shakespeare tour of london

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Shakespeare's London

Follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare in London

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About The Tour

Shakespeare coined the phrase ‘A brave new world’, a time of new hopefulness, so fitting at this time to join your British Tours guide on a fascinating walk following in the footsteps of the Bard.

Shakespeare spent many years in London and on this exploratory tour, we will take you to some of the locations that would have been very familiar to him.

From the dining hall where Twelfth Night was first performed, the sites of several London theatres including the original Globe, his parish church, the location of his London dwelling, the memorial dedicated to his two fellow actors Hemming and Condell for whom we have to thank for the First Folio.

Our walk takes you over London’s most famous bridge, with stunning views of London’s most beautiful bridge, a walk that Shakespeare would have certainly taken many times to Southwark Cathedral where his brother is laid to rest. Also see London’s oldest and most wonderful market and of course the New Globe Theatre.

The foregone conclusion of this tour is a libation in an authentic 17th Century Coaching Inn, after all, “good company, good wine, good welcome can make good people’.

Visit the Globe theatre in an extra hour.

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Shakespeare country tour, shakespeare's stratford, our tour guide, richard, was fabulous ... a wealth of knowledge who presented historical information with so much fun and animation that my kids commented he would make a great history teacher, why choose us.

Because you insist on the longest-established and most experienced service available in Britain. Founded in 1958, British Tours is still under the same management. About Us

Who is your Guide?

Our guides are personable educated men and women, chosen for their knowledge, special interests, backgrounds and personality. They will collect you by car from any central London location and guide you inside places of historic importance

Follow us on our journey

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William Shakespeare Tour

Shakespeare’s London – discover tantalising traces of the life of ‘The Bard’ as well as memorials to his enduring legacy

A William Shakespeare Tour in London is unmissable because…

William Shakespeare is quite simply regarded as England’s greatest writer. Although born in Stratford-Upon-Avon, he called London home for the greatest part of his life. Whilst the city has changed considerably since the sixteenth century, we can still find links to where he lived and worked and must have drawn inspiration for his characters and plays. Friends, Romans, countrymen… lend us your ears and come and walk with us in his footsteps!

The must-sees on your William Shakespeare Tour

• The City of London’s Guildhall , dating from 1411 and the administrative and ceremonial heart of the area, then as now.
• The Guildhall Library – home to a surviving copy of the First Folio, a collection of 36 of his plays.
• The sites of Blackfriars Playhouse and the only property in London known to have been owned by him.
• St John’s Gate (now the Museum of the Order of St John), once the office of the Master of the Revels, where his plays were inspected and licensed.
• St Helen’s Bishopsgate church where he worshipped,
• Southwark Cathedral , burial place of his brother Edmund.
• The site of the original Globe Theatre where the first performances of many of his plays were seen.
• The new Globe theatre – a faithful reconstruction (separate chargeable guided tours are offered inside the Globe by their own staff as well as tickets for performances of Shakespeare plays)

Book a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for a William Shakespeare Tour because…

Your Blue Badge Tourist Guide will lead you through streets both north and south of the River Thames and bring what we know of his life into focus for you right where it happened.

During the tour, you will:

• Learn about life in Elizabethan London.
• Hear stories of Shakespeare’s friends and colleagues and the characters of the period.
• Discover London’s medieval entertainment district and find out what drew the crowds!

This William Shakespeare Tour could also be combined with a visit of Westminster Abbey – the royal church and burial site of several of the kings featured in Shakespeare’s history plays.

Please bear in mind that these are not public tours, but private tours conducted by specialist Blue Badge Tourist Guides who will charge a separate fee, details of which can be found on our fees page.

Let us 'Match' you with one of our Blue Badge Tourist Guides who are:

• Friendly, professional and used to dealing with groups of all ages and sizes
• Holders of the prestigious Blue Badge (the highest Tourist Guiding qualification in the UK)
• Able to use special entrances at certain well known attractions to avoid waiting in long lines
• Able to offer tours in over 30 different languages

Simply input your tour request details in the form below. When you have finished, hit the Green ‘Submit to Match’ button. Your request will be instantly emailed to three highly qualified and enthusiastic London Blue Badge Tourist Guides, matching your criteria. They will then email you confirming availability, pricing and suggestions for the tour itself. So let one of our 500+ Blue Badge Tourist Guides make your stay in London a special one.

Short notice request! We will do our best to accommodate your needs, but generally try to give at least two days notice.

