routemaster bus tour london

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THE CLASSIC TOUR

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SIGHTSEEING

“My lords, ladies and gentlemen, please kindly now hop on board our carefully restored classic 1960s double-decker Routemaster bus, for it is show time” ~ Cheeksworth

Brace yourselves people about town! The Classic Tour is about to whisk you away on an extraordinary laugh-out-loud journey through the city. This isn’t any boring old sightseeing tour, no no no! Prepare yourself for a fabulous blend of historical facts, sensational sights and eccentric comedy that will leave you in stitches

Who said learning about history has to be boring? Our show is designed to be as entertaining as it is educational. Imagine laughing out loud while discovering fascinating historical facts about London. With our eccentric guides, Lord Larksford and Cheeksworth, you’ll experience history in a way that’s lively, interactive, and downright hilarious. Whether it’s through their witty banter, comedic skits, or engaging stories, you’ll find yourself entertained and educated at every turn. This is not just a tour; it’s a theatrical experience on wheels, where history comes alive with a hearty dose of humor.

Hold onto Your Bowler Hats!

Meet your guides.

Lord Larksford is a  hapless aristocrat with a penchant for storytelling, Lord Larksford’s charm is only outdone by his clumsiness. His humorous anecdotes and larger-than-life personality make every show a joyous occasion.

Cheeksworth, t he ever-loyal butler-turned-tour guide, Cheeksworth provides a dry, witty counterpoint to Lord Larksford’s antics. With his sharp wit and impeccable manners, he ensures the show runs smoothly while keeping the laughs coming.

The Classic Tour provides a unique and entertaining tour on one of the most iconic and historic vehicles of our time – the Routemaster bus. It is seen in all the classic films with London as a back-drop, it is on all the postcards, and though they are no longer in widespread public service, with us you can still experience this thrilling, prestigious and stately ride that allows the most intimate and authentic opportunity to be experience and be part of our great city.

YOUR JOURNEY

We set sail at trafalgar square.

Forget ordinary buses, you’ll tour London in style on a classic Routemaster – a true London icon, just like those red buses in the movies! These beauties aren’t everywhere anymore, but with us, you can experience a thrilling ride on a piece of history. It’s the most fun (and authentic!) way to see the city. One heads-up: while we’ll cruise by many sights, Buckingham Palace is off-limits for buses. But fear not, there’s plenty of royal history on the route!

Our tours depart from Northumberland Avenue at:

Please Note: Our tours only run on certain days, please check our booking form for the latest date & time information

Please note that tour times are subject to change.

The following tickets are available:

ANY QUESTIONS?

We may just have the answer you need below.

The Classic Tour departs from outside The Grand Hotel on Northumberland Avenue, just off Trafalgar Square. The nearest tube stations are Charing Cross or Embankment. The postcode for the bus stop is WC2N 5BY.

The show lasts between 75 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

Pre-booking is highly recommended but not mandatory. You can pre-book online or by calling our office. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets from our street team 15 minutes before the show starts. We advise calling ahead to check availability for walk-up purchases.

No, to ensure you experience all the sights of London with the best views and information, the tour does not include stops for getting on and off.

The tour takes you from Northumberland Avenue to Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, The Shard, The London Eye, Tower Bridge, and London Bridge, before returning to Northumberland Avenue.

Due to the classic design of our vintage Routemaster buses, wheelchairs can only be brought on board if they can be folded and placed beside the seats. The passenger must be able to sit on one of our seats.

Please check our booking page for the most up-to-date show times.

Foldable prams are welcome on board. Luggage can be brought on if it’s a quiet day; please keep it with you during the journey.

Yes, we do! For group bookings or private hire of the bus for a party or special event, please email us at [email protected] .

25% Discount LAUNCH OFFER

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Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2024 The Classic Tour, C/O Immersive Entertainments Ltd, 4 Mason Court Gillan Way, Penrith 40 Business Park, Penrith, United Kingdom, CA11 9GR

Our London show is new to town! To show everyone how great it is we are offering a limited 25% off all tickets purchased in August* 

Use Code "newshow" at checkout

*terms & conditions apply, excludes private hires and groups over 15 in size

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Classic Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Bus Tour

Indulge in a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea experience with the classic afternoon tea bus london sightseeing tour by brigit's bakery..

Our exclusive vintage Routemaster buses wind their way through the heart of Central London, offering a unique blend of delightful sightseeing and delectable Brigit's themed afternoon teas on a classic double-decker bus!

As you sip your tea, you'll soak in the vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and rich history of London. Our London Routemaster bus will treat you to breathtaking views of renowned attractions like Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James's Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson's Column, Downing Street, and many more. It's not just a tea; it's a journey through London's heritage.

