book a tour in london

THE 10 BEST London Tours & Excursions

Tours in london.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

2. Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

3. Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

4. Guided Tour of London Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham

5. Small-Group Cotswolds Tour (From London)

6. Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry

7. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock

8. Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour

9. The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

10. Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London

11. Royal London and the Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

12. Windsor Castle Half Day Trip from London

13. Tower of London: Entry Ticket, Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour

14. Guided Luxury Paris Day Trip with Optional Lunch at the Eiffel Tower

15. Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Luxury Transport from London

16. City Sightseeing London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

17. Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour

18. Best of London Tour inc Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

19. Rochester, Dover Castle and the White Cliffs

20. See Over 30 Top London Sights! Fun Local Guide!!

21. London Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

22. Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

23. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London

24. Heathrow Airport to Central London Private Transfers

25. Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Walking Tour with Boat Ride

26. VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet

27. London in a Day with Tower, Westminster & River Cruise

28. Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London

29. Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye option

30. Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

What travellers are saying.

• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
• Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
• Jack the Ripper Tour with 'Ripper-Vision' in London
• Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London
• Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Walking Tour with Boat Ride
• The Steam Dreams Rail Co.
• Liquid History Tours
• Living London History Tours
• Babylon Tours London
• London With A Local
• Ian Fagelson & David Gollancz London Tour Guides
• Urban Saunters
• Look Up London Tours
• Bowl Of Chalk
• Strawberry Tours
• Fun London Tours
• Shoreditch Street Art Tours
• Tour for Muggles
• Silent Disco Walking Tours
• The Blood And Tears Walk
• Alternative London
• Tour Londres
• Guri in London
• Rock Tours of London
• Unexpected London

Top Tours in London, England

London tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

2. Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

3. Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

4. Guided Tour of London Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham

5. Small-Group Cotswolds Tour (From London)

6. Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry

7. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock

8. Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour

9. The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

10. Experience Changing the Guard Royal Tour in London

11. Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London

12. Windsor Castle Half Day Trip from London

13. Tower of London: Entry Ticket, Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour

14. Guided Luxury Paris Day Trip with Optional Lunch at the Eiffel Tower

15. Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Luxury Transport from London

16. City Sightseeing London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

17. Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour

18. Best of London Tour inc Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

19. See Over 30 Top London Sights! Fun Local Guide!!

20. London Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

21. Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

22. Windsor and Eton Day Tour From London by Train

23. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London

24. Heathrow Airport to Central London Private Transfers

25. Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Walking Tour with Boat Ride

26. VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet

27. London in a Day with Tower, Westminster & River Cruise

28. Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London

29. Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye option

30. Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

What travellers are saying.

• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
• Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
• Jack the Ripper Tour with 'Ripper-Vision' in London
• Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London
• Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Walking Tour with Boat Ride
• The Steam Dreams Rail Co.
• Liquid History Tours
• Living London History Tours
• Babylon Tours London
• London With A Local
• Ian Fagelson & David Gollancz London Tour Guides
• Urban Saunters
• Look Up London Tours
• Bowl Of Chalk
• Strawberry Tours
• Fun London Tours
• Shoreditch Street Art Tours
• Tour for Muggles
• Silent Disco Walking Tours
• The Blood And Tears Walk
• Alternative London
• Tour Londres
• Guri in London
• Rock Tours of London
• Unexpected London

Protect Your Trip »

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 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.

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.

Check prices & availability on:

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."

Premium Tours – Full Day London Tour

Price: Adults from 123 pounds (about $156); kids from 113 pounds (about $144) Duration: 9 hours

On Premium Tours' daylong excursion, which lasts about nine hours, you'll take a guided tour of St. Paul's Cathedral and then hopefully catch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (if the timing and weather are right). After you refuel with lunch (at your own expense), you'll journey to the Tower of London to view the crown jewels. Your day ends with a cruise down the Thames and an optional ride on the London Eye. Tour-takers are chauffeured to each landmark in a comfortable bus. While it is a long day, visitors say it is a great way to cover a lot of ground. Plus, they say guides are knowledgeable, humorous and friendly.

Premium Tours also offers a Magic of London tour with a similar itinerary; however, you'll stop for a cream tea at Harrods instead of a ride on the London Eye.

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.

