London Vintage Bus Tour Including River Thames Cruise with Optional Lunch

Explore London in Style on a Vintage Double-Decker Bus and Thames Cruise

This London Vintage Bus Tour offers a charming way to see the city’s most iconic landmarks in just about 4 hours. Priced at $85.57 per person, it combines a panoramic ride on a 1960s-style red double-decker bus with a relaxing cruise along the River Thames. An optional fish and chips lunch at a central London pub can be added for a true British experience.

The tour departs from Victoria Coach Station and is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 40 people. While the tour provides excellent views and engaging commentary, it also has some limitations, such as traffic delays and minimal commentary on certain days. This makes it an appealing option for those who want a comprehensive, easy way to explore London’s highlights in a short time.

Key Points

• Price: $85.57 per person, including Thames cruise; lunch optional.
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours.
• Highlights: Visiting Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Tower of London.
• Transport: Traveling on a vintage double-decker bus and Thames River cruise.
• Guide: Knowledgeable local guides with lively commentary.
• Reviews: Generally positive, with 4.2 out of 5 stars from 277 reviews.

Start at Victoria Coach Station for a Classic London Experience

The tour begins at Victoria Coach Station, located at 164 Buckingham Palace Rd. This central meeting point makes it easy to access from many parts of London via public transportation. The bus departs with a maximum of 40 travelers, allowing for a comfortable, intimate atmosphere.

The tour guide greets guests here, ready to share stories about London’s history and landmarks. Since the bus is vintage-style, expect a fun, nostalgic ride through the city’s streets, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Discover London’s Main Landmarks from the Vintage Double-Decker Bus

Once seated on the red vintage double-decker bus, the guide begins providing commentary on famous landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The fabulous views from the upper deck give travelers a broad perspective of the city’s skyline.

The bus drives past Trafalgar Square, where Nelson’s Column is a prominent feature, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, providing quick glimpses of London’s architectural diversity. While the commentary is generally lively, some reviews mention that on certain days, it can be minimal or somewhat difficult to hear, especially in traffic. Vox boxes are not included, so speaking up or sitting closer can help.

Up-Close View at the Tower of London

A key highlight is the photo stop at the Tower of London, a historic fortress with over 1,000 years of history. Built by William the Conqueror, it has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Visitors get approximately 20 minutes here to admire the Crown Jewels and learn about the Beefeater Guards guarding the site.

This stop provides a chance to explore the site independently or simply enjoy photos. It’s a highlight for many due to its significance and impressive appearance.

Thames River Cruise: A Relaxing Way to See London from the Water

After the bus tour, guests board a glass-encased sightseeing boat at Tower Pier for a 30-minute cruise on the River Thames. This part of the tour is praised for its comfortable seating—either in the open air or in the enclosed salon—and lively audio commentary explaining London’s history.

Cruising under London Bridge, passing Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and catching a glimpse of the London Eye from the river are key moments on this trip. The view of the Globe Theatre from the river is a special sight, providing a different perspective of this iconic venue.

Iconic Sights Along the Thames: London Eye, London Bridge, and More

The Thames cruise offers wonderful photo opportunities, including the London Eye, which dominates the skyline from the river, and the London Bridge. The cruise is appreciated for its relaxed pace, contrasting with the bus’s constant movement, providing a break from walking and a fresh view of the city.

The audio commentary enhances the experience, sharing stories about the river’s history and the landmarks you pass. Some reviews note that the commentary could be more detailed, but overall, the cruise is a calming, scenic addition to the tour.

Optional Fish and Chips Lunch at a Central London Pub

Guests can upgrade their experience to include a traditional British fish and chips meal. The pub is located a 5-7 minute walk from the drop-off point, making it a convenient extension to the tour.

The lunch option offers a choice between fish and chips or a vegetarian dish, served in a cozy setting with drinks available at additional cost. This meal provides a satisfying conclusion to the sightseeing day and a taste of British cuisine.

The Tour Stops Include Buckingham Palace and Westminster

The itinerary includes photo stops outside Buckingham Palace, where the Changing of the Guard can be observed on selected dates. This moment offers a glimpse of British royal pageantry. Guests also get 15-minute stops at Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square for photos of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.

While admission tickets are not included, these stops are excellent for quick photos and enjoying the exterior architecture. The 10-minute view of Big Ben provides a classic London shot, although some reviews suggest the time can be limited.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The meeting point at Victoria Coach Station is accessible and close to public transportation, simplifying arrival. The tour is designed to be suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations, though the open-top bus may be less ideal in rain or cold weather.

Guests should be prepared for traffic delays, which can extend the tour duration. Bathroom breaks are not scheduled, so planning for that in advance is advised. Since the tour operates in an open-top bus (though sometimes it may switch to a closed top), be prepared for the weather.

Customer Feedback and Common Themes

Most reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and stunning views from the vintage bus and river cruise. Guides like Alan and John are praised for their friendly, informative approach, often going beyond basic commentary. The fish and chips lunch consistently emerges as a favorite add-on.

However, some reviews mention minimal or difficult-to-hear commentary, especially during traffic congestion, and one review reports an offensive guide whose personal views negatively impacted the experience. The bus pickup location inside the bus terminal could be clearer, and bathroom breaks might be insufficient for some guests.

Final Thoughts on the London Vintage Bus Tour

This tour offers a comfortable, scenic way to see London’s highlights in about 4 hours. The mix of vintage bus sightseeing and Thames River cruise provides a rundown, especially for first-time visitors or those short on time. The optional fish and chips adds a hearty, authentic touch to the experience.

While the traffic delays and commentary limitations are worth considering, the expert guides and iconic sights make this a worthwhile option for most travelers. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, historic landmarks, and a nostalgic vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most ages, but some reviews mention that it’s not very kid-friendly, especially due to limited stops and seating arrangements.

Can I cancel this tour for a refund?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is optional and can be added during booking. The meal options include fish and chips or a vegetarian dish, with drinks available at extra cost.

What are the main landmarks I will see?
You will see Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Tower of London. The river cruise offers views of London Eye, London Bridge, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

How long is the Thames River cruise?
The cruise lasts about 30 minutes, providing a relaxing way to see some of London’s most famous sights from the water.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes back at the Victoria Coach Station or near the original departure point, with the option to walk to nearby landmarks or transportation.

Are guides knowledgeable and helpful?
Yes, reviews praise guides like Rich, John, and Alan for their passion, friendliness, and detailed explanations.

What should I bring for weather?
Since it’s an open-top bus, it’s wise to carry an umbrella or raincoat, particularly in rainy months, though sometimes the bus may switch to a closed top.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While designed to accommodate most travelers, the open-top bus and walking involved at stops may pose challenges for some guests.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for those wanting a well-rounded, picturesque overview of London with the option to enjoy traditional food and scenic river views.