Savour the sweet and savoury flavours of France with a selection of scrumptious finger sandwiches, including classics like smoked salmon and cream cheese, and mouthwatering cakes and pastries, all expertly crafted by our executive pastry chef to enhance your tea experience. And of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without scones with jam and clotted cream.

Why choose us? We take pride in being the original classic tour, conducted on an iconic 1960s Routemaster bus. Our commitment to preserving tradition and creating lasting memories sets us apart from the rest.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary adventure! Book your spot now for the Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Sightseeing Tour and embark on a tea-infused journey through the heart of London. Reserve your seat today and make this unique experience a cherished memory.

Take a look at our Traditional Afternoon Tea Menu and dietary options below.

Traditional afternoon tea london menu, freshly prepared savouries.

Mini mushroom quiche Cucumber, cream cheese & mint finger on basil bread Turkey ham & cheese, mayo mustard finger on tomato bread Feta, tomato & red pepper savoury muffin Salmon & cucumber pretzel with cream cheese

Assortment of mini Homemade Cakes & Tarts

Lavender & lemon choux Vanilla & blueberry cupcake Lychee & raspberry rose verrine Passion fruit & white chocolate polenta slice

Freshly baked, plain scone with clotted cream & jam

Drink options included in our Traditional Afternoon Tea

Coffee & Hot Chocolate Americano | Cappuccino | Latte Macchiato | Hot Chocolate

Tea Selection English Breakfast | Earl Grey | Decaf Black Tea | Redbush | Peppermint | Lemon & Ginger | Berry & Elderflower | Jasmine Tea | Green Tea | Chai Tea

Our Traditional Menu is seasonal and may vary. Please check with us, at time of booking, for any changes.

Sparkling wine.

PROSECCO BRUT SUGAR-FREE VILLA MARCELLO Bottle £39 PROSECCO ROSE VILLA MARCELLO Glass £11 | Bottle £36 PROSECCO ZIA Glass £9 | Bottle £32 NYETIMBER CLASSIC CUVEE Half Bottle £35 | Bottle £65

CASTELNAU BRUT Half Bottle £28 | Bottle £48 LOUIS ROEDERER ROSE Half Bottle £65 CASTELNAU ROSE Bottle £55 CASTELNAU BLANC DE BLANC Bottle £85 LIMITED COLLECTION LOUIS ROEDERER Bottle £95 VINTAGE ROSE LOUIS ROEDERER Bottle £95 CRISTAL LOUIS ROEDERER Bottle £315

Seating Plan

Bus routes & departure points, purchase gift vouchers, we're wheelchair-friendly, did you know that we have a wheelchair-friendly bus for our afternoon tea london sightseeing tours, dietary options & allergens.

Unfortunately, we are unable to cater for: nut-free, peanut-free, combination of dairy & gluten-free, combination of vegan & gluten-free and Coeliacs. Gluten-free menu may contain traces. Vegan and gluten free teas are £3 extra. Please specify requirements upon reservation. All allergies must be emailed and confirmed by management at [email protected] . Thank you for your understanding.

We offer the following alternative Afternoon Tea menus:

Fantastic Experience

Booked for 2 couples (all around aged 50 😉) for tour and afternoon tea. Greeted by very pleasant and fun staff. Sandwiches and cakes were already at our table and very well presented. Tasted great and was more than enough (couldn't finish it all). We had 2 bottles prosecco pre-ordered and both were chilled and served as required. Good mix of upbeat music for all ages played throughout the 90 minute tour. Little snippets of information on the sites thrown in too

Afternoon Tea in LaLa Land

Our friends booked me and my wife this treat for my birthday and it was excellent, nice food great service one and half hour of travelling around London with good commentary of the sites in between listening to nice xmas carols, really do go into la la land. would recommend this trip to any age group.

A deliciously British experience!

The whole experience was incredible. Went there as a surprise to my friends and we absolutely loved it! We enjoyed every bite of this delicious afternoon tea. Needless to say we ate everything…! The tour was also a delight. Weather was nice and allowed us to see all the beautiful landmarks perfectly.

Celebrating an occasion

We took our friends on an afternoon tea on Brigit's Bus, the food and service was excellent, the staff we very friendly and we had a lovely time celebrating the friends Golden Wedding Anniversary. The weather was cloudy but it did not spoil the trip. It was a lovely afternoon. We look forward to doing it again.

Cute way to see London

Afternoon Tea + London bus is a brilliant combination. Nice staff and good music in the background. We really enjoyed it. And it looks good in Instagram!

Incredible Tour!

I couldn’t imagine a better way to kick off our UK tour. Our guides Daisy, Monica and Kel went above and beyond to make this experience perfect. We couldn’t recommend enough, you won’t be disappointed!