Date of tour: Flexible dates Coming to London for a whole week? Let the guide know that the date is flexible, so they can suggest an upcoming event or a less crowded time for the tour. (+/- 3 days)

Language: Albanian Bulgarian Chinese (Cantonese) Chinese (Mandarin) Croatian Czech Danish Dutch/Flemish English Finnish French German Greek Hebrew Hindi Hungarian Italian Japanese Korean Lithuanian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Slovak Spanish Swedish Swiss-German Taiwanese Turkish Welsh

Duration: Morning Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to finish by 13:00 Afternoon Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to start by 13:30 All Day Full days are up to 9 hours, usually finishing no later than 18:00 Evening Only Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to start no earlier than 18:00

Travel by: Walking & Public Transportation Tour Explore London by walking and a variety of public transport (Underground, Black Cab, London double decker bus or even riverboat) Cycling Tour Cycle around London with a professional Guide. Bring your own bicycle or request the Guide to help you hire one. Driving Tour Get driven around in style by a professional Driver Guide. Usually for groups of up to 7 people. Coach Tour A tour for larger groups (typically 20+). Please tell the Guide if you have your own coach and driver, or request the Guide to help you hire one. Virtual Tour Explore London's top sights and attractions from the comfort of your home

Interests: Major London sites Museum and Galleries Beyond London Specialist Tours William Shakespeare Tour

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Guided tours

Discover the stories and magic of the Royal Shakespeare Company

Explore the building and immerse yourself in the workings of theatre while hearing stories of individuals who have shaped the RSC’s unique history – from well-known performers, skilled professionals to our incredibly talented staff. 

Our guided tour is a 60-minute journey that runs daily, led by our experienced tour guides, and every tour will be truly unique.  

We begin the story of the RSC in our Front of House areas, taking a look at the hidden history of the most-seen areas of the building and introducing visitors to the people and stories that have shaped what the RSC is today.

No day at the RSC is the same so depending on what is happening on the day of your tour, you will get to see a part of the building that is not usually accessible to the public.* While you're with us, you could be led through the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to discover more about the auditorium and backstage, or our state-of-the-art Costume Workshop to delve deeper into the expert craftmanship that goes into costume making from past to present, or, from April 2023, you could be taken into the newly transformed Swan Theatre.

To continue your journey of the RSC’s history, our free exhibition  The Play’s The Thing  opens daily from midday. Lose yourself in this hidden gem as you uncover stories, props and costumes from the RSC collection.

Tickets cost £13.50. For families, up to four children go half price with every full price paying adult. Find out more below about what we can offer for your school group and to those who require a helping hand.

For group bookings of 10 or more people, please contact the Box Office on 01789 331111 (Monday - Friday, midday - 6pm excluding bank holidays). 

*We will make every effort to include access to the auditorium or Costume Workshop areas as part of the tour, however please note that as a working theatre company routes may change due to other activity taking place and so this cannot always be guaranteed.

You can now visit the viewing platform of our theatre tower for free. The tower is open daily, boasting panoramic views of Stratford-upon-Avon. It stands at 32m above street level - or the equivalent of approximately the height of seven double-decker buses stacked on top each other. 

Look out over the town's local historic buildings, the River Avon or even further where on a clear day you can see almost 20 miles of Warwickshire countryside and even into Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire.

You can visit from 12 midday to 4pm, except on matinee days or during inclement weather.

Advance booking is required for groups of 10 or more, along with payment of a small administrative fee. Further details can be found on our Groups page . Please contact the Box Office to book your Group Tower visit on 01789 331111.

Schools can book a Theatre Tour by emailing  [email protected]  or call the Learning Hotline on 01789 331259 (midday – 6pm, Monday – Friday, excluding Bank Holidays).

Advanced booking is required and is subject to availability. 

Blue Peter Badge

Children aged 6 to 15 who have been awarded a Blue Peter Badge can experience our Guided Tours for free.

To gain free entry, badge holders must book with the Box Office in person or by phone on 01789 331111 (Monday - Friday, midday - 6pm excluding bank holidays). On arrival tickets can be collected at the Box Office upon presentation of badge and valid badge card.

*Each badge holder must be accompanied by a full paying adult. If a disabled badge holder is accompanied by a registered carer, both can gain free entry. Carers must bring supporting documents. Before your visit please read the  Blue Peter Terms and Conditions .    

TOURS AND TOWER ACCESS 

This is a walking tour but routes are fully accessible and the Tower is fully accessible by lift. Please let one of our Front of House team know if you have any questions or specific requirements during your visit.

If you are coming to one of our BSL interpreted performances, you can book onto one of our signed theatre tours to find out more about the magic of the RSC, from our beginnings in the 1800s all the way to the present day. BSL interpreted tours are also available at other points throughout the year.

Before our audio-described shows , visitors can also join one of our Touch Tours, where you will be escorted to the stage to see, touch and feel the set and costumes, and possibly meet some of the actors from the play. The tour is free but must be booked at the same time as your ticket for the audio-described show. 

Getting here

• Our theatres
• Restaurant, cafes and bars
• The Play's The Thing

See For Free

• First time visit?
• Shakespeare's Stratford
• Your Safety and security
• Content advisory
• Places to Stay in Stratford-upon-Avon

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

William Shakespeare's London Tour

Tour Information

Shakespeare's London Tour

Shakespeare's london tour highlights.

