5 Most Enchanting London Tours That Will Leave You Gobsmacked
When I used to travel a lot, I quickly realised not every tour lives up to the hype. Some are absolutely smashing, revealing a side of a city you’d never stumble upon yourself, while others… well, they’re more of a drag, really.
London, though, is a city that deserves tours with a bit of spark—the sort that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of history, with a dash of fun along the way.
After exploring countless options, I can confidently say these tours stand head and shoulders above the rest. They’re the ones you’ll rave about long after you’re home, and they’ll give you stories worth telling over a pint. So, shall we crack on? You’re in for a treat!
| How much does it cost to tour in London? Touring in London costs anywhere from £15 to £35 for walking tours, £30 to £40 for hop-on hop-off bus tours, and £20 to £60 for specialised experiences like Harry Potter or historical pub tours. Major attractions, like the Tower of London, cost around £30 per adult, while a London Pass, covering multiple sites, starts at £75 for a day. Public transport within central zones caps at £8.10 daily with an Oyster card or contactless payment. |
1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden
Contact: +44 345 084 0900
Business Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Our team had a great time exploring the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. The tour gives you a closer look at iconic Harry Potter sets like the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, as well as the intricate props and costumes that brought the films to life.
Plus, there are interactive elements to keep things interesting. We enjoyed the chance to ‘fly’ a broomstick in front of a green screen and try Butterbeer—it’s all part of what makes the experience unique.
Als, the visual effects section was also a highlight, showing how some of the series’ most magical moments were created.
That said, it’s worth noting that the tickets aren’t cheap, and the experience can feel crowded during peak times.
Also, booking ahead is essential since slots sell out quickly. Still, we believe the quality and scale of the tour make it a standout option for anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes magic of filmmaking.
A magical experience!
A valuable tip: go in the morning, so you can enjoy the whole studio. Don’t worry too much about the time when you return, because the line will always be huge. The cool thing about the studio is that it is all guided, so you don’t run the risk of forgetting to see anything. The last rooms are fantastic, with lots of interactive objects, it’s very exciting. The souvenir shop is very big, don’t forget to set aside some time to look at it calmly, and the line at the checkout is always long too. Anyway, it was wonderful, worth every penny.
~Emelli Kauana Rodrigues, Google Review
There is so much to see and some awesome demonstrations!
Spent 5 hours here with including dinner, and could have used more time exploring. There is so much to see and some awesome demonstrations! I loved reading all the displays, and there was plenty for my kids as well (8 and 10). Food was pricey though, between £75 on dinner and £130 at the gift shop, it was a pricey day
~Kayla K., Google Review
2. The Original London Sightseeing Tour
Address: 17-19 Cockspur Street
Contact: +44 20 8877 1722
Business Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
The Original London Sightseeing Tour, now operating as Tootbus, is a classic choice for exploring the city’s iconic landmarks.
The hop-on-hop-off format offers the flexibility to visit attractions at your own pace, and the routes are well thought out, covering key sites like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Big Ben.
We also liked how the audio guides provided interesting facts and historical insights in several languages, adding depth to the experience.
Plus, the included Thames River cruise was a lovely addition—it gave us a fresh perspective of the city from the water. It’s a solid option for visitors wanting to cover key locations like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London without much hassle.
However, we noticed the buses can get quite busy during peak hours, and sitting on the open-top deck isn’t ideal in bad weather.
While the routes focus on popular attractions, we feel they could include more hidden gems. For a first-time visit, though, it’s hard to go wrong with this.
The quality of the buses were excellent!
I had a great experience with Tootbus London. The quality and number of buses were excellent. I’d also like to mention the driver, John, who was very kind and helpful. After completing his shift, he walked us from the British Museum to Trafalgar Square to show us the nearest bus stop for the blue route while he waited for the next driver.
~Soubin Nath, Google Review
Excellent kids tour!
Excellent kids tour. The children were given some sweets, a mask and a puzzle book. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and we could hear him clearly. The location of the starting point had to be changed due a protest but we were informed well in advance. All brilliant. Thank you to everyone at Toots.
~Clive Turner, Google Review
3. Secret Food Tours – London Bridge
Address: Meeting point provided upon booking
Contact: +44 20 3289 7598
Business Hours: Tours typically start at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
The Secret Food Tour in the London Bridge area is a fantastic way to uncover the city’s culinary treasures.