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LONDON SIGHTSEEING BUS PRIVATE HIRE

You can hire our buses or our bakery for your own unique party. we create bespoke events to your requirements..

There is a recorded guide commentary on our buses and friendly servers to answer any questions! Children under the age of 5 are not permitted due to health and safety regulations. Images may not depict the current menu.

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T: 020 3026 1188 E: [email protected]

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London red bus tour - vintage Routemaster open top trip

Discounted classic london red bus tour, plus river cruise and sightseeing plus upgrade with attractions.

Vintage London Red Bus Tours with exclusive river tour

The Vintage Red London Bus Tour is a popular half day sightseeing tour (morning or afternoon) seeing the iconic sights of London and a great orientation of central London too.

In addition to a fantastic view of London's most famous sites by 1950s classic vintage Routemaster bus, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the sites on a private guided private extended boat trip on the River Thames.

Morning tours will take you to witness the spectacular Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and your professional live guide will be with you all the way to really bring London to life!

Plus - order today using the banners below and receive big discounts on selected products below compared to buying direct.

Vintage London bus with tour savings at a glance

Plus: upgrade this tour to add on further attractions such as:

• Fish & chips
• Cream Tea at Harrods
• Buckingham Palace

Key features of tours   Add-ons to core tour   Victoria departure point   Prices & reservations   What will I save on this discounted tour?  

VINTAGE OPEN TOP RED BUS AND RIVER CRUISE

Open top vintage bus tour with live professional guide

• Panoramic tour of London on Open top Vintage bus • Thames River Cruise • Photostop outside Buckingham Palace • Professional guide • Opportunity to book add-ons to core tour including: London Eye or fish & chips meal

Key features of Vintage London Red Bus Tour

Both tours leave from Victoria Coach Station - Morning tours depart 7.45am and afternoon tours depart 12.45pm.

Most months the tour runs daily, in the mid-winter months there are days when the tour doesn't operate.

Tours end at 12.30pm/4.30pm. Am tour finishes at Victoria, the pm tour you can choose to either finish at the London Eye or take the bus back to Victoria.

Professional English-speaking guide.

Enjoy great views of London's iconic sights from top deck of the vintage London red bus, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, The Shard, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.

Am tour: Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace - watch the world famous Changing of the Guard ceremony of soldiers. Photo stop at Westminster Abbey.

Pm tour: photo stops at Buckingham Palace, Tower of London.

Thames River Cruise. The tour ends with a river trip seeing London from a different perspective and enjoying excellent views of St Paul's Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe among others. The am river trip lasts thirty minutes from/to Westminster Pier, passing all the main attractions. The pm river trip lasts forty minutes, running from Tower to the London Eye.

Visit our blog to read our experience of this vintage red bus tour

We have written up our experience of the morning  Vintage London red bus tour  on our blog. Check out all the pictures and discover what going on this tour is really like.

What if it rains?

Just like the open top hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses the tour operates in all weather conditions.

On rare occasions like if very heavy rain is forecast the open top bus may be changed to a closed top bus.

Please be prepared though for the possibility of rain.

Add-ons to core tour

At the end of the tour you can leave the tour and explore independently at this point or you can continue the tour with many exciting and money-saving options.

These tours are not available all year round. Please see top of page for more information on when the tours are available.

Add on using first banner above:

• Fish & Chips lunch

Add on using banners below:

• Exclusive cream tea at Harrods: Enjoy the English tradition in a place like no other. After your scones and Harrods preserves you will have plenty of time to explore the rest of the iconic store.
• Afternoon visit to Stonehenge: board a luxury air-conditioned coach and head for the most famous prehistoric monument in the world: the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge.
• Visit to Buckingham Palace (summer only): Admire the exquisite State Rooms as well as numerous works of priceless art in the lavishly furnished rooms. Enjoy a walk along the south side of the Royal Garden and look out across the picturesque lake constructed in the 19th century. 

VINTAGE OPEN TOP RED BUS, RIVER CRUISE PLUS CREAM TEA AT HARRODS

Vintage open top bus tour with cream tea at Harrods

• Panoramic tour of London on Open top Vintage bus • Thames River Cruise • Photo stop at Tower of London & Buckingham Palace • Exclusive cream tea in the Harrods Tea Rooms • Professional guide

VINTAGE OPEN TOP RED BUS, RIVER CRUISE PLUS STONEHENGE

Vintage open top bus tour with Stonehenge

• Panoramic tour of London on Open top Vintage bus • Thames River Cruise • Changing of the Guard • Entrance to Stonehenge & Stonehenge Visitor Centre • Professional guide • Transportation by luxury air-conditioned bus

VINTAGE OPEN TOP RED BUS, RIVER CRUISE PLUS BUCKINGHAM PALACE ENTRANCE

Vintage open top bus tour with Buckingham Palace - summer months only

• Panoramic tour of London on Open top Vintage bus • Thames River Cruise • Entrance to Buckingham Palace including Audio Guide • Professional guide

Top of the page

Victoria departure point

Your tour will begin at Victoria Coach Station, one of the major transport hubs in central London and very close to Victoria Underground and Railway Station.