Sites we visit on the Shakespeare's London Tour:

• St. Helen's Church
• The Gherkin
• London Bridge
• Southwark Cathedral
• The Golden Hind
• The George Inn
• Crossbones Garden
• The original Globe Theatre site
• The Rose Theatre site
• Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Bankside

William Shakespeare - poet, playwright, actor, lover, conducted his career in London, the greatest city in the world!

So come with Free Tours By Foot as we explore the London that Shakespeare knew and loved.

For those who love Shakespeare and want to walk the same streets as the Bard, this tour is a must.

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View our full calendar of free London walking tours .

Or, for those of you who hated learning Shakespeare at school, this is a tour that entertains, fascinates, and horrifies.

We give you a perspective of Shakespeare that your teacher neglected to mention!

Walk with us from the City of London, where he lived and is remembered in the parish church of St Helens, and follow his steps as he made his way to Southwark across the Old London Bridge - where you'll learn how the bridge affected the river and why it was here that Londoners headed to for tax-free shopping!

Once in Southwark, we will join the throngs of undesirables who weren’t allowed into the City.

You'll pay a visit to Southwark Cathedral to pay respects to Shakespeare's brother, visit a local pub where the Bard had a pint (or two or three...), and discover who the Bishops of Winchester were and what exactly they considered to be 'entertainment!'

Finally, you'll explore London's old theatre district where The Rose, The Swan, The Globe, and The Hope theatres operated, where you'll find out who exactly used to go to the theatres here and what the experience was like when they did!

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve .  Groups of 6 or more must visit our  groups' page  first.

WHERE:  The tour begins from Bankside Pier, next to the Globe Theatre ( map ).

The tour ends at the Globe Theatre  (map ).

Duration:  Approximately 2.5 hours.

When: Thursdays at 10:30 am - View our full calendar of free London walking tours .

Cost:  This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for anyone's budget.

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Shakespeare Tour

6 days / 5 nights, $4,450 per person, (minimum 2 people).

This specially designed tour takes you to literary sites associated with William Shakespeare, including his birthplace in the pretty town of Stratford-upon-Avon, and Shakespearean locations in London. The tour is completely private. You and your party will be our only guests. What’s more, the pace is unhurried. You’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world and enjoy every site you visit (literary, non-literary, film and TV locations).

The Shakespeare Tour has been thoughtfully designed by the experts at Literary Tours of England. However, we’re flexible: the tour can be modified to reflect your personal tastes and preferences. The itinerary can even be adjusted en route to take account of weather conditions, local events, etc. If you wish, your tour can be extended to include more time in London and/or other areas of England.

The tour includes:

• Met by guide at LHR
• Personal guide/driver
• Comfortable vehicle
• 4-star luxury hotels
• Breakfast every day
• Expert city guides
• Site/attraction entrance fees
• Tips, service charges, etc
• 24/7 local support

For lunch, afternoon tea and dinner (per your preference) your tour guide will help you find the type of eating establishment and food you like, from country pub to fine cuisine.

Day 1: Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon

You are met at London’s Heathrow Airport by your personal driver / tour guide. The relaxing drive to Stratford takes about one and a half hours. Your four-star hotel is right in the town center, within walking distance of all amenities.

Day 2: Explore Stratford

A full day to enjoy this ancient town and its Shakespeare associations.

William Shakespeare is an almost mythical figure, about whom we know remarkably little except that he was the greatest English writer of all time: 38 plays, many of them masterpieces, plus 154 sonnets and two narrative poems. Shakespeare was born in 1564 in the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon and spent the first twenty or so years of his life there. We’ll first visit Shakespeare’s parents’ fine half-timbered house on Henley Street, where baby William was born and raised. He also spent the first five years of his marriage there with his wife, Anne Hathaway. You’ll see the room that’s supposed to be where he came into the world and you’ll revel in the extravagant gift shop and world-class bookshop. Next we’ll take the short walk to Shakespeare’s New Place, which he purchased in 1597 as the family home. Although the house was demolished long ago, a garden commemorates the importance of the site. Around 1613, his fame and fortune secure, Shakespeare returned from London to Stratford and it’s in New Place that it’s believed he wrote his later plays. He died in the house in 1616 at the age of 52. A further short walk brings us to Hall’s Croft, the beautifully furnished home of Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her husband. The main part of this fine timbered property was built in 1613.

Day 3: Explore Stratford and nearby villages

Another full day to enjoy this lovely area and its Shakespeare associations .

We’ll take the one-mile drive to the village of Shottery to visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, arguably the most famous thatched cottage in the world. Built in 1463 of cruck construction, later much extended, only the kitchen and parlor remain from the original farmhouse. Little is known about Anne except that she was of yeoman lineage. Shakespeare married her when he was 18; she was seven years older and three months pregnant. Next we’ll drive to Wilmcote (another small village just outside Stratford). Here we’ll visit Mary Arden’s Farm, the home of Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden. It’s still a working Tudor farm, giving visitors an insight into what life was like when Mary lived there with her seven sisters. Back in Stratford, we’ll take you on a delightful stroll along the bank of the Avon. Starting at the magnificent Shakespeare statue in Bancroft Gardens – and taking time to admire the river’s swans – we’ll come to the splendid Royal Shakespeare Theatre, permanent home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. It’s worth going inside, if only to check out another excellent bookshop, and we’ll reserve seats for a show if possible. Our gentle walk ends at Holy Trinity Church, the site of Shakespeare’s beautifully tended grave.

