The top London tours offer a front-row seat to the city’s incredible history. As someone who grew up just an hour outside London, I’ve lost count of my visits – yet I’ll admit, I haven’t explored all these myself yet! But while researching for an American friend I’ve uncovered some fantastic trips for history buffs.
From ancient mysteries to royal scandals and wartime resilience, these excursions turn dusty tales into living stories. Whether you’re a history nerd like me or just curious, this guide highlights the best ways to step back in time in England’s fantastic capital city.
Top Tips for Booking London Tours:
Before we get into the top London tours, here are just a few things to consider before you book anything;
- Book Early for Popular Sites: Spots for top tours will fill up fast, especially in peak seasons (summer and holidays).
- Check for Combo Deals: Many tours bundle multiple attractions (e.g., Windsor Castle and Bath) for better value and a fuller experience.
- Opt for Small Groups: Smaller tours often provide more personalized insights and less crowded access to key sites.
- Look for Timed Entries: Tours with skip-the-line perks save time at busy spots like Westminster Abbey or the Crown Jewels.
- Consider Evening Options: Nighttime tours, like ghost walks or pub crawls, offer a unique historical twist with fewer crowds.
- Check What You Are Signing Up For: Some tours may involve a lot of walking and involve being outside for much of the day or night. Book and prepare accordingly.
Top London Tours
So, here we go with the best London history tours I could find. I have always been fascinated by history and having such great stories on my doorstep for many years was a luxury I frequently enjoyed.
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath Day Trip
This full-day trip is a history lover’s dream. Stonehenge’s ancient stones have always intrigued me – those mysterious slabs feel like a portal to a time before London was even a speck. Then there’s Windsor Castle, a royal stronghold oozing medieval vibes. Both are within an easy day trip from London.
Bath’s Roman ruins are another draw; Hannah and I spent a month house sitting in Bath a few years ago and loved it! The Roman Baths are like stepping into a history book and there’s history on every corner. Read all about our time in Bath here.
This tour fits centuries of stories, myths, regality, and history into one epic day. It’s the perfect choice for anyone wanting a taste of Britain just beyond the capital. Learn more and book it here.
Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace Tour
Growing up, I’d stare wide-eyed at Buckingham Palace on school trips, imagining the history behind those gates – but it took until I was a mortgage-paying adult to actually take an official tour that brought it all to life.
Westminster Abbey’s soaring arches, where royals have been crowned for a millennium, are a must-see for any first-timers to London. Big Ben’s chime is the soundtrack to the city and no visit is complete without checking the time via the biggest time-piece of them all!
This tour ties it all together in a neat historical bow. It’s ideal for first-timers or even locals like me craving a deeper dive. Book your tour right here.
VIP Beefeater Meeting, Tower of London and Crown Jewels
The Tower of London is one of London’s most iconic structures with centuries of history within its walls. This tour’s VIP Beefeater meet-up sounds fun, it must be great to have someone spilling secrets of executions and stories you can usually only read about. For the photo opportunities alone, a trip here is a must.
I haven’t seen the Crown Jewels sparkle in person yet. But next time I’m in London it’s something I intend to tick off the list. In just three hours, this top London tour provides a front-row seat to centuries of betrayal and power. It’s a compact history hit I’m looking forward to experiencing myself. Click here to learn more.
WWII Walking Tour in London: Churchill War Rooms and Westminster
This is quite a humbling tour that is filled with intrigue and fascinating tales from WWII. The Churchill War Rooms tucked underground, provide a raw look at London’s defiance during the Blitz. It’s incredible to stand in a room where so much military strategy was planned and played out.
Pair that with a stroll past wartime landmarks, and you’ve got a moving snapshot of London’s 20th-century grit. It’s perfect for anyone hooked on modern history, military buffs, or people like me with relatives who fought during the war. Click here to learn more and book your trip today.
Historical Pub Walking Tour (Super Affordable Option!)
London’s pubs are time capsules, and this affordable tour sounds like a blast. Picture boozy tales of Dickens or smugglers over a cold one in taverns older than the USA. It’s history with a nice buzz. Sample some of our proper English ales, served at room temperature in establishments unchanged for centuries.
This laid-back walk is a great way to soak up London’s social past. I’m tempted to tag along again next visit! Book it here.
Jack the Ripper Tour with Ripper-Vision (Highly Recommended!)
London’s dark side fascinates me, and this Jack the Ripper tour is one I highly recommend. The “Ripper-Vision” tech is wild, projecting 1888 crime scenes onto the East End streets – I can best describe it as CSI meets Ripper Street. Take a look and see if you can shed any light on the mystery of Saucy Jacky.
It’s a gritty, immersive plunge into a notorious past, perfect for true crime buffs. Click here for more details.
London Rock Legends Small-Group Tour
Rock history is right up my street. I spent almost 20 years as a professional rock musician and idolized many of the bands and artists that originated from just a few miles down the road from me.
On this great tour, you’ll cruise past spots where The Beatles, the Stones, and Bowie rewrote the ’60s and ’70s, all from the comfort of a cool and cozy minivan. It’s a fresh angle on London’s past you simply must explore
This small-group vibe offers insider stories without the crowds. Music fans, this one’s for you. Book it here.
London Ghost Tour in a Vintage Bus
I love a good ghost tour but I’ve not yet hopped on this spooky bus. It looks awesome though, a vintage London bus rolling past haunted sites like the Tower, dishing out creepy legends under the night sky – count me in next time. Just imagine it on a cold and foggy London evening!
London’s horror and ghost stories are some of the best, and go way beyond the Ripper. Click here to book it now and get scared out of your wits.
Final Thoughts on London Tours
London’s past is a living, breathing thing, and these top London tours prove it – whether you’re tracing royal footsteps, wartime courage, or ghostly whispers.
Growing up nearby, I’ve barely scratched the surface of these experiences, but they’ve reignited my love for the city’s stories. Pair them with smart stays via this London house-sitting guide or stretch your budget with these free and cheap attractions, and you’ve got an unforgettable trip to London ready to go.
Like This Post? Pin it!
Owner’s consent has been given to use all images in this post.