If you require more assistance working out your journey, click through on the link below, where we give more detail of how to join the tour at Victoria Coach Station.

How to get to Victoria Coach Station & map with previously asked questions

Vintage bus tour prices & tour reservations

Prices displayed on the table below are the current prices for this tour. Major credit and debit cards are accepted.

You will be emailed a confirmation with a booking reference after reservation.

The booking reference and the name of the person ordering is all that you need to quote when joining the tour. There are no paper tickets.

On the tour detail page displayed after selecting the “More info/book now” buttons below, there is a red “Book this Tour” button at the top right of the page, which when selected displays a calendar depicting which dates still have availability.

By selecting your required date you start the reservation process.

VINTAGE BUS TOUR WITH ATTRACTIONS MANY DISCOUNTED

† Children (3-16 years)

* Seniors (60 years +)

LONDON'S OPEN TOP HOP-ON, HOP-OFF SIGHTSEEING TOUR PRICING 2024

All the hop-on bus companies have permanently discounted online prices, (compared with walk-up prices) which are between 10 - 15% off.

Prices are seasonal and variable and prices above are based on low season prices. During school holidays prices are typically higher.

To be sure you are getting the best possible price it is advisable to check our prices above against the hop-on bus companies' websites as they occasionally run sales throughout the year:

Tootbus official website

Big Bus official website

Golden Tours official website

Tootbus offer cheaper tickets, which are bus only, no river cruise. Tootbus offer this for a 24, 48 or 72-hr period and call this ticket 'London Discovery'.

MOST POPULAR SIGHTS

Tickets & sightseeing passes, things to see and do, from our blog.

OPEN TOP SIGHTSEEING BUSES

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June 19, 2024

The Classic Routemaster Double-Decker Bus: History & Fun Facts

For many visitors to London, one of the iconic sights of a trip to the capital is a traditional London red double-decker bus. Known as a Routemaster, this bus was designed in the late 1940s and manufactured until 1968 when production stopped, mainly because their open back doors – which were one of the attractions for many Londoners – made them unusable by those in a wheelchair. They were still used on many routes until the early twenty-first century and some can be seen occasionally on routes such as the Routemaster Heritage Route 15 which runs from Blackwell to Trafalgar Square.

You do not see them often on regular Transport for London (TFL) routes these days but you can hire an old Routemaster for around £600 to £1000 for a private tour. The price will vary depending on the length of the tour and will include the services of a driver and a conductor, who may be dressed in an old London Transport uniform. If you want to hire a Blue Badge Tourist Guide to introduce you to the sights of London, you will have to pay extra for their services. TFL is responsible for London’s public transport system and still owns over one hundred Routemaster buses.

The Routemaster was designed in the late 1940s and 3000 were built between 1954 and 1968, when production stopped. Routemasters were built to last, however, and remained in service on several routes and were still in use in 2005 when they were gradually withdrawn and replaced by the new Routemaster designed by the distinguished architect Thomas Heatherwick. These are enclosed buses which are more wheelchair friendly but it seems unlikely that the new Routemaster will still be in use in half a century from now. Many old Routemasters are around sixty years old and still going strong, their design having outlived many of those which were introduced to succeed it.

Many Routemasters have been sold to private companies for the surprisingly low price of £2000 to £4000 and they are hired out from commercial companies for groups who want to see London from a traditional mode of transport. They can be adapted for guided tours with audio systems and most blue badge guides will have conducted a tour on a traditional Routemaster at some stage. Several companies have Routemaster buses available for hire.

The film industry has also used old London buses on several occasions. Cliff Richard and his friends used one in the sixties film Summer Holiday. (Three buses were actually used in the filming.) These are sometimes called Routemasters but, in fact, they are seen travelling in the predecessor of a Routemaster, the Regent III AEC. This is also the bus used by Roger Moore in his first portrayal of James Bond in the film Live and Let Die. He actually ‘decapitates’ the bus in a chase scene with some police cars. (Do not try this at home.) This has helped to cement the idea of a Routemaster – or one of its predecessors – as the iconic bus of London for many visitors to the capital.

Every year the ‘lost’ village of Imber on the Salisbury Plain hosts a meeting of old-fashioned buses in a special festival in August. (In 2024 it will be on Saturday 17th August. Go to imberbus.org for more.)

