The London Pass®: 100+ Things To Do – Includes Tower Bridge

If you’re planning a trip to London and want a way to see a lot without breaking the bank, the London Pass® might catch your eye. It promises access to over 100 top sights and aims to streamline your sightseeing experience, especially if you want to maximize your time. From stunning views atop The Shard to strolling through historic royal palaces, it sounds like a convenient way to tick off major attractions in one go.

What we like about this pass is its flexibility—offering a range of durations from 1 up to 10 days—and the ease of planning with a handy app or PDF guide. Plus, the skip-the-line benefits at many hotspots can save you precious time, especially during busy periods. The inclusion of transport options like the Thames Clipper river ride and a hop-on-hop-off bus is another bonus, making travel between sights more straightforward.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Several reviews point out that not all attractions are available without prior reservations, and some visitors find the booking process or app interface a bit frustrating. Plus, you’ll need to be prepared for some activities that require advanced booking, so flexibility is essential.

The London Pass® seems best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible experience and are willing to plan ahead, especially if they’re keen to see many sights in a limited time. It’s a solid choice if you’re a history buff, museum lover, or just someone who enjoys a well-organized sightseeing adventure.

Key Points

• Great value if you plan to visit many attractions within a short period.
• Skip-the-line benefits save time at busy sites.
• Includes transportation options like Thames river cruises and hop-on-hop-off buses.
• Reservations are required for many activities, so planning is essential.
• Apps and guides help you organize your visit, but some users find it complicated.
• Not all attractions are available without prior booking; check the details for each site.
• Price point of around $149.40 per person is reasonable for extensive sightseeing, but beware of additional reservation costs.
• Reviews are mixed—some love the convenience, others find booking and app issues frustrating.

What’s Included? A Deep Dive into the Experience

The London Pass® offers a “digital credits package” that grants access to over 100 attractions over 1-10 days. It’s basically a ticket bundle that can be used at your pace, with a Go City app or PDF guide to help plan your visits. The pass is valid for up to a year from purchase, but it’s activated the moment you first use it, so timing your trip wisely is key.

The Itinerary: Highlights and Considerations

The list of included attractions is vast, but we’ll focus on some of the most popular, along with what you might expect.

The London Eye

One of the most iconic sights, the London Eye offers panoramic views of the city. With the pass, you get a 30-minute ride in a glass pod that represents each London borough. Keep in mind: reservations are required, and you can only book via the app or digital guide. Several reviews mention that booking can be tricky, and some found the process less straightforward than hoped, but once you’re atop the wheel, the views make it worth the effort.

Tower of London

A visit here is a must for history fans. The Tower of London has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a treasury. The pass covers a 2-hour ticket, giving you time to explore the medieval fortress, see the Crown Jewels, and soak in its tales. Many reviews praise the Tower as one of the highlights, but some mention long queues due to weather or busy days, so arriving early helps.

Thames River Cruise (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers)

This isn’t just transport; it’s part of the sightseeing experience. The river ride connects Greenwich Pier to central London, with stops at notable landmarks. The River Roamer pass includes unlimited rides for a day, which some travelers say is a great way to see the city from the water and hop on and off at different points.

The View from The Shard

London’s tallest building offers indoor and open-air viewing platforms. With your pass, you get a 2-hour window to enjoy the sky deck, with panoramic guides and digital photos included. Remember: advanced reservations are necessary, and the last booking slot is 5:15 PM, so plan accordingly.

Westminster Abbey

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of gothic architecture. The 1-hour visit includes exploring the nave, the royal tombs, and the coronation chair. It’s a favorite among visitors, and many reviews note that the Abbey’s grandeur lives up to expectations.

Big Bus Tours

One of the standout perks is the 2-day hop-on-hop-off bus tour. You can explore London at your own pace, jumping on and off as you wish. Just be aware—only one day of your pass is valid for this tour, so plan your sightseeing accordingly.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this cathedral’s dome is a London icon. The 1-hour visit covers the main nave, the Whispering Gallery, and the crypt. Many visitors find it a beautiful, spiritual space, though some mention that it can get crowded during peak times.

Tower Bridge

No trip is complete without a walk across this world-famous bascule bridge. The pass includes admission and access to the exhibition, which showcases the bridge’s history and operation. The views of the Thames are particularly striking.

