London: Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour incl walking tours

Discover the magic of London during the holiday season with the London: Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour, priced at $45.80 per person. This 1-hour group bus experience offers a relaxing way to see London’s most iconic Christmas light displays from the comfort of a double-decker bus. Starting at Coventry Street, the tour takes you past familiar landmarks decorated for the season, including Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Soho, Oxford Street, Marble Arch, and Grosvenor Square.

While the tour promises a festive atmosphere with live English-speaking guides and a Christmas playlist, it’s important to note that the experience may face some limitations. Traffic jams and microphone noise have been reported, which can affect the clarity of the commentary. Nonetheless, this tour remains a popular choice for those wanting to enjoy London’s holiday lights comfortably and with some engaging storytelling.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $45.80, the tour lasts about 1 hour, with specific starting times based on availability.
• Highlights: Experience London’s Christmas sparkle from a top deck double-decker bus, passing famous landmarks decorated for the season.
• Guided Commentary: Enjoy live English-speaking guides and audio commentary in 10 languages, adding context to the sights.
• Included Extras: Access to the Tootbus app, Christmas playlist, and Wi-Fi on board enhance the experience.
• Stops and Route: The tour covers notable locations like Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Grosvenor Square with potential for scenic walking tours via the app.
• Limitations: Traffic jams can cause delays; some guests report microphone noise and connectivity issues with headphones.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Coventry Street

The tour begins at 1 Coventry Street, a central location ideal for access among London’s bustling West End. From here, the bus heads into the heart of the city’s festive displays. The starting point is convenient for visitors staying nearby or arriving via public transit, making it easy to join the holiday festivities without lengthy travel.

Viewing London’s Iconic Christmas Lights from the Top Deck

The main allure of this tour is the chance to see London’s most famous streets decorated with Christmas lights from the open-air top deck. As the bus glides past Regent Street and Oxford Street, travelers get sweeping views of dazzling displays, perfect for capturing Instagrammable photos. The sparkling illuminations truly transform the city into a winter wonderland during the season.

Landmark Stops Such as Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus

The route includes notable stops like Trafalgar Square, where the Christmas tree and festive decorations create a lively scene, and Piccadilly Circus, famous for its illuminated advertising screens and holiday atmosphere. While the tour primarily offers a bus drive-by experience, these locations are highlighted for their seasonal charm and are often accompanied by storytelling from the guides about London’s Christmas traditions.

The Role of Guides and Audio Commentary

The tour offers both live guides and audio commentary in 10 languages, making the experience accessible to international visitors. The guides share stories of Christmas past and present, adding a narrative element to the sightseeing. However, some reviews note that microphone noise and connection issues with headphones can hinder the clarity of the commentary, especially in traffic-heavy areas.

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The Christmas Playlist and Wi-Fi Access

To set the festive mood, access to the Tootbus Christmas playlist is included, bringing holiday tunes directly to your seat. Plus, Wi-Fi on board allows guests to share photos or access the Tootbus app for further information about the sights, making the experience engaging and interactive.

The Inclusion of Walking Tours via the App

While the main tour is a bus ride, the audio-guided walking tours via the Tootbus app provide an opportunity for more in-depth exploration of certain locations. These self-guided walks are a bonus for travelers interested in discovering more beyond the bus route, though they are not part of a guided walking segment within the tour itself.

The Route’s Notable Stops: From Soho to Grosvenor Square

The route includes a stop in Soho, a vibrant district often decorated with festive lights and lively street scenes. Then, the bus proceeds to Grosvenor Square, a quieter, elegant area that is beautifully illuminated during Christmas. The tour concludes back at Coventry Street, completing a loop through central London’s holiday sights.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most physical abilities. Children under 5 years old can travel for free on their parents’ lap, making it family-friendly. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so travelers should plan to meet at the departure point. Food and drink are also not included, so visitors might want to bring snacks if needed.

Pacing and Crowd Considerations

The 1-hour duration keeps the experience concise, but traffic jams can sometimes cause delays, making the overall experience longer than scheduled. The tour is designed to balance sightseeing with comfort, but guests should be prepared for potential congestion around popular areas during peak season.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour stands out for its top deck views and multilingual commentary, but some reviews suggest that microphone issues and traffic delays may detract from the experience. Similar tours offer vintage or open-top buses and may include nighttime walks or river cruises, providing alternatives for holiday sightseeing in London.

Final Thoughts on the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour

This tour offers a relaxed, scenic way to enjoy London’s festive sparkle from a double-decker bus vantage point. It’s ideal for those who want a guided overview of the city’s holiday displays without extensive walking. The inclusion of Wi-Fi and music adds to the cheerful atmosphere, making it a suitable choice for families or visitors seeking a convenient way to capture the essence of London at Christmas.

However, traffic congestion and audio issues are considerations to keep in mind. For visitors who prioritize clear commentary and smooth operation, it may be worth exploring alternatives or supplementing with additional walking tours. This experience captures London’s festive spirit and offers a comfortable way to see many sights illuminated during the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 5 years old can travel for free on their parents’ lap.

What languages are available for the audio commentary?
Audio guides are provided in 10 languages including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Arabic.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, but delays due to traffic may occur.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the bus wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Bringing a smartphone for the app and photos is recommended; no food or drinks are included.

Are headphones provided?
Yes, headphones are available, but some reviews mention they barely work, especially with microphone noise.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at 1 Coventry Street in central London.

Can I see Christmas lights from the bus?
Yes, the main appeal is viewing London’s Christmas lights from the top deck of the bus, especially along Regent Street and Oxford Street.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby