modern alongside ancient—meshed surprisingly well—it can be overwhelming to get to all the places you want to see, from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace.
And famous sites like Stonehenge aren’t even in the city at all. So, if you’re coming from a country where you drive on the right side of the road (ahem), you might not feel comfortable driving on those lovely countryside roads. These are just a few reasons why booking a tour in London is worth it. And our clients agree!
If London has been calling your name, then make sure you’ve planned in advance what you really want to see. Why? Because London is really, really big with some of the most incredible attractions a day’s trip away too.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to look for ideal tours in London that make your day hassle-free, filled with memories, and unforgettable. Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehenge—explore all of these and more on one of the best London tours!
1. London in a Day Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London
Westminster Abbey
Your full-day tour of London starts at Westminster Abbey with skip-the-line tickets and a guided tour of this ancient church. It’s the site of famous churches, funerals, and every British coronation ceremony since 1066 AD! There’s a lot to discover so you’ll appreciate having a guide who knows exactly where to spend your valuable time here.
Pro tip: If you head towards your meeting point early, you’ll have time to snap pictures of the imposing Big Ben clocktower at the Houses of Parliament!
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
After your visit to Westminster, it’s time to quickly head over to the Mall to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (certain days) or the Changing of the Horse Guard. You’ll get more than just a moment’s view of this famous event since your guide will lead you through the entire process at Buckingham Palace. Did you know only one set of guards wears the traditional black and red uniforms? Learn all about it, thanks to your guide!
River Thames Boat Ride
Now that you’ve walked through London’s central attractions, it’s time to head afield with the help of some transportation. A ride down the River Thames is the perfect way to see London from a new angle. Watch for Shakespeare’s Globe Theater re-creation, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. You’ll travel to your next stop: the Tower of London.
Tower of London
Here your guide will unveil the deep history of Britain’s oldest fortress, which has Roman origins! Get to know the history of Thomas Moore, Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII, Walter Raleigh, and more. Plus, step into the museum where the ostentatious crown jewels are kept. This London tour makes all of this easy to do and incredibly rewarding too.
Highlights:
7 hours
See the best of London’s top attractions in a single day
Skip-the-line entry at Westminster Abbey
Changing of the Guard ceremony (certain days)
Pictures of Buckingham Palace
Free time for lunch
Transportation to the Tower of London included
Quicker entry and guided tour at the Tower of London
Entry to see Crown Jewels
Free time to walk across Tower Bridge at the end of your tour
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our London Guide for more resources.
2. Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters
Open the Gates
For certain days in the spring and summer, you can enjoy a limited experience of watching the Beefeaters open the gates at the Tower of London. They’re an entertaining, though important, part of this historical tradition, you’re sure to laugh as they complete their duties with a few jokes. Plus, you get an early entrance before the crowds!
Tower of London
Your local guide can’t wait to show you the rest of the Tower of London. It’s both haunted and historic, so listen to their tales at the Beefeater’s Quarters and the Bloody Tower. They’ll help you navigate this massive estate easily.
And, of course, you’ll get to go inside the Jewel House to see the 140 pieces of the royal collection of valuables and jewels. From the White Tower to Tower Green, your tour of the Tower of London will be unforgettable.
Highlights:
2 hours
Early entry to the Tower of London
Exclusive opening ceremony with Beefeater guards
Guided tour of the walls, grounds, and many buildings
Entry to the Jewel House for the crown jewels
Free time to explore the grounds or nearby Tower Bridge
3. London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard
Westminster Abbey
Clients love our skip-the-line access to the famous Westminster Abbey where they can enjoy a few minutes of quiet time with their guide in the nave of the abbey before the public enters. This is the oldest part of the entire church, and your guide will share its unique history as you stand in near-quiet solitude here.
The abbey is also full of the tombs and effigies of many famous Brits dating back several centuries. The famous Poet’s Corner will intrigue you as you see whose names are buried there—some you’ll recognize and might even surprise you! Explore the tombs of kings and queens, then see the coronation chair in the Quire as you learn who gets to sit in those tiny seats.
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Finally, you’ll also get a chance to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. This happens every day in June and July, but only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays the rest of the year. Your guide knows just how to help you see the most of this auspicious event and will explain exactly what’s happening too.
