Best of London Tour inc Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

The Best of London Tour inc Tower of London and Changing of the Guard offers a comprehensive day exploring some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Priced at $193.23 per person, this 9-hour guided experience departs from Victoria Coach Station and is ideal for visitors eager to see London’s highlights in one day. The tour features entry to the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and a private Thames River cruise, with optional upgrades that include a ride on the London Eye or a cream tea at Harrods. With an average of 68 days booked in advance and a solid 4.5-star rating based on over 2,500 reviews, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience—though it’s worth considering the pace and structure for those with limited mobility or who prefer more relaxed sightseeing.

While this tour packs in many attractions, recent reviews underscore the importance of timing and walking stamina. Guides are praised for their knowledge and personality, but some guests note inconsistencies with included activities—particularly around the Changing of the Guard and entrance times at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Still, for first-time visitors or those on a tight schedule, this tour offers a convenient way to see London’s most famous sights in just a day.

Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting approximately 9 hours covering major London landmarks
• Includes entry to Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Features a private cruise along the River Thames
• Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (subject to schedule)
• Optional upgrades include a London Eye ride or cream tea at Harrods
• Guide quality praised for knowledge and humor, though some reviews mention organizational inconsistencies

Exploring London’s Top Sights in One Day

This tour begins at Victoria Coach Station and offers a guided journey through London’s most recognizable attractions. The air-conditioned coach is comfortable for the approximately 9-hour schedule, allowing for an efficient overview of the city’s historic sites. Starting with St. Paul’s Cathedral, guests explore the magnificent architecture and learn about its design by Sir Christopher Wren. The admission is included, making it easier to appreciate the interior’s grandeur.

Next, the tour stops at Westminster Abbey, where there’s a quick photo opportunity outside this 13th-century Gothic church. The photo stop outside Buckingham Palace allows viewers to witness the Changing of the Guard—a tradition performed on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (subject to availability). On days when the guard change does not occur, guests still get a chance for a photo outside the Palace.

A Closer Look at the Changing of the Guard Ceremony

The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is a highlight for many, with the Queen’s Guard in red tunics and bearskin hats exchanging duties to military music. The schedule varies, and on Wednesdays, when St. Paul’s Cathedral opens later, the tour will feature a photo stop instead of the guard change. Some reviews mention the timing can be unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for potential changes.

Visiting the Tower of London and Crown Jewels

A core part of this tour includes entry to the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,000 years of history. Guests enjoy about two hours exploring the fortress, traitors’ gate, and the Crown Jewels, still used in royal ceremonies. The Yeoman Warders and ravens add to the historic ambiance. The tours include free time for lunch nearby, although some criticize the length of time allocated as possibly excessive, depending on individual pace.

A Unique Perspective on London’s Architecture from the Thames

Following the Tower of London visit, guests board a private boat for a 40-minute cruise on the River Thames. This guided boat trip offers panoramic views of Tower Bridge, The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Houses of Parliament. Several reviews appreciate this relaxing cruise as a highlight, providing excellent vantage points for photos and an appreciation of London’s riverside architecture.

The Optional London Eye or Harrods Cream Tea

The tour concludes with an optional 30-minute ride on the London Eye, which offers spectacular views over the city. However, this upgrade is not included in the base price and requires pre-booking. Alternatively, guests can opt for the Harrods cream tea, served on the lower ground floor of Harrods. The tea features home-baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, served with a choice of tea and a glass of sparkling wine. Both options include transport to the activity location, but not transport back to the meeting point.

Practicalities: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Accessibility

The tour begins at Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 am, with a maximum group size of 55 guests. The coach is air-conditioned and the guides are described as friendly and knowledgeable. Guests should be prepared for moderate walking, as some stops involve standing in lines or walking distances. Recent reviews highlight that mobility issues might make parts of the tour challenging. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness but may not be ideal for guests needing extensive accommodation.

Tour Schedule and Flexibility

The itinerary includes 12 stops, from Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Some stops are photo-only opportunities, with limited inside visits. The timing can be affected if St. Paul’s or the Tower have altered hours, or if the Changing of the Guard does not occur. Guests are advised to adhere to scheduled times to maximize the experience.

Cost-Effectiveness and Value for Money

While the ticket price of $193.23 covers major attractions and a private Thames cruise, some reviews find the value varies depending on the optional upgrades chosen. The guided experience offers convenience and expert commentary, which many find worth the cost, especially for first-time visitors. However, discontent arises when activities like Harrods cream tea or the London Eye are not included in the base fee, and schedule discrepancies occur.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This full-day London tour suits those wanting a rundown of the city’s most famous landmarks in a timed and managed environment. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a guided experience with entry to key sites. Those with mobility issues or who prefer more relaxed pacing may find the walking and scheduling demanding. Guides are praised for their expertise, but some reviews note organizational challenges, so flexibility and patience are helpful.

Final Thoughts on the Best of London Tour

This tour delivers a well-rounded snapshot of London’s core attractions, especially if you choose to upgrade with the London Eye or Harrods cream tea. The guides’ knowledge and humor are often highlighted as strengths, making the day both informative and engaging. The group size and short time at each stop mean it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with walking and scheduled transitions.

While some reviews mention delays or missing activities, overall, the tour offers a convenient, structured way to see London’s highlights in one day. It’s particularly recommended for those wanting a guided, all-in-one experience, provided they are prepared for a packed schedule and variable timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
No, the tour begins at Victoria Coach Station; hotel transfers are not included.

What attractions are included in the base tour price?
Entry to Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral are included, along with the Changing of the Guard and a private Thames cruise.

Are the London Eye and Harrods cream tea included?
No, these are optional upgrades that require additional payment and pre-booking.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
Yes, guests should be prepared for moderate walking and standing in lines, especially at St. Paul’s and the Tower.

Can I expect to see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, if scheduled (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), but on Wednesdays there may be a photo stop instead.

What happens if some attractions are closed or timings change?
The itinerary may be adjusted based on opening times and guard schedule, but stops like Westminster Abbey and Tower of London are usually reliable.

How long do I spend at each site?
Most stops range from 15 to 120 minutes, with longer times at the Tower and St. Paul’s, depending on the day’s schedule.

Is it suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
It’s best suited for guests with moderate fitness; mobility issues may make some parts difficult.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are recommended; food and drinks are not included.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations should be made well in advance, as the tour is often booked 68 days ahead on average, to secure preferred dates and optional upgrades.