Royal London Guided Sightseeing Tour and Thames River Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to see the city’s highlights without spending all day rushing from place to place, the Royal London Guided Sightseeing Tour combined with a Thames River cruise could be a solid option. This experience offers a blend of bus and boat sightseeing, giving you two different perspectives on London’s most famous landmarks.

What we really appreciate about this tour is that it covers a lot of ground in just about three hours. You’ll get to see the towering Big Ben, the historic Westminster Abbey, and the magnificent Buckingham Palace – all with commentary that adds context and stories behind the sites. Plus, the river cruise offers a peaceful way to take in the skyline and waterfront attractions.

The only thing to keep in mind is that this tour is quite packed, which might mean less time at each stop. If you’re someone who prefers a relaxed pace or an in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit rushed. Nonetheless, it’s a good pick for travelers wanting a snapshot of London’s royal and historic heart in a manageable time. It’s especially suited for first-timers or visitors with limited days to explore.

If you’re after a practical, well-organized way to see London with informative guides and scenic views, this tour could be a good fit. Just consider your pace preferences and whether you’re comfortable with a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Efficient way to see many highlights in a short time
• Combines bus tour and Thames cruise for varied perspectives
• Includes the Changing of the Guard, a classic royal spectacle
• Good value for the price, with live commentary and scenic views
• Not ideal for those looking for a slow, in-depth exploration
• Tour operates with a maximum of 52 travelers, so it’s relatively intimate

What to Expect from the Tour

Let’s walk through what you’ll experience on this tour day. Starting from Victoria Coach Station, you’ll hop onto a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with WiFi and USB charging. The ride is smooth, and you can settle in while your guide shares insights about the city.

The route takes you past Kensington Palace, giving you a glimpse of royal residences outside the core of London. From there, you’ll head toward Trafalgar Square, a lively hub packed with statues and history. This is a good spot to get a feel for central London’s bustling vibe.

Next, you’ll see the Big Ben and Houses of Parliament, two of London’s most recognizable landmarks. As you arrive at Parliament Square, you’ll notice statues commemorating figures like Churchill, Lincoln, and Mandela—adding a sense of history to your walk.

One of the major highlights is Buckingham Palace, where you’ll witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony (if scheduled for that day). This colorful routine involves guards dressed in elaborate uniforms marching to the beat of drums, a crowd favorite and perfect photo opportunity. If there’s no guard change at Buckingham Palace, you’ll see the Changing of the Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade instead.

The tour then disembarks at Trafalgar Square for your Thames River cruise. You can choose to board at either Tower Pier or Westminster Pier, with tickets included in your package. Once on the boat, you’ll glide past historic and modern London landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the Tower of London. The live commentary provides historical and cultural background, enriching the experience.

The cruise lasts around 40 minutes, giving you ample time to relax and snap photos of London’s skyline from the water. Afterward, you’ll return to your original departure point and be free to explore the city further or head back to your hotel.

The Itinerary in Detail

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard

This is the most iconic royal sight on the tour. Buckingham Palace has been the Queen’s official residence since 1837 and remains a major symbol of royal authority. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place on certain days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), is a colorful spectacle you shouldn’t miss if scheduled. Watching the guards march in their traditional uniforms, accompanied by a military band, creates a real sense of London’s regal tradition. One reviewer said, “Our guide Ruth and driver Idrris were great. Very pleasant and filled us with a lot of information. It was a great way to spend a few hours.”

Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square

These are the cultural and political heart of London. Trafalgar Square, built around the historic Charing Cross, is lively and full of history. The statues in Parliament Square commemorate influential world figures, adding depth to your understanding of British history. The commentary during the tour helps explain these landmarks, making it more than just a photo-stop.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Seeing Big Ben up close is a must. This iconic clock tower is more than just a photo op; it’s a symbol of UK governance. The nearby Parliament building is equally impressive, and the tour takes you right to the square—so you’ll get a good sense of the setting.

The Thames River Cruise

This part of the tour offers a different vantage point of London. You’ll see the city’s skyline and waterfront landmarks from the serenity of the river. The cruise’s live commentary covers landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and Shakespeare’s Globe—bringing history and architecture to life. Many reviewers, including one who said, “The river cruise was a great way to see the sites,” found this to be a relaxing way to end the tour.

Additional Insights from Reviews

While most reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and friendly attitude, some mention logistical issues with the boat booking process. You’ll need to plan ahead if you want to schedule the cruise yourself, as tickets are not automatically booked for you. Also, the tour is generally well-organized, with a suggested start time of 9:00 am, making it a good morning activity.

Transportation, Pricing, and Duration

The coach is described as superior, equipped with WiFi and USB ports, making the roughly three-hour experience comfortable and connected. The price of $80.88 per person offers decent value considering the combination of guided sightseeing and a river cruise—especially since the cruise ticket alone is included in the package.

The duration is about three hours, which is a good snapshot of London’s highlights. Keep in mind, the tour is quite packed, and the time spent at each stop is brief. If you’re someone who loves to linger or explore in depth, this might be a little too rapid.

While there is no hotel pickup or drop-off included, the meeting point at Victoria Coach Station is centrally located and easy to reach via public transport.

The Real Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Knowledgeable guides who make the history come alive
• Stunning views from both bus and river perspectives
• Good value for money, with multiple landmarks covered
• Efficient schedule for seeing a lot in a short span

Cons

• The tour can feel rushed if you want more time at each site
• The boat cruise isn’t automatically booked; you’ll need to plan ahead
• No in-depth exploration of each landmark—more of a highlights reel
• Some reviews mention logistical hiccups with pickup points or scheduling

Who should consider this tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re visiting London for a limited time and want a rundown. It works well for first-timers eager to see the main sights without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and appreciate guided commentary, you’ll likely enjoy this.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Royal London Guided Sightseeing Tour with Thames River Cruise offers a well-organized, engaging way to get a broad sense of London’s royal and historic landmarks. The combination of bus and boat adds variety and scenic views that make it more than just a walking tour. The guides generally receive high praise, and the included river cruise provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to maximize their time and are happy with a fast-paced overview rather than an exhaustive visit. The price point is reasonable for what’s included, especially given that the cruise ticket is part of the package. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, in-depth exploration of each site, you might want to look for longer or more specialized tours.

Overall, for decent value and a snapshot of London’s royal and waterfront beauty, this tour hits the mark. Just be prepared for a busy few hours, and plan your logistics for the river cruise in advance.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour can work for families, especially those interested in seeing major sights quickly. Keep in mind, the pace is brisk, so young children should be comfortable with a busy schedule.

Do I need to book the Thames River cruise separately?
No, the cruise ticket is included in the tour package. However, you might need to schedule it yourself, as the tour does not book the cruise automatically.

What landmarks will I see during the tour?
You will see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and statues at Parliament Square, among others.

How long is the Thames River cruise?
The cruise lasts around 40-45 minutes, offering a scenic view of London from the water.

Does the tour include hotel pick-up and drop-off?
No, it does not. The meeting point is Victoria Coach Station, which is easily accessible by public transport.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides as being well-informed and engaging, making the experience more interesting.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and maybe a raincoat, depending on the weather, as outdoor parts are unavoidable.

What if I want to do this tour on a specific day?
Check the schedule for the Changing of the Guard, which takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. If it’s not scheduled, you’ll see the Changing of the Horse Guards instead.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for refunds.

If you’re after a practical, scenic, and efficient way to check off London’s royal and riverside sights, this tour is worth considering. Just be prepared for a quick pace and plan your cruise ahead of time.