Start with a guided stroll like a proper Londoner through a tranquil garden that has quite a past. Your guide has stories about its history as a deer park before it became a usable area for the public. Then learn how the important avenue leading from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square came to be. The Mall has been used as a processional and ceremonial road for centuries, and you just might feel like a royal as you walk it with your guide.
Buckingham Palace
This tour includes your ticket to Buckingham Palace, and it will be a meaningful experience since your guide has prepared you with stories and things to watch for as you explore inside. Only audio-guided tours are allowed in the summer, but you’ll have a leg up on the other travelers who didn’t have a morning guide with them. Envision life like a royal in the State Rooms and Throne Room.
With a start in the famous Trafalgar Square, you’ll follow your guide to the River Thames to board a Thames Clipper boat. See London’s modern skyline with the beloved St. Paul’s Cathedral rising proudly between the skyscrapers as your guide explains each building. Get familiar with London’s other sites like the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Oxo Tower, Tower Bridge, and more.
Tower of London
The oldest fortress in London stands as a citadel on the River Thames near Tower Bridge. This unique structure has been built upon over the centuries since it’s first building, the White Tower, constructed by William the Conqueror in 1066 A.D.
Watch for the ravens and learn about the legend behind them and the British monarchy. Then try to distract a Beefeater guard before heading in to see the crown jewels. There are centuries of history, executions, and tragedy to learn about here, which is why your guide will be essential to enjoying one of the best London tours.
Highlights:
3 hours
Entry to the Tower of London
Guided tour of the grounds and buildings
Entry to see the British crown jewels
Free time to explore the White Tower and Tower Bridge
6. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath Day Trip from London
Round-trip Transportation from London
Make your day trip to Stonehenge easier by leaving the driving, transportation, and ticketing to a trusted guide. It’s a 2.5-hour drive out to Stonehenge, and if you’re not familiar with driving on the left side of the road, it can make for a stressful experience. Instead, when you book with us, you’ll feel comfortable as you sit back and let your driver do the work.
Windsor Castle
First, head to Windsor Castle, the former Queen’s favorite residence. Located just an hour outside of London, this castle and its grounds are a popular place to visit. If you’re a fan of the royals, it’s easily one of the best London tours to take.
While no guides are allowed inside the castle, you’ll be prepared with a narrative from your driver-guide ahead of time and your skip-the-line tickets. There are 13,000 acres here, and you’ll be free to explore the Grand Apartments, Queen Mary’s Doll House, and more.
Stonehenge
Next, you’ll head over to Stonehenge, which is possibly Britain’s most famous ancient ruins. This 4,000-year-old structure is likely of Druid origin and fascinates visitors who marvel at its construction. You’ll have plenty of time to walk up to these mysterious stones and take pictures. Depending on the time of year, you might even have a chance to purchase some local strawberries to enjoy while you’re here!
Bath
Your final stop is at Bath, which is another city with deep roots from the Roman Empire. In fact, those Roman baths here are what gave this town its name, despite their original use by the Celts too. You’ll need to arrange your own tickets here, but if you’re not as interested in Roman baths, you might be tempted by the Jane Austen Museum.
This time in Bath is free for you to explore as you like after hearing all about it on your drive there. Be sure to check out any of the local restaurants your driver recommends!
Highlights:
12 hours
London’s iconic sites outside of the city
Skip-the-line tickets to Windsor Castle
Time to explore Stonehenge
Lunch in Bath (on your own)
Options to visit the Roman Baths or Jane Austen Museum
7. Exclusive Meet & Greet Tour with the Tower of London Beefeaters
Private Meeting with a Beefeater
It doesn’t get more exclusive than a private 15 minutes with a Yeoman Warder (also known as a Beefeater). While these guards have a serious 20+ years of military career behind them, there’s nothing they love more than entertaining visitors with stories at the Tower in between their official duties. You can’t beat that!
Tower of London
Then you get to have your own guided tour of the rest of the Tower. From the Bloody Tower to St. Thomas’ Tower, Traitors Gate, and the White Tower, there’s more to explore than you can imagine. That’s why your guide is here to help you navigate and understand it all.
You’ll also get entry to the crown jewels that have wowed millions of visitors with their lavish decadence. Make sure to keep an eye out for the piece your guide tells you is the oldest in the entire collection—dating back to the early 1600s!
