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

If you’re planning a trip to London and short on time, a guided tour like this one can be a smart way to hit the main sights without feeling overwhelmed. This Best of London Tour promises a jam-packed itinerary that covers iconic landmarks, offers some flexibility, and even includes extras like a Thames River cruise and optional treats. With over 2,500 reviews and a solid 4.5-star rating, it’s clearly popular—but, like any experience, it’s worth knowing what to expect before booking.

We really appreciate the balance of highlights and relaxed moments this tour offers. You get to see the famous Tower of London, witness the Changing of the Guard, and snap photos outside Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Plus, the addition of a private river cruise gives a different perspective of the city from the water. The optional upgrades—like a ride on the London Eye or a traditional cream tea at Harrods—are thoughtful touches that can elevate the day.

However, a key consideration is the pace and structure of the tour. With around nine hours of activity packed into a single day, it can be quite intensive, and some travelers have found the schedule somewhat tight—especially if you’re hoping for in-depth visits. Also, the tour’s reliance on weather and opening times means sometimes certain parts may be missed or limited, which has disappointed some guests. Still, if your goal is a broad overview of London’s most famous sights, this can be a practical choice.

This tour tends to suit first-time visitors or those with limited time in London who want an efficient, guided experience. If you’re comfortable with walking and moving quickly from site to site, you’ll likely enjoy it. That said, it might not be ideal if you prefer a slow pace or detailed exploration of each location. With that in mind, let’s unpack what makes this tour both appealing and potentially challenging.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major landmarks in one day
• Knowledgeable guides received high praise for their friendliness and insights
• Flexible upgrade options for a London Eye ride or afternoon tea
• Fast-paced experience requiring good stamina and willingness to walk
• Some reviews mention organizational issues or missed stops, so flexibility is key
• Ideal for visitors wanting a broad overview without spending days exploring

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

This tour is designed to pack in as much as possible, so you’ll start early, with a meet-up at Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 am. From there, the guide takes over, and the day unfolds with a series of carefully timed visits.

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard

Your day kicks off with a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the Changing of the Guard—a colorful, centuries-old ceremony with soldiers dressed in red tunics and bearskin hats. According to the schedule, this takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, but if not, you’ll still get to see the palace and snap some photos. The reviews highlight this as a major highlight, with travelers noting the guards’ presence adds a regal touch to the experience.

However, some guests have been disappointed when the guard change doesn’t happen, especially during days when it’s not scheduled or when the timing shifts. As one reviewer noted, “On days when the Changing of the Guard does not take place, you will simply enjoy a photo stop at the palace.” It’s a small caveat but worth keeping in mind.

Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament

Next, your guide takes you to Westminster Abbey for a quick photo opportunity. While you won’t go inside (unless specifically included), the exterior view is stunning, and it’s a chance to appreciate the architecture and history. This stop is brief—about 20 minutes—so don’t expect a tour inside.

From there, you’ll pass by Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, with a short stop for photos. This is more about capturing the iconic shots than deep diving into politics or history, but it’s a classic London scene.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

One of the real highlights, St. Paul’s Cathedral opens its doors for a guided visit, giving you about an hour and 15 minutes inside. The reviews praise this stop as “magnificent,” with one critic noting they appreciated exploring Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece after the Great Fire of London. Keep in mind that on Sundays, the internal tour might be limited due to services, which is good to know if your schedule aligns.

The Tower of London

Next up is the Tower of London, a fortress and crown jewel all in one. You’ll spend around two hours exploring, with a chance to see the Crown Jewels, meet the Yeoman Warders, and learn about the Tower’s dark history. The Tower is a major attraction, and reviews often mention it as a “must-see” with lots of fascinating stories.

One traveler said, “This was the only part worth the price—they really take their time here,” which highlights how this stop offers plenty of value. The Tower’s history, combined with the chance to see the ravens and Traitors Gate, makes it a captivating glimpse into royal London.

Thames River Cruise

Post-Tower, you’ll board a private boat for an extended cruise down the River Thames. This 40-minute ride offers a new perspective of the city’s skyline—think Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Shard—while relaxing on the water. Many reviews mention how this shift from land to water provides some well-earned rest and stunning photo opportunities.

Optional: The London Eye or Harrods Cream Tea

The tour concludes with optional upgrades:

• A ride on London Eye—Europe’s tallest observation wheel—which offers sweeping views of London’s skyline. Expect around 30 minutes on the wheel, with plenty of opportunities for photos from above.
• Or, a cream tea at Harrods, served with home-baked scones, clotted cream, preserves, and a glass of sparkling wine. Many guests rave about the quality of the tea and the experience of sitting inside one of London’s most famous department stores.

It’s worth noting that both options are separate from the main tour logistics, and transport to these locations is included, but not the trip back. So, plan your time accordingly if you choose to indulge.

The Practical Side: Pricing, Duration, and Group Size

At around $193.23 per person, this tour offers a good deal considering the number of attractions included. When you factor in the entry tickets for Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral, plus the private Thames cruise, it’s a way to see a lot without paying separately for each. The optional upgrades come at an additional cost, which many find worthwhile for the memorable experience and views they offer.

The tour lasts roughly 9 hours, starting early in the morning. It’s a large group experience, with a maximum of 55 travelers, which can mean some busy moments, especially at the Tower and during the cruise. Some reviews suggest that walking can be quite substantial—up to 10,000 steps in a day—so comfortable shoes are a must.

On the plus side, the air-conditioned coach and friendly guides make the journey more comfortable. However, some guests have expressed frustrations with organization and timing, especially when parts of the itinerary are affected by weather, opening times, or guide availability.

Group Dynamics and Reviews

While the majority of reviews praise the knowledge and humor of guides like Zozo, Frank, and John, a few travelers have had less positive experiences due to disorganization or missed stops. For example, a very negative review detailed a frustrating experience with delays, missed tickets, and poor communication, which serves as a reminder that, with such a busy schedule, flexibility is key.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors who want a broad yet manageable overview of London’s highlights. If you’re someone who enjoys guided commentary, organized schedules, and seeing the main sights in one day, you’ll find this tour very convenient.

It’s also ideal if you’re comfortable with walking and standing for long periods and aren’t expecting an in-depth exploration of each site. For those who like a more relaxed pace or detailed visits, this might feel rushed.

Final Thoughts

This Best of London Tour offers a solid overview of the city’s most iconic landmarks in a single day. The guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm are often praised, making the experience engaging and informative. The inclusion of a Thames cruise and optional upgrades adds value and variety to the day.

However, it’s important to go into it knowing that it’s a fast-paced, full-on experience—not a leisurely exploration. If that suits your travel style, you’ll likely enjoy this tour and come away with some fantastic memories and photos.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It involves a fair amount of walking and standing, so travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. Those with mobility concerns might find it challenging.

What if I don’t want to participate in the optional upgrades?
The tour ends with a visit to London Eye or Harrods, depending on your choice. You can skip these and just explore on your own afterward; transport to these locations is included.

Are the entrance tickets included?
Yes, tickets to the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral are included. The London Eye and Harrods cream tea are optional upgrades, which you pay for separately.

What if the Changing of the Guard doesn’t take place?
On days when the Guard ceremony isn’t scheduled, you’ll still get a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace but won’t see the actual guard change. This has been noted by reviewers and is part of the schedule variability.

How long is the overall duration?
Expect around 9 hours from start to finish, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.

In the end, this tour provides a great snapshot of London’s most famous spots—perfect for first-time visitors eager to see the essentials in one day. Just come prepared for a full schedule, comfortable walking shoes, and a sense of adventure.