London Sightseeing Tour: Iconic Sights and River Cruise

Experience the best of London in just one day! Join a guided sightseeing tour to see iconic landmarks, visit famous attractions, witness the Changing of the Guard, explore St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, and enjoy a scenic River Thames cruise. Upgrade to include a ride on the London Eye for breathtaking views.

Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Westminster Abbey - Officially known as the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, Westminster Abbey is a grand, predominantly Gothic abbey church located in the City of Westminster, London, England, just west of the Palace of Westminster.
  • Big Ben - Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock situated at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. The name is often used to refer to both the clock and the clock tower.
  • Houses of Parliament - Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It is responsible for creating laws, determining taxes, and scrutinizing the Government.
  • Buckingham Palace - Changing of the Guards

Elite soldiers from the military have been guarding English Kings and Queens since 1660. Known as the ‘Household Division,’ these regiments are so dedicated to their duty that they famously do not acknowledge or allow themselves to be distracted by the public. During the ceremony, impeccably turned-out guards are accompanied by marching bands playing an inspiring mix of military and contemporary music, showcasing the kind of pomp and military ceremony that has made the British military renowned worldwide.

  • Trafalgar Square - Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, built around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. Its name honors the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars against France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar.
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral - Designed by the prolific British architect Sir Christopher Wren, and taking 35 years to complete, St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic symbol of London. One of the largest churches in the world, its dome reaches an impressive height of 366ft. Inside the Whispering Gallery, it is said that a gentle whisper can be heard on the other side of the dome, almost 112ft away. Discover the history behind this famous Cathedral and visit the tomb of Lord Horatio Nelson, one of Britain’s most revered figures.

NEW EXHIBITION - St Paul’s, the Monarch and the Changing World (Launches 25th May 2022, running to mid-December 2022)
June 2022 marks the historic celebration of HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, including a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.
To commemorate this unique event, the exhibition St Paul’s, the Monarch and the Changing World explores the grand ceremonial occasions held at the Cathedral to celebrate the Royal Jubilees of four British monarchs: George III, Victoria, George V, and Elizabeth II.

  • Mansion House of City of London - Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. It is a Grade I listed building and is used for some of the City of London’s official functions, including two annual white-tie dinners.
  • Tower of London - A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the history of ‘The Tower’ has been intertwined with the history of England for nearly a thousand years. Originally built by William The Conqueror in 1066, it has served various functions throughout its long history, including a prison, a luxurious palace for royalty, and even a zoo. The priceless crown jewels are also housed within the castle walls, along with the largest collection of medieval armor and weaponry in the country. Experience all of this and learn more about the tower’s bloody history on a comprehensive tour with an expert guide.
  • Thames River - From the Tower of London, board a Thames River Cruise to Westminster Pier to enjoy London from a different perspective. Alternatively, you can take the cruise any day.
What's Included
  • Scenic Thames River cruise
  • Option to include London Eye ticket
  • Exclusive access to St Paul’s Cathedral
  • Admission to the historic Tower of London
  • Comfortable travel with air-conditioned coach
  • Personal audio headset provided
  • Guided by an experienced Blue Badge Guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Additional Information

Join us for a comprehensive full-day tour of London, expertly guided and full of fascinating insights into the city’s history. Explore renowned locations such as Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, and tour inside St Paul’s Cathedral. Experience the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace and inspect the Tower of London. In addition, partake in a delightful River Thames sightseeing cruise, which can be redeemed on the tour day or at your leisure. You can choose to enhance your tour with a Standard London Eye ticket.