Highlights:
2 hours
Private meet & greet with a Beefeater
Guided tour of the walls, grounds, and many buildings
Entry to the Jewel House for the crown jewels
Free time to explore the grounds or nearby Tower Bridge
8. Early Access Stonehenge Morning Tour from London with Inner Circle
Round-trip Transportation from London
Even if you’re an early bird, you might not want to navigate unfamiliar roads in the wee hours of the morning. That’s why you’ll appreciate leaving those details to a confident, local driver-guide. Catch an extra hour or two of sleep while you are safely transported to Stonehenge in the pre-dawn hours.
Stonehenge Sunrise
Watching the sunrise is always a magical moment. Make it even more memorable by seeing Stonehenge in that early morning light! These ancient stones are captivating any time of the day, but with this early morning tour, you get special access to Stonehenge before the general public. It’s a truly special experience that most don’t get to have.
Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta
A trip to Salisbury is up next, and you’re not too far away. This is the town where you’ll find the largest spire in the UK at the Salisbury Cathedral (Cathedral of St. Mary). Your guide will also tell you how to find an original copy of the Magna Carta, long regarded as the first accepted standard for human rights. You’ll have free time to explore this town and enjoy a break for lunch before heading back to London in the late afternoon.
Highlights:
9.5 hours
Early access to Stonehenge before the public
Entry to Salisbury Cathedral
Free time to see Magna Carta and explore Salisbury
11. The Magic of Harry Potter: Warner Bros Studios & Walking Tour of London
London Harry Potter Walking Tour
You could wander through the streets of London trying to follow a random blog article’s recommendation to find Harry Potter’s filming sites. Or you could book a guided tour with a local Potterhead who knows just where to go and how to get there easily. From Lambeth Bridge to Southwark, see where Diagon Alley was filmed and the location for the Ministry of Magic (and much more).
Warner Brothers Studio
This is where booking a guide really comes in handy for a Harry Potter day tour. You can hop in a vehicle and let your guide easily take you to the famous Warner Brothers Studio outside of the city. Make your Harry Potter tour in London easy by leaving the details to us so you can just enjoy a few hours exploring the Harry Potter sets and gift shop here.
Then head back to London to depart at Platform 9 3/4! For Harry Potter lovers, the best London tours to take just don’t get any better!
Highlights:
11 hours
Guided walking tour of top Harry Potter sites
See Diagon Alley, Ministry of Magic, Platform 9 3/4 and more
Free time at Warner Brothers Studio to see Harry Potter sets and shop
10. After Hours Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour from London
Round-trip Transportation from London
If you’re not an early bird but more of a night owl, then a sunset trip to Stonehenge is ideal. You’ll leave mid-morning with a small group on this full-day tour of some of England’s most ancient sites near London. And after a long day, you can relax while your trusted driver takes care of the driving.
Silbury Hill and West Kennet
England has its own mysterious manmade mound that is roughly the size of an Egyptian pyramid. You’ll find it at Silbury Hill, where your guide will take you first thing. Plus, you’ll stop at West Kennet Long Barrow to see an ancient burial ground that probably dates back to the Neolithic period (about 5,000 years ago!). These areas have so much mystery that it’s essential to go with a guide who can help you understand the significance of what you’re seeing.
Avebury
Did you know there are mysterious circles of stones in Avebury too? They’re not quite as impressive as Stonehenge, but there are still some great mysteries to see here. Avebury is a charming town with a haunted pub. Your guide will definitely tell you all about it and recommend you eat a late lunch there too.
Stonehenge
After your free time in Avebury, your driver-guide will transport you to the highlight of this tour: Stonehenge. What’s extra special about this tour is that your tickets give you guided access to the Inner Circle of Stonehenge for an hour after the public has already left. It’s the perfect way to enjoy this monolith in solitude at the end of the day. Then you’ll head back to London and let your driver do the hard work.
Looking for a thrill? You might not envision an adventure activity in the heart of London, but here it is! Hop aboard one of London’s speedboats on the River Thames. You’ll zoom from one iconic monument to the next on an 800-horsepower speedboat. Best of all, your skipper is quite entertaining, so you’re sure to love the stories you hear as you take in the Shard, the Globe, London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and more.
Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.
Writer, editor, teacher, hiker, traveler, dreamer. With a book or pen in hand and a majestic sunset on the horizon, life is never short of fulfilling moments for Brie. She has a background in history and writing, and enjoys writing and editing for BobVila.com, The Tour Guy, and her own business.
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