London Like a Local Full Day Custom Tour with Private Guide

Explore London with the London Like a Local Full Day Custom Tour, priced at $452.79 per person. This 7-hour private experience is designed to give an intimate look at the city’s highlights, led by a knowledgeable private guide. Perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned travelers, the tour combines classic attractions with personalized stops, creating a flexible and engaging day in the capital.

What makes this tour stand out is its customization options. You can choose what to see and do, whether it’s hitting iconic landmarks, exploring hidden spots, or discovering local eateries. Plus, the hotel pick-up and included public transportation simplify the logistics, making navigation effortless. An optional private car upgrade is available for those seeking extra comfort. The tour’s wheelchair and stroller accessibility ensures it’s suitable for most travelers.

While the price reflects a premium experience, the small group size and personalized approach provide excellent value for those eager to see London at their own pace. The fact that the tour is booked on average 13 days in advance indicates high demand among travelers looking for a flexible, well-organized day around the city.

Key Points

• Customizable private tour lasting approximately 7 hours with hotel pick-up
• Includes public transportation and tips for navigating London
• Highlights iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and more
• Optional private car upgrade available for added comfort
• Wheelchair and stroller accessible for inclusive travel
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour

Starting the Day with Trafalgar Square and St. James’s Park

The tour begins with a hotel pick-up, making your day hassle-free. Your guide meets you at your hotel lobby, then leads you to Trafalgar Square, where you can snap photos in front of its famous lions. Just a short walk away is St. James’s Park, a peaceful green space and a perfect introduction to London’s lush parks. This part of the tour takes about 70 minutes and involves free admission.

These stops set a relaxed tone for the rest of the day, blending iconic sights with scenic spots, and giving a glimpse of London’s royal and historic atmosphere.

Visiting London’s Most Recognizable Landmark: Big Ben

Next, the group heads to the Elizabeth Tower—commonly called Big Ben—a must-see symbol of London. The guide shares stories about its history and explains why Big Ben isn’t the official name of the tower, adding depth to the visit. Although admission is not included, viewing this clock tower from the outside is a highlight, especially as it towers over the Westminster skyline.

Travelers appreciate how the guide provides context, making photo opportunities more meaningful. This stop typically lasts 30 minutes.

Westminster Abbey: Royal Ceremonies and History

A key part of the tour is a 50-minute visit to Westminster Abbey, where the guide discusses its significance in royal weddings, coronations, and burials. While admission fees are not included, the external view and stories enrich the experience. The abbey stands as a symbol of British history and monarchy, making it a compelling stop for history buffs.

The guide’s insights help visitors understand the abbey’s role in the UK’s royal traditions, adding layers of understanding to this iconic location.

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

A highlight for many is the 40-minute stop at Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard. The guide explains every step of the ceremony, which is a classic London sight. While entry to the palace isn’t included, observing the guards in their traditional attire offers a memorable photo opportunity and cultural insight.

This stop is timed to maximize viewing without feeling rushed, providing a genuine glimpse into royal ceremonies.

Cruising the Thames with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Transitioning from land to water, the tour includes a 40-minute boat ride from Westminster Pier to the other side of the city. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers scenic views of London’s skyline along the Thames River. This is a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective, with your guide pointing out notable bridges and buildings along the route.

The experience combines sightseeing with a brief cruise, adding variety and a sense of adventure to the day.

Crossing Tower Bridge and Viewing the Thames

On the other side of the river, the tour visits Tower Bridge, where a 50-minute stop allows for photos and a walk across this historic bridge. Built between 1886 and 1894, Tower Bridge provides a stunning view over the Thames and offers insight into Victorian engineering.

Your guide shares details about its construction and history, making this a photographer’s favorite and a great vantage point for city views.

Culinary Exploration at Borough Market

No visit to London is complete without tasting its food scene, and Borough Market earns its place on this tour. For 1 hour, you explore this bustling market, discovering local and international specialties. The guide recommends must-try dishes, giving you a chance to indulge in London’s vibrant culinary culture.

This stop emphasizes London’s diverse food offerings, from artisanal treats to global flavors, making it a favorite for food lovers.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Modern Art at Tate Modern

The tour includes a 30-minute outside view of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, where you get a sense of 17th-century London life and its theatrical heritage. The guide shares stories about William Shakespeare’s influence and the theatre’s reconstruction.

Next, passing by the Tate Modern—a striking modern museum with distinctive architecture—provides a quick look at London’s contemporary art scene. While entry fees are not included for these sites, the guide’s commentary enhances understanding of their significance.

Ending at St. Paul’s Cathedral

The final stop is St. Paul’s Cathedral, where a 30-minute visit allows you to admire its architecture and interior. The guide can leave you here to continue exploring or assist with a restaurant reservation or hotel transfer. Its impressive dome and detailed interior make it a fitting conclusion to the day’s sightseeing.

This flexible ending accommodates your plans, whether you wish to relax or continue discovering London independently.

Practical Logistics and Accessibility

This private tour includes hotel pick-up and uses public transportation, removing the stress of navigating London’s busy streets and underground. An optional private car upgrade is available for added convenience.

Importantly, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring inclusivity for most travelers. The group size remains small, fostering an intimate experience and allowing the guide to provide personalized attention.

Tour Pricing, Booking, and Cancellation Policies

The $452.79 price per person reflects a comprehensive, customizable experience, which is booked on average 13 days in advance. The tour includes tips for navigating the city and restaurant reservations upon request.

A key benefit is the free cancellation policy, allowing full refunds if canceled 24 hours before the scheduled start. This flexibility offers peace of mind, especially for spontaneous or uncertain plans.

The Sum Up: A Flexible, Personalized Day in London

The London Like a Local Full Day Custom Tour offers a well-rounded, private experience ideal for those wanting to see the city through a local’s eyes. Its customizable nature allows for a tailored itinerary, whether focusing on landmarks, food, or hidden spots. The expert guidance and thoughtful logistics make it suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility needs.

While the admission fees for certain landmarks are not included, the tour’s emphasis on personalized storytelling and scenic routes makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a curated London experience. Travelers who appreciate flexibility, comfort, and local insights will particularly enjoy this tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers a private guide, hotel pick-up, public transportation, tips for navigating the city, and restaurant reservations if requested.

Are museum or monument entry fees included?
No, admission tickets for landmarks like Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tate Modern are not included.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility challenges?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Can I customize the stops on this tour?
Absolutely, the tour is designed for personalization—you can choose what sights you want to focus on.

Is there an option for private transportation?
Yes, an optional private car upgrade is available for added comfort.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 13 days in advance, but it’s best to reserve early for preferred dates.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

How long does the tour typically last?
The experience lasts approximately 7 hours, offering a full but manageable day of sightseeing.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but the guide can recommend nearby options or make reservations.

How accessible is the tour for families with children?
The tour’s stroller accessibility makes it suitable for families, and the flexible stops can be tailored to suit children’s interests.