You can also have afternoon tea – another old custom followed by many Britons – on a Routemaster bus while seeing the famous sights of the city such as Big Ben. (Go to b-baker.com for details.) You can even hire a Routemaster for your wedding if you want to make your big day one to remember.

Thanks to Tim Barron, former bus conductor and London guide, for the information in this post.

Named Edwin (an early king of Northern England) but usually called ‘Eddie’, I conducted extended tours around Britain and Ireland for many years and now work as a freelance guide and tour manager with a little writing and editing on the side.  I specialise in public transport and walking…

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You can tour London in a vintage Routemaster bus this December

All aboard for the London Transport Museum’s festive magical mystery tour

Soaking up London’s festive vibes is typically kinda stressful. The streets get packed with panicked shoppers, you need seriously aggressive bar technique to bag yourself a mulled wine at the city’s prettier pubs, and let’s not even talk about the manic, wild-eyed energy generated by the costumed characters outside Hamley’s. Luckily, London Transport Museum is offering a gentler, more old-timey way to enjoy the city this Christmas.

The museum is offering Lights & Sights tours for the first time since 2019, giving punters the chance to tour London’s streets on a classic red Routemaster bus. An old-school ‘clippie’  in a 1940s bus conductor’s uniform will take tickets, and then the bus will drive through the West End’s most storied streets as a soundtrack of jolly Christmas tunes plays.

It’s a welcome dose of nostalgia for anyone with fond Routemaster memories. Sadly, the last of these famous buses was retired from regular routes last year, with Transport for London citing accessibility issues and environmental limitations. Still, if you can’t stretch to the £18 ticket price, why not create your own, much cheaper, festive bus experience? The number 139 tours Oxford Street and Regent Street before offering grand vistas over the Thames from Waterloo Bridge. Bring a thermos of strong mulled wine, pop on a Santa hat and initiate jolly top-deck carol singsongs for maximum festive cheer. (NB: Time Out takes no responsibility if the season of goodwill doesn’t extend to your fellow passengers.)

London Transport Museum will run four tours a day on Sat Dec 10, Sun Dec 11, Sat Dec 17 and Sun Dec 18. Tickets are £18 (£16 for concessions, £11 for kids) and can be acquired via the museum’s website . 

Like old stuff? Take a look inside the spectacular renovation of Battersea Power Station .

Like old transport stuff? Book a tour of a creepy disused tube station .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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London Bus Tour with Afternoon Tea at Harrods

Our Vintage London Bus Tour with Afternoon Tea at Harrods is a fun way to discover the city. Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour on a vintage 1950’s open-top bus that is a British cultural symbol. You’ll get to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and The Tower of London, with photo stops along the way. This is followed by a short cruise along the River Thames with an expert tour guide. Finally, enjoy afternoon tea at Harrods Department Store, with jam, scones, home-grown tea and a glass of prosecco.

Our vintage London bus tour with afternoon tea at Harrods is available every day departing at 1pm.

highlights:

• 13:00: Depart Victoria Station Coach Station on a vintage London red bus, with an open-top roof! Drive through the streets of London on a panoramic tour of the city with an expert tour guide.
• 15:30: Take a 40-minute cruise along the River Thames, where you’ll see amazing views of Tower Bridge, The Shard and Shakespeare’s Globe.
• 16:45: Enjoy afternoon tea at Harrods, with homemade scones, jam and tea. After your afternoon tea, you’ll have free time to explore Harrods, the world’s most luxurious department store!

Vintage London Bus Tour:

Sightseeing on Vintage London Bus Tour

The 1950’s Vintage Routemaster London bus is considered an English cultural icon. These buses were used from the 1950s until 2005, and are instantly recognizable with their open rear platforms, where passengers can get on and off even when the bus is moving!

Our vintage London bus tour includes a live guide who’ll point out the major sites along the way. The bus has an open roof, which makes it perfect for sightseeing and taking pictures. Highlights include seeing the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. We will also stop for photos outside Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.

The panoramic tour is followed by a 40-minute cruise along the River Thames where you’ll get fantastic views of more major London landmarks. This includes Tower Bridge, the Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe and the London Eye.

afternoon tea at Harrods

Harrods Tea Room

Harrods department store offers an unforgettable experience. Its seven-story building is located in the heart of the capital and is where the world’s rich and famous go shopping. Harrods also offers a truly world-class dining experience. Our vintage London bus tour includes a cream tea at Harrods Georgian Restaurant. Enjoy one of the best afternoon tea’s in the city, with a choice of boutique teas served with homemade scones, jam, clotted cream and a glass of prosecco.