Day 4: Drive to London  

Enjoy the historic university city of Oxford along the way.

The drive from Stratford to London only takes two hours, so we’ll have plenty of time to make a stop in Oxford on the way. The city center is so compact that walking is the best way to visit many of the sights. Among the available guided walks are those that focus on the university colleges, locations used in the Harry Potter films (2001-11) and locations used in the wonderful TV series Inspector Morse (1987-2000), its sequel Lewis (2006-15) and prequel Endeavour (2012 to date). Nicknamed “The City of Dreaming Spires” by Matthew Arnold, Oxford is famous the world over for its university (the oldest in the English-speaking world). JRR Tolkien spent most of his life here: he wrote The Hobbit (1937) while teaching at Pembroke College. CS Lewis – author of The Chronicles of Narnia (1950-56) – taught at Magdalen College for 29 years. Both were members of The Inklings, a group of Oxford-based writers that met for literary conversation in the Eagle and Child pub. University College houses the extravagant memorial to Percy Bysshe Shelley, one of England’s greatest romantic poets. Your four-star hotel is in central London, within walking distance of all amenities.

Day 5: Explore London  

A full day to enjoy Shakespearean and other historic sites.

Following the so-called lost years of Shakespeare’s life (1585-92), when his whereabouts and what he was doing are pretty much a total mystery, he ended up in London. This was when Shakespeare began to change his focus from writing poetry to writing plays. He was also establishing himself as an actor. The primary site is the Globe theatre, in Southwark on the south bank of the River Thames. Opened in 1997 and located only 200 yards from the original, which was destroyed by fire in 1613, the Globe’s design is based on contemporary drawings of theatres from the Golden Age of Elizabeth I. We’ll take the excellent tour and look at the fascinating exhibition about the theatre’s construction. We’ll reserve seats for a show if possible. Shakespeare probably lived in Southwark for much of his time in London. So we’ll also visit the splendid Southwark Cathedral to see the impressive Shakespeare memorial and stained-glass window. Then we’ll head for Westminster Abbey to view the white marble statue of Shakespeare in Poets’ Corner. We can linger for a while in this place of literary pilgrimage. Finally we’ll go to London’s nearby theatre district to see the huge marble statue of Shakespeare in the middle of Leicester Square and go to a show.

Day 6: Drive to Heathrow Airport

We’ll enjoy more sites in London if time permits, before making the short drive to Heathrow Airport.

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Privacy overview.

William Shakespeare Group Tour

Generally thought of as the greatest English writer of all time, certainly the greatest playwright and poet, Shakespeare was a master at fusing the popular genres of history, tragedy and comedy. Originally an actor himself, he brought theatre to the masses with masterpieces such as Hamlet, King Lear and Romeo and Juliet, while his history plays were often strategically written to please the reigning monarch. Discover Shakespearean London, watch a play at The Globe, explore the picturesque corner of England where he grew up and visit his famous Birthplace.

Your Details

Your enquiry, tour highlights.

• The Globe, on the site of Shakespeare's original theatre and reconstructed to resemble the original playhouse, including a backstage tour and exhibition.
• Walking tour of London on life in Shakespeare's time.
• William Shakespeare Memorial in Westminster Abbey.
• Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare's birthplace, his school, tomb and the homes of his mother and his wife, Anne Hathaway.
• Hall's Croft, the home of Shakespeare's eldest daughter.
• Nash's House, home of Shakespeare's granddaughter, Elizabeth, which stands beside the site of Shakespeare's own home, New Place. The house is now a museum of local history, focussing on Shakespeare's life and works. Learn how the original Complete Works of Shakespeare was produced and hear how New Place was destroyed.
• A performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
• Oxford, the beautiful city of spires.

Picture Gallery

What Our Clients Say

I was very fortunate to be on their 70th and 75th D-Day celebration tours. The service and attention to details was exceptional. It was very moving to go back.

As a Jane Austen enthusiast, this tour was perfect - and the Jane Austen Festival in Bath was just fabulous to see!

Words fail me...The Downton Abbey was a perfectly wonderful travel experience! We did not know we would be the ONLY guests at the Abbey. When we realised how truly exclusive our tour was we were speechless! Surreal being there and actually meeting Lady Carnarvon.

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Shakespeare's Globe Story & Guided Tour Dates and Times

More information about shakespeare's globe story & guided tour.

The Globe Experience combines an interactive look at theatre-craft, the unique story of Shakespeare's Globe, and a guided tour of the Globe Theatre.

