Being one of the most visited cities in the world, London sees millions of tourists every year. (1) With so many things to do and see, it can be difficult to narrow it down.
Are you looking for the best sights to see? Or to learn as much as possible about the history of the sights you do see? Or to find some hidden gems away from the main tourist attractions?
A private tour can help you curate the perfect London experience. And unlike other tours, you get the full attention of your guide.
Benefits of having your own tour guide
Private tours are a chance to see the real London and learn about its history. You get to have conversations with a local guide giving you a better understanding of life in London past and present.
Guides can reveal hidden parts of the city. They can also share insights about historical attractions that you wouldn’t discover otherwise. Being a private tour, there is space to ask questions and learn more.
Many also offer customised itineraries so you can see and learn about the places, sights and people that mean the most to you. With many tours having a theme, such as Charles Dickens, Roman London or Harry Potter, they are a great way to explore something you love in detail.
Private tours of London for families
Family-friendly London private city tour
From £82.33: Family-friendly London private tour
Highlights: Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral
Duration: 2 hours
The Family-friendly London private tour explores London, taking you to landmarks as you learn about the city’s history. There are also lots of more secluded and secret spots to discover. Kids will be entertained with games and treasure hunts on this private walking tour for the whole family.
What’s the itinerary for the Family-friendly London city tour?
Sights included on the Family-friendly London city tour include The National Firefighters Memorial, Millennium Bridge, Thames River, 10 Downing St, Borough Market, Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and St Paul’s Cathedral.
How to book Family-friendly London city tour
You can book the tour from £82.33 online.
British Museum tour for families
From £185.89: The British Museum tour for families
Highlights: Rosetta Stone, Sutton Hoo, Parthenon Sculptures
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
The British Museum is one of London’s most visited attractions, and it has an extensive collection of artefacts to discover.
This tour is designed to help you and the kids navigate through 6,000 years of human history. A private guide engages the kids with games and commentary, making this a fascinating museum experience.
What’s the itinerary for the British Museum tour for families?
This private walking tour of the British Museum explores artefacts, including the famous Rosetta Stone. Also, Medieval Sutton Hoo burial treasure and Parthenon Sculptures.
The tour takes in thousands of years of history, exploring the galleries of Ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt, as well as Medieval Europe.
How to book British Museum tour for families
You can book the British Museum from £185.89 online.
Kid-Friendly Natural History Museum and Dinosaurs private guided tour
From £228.33: Natural History Museum & Dinosaurs kid-friendly tour
Highlights: Dinosaur Gallery, prehistoric garden, Earth galleries
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
The Natural History Museum takes you through 4.6 billion years of history with its 70 million artefacts. With so much to see and learn about, a private guided tour of the museum helps you focus on the key features and hidden gems.
This tour of the Natural History Museum entertains and amuses the kids as your guide shares stories about the artefacts and museum.
What’s the itinerary for the Natural History Museum kid-friendly tour?
This kid-friendly private tour of the Natural History Museum explores the Life and Earth Galleries. It also visits the wildlife garden and collections of botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology.
It also visits the famous Dinosaur Gallery and shows you the 25.2-metre-long blue whale skeleton, giant sequoia tree and much more!
How to book Natural History Museum kid-friendly tour
You can book the kid-friendly tour of the Natural History Museum and the from £228.33 online.
Tower of London for kids private guided tour
From £280.10: Tower of London for kids & families
Highlights: Crown Jewels, Tower Green, White Tower
Duration: 3 hours
The Tower of London is one of London’s oldest buildings and most significant sights. It has witnessed almost a thousand years of history. A guided tour of this landmark lets you go deeper into the story with a private Blue Badge Guide trained to keep the kids entertained. It is a fantastic way to find out what makes this a World Heritage Site.
What’s the itinerary for the Tower of London walking tour?
On this private tour of the Tower of London, you will see the Medieval Palace, Mint Street, Tower Green, the Royal Beasts, Crown Jewels, White Tower and more!
How to book Tower of London walking tour
Book from £280.10 online.