• The tour departs from Victoria Coach Station at 1pm. It ends at Harrods Department Store
• It includes a guide, panoramic tour, river cruise and afternoon tea at Harrods
• The dress code for Harrods is smart casual
• We can arrange gluten-free & nut-free meals but require 72 hours notice (since the overall menu prepared in the kitchen, nut traces could still be present)
• We recommend bringing a coat in case of rain
• Free cancellation up to 72 hours before departure

Tour Booking

Vintage london bus tour route.

We begin our vintage London bus tour in Parliament Square where you can see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The Routemaster bus will stop for photos outside of Westminster Abbey, which is where Queen Elizabeth II was coronated on 6 February 1952. We continue our drive along Whitehall and to Trafalgar Square. The square was named after Britain’s victory in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, with a huge monument called Nelson’s Column standing in the centre of the square. The square is surrounded by the National Gallery, St Martins-in-the-Field Church, Admiralty Arch and The Mall.

Our vintage London bus tour continues along the Strand and Fleet Street, which was once the home of most British national newspapers. From here we pass St Paul’s Cathedral which was the tallest building in London until 1962. The dome is the second-largest in the world, and it is an architectural masterpiece designed by Sir Christopher Wren. We continue onto the Tower of London, with a photo stop outside of the home of the Crown Jewels. The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of England’s most iconic structures. The White Tower was built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and is the most complete example of an 11th century fortress palace remaining in Europe.

Our cruise along the River Thames is another opportunity to take in the best London landmarks on this vintage tour. You’ll get the best view of Tower Bridge, an iconic symbol of London. As you cruise along the river, you’ll see Shakespeare’s Globe which is a reconstruction of the theatre for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays. You’ll also see the Shard, which is the tallest building in the UK standing at 95 storeys. Our cruise ends at the London Eye pier and from here we continue our vintage London bus tour with afternoon tea at Harrods.

Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially English custom, that first started in the 19th Century. It became a social event for the upper-class where people would have dressed up, with women wearing hats and long gowns. Today, there are many ways to take afternoon tea. Brits around the country will usually enjoy a simple cup of tea and biscuits at 4pm. However, many restaurants in London, including Harrods, will serve luxury afternoon teas with scones, jams, preserves and a selection of teas. For international travellers heading to London, this is often a highlight of their visit to the city and is a popular part of our Vintage Bus Tour. 

Harrods has been serving afternoon tea since 1896, and it is one of the most famous and iconic places to enjoy afternoon tea in London. In 1911, a new restaurant was built at Harrods and since it was completed in the same year as George V’s coronation it was named after the new king. Today, you’ll enjoy afternoon tea in these rooms that are steeped in a rich history of English tradition. The scones are home-baked and served with Harrods exclusive preserves. Choose from a selection of fine teas, many from Harrods own tea gardens and all handpicked adhering only to the highest standards. 

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Take a Ride on a London icon...

• Trafalgar Square
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The Ghost Bus Tours London

The Ghost Bus Tours

Unsure of what to do during your time in London? Look no further for sightseeing than The Ghost Bus.

Departing from  8 Northumberland Avenue  daily, outside the Grand Hotel, opposite the Sherlock Holmes Pub. Train stations in the immediate vicinity include Embankment tube station  (Underground – Bakerloo, Northern, Circle and District lines)  and Charing Cross station  (South Eastern main line) . If you can see Trafalgar Square, you’re in the right area!

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, dependant on traffic. There are no seat reservations, we operate on a strictly first-come first-served basis. We recommend that you arrive at least fifteen minutes early to ensure the best choice of seats. 

You will encounter all of the top attractions of London, including: The Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Tower of London. Whether you are a tourist visiting London or a resident of the city, there is so much that will surprise you about the haunted history of London’s most famous and best loved tourist attractions. Please also note, although we will always try our best, on rare occasions we may be unable to visit every landmark listed on the tour.

Join us on the UK’s ONLY comedy-horror theatre experience on wheels.

Tour times, tickets, maps and the features of our route can be found below.

Adult = £25.00

Child (5 – 15 years) = £17.00

Family (2 adults + 2 children) = £63.00

Ghost Bus Tours Ltd, Lynton House, 7-12 Tavistock Square, London, England, WC1H 9BQ

T’s And C’s

Private hire, work with us, connect with us, award-winning comedy actors.

All of our tours are hosted by trained actors. We have been the recipients of a number of prestigious tourism awards including the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. We also host a venue at Edinburgh Fringe Festival annually, an internationally renowned hotbed for comedy acts.

Scott Monument

This Victorian-Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott stands in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens. At 200 feet, six inches tall, it is the second largest monument in the world dedicated to a writer. The monument is adorned with countless figurative statues, including Scott and his dog.