Discover how we bring the magic of stories to life in a newly interpreted space beneath Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre! With help from our experts, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare’s storytelling, from the creation of his works to the way they are interpreted today. Explore how we combine different elements of stagecraft to bring these stories to life in our beautiful and unique wooden ‘O’ and candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.

The experience will last approximately 2 hours.

Once you’ve finished your tour, you’re in the perfect place to find a bite to eat, visit the Tate Modern, or stroll along the river to The London Eye.

Opening Hours:

Please note:, venue information:.

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Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare’s true crimes walking tour.

Explore the streets around Shakespeare’s Globe with our expert Guides on our new Shakespeare’s True Crimes Walking Tour and discover the intriguing criminal history of the Bankside area and its people , including Shakespeare himself.  

As you wander along the Thames, you’ll learn why Shakespeare was summoned to appear in court no fewer than three times ; and why duels , violence and even murder between rival actors and playwrights, including the likes of Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson, were more common than you’d imagine in Early Modern England.  

These violent delights have violent ends

Romeo and Juliet, Act II, scene 6

This is a Walking Tour of the Bankside area and does not include a visit to the Globe Theatre.

Tickets Adult £20 Under 16s £15

This event takes place on Bankside and the surrounding area.

Visit time approximately 2 hours

Terms and conditions A £2.50 transaction fee per order applies online and over the telephone.

Part of Guided Tours

Plan your visit

Find out how to get here, where to stay and read our FAQs.

Everything you need to know about our access offering, including a full list of upcoming access performances.

MORE EVENTS

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21 best london tours of 2024.

From exploring Harry Potter movie sets to cruising on the River Thames, these are the best tours of London.

The Best London Tours

Courtesy of Secret Food Tours

If you're looking for the best things to do in London, but are unsure where to begin, consider a guided tour of the city. Many sightseeing excursions cover the highlights (think Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge ), while other London tours focus on Harry Potter, Jack the Ripper and day trips to Stonehenge. Read on to discover a variety of well-rated tours in London.

Editor’s Pick: Premium Tours – Full Day London Tour

Price: Adults from 143 pounds (about $183); kids from 133 pounds (about $170) Duration: 9 hours

U.S. News independently paid to send  Laura French , an award-winning British travel writer currently based in London, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. Premium Tours – Full Day London Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

This full-day bus tour packs in an impressive number of London’s must-see sights, with free time to explore at each stop. We boarded at Victoria Coach Station before ambling through Westminster, getting up-close views of honey-hued Parliament Square – framed by the Houses of Parliament , Big Ben and Westminster Abbey – from the bus. From there it was on to St. Paul’s Cathedral , where we were given a guided tour of this chandelier-bedecked marvel as our English guide shared intriguing facts about its history. Next up was Buckingham Palace, where our guide timed it so we’d catch the changing of the guard. Our next stop was the Tower of London , where we had a brief lunch break and guided orientation before having a couple of hours to roam freely. Most of the tour group made an immediate beeline for the crown jewels, eyes goggling at the impressive collection of diamond encrusted crowns and gold chalices. We rounded off the day with a cruise along the Thames. The tour ended at the London Eye , where several in the group had opted for an add-on whirl on the wheel, and a few left for cream tea at Harrod’s (two activities included in the upgraded ticket option).

Tours run daily from 7:45 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m. It’s worth noting the changing of the guard only takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, so if you’re hoping to catch it, book the tour for one of those days (and while guides will do their best to accommodate seeing the changing of the guard, there’s never a guarantee).

You’ll be on your feet a fair amount, so it's best to wear comfy shoes . You'll also want to pack light – in the morning, you can leave things on the bus, but when you get off at the Tower of London, you’ll need to take everything with you, as the rest of the tour is on foot and by boat. Also, you'll have to queue a bit for the crown jewels, but it’s worth the wait!

Laura French

Why we love it:

• Beyond the official stops, our guide pointed out plenty of other intriguing spots along the way – from Downing Street, official home of the prime minister, to Fleet Street, the former epicenter of British journalism, and the West End , the biggest theater district in the world. Despite having grown up in and around the city, I gleaned plenty of new historical facts myself, and spotted things I’d never noticed before (including the building that served as Gringotts Wizarding Bank in the "Harry Potter" movies).
• The tour ticket covers the cost of entry for St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the river cruise.
• The guide also gave us plenty of other tips – such as when to come to see the dress rehearsals for the Trooping the Color (the king’s official birthday) – and pointed out a good fish and chip shop by the Tower of London for a classic British lunch.

– Laura French

Check prices & availability on:

Secret Food Tours – London Bridge

Price: Adults from 79 pounds (about $100); kids from 69 pounds (about $88) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

British food often gets a bad reputation, but this tour will change your mind. You'll visit seven different eateries, sampling everything from sausage rolls to sticky toffee pudding.