We explored Borough Market and surrounding streets, sampling everything from classic fish and chips to artisanal cheeses. The guide’s expertise and enthusiasm added a layer of storytelling that made the tastings even more enjoyable.
The variety of food was impressive, giving us a real sense of London’s food culture. Each stop felt thoughtfully chosen, and the portions were satisfying without being overwhelming. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to combine food, history, and local flair in one experience.
While we appreciated the walking element, it might not be ideal for everyone. Portions are generous, but those with big appetites might want to grab a small bite beforehand.
Additionally, as the tour operates in all weather, we recommend dressing appropriately. Overall, we think it’s an experience well worth trying for any food lover.
My favorite tour on my trip to London!
The Secret Food Tours: London Bridge was by far my favorite tour on my trip to London! Luke brought us to many cool spots and was a great story teller teaching us all about London’s old and modern history. Highly recommend this unique tour to immerse yourself more in the local culture 🙂
~Emma DiMarco, Google Review
You get so much more than food!
The soho food tour was so fun and our guide Paul was just an absolute delight. You get so much more than food- you get stories, history, legends and a real insider view of the neighborhood. You’ll leave with a full belly and great stories to tell your friends.
~Meg Taraban, Google Review
4. Jack the Ripper Tour with Ripper-Vision
Address: Meeting point at Whitechapel
Contact: +44 20 8530 8443
Business Hours: Tours start at 7:30 PM
The Jack the Ripper Tour with Ripper-Vision offers a gripping look into one of London’s darkest chapters. Walking through the East End streets where history was made, we found the atmosphere both eerie and fascinating.
The Ripper-Vision projections were a standout feature, bringing historical documents and photographs to life in a way that deepened the storytelling.
Our guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm made the experience even more memorable, with a well-balanced mix of historical fact and intriguing theories.
This tour doesn’t shy away from the grittier aspects of history but handles the subject matter thoughtfully, making it engaging for those who enjoy exploring the past.
While the tour is informative, the walking pace and evening timing may not suit everyone. The content can also be a bit heavy for younger participants. As it runs in all weather, bringing suitable clothing is a must.
The tour felt intimate!
I’d like to say thank you to Sinead for providing a fantastic ‘jack the ripper ‘ tour last night! We felt in safe hands, roaming around London at night. She kept us all captivated with her knowledge and descriptions, not only regarding Jack but also London at the time. We were privileged to get an empathetic view of the five victims. Due to her great delivery we were transported back in time. So lovely how she looked after us and made sure everyone was able to view the holograms and hear her, even though a large group she made it feel intimate. Thanks again!
Patricia Masella-Daniel, Google Review
One of the best walks about Jack The Ripper!
It was one of the best walks about Jack The Ripper I’ve been through, I liked that Rob spoke about the victims in depth never forgetting they were real women, fighting to keep living every single day in those harsh conditions! Thank you again for an amazing evening!
Daniel Tomás, Google Review
5. Thames Rockets
Address: Boarding Gate One, The London Eye Pier
Contact: +44 20 7928 8933
Business Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Our team thinks Thames Rockets’ Ultimate London Adventure is a fantastic way to shake up sightseeing in London.
The boat can speed up to 30 knots and takes you past landmarks like Tower Bridge and the Shard. We loved how it combined a thrill ride with stunning views of the city’s highlights.
We also enjoyed how engaging the guides were, sharing fascinating stories and keeping the energy high throughout the journey.
The route felt well-planned, offering a mix of historic and modern landmarks that made the experience feel well-rounded. It’s definitely not your average boat tour.
If you prefer a slower pace, the high-speed aspect might feel a bit too much. Also, dressing for the weather is essential, as the open-air design leaves little room for cover. Despite that, we think this tour is a top choice for anyone looking to add excitement to their London adventure.
It was a great experience!
Such a great experience!! Lovely team members, super friendly and fun – we had James guiding and skipper Alex captaining – both brilliant! Highly recommend if you’re after a high speed RIB ride along the Thames and learning a bit of history to boot!
~Alex Cheshire, Google Review
Kids absolutely loved it!
Family of 4 on half term trip to London. Was recommended by work colleague and we absolutely loved it. Super crew – Jack and Alex today… Kids absolutely loved it and will recommend to our friends. Tip – have a lite breakfast/lunch before you board 😂 …
~Andrew Cole, Google Review