Calton Hill

The site of the headquarters of the Scottish government, Calton Hill is also home to many other famous landmarks such as Holyrood Palace, the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, the old Royal High School, the Robert Burns Monument, the Political Martyrs’ Monument and the City Observatory.

Grassmarket

Directly under Edinburgh Castle is the historic market place of Grassmarket. As well as traditionally being the site for many hotels, hostels and taverns, it was also one of the major sites for public executions. 

The Royal Mile

A succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh’s Old Town comprise The Royal Mile. From the castle gates at one end to the palace gates at the other, it is almost exactly a mile long. It is made up of Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate, and Abbey Strand.

Parliament Building

Established in 2004, the Scottish Parliament Building is the heart of Scottish politics. 

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is a royal park in central Edinburgh. It has an array of hills, lochs, glens, ridges and basalt cliffs. Arthur’s Seat at the center of Holyrood Park is the highest point in Edinburgh.

St. Giles Cathedral

The principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. Built in the 12th century, it was named after St. Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh. 

Greyfriar’s Church

One of Edinburgh’s oldest surviving buildings, Greyfriar’s Church was established by the Franciscan order of Greyfriars in 1620. The churchyard was at one time used as a prison and is also the site where Greyfriars Bobby guarded his owners grave until death.

Greyfriar’s Bobby

At the corner where Edinburgh’s Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge meet, a statue of Bobby the Skye Terrier sits. Bobby was renowned for having guarded his owners grave for over 14 years, until Bobby died himself. Loyal beyond the grave.

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating Edinburgh’s skyline from it’s perch upon the Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is the iconic sight of Edinburgh. In it’s history of over a thousand years, it has been sieged an astonishing twenty-six times, leading to it being dubbed “one of the most attacked placed in the world”.

St. Cuthbert’s Grave

The site surrounding St. Cuthbert’s Church has been a place of Christian burial for over a thousand years, although today, the oldest surviving headstone is that of Reverend Robert Pont, who died in 1606. It has seen it’s fair share of grave robbery too over the years!

Knavesmire Gallows

One of The Strays of York, Knavesmire is a marshy area in York. It was the usual site for public hangings for a long time, the gallows were originally erected back in 1379. Today it is a recreational area and the host of many of York’s public events.

Terry’s Chocolate Factory

Also known as The Chocolate Works, Terry’s Chocolate Factory was opened in 1926 to produce Terry’s chocolate. It was closed in 2005 when Kraft Foods acquired Terry’s and outsourced production to mainland Europe.

Dick Turpin’s Grave

This notorious highwayman, horse thief, poacher, burglar and killer was executed in Knavesmire, York in 1739 for his many deeds. Turpin ascended to the status of ‘hero’ and ‘legend’, romanticised by subsequent dramatic interpretations of his life. He now lies under York.

Clifford’s Tower

The ruins of York Castle, known as Clifford’s Tower overlook York. Built on the orders of William I, the tower served as a fort until a major explosion in 1684 rendered it uninhabitable. It was then used as a prison until 1929.

Golden Fleece Pub

They claim to be the most haunted public house in York! The Golden Fleece is an inn and public house that dates back to the sixteenth century, facing on to The Shambles.

The Shambles

Originally home to over twenty five butcher’s shops, The (Great Flesh) Shambles name originates from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘Fleshammels’ which means ‘meat shelves’, referring to not only the butcher’s hooks, but also the shelf-like structure of the buildings themselves. Some of The Shambles buildings date back to as far as the fourteenth century. 

Black Swan Pub

This fifteenth century public house and inn is a hotbed of ghostly history. A haunt truly unlike another!

York Minister

The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter, better known as York Minster, is one of the largest cathedrals in northern Europe. The Minister is the seat of the Archbishop of York and the second highest office of the Church of England.

St Crux Parish Church

Erected in 1888, on the remains of a medieval church of St. Crux, which was shut down and eventually demolished after becoming unsafe, it’s tower leaning dangerously. The remaining parish is now home to the exuberant ornaments retained from the original church.

This four-storey gatehouse sits at the limits of the walls surrounding York city. It was originally a fort capable of being defended on every floor.

St.Mary’s Abbey

These ruins in the York Museum Gardens were once the richest abbey in the north of England. The original church was founded in 1055 and dedicated to St Olaf II of Norway. All that remains today are the north and west walls, the pilgrim’s Hospitium, the west gate, and the King’s Manor.

Holyrood Palace

Opposing Edinburgh Castle at the other end of the Royal Mile. It has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century. A witches ghost is said to haunt the palace.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is a famed suspension bridge linking Tower Hamlets and Southwark across the River Thames. Originally built between 1886 and 1894, the bridge is an iconic symbol of London itself.