The tour begins at bustling Borough Market, where you'll snack on a bacon and egg bap (the U.K. version of a breakfast sandwich) as your guide tells you about the history of the market, as well as an overview of the city's history and culture. Other stops include a historic pub for a cheese tasting paired with English cider. And – as is standard on a Secret Food Tour – there will be a secret dish offered somewhere along the way. As you eat your way through London, you'll also enjoy great views of the city skyline, London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Past participants appreciate the quantity and quality of food provided, as well as the entertaining guides.

Tours depart several times a day between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Secret Food Tours also offers tours of the Shoreditch district, among other areas.

BrakeAway Bike Tours – The Secret London Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 32 pounds (about $41); kids from 26 pounds (about $33) Duration: 3.5 hours

This London bike tour leads riders past famous sights, such as the Tower of London and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, but also explores lesser-known features of the city, including its street art and secret passageways. It also includes a 20-minute stop at Brick Lane. Reviewers extol the fun guides and say the tour is ideal if you want a break from the tourist crowds. Plus, they say it's a great value for the money.

Tours are offered daily from late March through October at 3 p.m. Tour prices include bikes, helmets and rain ponchos. Children 9 and younger are not permitted on the tour, and groups are capped at 12 participants. For a more traditional tour of London, consider the company's Grand London Bike Tour.

Liquid History Tours – Drink London Tour

Price: From 25 pounds (about $32) Duration: 3 to 4 hours

If the idea of walking – and drinking – in the footsteps of literary luminaries like Shakespeare and Dickens appeals, this is the tour for you. On the Drink London Tour, you'll walk along the "Street of Shame" (Fleet Street) for approximately 2 miles and stop in at least four historic pubs, some centuries old. You'll stroll by St. Paul's Cathedral, peek into secluded courtyards and listen to tales about Sweeney Todd. Travelers love the stories the guides share just as much as they enjoy drinking the local brews.

Note that the cost of drinks is not included, and reservations are required for this tour. Participants must be at least 18 years old. If you're traveling with a group, consider one of Liquid History Tours' private excursions.

The Ghost Bus Tours

Price: Adults from 25 pounds (about $32); kids from 17 pounds (about $22) Duration: 75 minutes

Ride a vintage double-decker bus for a spooky peek into London's lesser-known history with Ghost Bus Tours. Mixing horror with a fair bit of comedy – an aspect reviewers love – the actors-turned-guides describe the haunted history of top attractions, such as the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, among other famous landmarks. Both visitors and locals value the obscure stories guides share.

Tours last approximately 75 minutes and run several times each evening, though departure times vary by day.

London Bicycle Tour Company – The Classic Tour

Price: Adults from 33.95 pounds (about $43); kids from 24.95 pounds (about $32) Duration: 3 hours

Travelers consistently give the London Bicycle Tour Company high marks for its fun guides who are vigilant about ensuring riders' safety. On the Classic Tour – which travels about 8 miles – you'll breeze past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Banksy Tunnel (where you'll likely witness artists at work) and other local landmarks. Your tour guide will offer commentary and give you plenty of time to stop and take photos. Children need to be at least 10 years old and stable riders to participate.

Tours are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. To admire the city lights at night, consider the company's daily sunset ride.

Courtesy of Alternative London

Alternative London – Street Art Walking Tour

Price: Adults from 20 pounds ($25); kids from 14 pounds (about $18) Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Promising to show you things London guidebooks don't cover, Alternative London's walking tour takes you to East London, where guides showcase the area's street art and discuss its culture and history. The company employs street artists and other creative types as guides so you get an insider's look into the community, something travelers say makes the tour unique. No two tours are alike because every guide has their favorite route and spots to highlight. Past tourgoers say the tour is fun and full of interesting insights.

Tours run at 11 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays, as well as 2 p.m. on Fridays. Outings are limited to 20 people. Looking to explore more of London's hidden spots? Alternative London offers a bike tour that emphasizes street art.

The English Bus – Stonehenge, Bath & A Secret Place Tour

Price: From 134 pounds (about $170) Duration: 12 hours

After you've had your fill of London's hustle, take a day trip to the countryside for a tour of Stonehenge . On this small tour of 16 people or fewer, you'll depart London in a Mercedes minibus and head to both Stonehenge and Bath. At Stonehenge, you'll have time to walk around the ancient stones and marvel at their enormity. In Bath, you'll have time to stop for lunch and either explore on your own or take a guided tour. The twist to this tour is that you'll also visit a secret spot on the way back to London, which is only revealed when you arrive.

The English Bus's vehicle, with panoramic windows and a glass roof, is small enough to go down back roads and through the countryside – a feature travelers love. Reviewers are also complimentary of the guides, who they describe as friendly, educational and well-versed in British history.

