‌
The Ultimate Guide to Sightseeing Tours in LondonCrafted by Headout, a global experiences brand offering curated tours, tickets & experiences. Discover with ease, book with peace.
london tours
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌

One of the most-visited cities in the world, London is a constantly changing landscape that just keeps getting better with every visit. One of the cultural capitals of the world, London has something for everyone — be it food, history, architecture, or theatre. To explore this stunning city, your best bet is to pick from the many different London tours.

Visit West End for live performances that rival Broadway, or sit back and enjoy a river tour along the magnificent Thames. Explore historical attractions and learn about the stories of this city and the monarchy. You can also head to Oxford Street or Notting Hill to shop till you drop, or head to one of the many verdant parks and gardens for some fresh air. And if you’re looking to take a trip back in time, head to one of the many museums London has to offer. Experience the best of the city through the best tours in London.

All Your Options for London City Tours

Bus tours

You can take a bus around the city and discover what it has to offer. You can also take a hop on hop off tour, where buses are frequent and pass every stop on their routes very often. This gives you a chance to get off, explore an attraction, and get back on the next bus and continue your journey as per your convenience.

London Bus Tours

Walking tours

Walking tours are perfect for when you want to explore multiple attractions in one area. Put on a pair of comfortable shoes and discover London on foot to thoroughly explore the city. You can see London at your own pace and experience every single detail of this fast-paced city.

London Walking Tours

River Cruise Tours

River Thames is the longest river in England, covering nearly 350 kilometers. When in London, you can take a river cruise on the Thames and explore the city from a completely different path. Combine it with lunch or dinner, and enjoy an unbeatable view of the city while you indulge in a scrumptious meal.

Thames River Cruises

London Harry Potter Tours

Fans of J. K. Rowling’s masterpiece are in for a treat when in London! You can take a Harry Potter tour and discover the set of the film at Warner Bros. Studios. The tour gives you an insight into the sets and everything that went on behind the scenes in this beloved film series!

Harry Potter Tours

Attraction tours

London is filled with so many things to do, see, and experience, that it becomes almost impossible to choose. These tours cover popular attractions such as St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, London Eye, and Madame Tussauds, among others, giving you the chance to see the best of London.

All Tickets

Bicycle tours

London is a very bicycle-friendly city, allowing you to discover this city on two wheels. It is perfectly safe, as long as you stick to your lane. You can listen to your guide as he takes you around the city and gives you information about the history of the monuments, while you feel the breeze in your hair.

Food tours

London is a melting pot of cultures, with a very vibrant culinary scene. What better way to discover London than its range of gastronomic delights? You can try out a variety of cuisines from across the world, and indulge in the British pub culture by enjoying a pint or two!

London Food Tours

Stadium tours

Football fans just cannot miss London Stadium tours! Covering the famous Wembley Stadium, London Stadium (former Olympic Stadium), Emirates Stadium (home of Arsenal FC), and Stamford Bridge (home of Chelsea FC), these tours are a wonderful way to experience the stadiums.

London Stadium Tours

Experiences Covered on Sightseeing Tours in London

London sightseeing tours are a great way to discover the city and everything beyond, and include day trips, tours, and attractions. Here are some of the best sightseeing tours London has to offer:

St. Paul’s Cathedral

This massive cathedral is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, and is visited by over a million people annually. It is one of the top-visited monuments in the city, and is usually covered as part of London city sightseeing tours.

St. Paul's Cathedral Tickets

London Eye

The London skyline would be incomplete without this massive observational wheel. Giving you an unbeatable view of the city, the London Eye is a top experience in your sightseeing tour.

London Eye Tickets

View from The Shard

As part of your sightseeing tour, you can get panoramic views of London from its highest point at The Shard. You will also have access to telescopes, and indoor viewing gallery, and a history exhibit.

View from the Shard Tickets

Tower of London

Take a trip back in time and discover the home of the Crown Jewels. Here’s your chance to see the famous beefeaters, ravens, and, the Crown Jewels, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Tower of London Tickets

Buckingham Palace

Home to the royalty, the Buckingham Palace is an essential part of your London sightseeing tour. Don’t forget to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony!

Buckingham Palace Tickets

Madame Tussauds

One of the city’s top attractions, you can see life-sized wax figures of your favourite celebrities, sportspersons, and historic figures.

Madame Tussauds Tickets

Thames Cruises

Here’s a chance to explore London in a very different way. Thames cruises are a leisurely way to see the best attractions of the city as you wind down the river.

Thames River Cruises

Wembley Stadium

Popular as the venue for Queen's magical Live Aid concert in 1986, the Wembley Stadium is a must-visit. It is the largest stadium in the UK, which can seat up to 90,000 people.

All Your Options for Day Tours from London

Stonehenge

Visit one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and uncover its mysteries with a day trip to the Salisbury Plain. When taking a day trip to Stonehenge from London, you can take a half-day trip, day trip, or even a combo tour to other places like Bath, Salisbury, and Windsor.

Stonehenge Tours

Oxford

Oxford is famous for the university and its magical buildings. As several parts of the Harry Potter film franchise were filmed here, it is a popular tourist attraction for fans. Take a guided tour of this town alongside Stratford and other destinations to get a feel of traditional British architecture.

Oxford Tours

Bath

Known for its Roman Baths, the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover a vibrant city with a dominant Georgian architecture. You can take a day tour to visit Bath along with other tourist attractions. As part of the tour, you can take a walking tour of the city and even enter the famous Roman Baths!