Harry Potter London sights and film locations tour
From £188.00: Harry Potter London Sights Private Tour
Highlights: Platform 9¾, House of Spells, Palace Theatre
Duration: 3 hours
Kids go free of charge on this Harry Potter tour for all ages. The Harry Potter films and books are beloved by parents and kids alike. It makes this London tour of more than 10 filming locations a fantastic choice. Spot the places from iconic moments in the films and discover London at the same time. You will also get to visit two Harry Potter shops with a discount for those on the tour.
What’s the itinerary for the Harry Potter walking tour?
Find all things Harry Potter in London as you visit King’s Cross Station, Cecil Court, Goodwin’s Court, Palace Theatre, House of Spells, Leicester Square, Westminster, Borough Market and London Bridge.
How to book Harry Potter walking tour
Book from £188.00 per group online.
Private tours of London’s sights
London best of the city fully customised private tour
From £207.66: London Best of the City Tour
Highlights: Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, The Shard
Duration: 3-7 hours
This London Best of the City tour could be a great choice if you are only in London for a short visit. It packs all the top sights and history into a private tour. You have the option to create your itinerary according to your cultural interests. The tour can also vary in length to fit into your day.
What’s the itinerary for the London Best of the City private tour?
As it is fully customisable, you choose the itinerary for the London in a Day walking tour.
Customise your tour featuring sights such as the Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, Thames River, Westminster Abbey, Diana Memorial Playground and St Paul’s Cathedral.
You could also include the Millennium Bridge, Big Ben, Covent Garden, London Eye, The Shard, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.
How to book London Best of the City private tour
You can book the ook from £207.66 online.
Private 4-hour tour in a London Black Cab
From £379.00: London Black Cab Tour
Highlights: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London
Duration: 4 hours
There are few things more distinctly London than a classic black cab. It makes the London Black Cab Tour a unique experience, getting driven around the city sightseeing.
Thanks to the cab, you can see many sights in a relatively short time. It is also an excellent choice for those who can only walk short distances but still want to see as much of London as possible. Hotel pick-up is included for groups of up to 6 people.
What’s the itinerary for the London Black Cab Tour?
The London Black Cab Tour covers all the top sights driving you to Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, 10 Downing Street, St. James’s Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, Horse Guards Parade, Trafalgar Square, Marble Arch, Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, The Monument, Shakespeare’s Globe, London Eye, Borough Market, Parliament Square and Covent Garden.
How to book London Black Cab Tour
You can book this tour from £379.00 per group online.
Highlights & Hidden Gems of London with locals
Highlights: Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, Tate Modern
Duration: 3 hours
On the Highlights & Hidden Gems of London tour, a local host will take you to famous landmarks alongside places less known. You will discover stories and secrets of the city you wouldn’t otherwise know. The tour can also be personalised to your interests.
What’s the itinerary for the Highlights & Hidden Gems private tour?
The Highlights & Hidden Gems walking tour can be customised to your interests, featuring visits to Soho, Borough Market, Trafalgar Square, Thames River, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Southwark Cathedral, Shaftesbury Avenue and Soho Square.
How to book Highlights & Hidden Gems private tour
You can book the Highlights and Hidden Gems private tour from £115.44 online.
Private Bicycle Tour of London
From £122.50: Private cycling tour of London
Highlights: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral
Duration: 2-4 hours
Cycling has become very popular in London thanks to the growing number of cycleways and hire bike facilities. A private cycling tour of London is a great way to see the city and quickly get between sights.
With this tour, you can create a custom itinerary with a guide to share insights. Your guide will also help you safely explore London’s bicycle network, which includes bicycles and helmets.
What’s the itinerary for the Private Bicycle Tour of London?
You can customise the itinerary for this Private Bicycle Tour of London. You can cycle between places like Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral.
How to book Private Bicycle Tour of London
You can book from £122.50 online.
The Changing of the Guard – private guided tour
From £44.09: The Changing of the Guard private tour
Highlights: Horse Guards Parade, Trafalgar Square, Clarence House
Duration: 2 hours
The Changing of the Guard is an exciting event of British pageantry and style. It’s very popular with those visiting London so watching with a private guide makes this extra special.
Your guide will give you the event’s history and ensure you get the best views. This tour also includes a central London walking tour to unpack more history in the area.
What’s the itinerary for the Changing of the Guard walking tour?