Tours depart daily at 8:45 a.m. and return to central London around 8:30 p.m. Tickets do not include food, drinks or admission to Stonehenge. The English Bus also operates daylong trips to the Cotswolds, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, among other destinations.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Price: Adults from 53.50 pounds ($68); kids from 43 pounds ($55) Duration: 3.5 to 7 hours

If you're a fan of Harry Potter, you already know that this London tour is a must – and previous tourgoers confirm it lives up to the hype. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter offers a behind-the-scenes look at sets, props and costumes used in the film franchise. Walk through the Great Hall – which is set for dinner – and explore Diagon Alley and Platform 9 3/4. Other exhibits include Creature Effects, where you can see how characters like Buckbeak the Hippogriff and Aragog were brought to life. You can even enjoy a butterbeer in the Backlot Café. Special exhibits are also displayed throughout the year and around the holidays.

Plan to spend at least half a day to fully experience the collection and discover its intricate details. Themed packages and add-on experiences are also available. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

City Experiences – Evening Cruise on the River Thames

Price: From 30 pounds (about $38) Duration: 2 hours

City Experiences offers evening cruises on the River Thames, a lovely way to end your day in London. Upon boarding, a server greets you with a complimentary glass of prosecco, and hors d'oeuvres are served throughout the two-hour cruise. You'll enjoy live background music as you take in the sights from your seat on the open-air upstairs deck or inside the saloon with picture windows. Previous travelers say they enjoyed the cruise, noting it is relaxing and affords spectacular views for photos.

In the warm weather months, cruises run daily at 6:30 p.m.; beginning in October, cruises are available Thursday through Sunday only. Patrons must be age 13 or older to join the tour. Other London river cruises offered by City Experiences include a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing cruise.

Courtesy of Jack the Ripper Tour

The Jack the Ripper Tour With Ripper-Vision

Price: Adults from 18 pounds (about $23); kids from 10 pounds (about $13) Duration: 2 hours

This offbeat Jack the Ripper tour has a unique spin: the company uses what it calls "Ripper-Vision" to tell the story of the notorious murderer. A hand-held projector, "Ripper-Vision" displays pictures on walls and sides of buildings throughout the tour, allowing the guides to show (and tell) all about the infamous serial killer. You'll visit the actual murder sites where Jack the Ripper commited his crimes, and will get a glimpse of what London was like in the late 1800s. Tourgoers say guides are informative, entertaining and skilled at retelling the stories of Jack the Ripper's escapades.

Tours are offered nightly at 7:30 p.m., with an additional 5 p.m. tour on select days. The company also offers Jack the Ripper pub tours.

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Eating Europe – East End Food Tour

Price: Adults from 85 pounds (about $108); kids from 70 pounds (about $89) Duration: 3.5 hours

Eating Europe's East End food tour is a 3.5-hour exploration of one of London's most diverse and interesting neighborhoods. Participants will enjoy food at six restaurants, pubs, markets, bakeries and shops. Along with classic (and award-winning) fish and chips, you'll also sample some of the city's best curry, bagels and pastries. Reviewers rave about the delicious and varied offerings on this tour and encourage future participants to pace themselves so they can enjoy every bite.

Tours run throughout the day, every day, beginning at 11 a.m. There is a maximum of 12 people per tour. Eating Europe also offers tours of Soho and Borough Market.

Fat Tire Tours – Royal London Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 35 pounds (about $44); kids from 29 pounds (about $37) Duration: 4 hours

Fascinated with the monarchy? On this approximately four-hour cycling excursion from Fat Tire Tours, expert guides lead you to spots like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Kensington Palace, all while sharing intrigue and stories about British royalty. Midway through the tour, there is a half-hour lunch break near Trafalgar Square (at your own expense). Bikers say the tour provides a great way to see iconic sights and describe guides as informative and friendly.

Rides are offered daily at 10:30 a.m.; an additional 3:30 p.m. tour may also be available depending on the day and month. Schedules vary during the winter. Travelers should note reservations are required for this tour, and helmets are provided. Fat Tire Tours also offers cycling tours along the Thames, bike rentals and private tours.

Evan Evans Tours – Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath

Price: Adults from 95 pounds (about $121); kids from 85 pounds (about $108) Duration: 11 hours

The first stop on this day trip from London is Windsor Castle – the largest occupied castle in the world. Here, you'll have time to stroll the immaculate grounds and pay a visit to St George's Chapel, the location of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2018 nuptials. From there, you'll head to the city of Bath, England – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to the world-famous Roman Baths. The last stop of the day is Stonehenge. In all, the tour lasts about 11 hours. Reviewers rave about the entertaining, passionate guides, but some do bemoan the pace of the tour, saying certain parts felt rushed. However, all agree this is a great way to cross some must-see landmarks off your bucket list.

Tours depart Victoria Coach Station daily at 8 a.m. Evan Evans Tours also operates a similar tour that stops in Oxford instead of Bath.

Courtesy of Brigit's Bakery's Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Brigit's Bakery London – Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour

Price: Adults from 45 pounds (about $57); kids from 35 pounds (about $44) Duration: 1.5 hours

Offering a unique twist on a bus tour and afternoon tea, Brigit's Bakery London's Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour combines the two for a tasty outing. During the tour, you'll ride on a vintage double-decker Routemaster bus through central London, passing by Big Ben, Hyde Park, Downing Street and more. As you sightsee, servers pour tea and offer sandwiches, cakes and pastries. In addition to the tour's novelty, visitors find the prerecorded commentary entertaining and informative, and most say they enjoyed the food.