The most popular paid tourist attraction in the entire United Kingdom. Erected in 2000, it was originally known as the Millennium Wheel or the Millennium Eye. At the time it was the largest ferris wheel in the world, it is now only the largest ferris wheel in Europe.

The tallest building in the United Kingdom and the European Union. It was completed in July of 2012 and is the residence of many restaurants, bars and even a hotel.

Tower of London

“What hasn’t taken place here?” might be a better question. The Tower of London has variably served as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. It was originally built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, following the Norman conquest of England. It was originally resented and held as a symbol of oppression.

St. Paul Catherdral

Situated at the highest point in London, Ludgate Hill, St’ Paul’s Cathedral is the second largest church in the UK and one of London’s most recognisable sights. It was originally constructed in 1697 by Sir Christopher Wren as part of the rebuilding project following the Great Fire of London. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle.

Downing Street

Built by Sir George Downing in 1680, Downing Street is the heart of British politics. The Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer both reside on the street. The street is understandably inaccessible to the public, but can be viewed from Whitehall.

Buckingham Palace

Our royal family’s primary residence. Originally erected as a large townhouse for the use of the Duke of Buckingham, the townhouse was acquired in 1761 by King George III and quickly transformed into a palace fit for a king.

Westminster Abbey

A titan feat of Gothic architecture, built in 960, with many additions over the years. Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, all coronations of British monarchs have taken place right here.

Trafalger Square

The home of political demonstrations, contemporary art and of course Nelson’s Column. Trafalgar Square was named as such to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. The site was once known as Charing Cross and was the original site of the King’s Mews.

Classic Routemaster Bus

Our large fleet of vehicles is comprised entirely of 1960’s Routemaster double-deckers. These gorgeous vintage buses are a wonderful reminder of London’s rich transport history. Lovingly restored in our signature ‘midnight-black’ livery, finished with antique lampshades and plush red velvet curtains.

High Class Customer Care

We are proud of our consistently outstanding reputation for customer service. Whether you are booking online, booking over the phone or booking on the street from one of our sales representatives, you will truly be in good hands prior to boarding with us. Our trained actors are then primed to entertain you for the duration. Try one of our Private Hires for a real touch of the exclusive VIP experience.

Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye option

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Whether it's your first or fifth time in London, traveling around on a vintage Routemaster bus is the perfect way to get a comprehensive view of the city. This fully guided tour includes a Thames River Cruise, and is the ideal orientation if you're new to London, and return visitors will discover new facts and hear new stories from the professional live commentary aboard the London double-decker bus tour. Pass famous sights such as St Paul's Cathedral and Tower of London. Red double-decker Routemaster buses are a much-loved London icon, and the only way to tour London.

Ticket Options

3 Options Available

Vintage AM Tour & Stonehenge: $105

AM Tour & Stonehenge: AM Tour with Cruise and Changing of the Guard Ceremony followed by afternoon Stonehenge visit

Vintage Bus Tour & London Eye: $66

Tour & London Eye: Tour with Cruise plus London Eye

Vintage Bus Tour : $39

Tour only: Tour with Cruise and Changing of the Guard Ceremony. This option does NOT include London Eye.

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Visit Stonehenge (if upgrade option is selected)
• Thames River cruise
• Local guide
• Panoramic tour of London by 1960's Vintage bus
• London Eye (if upgrade option is selected)

What's not Included

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please note: this is an open top bus tour, please be prepared for the possibility of rain. On rare occasions the open top bus may be changed to a closed top bus

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Classic Routemaster

The historical Classic Routemaster Bus was first built in April 1961, one of only 2,120 examples ever made.

Routemaster Buses were originally built to transport guests around London and the surrounding areas, working from a variety of Garages including Edmonton, Camberwell, Willesden, Stamford Hill and many more.

The historical Classic Routemaster was first built in April 1961, one of only 2,120 examples ever made.

Regal AEC Single Deck

The AEC Regal IV Single Deck (RF) was designed a short time before the Routemaster in 1951 and became the highest capacity Single Deck vehicle of its time.

Designed by Douglas Scott who went on to create the Classic Routemaster, this charming vehicle has a distinct similarity to the Routemaster with a much more cosy interior.

Modern Double Decker

A high capacity vehicle which is a great addition to the Routemaster when transporting a large number of guests. The largest in our fleet seats up to 75 guests with additional standing room available for shorter journeys.

Our Red Double Decker Buses are fitted with seatbelts giving suitability for school hire as well as special events, Weddings and Corporate Hire.

Coaches & Minibuses

In need of an Airport transfer, MICE related transport or perhaps even a day trip?

Choose from our 16 Seater Minibuses or 70 Seat Coaches complete with luggage bays and air conditioning.

Our friendly, professional drivers will transport your group safely around London or further afield across the UK!

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