  • Spend a day exploring London’s most famous sights
  • Explore two of the city’s globally recognized landmarks
  • Witness a classic British military ceremony
  • Be awestruck by the magnificence of St Paul’s Cathedral
  • Gaze at the irreplaceable Crown Jewels in The Tower of London
  • Take a picturesque boat ride on the River Thames
  • End the day with an unforgettable view from the world’s highest cantilevered observation wheel
  • For a wheelchair user : Please inform us in advance if you intend to bring wheelchair.
  • You can choose to take the river cruise on another day and finish the tour at the Tower of London instead of Westminster Pier. The London Eye is a Standard Experience booked at a 6pm time-slot for guaranteed entry (if option selected).
  • Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (subject to availability).
  • If there is no Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace we see the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade instead
  • London Eye: The London Eye ticket is for standard entry around 6:00pm (subject to availability) on the same day. This ticket can only be used for this one visit. Please show the ticket on your phone as the barcode will be scanned. Visit to The London Eye is independent
  • Please note: St Paul’s Cathedral is closed to the public on Sundays and for special events or services (Mon 14th October Cathedral closed. No sightseeing). On these days we will stop for photographs outside St Paul’s Cathedral and spend longer at Tower of London instead.
Location
Victoria Coach Station
Buckingham Palace Road
Departs at 9 am (boarding at 8.30), Victoria Coach Station (Gate 1-5) Nearest station: Victoria Station - Victoria line, Direct line, Circle line, British Rail
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.2
(1509 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rajani_t
Aug 5, 2024
Great one day London tour suitable for families! - Patricia was a great guide ! Though the tour was inclusive of tickets to London eye, we could not utilize it as it was way too crowded ! Would have been helpful if you can include fast track/skip the line option.
Review provided by Viator
Debra_s
Aug 4, 2024
Leslie was the best tour guide! - We had a wonderful time with Leslie as our guide. She was so informative and was extremely pleasant. It would be had to pick one thing that was better than the other though seeing the Tower of London and Boudicca’s statue were highlights for me.
Review provided by Viator
Linda_w
Aug 2, 2024
Guide Sheila is great! - Guide Sheila is great!!! She took us all over and had lots of interesting stories. Highly recommend this tour. Be warned the tour does not end where it starts.
Review provided by Viator
Anonymous
Jul 30, 2024
Loved it! - Leslie was phenomenal! Full of knowledge and knew the best spots to take us for the best views! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Barbara_h
Jul 29, 2024
Good experience - Unfortunately we were unable to complete tour due to physical limitations but our guide and coach driver were great. Sorry we couldn’t complete. Good tour.
Review provided by Viator
Elaine_k
Jul 28, 2024
London in a day - We were only in London for a short amount of time, so this was an excellent way to see all the highlights in a day. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and allowed just the right amount of time at each stop. Be prepared for a long day, but definitely worth it!
Review provided by Viator
Trent
Jul 26, 2024
Request Sheila- two thumbs up! - We had a great time as a group. Sheila was an amazing guide. She was knowledgeable and entertaining. We saw the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and ended with a river cruise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathy_h
Jul 29, 2024
Saw lots - Tour guide was very informative. Great overview of most popular sites. A bit rushed at times but overall positive experience. Headsets were hit and miss as far as reception goes.
Review provided by Viator
Richard_g
Jul 30, 2024
Improvement needed - Improvement needed - need to specify that where your ends is not where it began. Very sketchy regarding getting from London Tower to Eye on a timely basis. Luckily we made it to cruise just in time to get to Eye. But then we had to walk & PAY more just to get back to starting location near Victoria Coach Station. This should have been disclosed ahead of time. Made for a very late dinner and tired travelers.
Review provided by Viator
Laura_l
Jul 16, 2024
If I could do it again, I wouldn't - I think if I could do it again, I wouldn't. I could have gotten a better view of The Changing of The Gaurds by going early myself. Our guide Leslie put us on a corner where we could get a good view of the band coming down the street but then you basically had to run to the palace to witness the rest which at that point was packed. I also agree with the other reviewers PAY ATTENTION TO THE DAY YOU BOOK BECAUSE THIS ONLY OCCURS ON CERTAIN DAYS! I originally booked for on off day! This tour is misleading. Leslie rubbed me the wrong way when she yelled at the group 3 diff times, once about where we were standing for the gaurds and 2 times at St. Paul Cathedral which she basically accused people of recording her. I felt it was uncalled for to be so dramatic! I only gave this 2 stars because I did learn a few things at the church that I would not have without a guide.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 9 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today