Tours, which last about 90 minutes, run several times daily and depart from either Northumberland Avenue or Victoria Coach Station. The tour accommodates several dietary restrictions, though these options may have an additional fee. Children ages 4 and younger are not permitted. Prefer gin to tea? The company also offers a Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, among other options.

Tally Ho! – Landmarks and Gems Royal London Bike Tour

Price: From 55 pounds (about $70) Duration: 3.5 hours

On the London Landmarks & Gems cycling tour, Tally Ho! leads visitors to the city's major sights, while expert guides offer their insights and informative commentary – a point of praise for many reviewers. Other highlights include seeing the royal guards (and possibly the changing of the guard ceremony), spray painting in the Leake Street tunnel and grabbing a pint at a pub. The tour covers about 5 miles and travels at a leisurely pace, with time for photo stops.

Tours ride twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., though times may vary seasonally. There may only be an afternoon ride during the fall and winter months, and an additional tour at 9:30 a.m. runs during the summer months. There is a maximum of 12 people per tour. A helmet or tweed flat cap and spray paint are provided to bikers. Tally Ho! offers a variety of cycling and walking tours, including a gin "safari."

Thames Rockets – Ultimate London Adventure

Price: From 49.95 pounds ($63) Duration: 50 minutes

The 50-minute Ultimate London Adventure tour is a sightseeing cruise like no other. As your actor-turned-guide narrates your trip, you'll take in iconic sights along the Thames, such as the Tate Modern, the Gherkin and the Houses of Parliament. Once you get under the Tower Bridge, the speedboat captain ramps up to speeds of 30 knots (35 mph) and takes you on a thrilling ride as the music blasts and passengers shriek. Tourgoers describe it as an exhilarating, fantastic experience.

Tours depart several times daily. Keep in mind: From November through January tours are only offered Thursday through Sunday. Thames Rockets also offers adults-only evening rides, as well as longer 80-minute cruises, among other options.

Courtesy of Tour for Muggles

Tour for Muggles

Price: Adults from 17 pounds (about $22); kids from 15 pounds (about $19) Duration: 2 hours

One of the best Harry Potter tours in London , this option garners rave reviews from witches, wizards, Muggles and Squibs who appreciate both the knowledgeable tour guides and seeing their favorite "Harry Potter" locations in real life. Tour for Muggles takes visitors through London for approximately two hours to see locations where the movies were shot, as well as places that inspired author J.K. Rowling.

Tours are limited to 20 people and run several times a day Tuesday through Sunday.

Gin Journey London

Price: From 75 pounds (about $95) Duration: 4.5 hours

If you enjoy imbibing in gin, you'll love taking a tour with Gin Journey, where your expert "gin guardian" takes you to five different venues in London in a chauffeur-driven minibus. During the 4.5-hour tour, you'll sample five different gins, enjoy five gin cocktails, visit a distillery and learn all about this spirit and why it's having a modern renaissance. Reviewers praise the guides, the drinks and the tour's great organization.

Gin Journeys can be booked in different neighborhoods, including Hackney and Soho. Tours, which are capped at 20 people, are offered every Saturday at 1 or 2 p.m., depending on which neighborhood you choose to book. Ticket discounts may be available for early bookings.

Strawberry Tours – Free Soho Tour London

Price: Free Duration: 2 hours

Since the mid-19th century, Soho has been a haven for musicians, writers and bohemians. Learn about the neighborhood's famous residents and much more on this free two-hour London walking tour. Your guide will talk about famous bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and their connection to the area. You'll also learn about the history of Soho's sex industry, a topic not always discussed on tours. Guides will take you by the Old Red Light District, Carnaby Street, the West End Theatre District and more. Tourgoers rave about the expert guides and are awestruck by the history of the area.

As its name suggests, the tour is free, but at the end of tour, you can pay your guide what you wish. This tour runs Wednesday through Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Strawberry Tours offers other free excursions around London, such as street art-themed tours and several London landmarks tours.

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Free Tours by Foot – World War Two Tour of London

On this two-hour walking tour of London, you'll learn about London during the Blitz, hear tales of how the city was rebuilt after the war and walk past landmarks that survived the bombings, such as St. Paul's Cathedral. Tour-takers value the engaging guides and the amount of history shared on the tour. They also say guides tailor the tour to participants' interests.

Visitors can name their own price, paying what they think the tour was worth at the excursion's conclusion. Tours operate Thursday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Reservations are required to guarantee a spot. Free Tours by Foot offers a variety of walking and food tours, including tours of Westminster and London street art, among many others.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in London
• The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace
• The Best Stonehenge Tours from London
• The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Tours , Vacations , Travel , London , Europe Vacations , United Kingdom Vacations

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