The Changing of the Guard walking tour includes visits to Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, Admiralty Arch, Horse Guards Parade, St. James’s Palace and Clarence House.
How to book Changing of the Guard walking tour
Book from £44.09 online.
The Royal Family Private Tour
Highlights: Buckingham Palace, Albert Memorial, Kensington Palace
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Head off on this Royal Walking Tour for local expert insights into Royal London. Home of the British Monarchy, London is full of royal sights, both past and present. See palaces, memorials and more on this royal-themed walking tour. You also get a cup of authentic tea or a glass of wine during the experience.
What’s the itinerary for the Royal Walking Tour?
The Royal Walking Tour visits Borough Market, Trafalgar Square, Soho, Albert Memorial, Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace.
How to book Royal Walking Tour
Book from £95.91 online.
Private tours of London museums and galleries
The Tate Modern – Exclusive Guided Museum Tour
From £89.07: Tate Modern private guided tour
Highlights: Picasso, Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko
Duration: 2 hours
The Tate Modern is London’s most prominent gallery of modern art. It features work from its 19th- and 20th-century art collections and exciting new exhibitions and contemporary artists.
Booking this private tour is a fantastic way to see the best of the collection. You will also get an analysis and history of each piece to better understand the artwork.
What’s the itinerary for the Tate Modern guided museum tour?
On this tour of the Tate Modern, you will see Mondrian’s geometric patterns of colour. It also includes works by Picasso, Dali, Monet, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol and Duchamp.
How to book Tate Modern guided museum tour
You can book the Tate Modern guided tour from £89.07 online.
Private guided tour of the Victoria & Albert Museum
Highlights: Renaissance art, photography centre, Japanese artwork
Duration: 3 hours
The Victoria & Albert Museum is a beautiful exploration of the worlds of art and design. On this private tour of the museum’s collections, you will hear anecdotes, history and insights into art, design and craft. This tour is also tailored to reflect your interests. This helps you discover the objects you will love most from the extensive collection.
What’s the itinerary for the V&A private tour?
This V&A Tour is a bespoke tour curated to reflect your interests. The V&A collections include diverse works from the European Medieval and Renaissance periods. There are cultural works from places such as China and Japan and significant works of fashion, design and photography.
How to book V&A private tour
Book from £190.00 per group online.
British Museum & National Gallery combined tour
From £157.45: British Museum & National Gallery combined tour
Highlights: Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, works by Monet and Van Gogh
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
This private walking tour is perfect for those interested in art and history. It combines two of London’s popular attractions, the British Museum and the National Gallery. A guide will help you see the best of both, providing insights into the collections following your custom itinerary.
What’s the itinerary for the British Museum & National Gallery walking tour?
You can create a custom itinerary for this tour. At the British Museum, you may want to see the Mummy of Katebet, the Oxus Treasure, the Parthenon sculptures and the Rosetta Stone. Visiting the National Gallery will give you the chance to see works by Vermeer, Jan van Eyck, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Monet and Rembrandt.
How to book British Museum & National Gallery walking tour
You can book from £157.45 online.
History and culture-themed private tours of London
Roman London private walking tour
Highlights: Old Roman baths, Temple of Mithras, city walls
Duration: 3-4 hours
The Roman London tour is designed with archaeology fans in mind. It takes you to places where you can still see the remains of Romans almost 200 years after being built. Unpacking this ancient history of London, you will come across Old Roman baths, city walls and even the Temple of Mithras. It’s a brilliant way of learning more about London’s early history and seeing hidden gems.
What’s the itinerary for the Roman London walking tour?
The Roman London walking tour digs up all things Roman in the city, visiting sites at St Paul’s Cathedral, The Church of St Vedast Alias Foster, Noble Street, Cripplegate Street, London Wall, Guildhall, London’s Roman Amphitheatre, Mansion House, Bank of England, Royal Exchange, Leadenhall Market, The Gherkin, Tomb of the Unknown Roman Girl, Aldgate Square, Vine Street, Emperor Trajan Statue, London Wall, All Hallows by the Tower, St. Dunstan in the East, Billingsgate Roman Bath House, St. Magnus the Martyr, The Monument, London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE and The London Stone.