Bath Tours

Windsor

Explore the Queen’s weekend residence, along with its lush and verdant surroundings with a short day trip to Windsor. Take a guided tour to discover this 900-year old castle and all the historical events it has witnessed. You can visit the town as part of a half-day tour or a combo tour along with towns like Lacock and Oxford.

Windsor Castle Tours

Cotswolds

Covering 800 acres of the countryside, the Cotswolds comprises of 6 counties with medieval towns & villages. You will discover many hidden gems here. Visit through a guided tour, including transfers and an expert guide, along with other British towns like Oxford and Stratford for an authentic experience.

Cotswolds Tours

Leeds

Be it verdant parks, historic sites, art galleries, or a vibrant nightlife, Leeds has it all. A cosmopolitan city that takes pride in its roots, Leeds is famous for Leeds Castle, Lotherton Hall, Leeds City Museum, The Corn Exchange, and more. When in Leeds, visitors must visit the City Square, which is dotted with many statues.

Leeds Castle Tours

Canterbury

In Kent, England, lies UNESCO World Heritage Site - the city of Canterbury. One of the oldest cities in England, Canterbury has been around since the Paleolithic era. Some popular sites include Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine’s Abbey, and Canterbury City Walls, among others.

Canterbury Cathedral Tours

Stratford

Home of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful town with much to offer. You can take a guided tour along with other popular destinations for a memorable visit. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide, and transfers will be included for a hassle-free experience.

Lacock

Lacock is a popular destination for day tours from London. It is famous for its Abbey and cloisters, which have gained fame as a filming location for the Harry Potter movie franchise. You can take a guided tour with a professional English-speaking tour guide and round trip transfers from London.

Dover

Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover is an absolutely enchanting experience. The cliffs, along with Dover Castle and St. Margaret's Bay, are some stunning sights to catch in the city on your guided tour. The tour includes transfers to and from London, along with visits to other towns such as Leeds and Canterbury.

Salisbury

Just 9 miles from Stonehenge, Salisbury is a medieval city in Wiltshire. The most famous landmark is the Salisbury Cathedral, which has the best-preserved Magna Carta of four surviving exemplars. Other places of interest include Salisbury Museum, Arundells, and Old Sarum.

Warwick

On River Avon lies the town of Warwick in West Midlands. It is best known for Warwick Castle, which was founded in 1068 by William the Conqueror. Other popular tourist attractions are Lord Leycester Hospital & Master’s Garden, St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, and St. John’s House.

Guided vs Self-Guided tours in London

Can't decide between guided or self-guided London tours? Here are some pointers to help you decide what suits you better:

Guided tour

  • As part of a guided tour, you will be accompanied by an expert tour guide who is well-versed in all things London, and will give you an insight into the landmark and the city.
  • Depending on the tour chosen, your transportation will be included in the tour, along with certain activities, if applicable.
  • You may be accompanied by other people as part of the tour.
  • Guided tours generally have a discounted rate online, meaning you get to save money when you take a guided tour.

Self-guided tour

  • You will not be accompanied by a tour guide, and can explore the city and attractions at your own leisure.
  • You will have to arrange your own transportation and pay separately for any activities you may wish to indulge in.
  • You will not be accompanied by any other tourists.
  • Instead of the discounted rates available for guided tours, you may have to pay the standard rate for your tickets.

Why Go On a London Tour?

London is unlike any other city you’ve ever seen. It’s vibrant, it’s cosmopolitan, it’s alive. A city that is a complete melting pot of cultures, London is where the past and present coexist. Be it the castles, the towers, or the churches; you will see the city holding on to its history. But at the same time, London remains a hotspot for all things fashion, food, and football, among others. Whether you decide to go to the theatre or experience a live football game, or spend some quite time in its museums or parks, London embraces you and gives you exactly what you are looking for.

To make the most of your visit, you need to take an organized London tour, because you will be able to:

  • Skip the lines: The biggest advantage of taking a guided tour is being able to skip the long queues at attractions and heading straight to the fun!
  • Discover hidden gems: Tour guides have access to some of the best spots in the city, even the hidden spots that only locals know about. Taking a tour can help you explore some of these for yourself.
  • Learn more: A guide will give you insight into the history of whichever attraction you are visiting, along with information and fun facts that will enrich your experience.
  • Cover all the places: Tours are typically planned in such a way that you can cover more attractions and experiences in a short amount of time. This saves you the hassle of planning everything yourself. Additionally, as transfers are included, you do not have to worry about transportation.

How to Book the Best London Tours

Given the benefits of a guided tour, it is no wonder that people prefer to book guided tours when visiting a city like London, where there’s so much to do. As there are so many places to book London tours from, here are some of your best options:

  • Book online: This is perhaps the best way to gain more information and book reliable guided London tours. To get the best option, pick the ones you like, and compare prices on ticket websites like Headout, which offer great deals.
  • Ticket resellers: Ticket resellers purchase tickets in bulk and sell them at cheap prices. If yours is a last-minute plan, a reseller is the best option for tours and tickets. However, you need to ensure they are a legitimate reseller, or you may end up getting scammed.
  • At the venue: If you are purchasing at the venue, you will end up paying full price. Additionally, choosing this option means you will only be able to visit a particular attraction and not multiple attractions.
  • City Pass: A London City Pass helps you save up on your traveling expenses as it covers multiple attractions, including skip-the-line access, for a nominal fee. Look for city passes that include guided tours to make the most of your trip.

All Your Questions Answered About London Tours

While a London hop on hop off tour is your best bet to explore the city and cover all attractions at your own pace, guided walking tours are also a great way to discover the city. Being a tourist in London can get overwhelming, but walking tours, and even river cruise tours, will help you appreciate the beauty of this sprawling city.