I’m convinced London, and I have a love thang going on. Every time I visit, I fall more and more in love with the incredible bustling city, and for obvious reasons!
It’s a diverse melting pot of cultures from all over the world! Not to mention the iconic landmarks and attractions, history, impressive architecture, fantastic pubs, excellent sports teams, beautiful gardens, red buses, and so much more.
To help you explore the UK’s largest metropolis, there are many guided tours you can take to get the inside scoop, from walking tours to food and drink tours to Black history tours to day trips outside central London.
Foodies and Black history tours are my favorite way to explore the city because your local guides know about the hidden gems around the city and can share personal stories!
Some of the tours below are through GetYourGuide, which is my go-to tour company for the best experiences in and around London.
What I love most about GetYourGuide is the tour company offers fun and unique activities while offering flexibility with their free cancellation policy of up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Whether you are visiting London for one day or longer, here is a list of the best tours to make the most out of your time in one of the greatest cosmopolitan cities in the world.
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The Best Tours in London
Guided Walking Tours
Guided walking tours are among the best ways to get first-hand information and even secrets about a particular attraction, area, or landmark from an expert!
Another great perk of guided tours is everything is organized for you, and all you need to do is show up!
1. Tower of London Tour, Westminster Abbey & Changing of the Guard
This full-day tour is one of the best ways to see the most popular attractions in London. Skip the line and explore all the magical gems the city offers with a knowledgeable guide.
2. Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
Leave the muggle world behind and discover the world of magic and wizardry on a 2.5-hour tour. On this tour, you will stroll down Diagon Alley, the Leaky Cauldron, and more.
This tour is perfect for Harry Potter fans! You can take the London Underground, or a boat ride down the Thames River as part of your tour.
3. Tower of London Early Access Tour with Beefeater
If you’re a history buff, you won’t miss the chance to tour the Royal Palace with your dedicated Yeoman, also known as Beefeaters. Learn about the secrets and traditions while getting the opportunity to get an up-close and personal view of the Crown Jewels.
4. DreamWorks Shrek’s Adventure Tour
This interactive adventure is perfect for families and Shrek lovers alike. Spend 70 minutes meeting your favorite Shrek and DreamWorks characters with live actors, and hear fairytales and spectacular animations while flying on a 4D bus to Far, Far Away.
5. Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
Witnessing the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic things to do in London. On this tour, you will have front-row seats to the changing of the guards ceremony. To see the change of the Household Cavalry, be sure to book your tour on Tuesday or Thursday.
6. Westminster Walking Tour with Churchill’s War Rooms
Go back in time and learn about the secret bunkers Prime Minster Winston Churchill and his government used during World War II. On tour, you’ll visit the Churchill Museum and learn about the maze of underground rooms to plot and plan war strategies.
This is a great activity to add to your itinerary, especially if you’re interested in a history lesson on London’s involvement during WWW II. Audio guides are also available as part of this tour.
Foodie & Drink Tours
Calling all foodies! Eat and drink your way through London while exploring famous attractions and wandering down side streets with your local expert leading the way.
7. Piccadilly and Soho Beer Bike Tour
Peddle through the streets of London, visiting well-known landmarks and neighborhoods and stopping in at world-famous pubs for pints along the way!
8. Historical Pub Walking Tour
This tour is fun to explore London while sampling pints from the most historic pubs, taverns, and alehouses from Southwark to the West End. Your tour will conclude at Covent Gardens, making it the ideal location to explore more pubs, shop around, check out the theatres, or enjoy lunch at various restaurants.
9. 3-Hour Secret British Food Tour
Come hungry to eat the best fish and chips in town, British snacks, and tasty desserts on this unique local tour through Borough Market and surrounding areas. You’ll also visit London Bridge and Tower Bridge on the Rivers Thames and Battleship HMS Belfast during the tour.
10. Secret Indian Food Tour
Explore the streets of East London, learning about the history of Indian food and culture in the UK. The tour includes several stops plus a visit to a local market to buy a variety of Indian spices and a traditional Indian sweet shop. End the tour with a mouthwatering authentic meal at a Punjabi restaurant.
11. Camden Town Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting
Spend the afternoon in the trendy neighborhood of Camden at a local brew house. Beer aficionados will appreciate learning about the brewing process from a team of professional brewers while sampling various beers, including lagers, pale ales, IPAs, and more! Before leaving, have a bite to eat and another pint for the road in the brewery’s taproom.
Black Heritage and Cultural Tours
Explore the Black history in and around London from local experts. These tours provide unique stories, information, and a fantastic way to connect with the African Caribbean heritage in London. It’s an excellent and unique way to interact with new people and engage in thoughtful discussion.
12. Avril’s Walks and Talks
Join the owner, Avril Nanton, on a special walking tour around central London and the surrounding boroughs learning about the prominent African Caribbean history and culture. On tour, you’ll discover landmarks, businesses, parks, architecture, and street names named after notable African Caribbean people.
If you’re looking for a way to connect to the African Caribbean heritage in London, this is a tour you don’t want to miss. Contact Avril directly to organize a private or group outing.
14. Black History Walks and Tours
This tour highlights 3,500 years of Black history in and around London. You can choose any 15 walking tours with an expert tour guide, where you will learn about Black history’s significant impact on London and its surrounding areas. Bus and river tours are offered occasionally, and I suggest checking their official website for more details if you’re interested.
The Black History Walks also offers community talks, feature films, and more. This is your one-stop shop for building community and meeting new people passionate about showcasing Black history in London. Visit the website to schedule your personalized tour.
Day Trips – Tours Outside London
Break away from the bustling streets of central London to check out some of the country’s most iconic and historical landmarks.
14. Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
If you’re a Harry Potter fan and have a day to spare in London, consider getting lost in the magical wizarding world. This magnificent tour lets you get up close and personal with the enchanting sets, props, and costumes used in the films. I recommend booking your ticket in advance as this popular tour often sells out. Transportation is included with your ticket.
15. Half-Day Stonehenge Tour with Admission Ticket
Start your day by venturing out to the Wiltshire countryside to visit Stonehenge, one of the most famous pre-historic sites in the world. Your admission ticket lets you skip the line to see the monument and exhibition. An expert guide will join you and share historical facts about Salisbury Plain and the surrounding areas. Audio guides are also available when you arrive.
16. Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets
This tour offers a half-day experience of exploring one of the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castles. This iconic Castle has been the Royal family home for almost 1,000 years. With your admissions ticket, you can walk around at your own pace, learning about the history and exploring the beautiful surrounding grounds while taking in the impressive architecture.
17. White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day
Spend a full day in Kent visiting the iconic 300 ft high White Cliffs of Dover, the Garden of England. During the tour, you’ll enjoy the stunning coastal views of the English Channel.
Next, you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site town of Catherbury, wandering around the city on an informative walking tour and learning about the ancient buildings, including the Canterbury Cathedral’s exquisite architecture. History and outdoor lovers will appreciate this tour!
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
Tours are one of my favorite ways to check out London. Not only is it a great way to explore the city, but it’s also an opportunity to interact and meet new people while wandering down side streets and learning new facts from your local guide. I definitely wouldn’t leave London without taking at least one tour!
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