How to book Roman London walking tour
You can book from £160.00 online.
Charles Dickens private walking tour
Highlights: The Old Curiosity Shop, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Charles Dickens Museum
Duration: 3 hours
As the home of Charles Dickens, London is dense with the author’s history. From places he lived and visited to inspiration for his characters and places directly from his novels, this tour ensures you see it all.
A private guide reveals details about Dickens’ work and characters. There is also an option for a drinks experience.
What’s the itinerary for the Charles Dickens walking tour?
The places explored by the Charles Dickens walking tour are St George the Martyr, Marshalsea Prison South Wall, Red Cross Cottages and Garden, London Bridge, Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Old Bailey, Winchester Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Temple Church, The Old Curiosity Shop, Fleet Street, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Dr. Johnson’s House, High Holborn, Bloomsbury and Charles Dickens Museum.
How to book Charles Dickens walking tour
Book from £160.00 online.
Westminster Abbey private tour
From £240.00: Westminster Abbey Private Tour
Highlights: Graves of Chaucer and Darwin, the coronation chair and Henry VII Lady Chapel
Duration: 2 hours
Learn about the kings, queens and historical figures who were crowned, married or buried in Westminster Abbey with this tour. The private tour includes entry to the Abbey and Jubilee Gardens. You’ll discover all sorts of facts and history thanks to visiting with a knowledgeable guide.
What’s the itinerary for the Westminster Abbey private tour?
The Westminster Abbey walking tour itinerary takes you inside the dream of the last Anglo-Saxon king. Learn about the place that has crowned every monarch since William the Conqueror and hosted 17 royal weddings. You will see the burial places of Geoffery Chaucer, Rudyard Kipling, Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin and the Unknown Soldier. There is the 700-year-old coronation chair, portraits of modern martyrs and the Henry VII Lady Chapel to see.
How to book Westminster Abbey private tour
Book from £240.00 online.
Ted Lasso filming locations tour
Highlights: The Prince’s Head, Richmond Riverside Path, One Paved Court
Duration: 3-4 hours
If you are a fan of the hit TV show Ted Lasso, then this tour is for you. The show is set in the beautiful Richmond area, following the fictional football club of the same name. With plenty of the show filmed in London, this tour lets you relive those iconic moments in the series. It’s also great for some fun photo opportunities.
What’s the itinerary for the Ted Lasso filming locations tour?
The Ted Lasso walking tour visits filming locations at Richmond-upon-Thames, Richmond Riverside Path, Richmond Green, The Prince’s Head and One Paved Court, ending back at London Victoria Station or Westminster.
How to book Ted Lasso filming locations tour
Book from £125.00 online.
East London Street Art Tour
From £44.09: East London Street Art Guided Walking Tour
Highlights: Brick Lane, Shoreditch, Spitalfields Market
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore the ever-changing street art of East London with the help of a local guide. You’ll find out about the latest developments in this art form. You will also see iconic pieces that have stood the test of time. Learn about the history of the East End and its transformation over the years. There’s also the opportunity to customise the itinerary to suit your interests.
What’s the itinerary for the East London Street Art guided walking tour?
The East London Street Art tour shows street art in Brick Lane, Shoreditch, Spitalfields Market, Petticoat Lane Market and Whitechapel.
How to book East London Street Art guided walking tour
Book from £44.09 online.
Music of London Rock & Pop Walking Tour
Highlights: Abbey Road Studios, Soho, Camden Market
Duration: 3 hours
On the Music of London tour, your music-loving guide will show you the places that have been important to the cultural output of London. You will visit places connected with famous musicians and movements that are delving into the musical heritage of London. Thanks to your guide, you will get to discover sights and stories you wouldn’t otherwise see.
What’s the itinerary for the Music of London Rock & Pop walking tour?
The Music of London tour explores the musical history of Camden Market, Abbey Road Studios, Amy Winehouse Statue, Abbey Road, Chinatown, Soho, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Soho Square and Denmark Street.
How to book Music of London Rock & Pop walking tour
You can book the Music of London tour from £160.00 online.