Kensington Palace

Home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the palace offers a glimpse into royal life. Your pass includes a 2-hour visit, but note that advanced reservations are required, and access may be limited depending on the day.

Madame Tussauds

For a fun, interactive experience, the wax museum offers close encounters with celebrities, royals, and sports stars. Many reviewers say it’s a great for all ages, though it can get crowded, and reservations are recommended.

The Good, the Bad, and the Practical

Many travelers have found the skip-the-line benefits at attractions like the Tower of London and The Shard to be a real time-saver. Several reviews emphasize how the pass helped them avoid long queues, especially on busy days. For example, one reviewer said, “Used this pass like it was going out of business. All of the attractions are covered and skip the line at most certainly helped.”

However, not everything is perfect. Some users report difficulty with reservations for activities like The London Eye and Royal Albert Hall, and a few mention issues with the app or digital booking process. One review pointed out that not all attractions are available at all times, requiring careful planning. It’s important to note that some attractions only offer discounts or require advance booking, so flexibility is key.

The Transportation Element

The Thames Clipper river ride is a highlight for many, offering a unique perspective of the city. The hop-on-hop-off bus is another popular feature, allowing you to see multiple sights in one route. But reviews suggest that bus service reliability varies, with some travelers experiencing delays or crowded buses, so plan accordingly.

The Price and Value

At around $149.40, the pass isn’t cheap, but many say it pays for itself if you plan to visit several major sites. For example, skipping the line at The Tower of London, The Shard, and Madame Tussauds could save hours, especially during peak season. Some reviews report saving up to 50% compared to buying individual tickets, which makes the pass an attractive option for aggressive sightseeing.

Who Is It Best For?

If you’re someone who loves organized, all-in-one passes and plans to visit many attractions within a tight timeframe, this pass could be a real time and money saver. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without missing out. However, it does require some advance planning—reserving spots for popular activities and being aware of attraction hours.

Final Thoughts

The London Pass® offers a broad range of attractions and convenient features like skip-the-line entry and transport options, making it attractive for those looking to cover a lot of ground. Its flexibility in duration and the digital planning tools are definite pluses, but potential users should be aware that not all attractions are fully accessible without reservations, and some might find the booking process a bit cumbersome.

With many travelers praising its value and ease of access, it’s a solid choice if you’re eager to maximize your time and minimize ticketing hassles. But do your homework beforehand—check the reservation requirements and plan your route carefully. If you’re comfortable with a bit of planning and want a comprehensive way to see London’s biggest sights, this could be a good investment.

Conversely, if you prefer spontaneous exploring or dislike pre-booking, you might find some frustrations. Be prepared for some attractions to be fully booked or require reservations, and remember, reviews indicate that the app or booking process can sometimes be tricky.

FAQ

• Does the London Pass® include transportation?
  Yes, it includes options like the Thames Clipper river ride and a hop-on-hop-off bus for one day, depending on your chosen duration.

• Are reservations required for attractions?
  Many attractions require advanced reservations, such as The London Eye, The Shard, and Kensington Palace, so planning ahead is advised.

• Can I use the pass for multiple days?
  Yes, the pass is valid for the number of days you purchase, from 1 to 10, and can be activated any time within a year of purchase.

• Is the app easy to use?
  It offers helpful guides and booking tools, but some users experience difficulty with reservations or navigating the digital interface.

• Are all attractions included in the pass?
  The pass covers more than 100 attractions, but some may only offer discounts or require separate booking.

• What’s the best way to maximize the pass?
  Plan your itinerary carefully, reserve spots early, and prioritize attractions with long lines or limited availability.

• What if I encounter issues with my pass?
  Customer reviews suggest contacting customer service via chat or email; some have faced challenges with downloads or activation.

• Is the pass family-friendly?
  While adjustable for individual travelers, many attractions like museums and parks are suitable for families, but check each site’s age restrictions or suitability.

• Can I buy the pass on the day I arrive?
  Yes, but booking well in advance—about 40 days ahead—is recommended to secure your preferred dates and avoid last-minute surprises.

In summary, the London Pass® is a potent tool for exploring London efficiently, especially if you’re prepared to plan ahead and reserve for popular spots. It balances cost savings with the convenience of skipping lines and easy transport options, but it does require some effort to get the most out of it. If you’re a traveler who loves an organized approach and wants to see a broad swath of the city’s highlights, this could be just what you need.