Alternative private tours of London
Historical London Pub walking tour
From £125.00: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London
Highlights: The Old Curiosity Shop, St Bride’s Church, The Old Bank of England Pub
Duration: 2-4 hours
Pubs have been at the heart of London life for centuries. A pub crawl or private tour of these historic buildings opens up much of London’s past and life in the city over the years. There will be the opportunity to stop for a drink at several pubs, each with interesting architecture and stories. You will also see a number of sights in London along the way.
What’s the itinerary for the Historical London Pubs walking tour?
The London Pubs tour visits St Paul’s Cathedral, Black Friar, St Bride’s Church, Dr. Johnson’s House, The Old Bank of England Pub, Temple Bar Memorial, Royal Courts of Justice, St. Clement Danes Church, The Old Curiosity Shop, Lincoln’s Inn, Sir John Soane’s Museum and Princess Louise.
How to book the Historical London Pubs walking tour
You can book the Historical London Pubs tour from £125.00 online.
Private Travel Photographer London Tour
Highlights: London Eye, Big Ben, Hyde Park
Duration: 1-3 hours
Do away with the selfie and get the services of a professional photographer who brings insider knowledge on the best locations in London.
It’s a tour exploring London from which you will end up with 75 professionally edited travel photos. You can also create a custom route through the city to include your favourite spots.
What’s the itinerary for the Private Travel Photographer London walking tour?
Locations that you could include on this Private Travel Photographer London Tour are Tower Bridge, Big Ben, London Eye, Holland Park, Hyde Park, Portobello Road Market and the Tower of London.
How to book Private Travel Photographer London walking tour
You can book the Private Travel Photographer London walking tour from £210.00 online.
Night Photography tour in London
From £205.00: Night Photography Tour in London
Highlights: London Eye, House of Parliament, Westminster Bridge
Duration: 3 hours
London at night is magical. With the help of an expert guide, this tour will reveal London like you haven’t seen it before. Your guide will teach you how to take photos in the evening and at night. There will then be the opportunity to capture shots of London landmarks lit up at night. It’s the perfect way to capture some creative travel photos. Note that you must bring your own camera.
What’s the itinerary for the Night Photography walking tour?
Places that make for great photography spots on the Night Photography tour include the South Bank, London Eye, Thames River, Golden Jubilee Bridges, Royal Festival Hall, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge and Victoria Embankment.
How to book Night Photography walking tour
You can book the Night Photography tour from £205.00 online.
What’s the best private tour of London
The best all-round private tour of London is the London Best of the City tour as you can see all the sights. For a London sightseeing tour designed for families, the family-friendly London private city tour is a great option.
For history, the private tour of the British Museum or the Highlights & Hidden Gems tour are great options. For a private tour of London that’s a bit different, you could book the London Black Cab tour or a cycling tour of the city.
The Charles Dickens tour is a good option if you are looking for a private tour exploring London’s cultural heritage. The Music of London tour is a fascinating exploration of musical history and worth considering. There is also the East London Street Art tour that offers more contemporary culture. Booking a photography tour can also be a great idea. You will get to see the sights of London while having a professional capture beautiful memories of your trip.
FAQs
What is the best way to tour around London?
The best way to tour around London is often by walking. You can do this by booking the many walking tours offered in the city. Self-guided tours are also available. Walking allows you to get a sense of the city’s geography, take your time at sights and capture brilliant photos. Another great way to tour around London is by bus. You can take the public or tour bus to get to more sights and get some excellent views.
Are London tours worth it?
Yes, London tours are worth it. A guided tour takes care of navigation and logistics, letting you enjoy the moment and fit in more sights. They also reveal hidden gems and share insights that you wouldn’t otherwise discover about London. You can also find tours that suit your interests. These give you more depth and let you connect with like-minded people.
What is the best way to see all the sights in London?
The best way to see all the sights in London is to book a private tour of the city. These are designed to help you efficiently see the top sights. They also provide you with history and interesting facts. Take a look at this London in a Day tour or this London Black Cab Tour. Both of these pack in all the best sights.
What are the best London private tours by car?
The best London private tours by car are those in a London black cab or taxi. These show you all the iconic sights, driving you between them in a famous black cab. Your guide will share stories and insights, too. You can also find fantastic tours by bus and boat.