Check availability on:

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:

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London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey Skip-the-Line Tickets

• Westminster Abbey
• Tower of London
• Borough Market

• Tower of London: Explore centuries of British history within the Tower's walls, from royal events to gruesome tales of imprisonment, this landmark is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
• River Thames: Stroll along its banks to witness iconic landmarks and experience the heartbeat of London, where old and new merge in a stunning urban setting.
• Millennium Bridge: Cross this modern, sleek footbridge to enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and a view of the Tate Modern.
• Westminster Abbey: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Gothic architecture and visit the final resting place of monarchs, poets, and scientists, experiencing the essence of British tradition.
• Big Ben: Gaze at the majestic clock tower, a symbol of London's resilience and iconic charm, while capturing stunning photos against the backdrop of the Palace of Westminster.
• Buckingham Palace: At the official residence of the British monarch, take in the remarkable grandeur and pageantry. 
• St. James Park: Enjoy a serene escape from the bustling city amidst lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and resident pelicans, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of London.
• There will be a break in the tour to stop and use bathroom facilities as well as opportunities to stop and rest along the way if needed. Please communicate any mobility needs or concerns with our team at the time of booking. 
• Note: Our skip-the-line tickets will get us to a special lane where our group will have to join a queue for security screening 
• For more information on planning your tour, take a read through our Context Stories .
• If you are looking to learn more about London prior to a visit, check out our online lectures .

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ .

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London Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through London. We've got 960 adventures going to London, starting from just one day in length, and the longest tour is 61 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the largest number of tour departures.

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It was good,especially having a driver -guide with a good sense of humour.Though I did not realize I had to book the attractions in advance.

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All trip was excellent Our driver did an amazing job and made our trip really good The B&B was really nice too

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Great way to see it all in one week. A little fast paced for some of the elders in our group. Hotel location was fabulous and hotel food was great, but the hotel is in desperate need of updating and maintenance. Overall a very good tour.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

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This tour was excellent. Derek was a very entertaining tour guide & our driver had a great sense of humour. I highly recommend travelling with Tour Rad.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

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Hoped that the extra excursions would be available at a better price through Globus than we could get on our own, or that transportation would be provided to most of them. I found better deals online and had to use the tube to get around...a lot! The 2 days we went outside of London with the group were ok.

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Kent: The Garden of England

Paris and London

Our guide was hard to understand. She left us in a location when we weren’t even late to the bus, yet would often leave us waiting on the bus while she searched for other people. Not sure how you qualify for the special treatment instead of being left in a foreign city. In addition, I had my 72-year-old mother with me. The guide always took off without waiting for everyone to get off the bus, leaving the rest of us scrambling to keep up. The transport service to the hotel in Paris was substandard. Even after I kept in constant touch with him, the driver left us because immigration took too long. Another driver was found but left us waiting while he searched the airport for other people. Once in the van, he was texting on his phone the entire time, which made us nervous. The Hilton in Paris was wonderful. The Novotel was also nice but the Ibis hotels were substandard, especially the one in Rouen. The transport from the hotel to Heathrow was wonderful.

Aonghus Youth

Thank you for the tour. Our Tour Guide Bella was fantastic, and our driver excellent. My only complaint would be that communication was poor prior to arrival. I had a number of times where I asked questions that were never responded to, let all be answered. That needs to be improved particularly for international tourists.

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

We had an awesome experience, made possible by our tour director Damian and driver Dave. Damian’s knowledge was exceptional and Dave was an amazing driver.

What people love about London Tours

Was a fantastic trip. Our guide was the best. Our trip was Sept 10/11 with an overnight stay in Bath.

My recent 3-Day Isle of Wight and Southern Coast Small-Group Tour from London was a peaceful and enjoyable experience. The people in our group were friendly and made the trip even better. Our guide, Mark, was fantastic. He knew a lot about the area, cracked jokes, and helped us a lot. His stories and knowledge made the trip interesting and fun. Plus, the breathtaking sights of the lush green landscapes and the mesmerizing sea views were truly amazing. If you want a relaxing getaway with great company, a fantastic guide, and stunning natural beauty, I highly recommend this tour.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience. There were a couple of small hiccups, nothing is perfect, but our guide and our driver did a fantastic job of making the experience fun and meaningful. The only thing I would flag is that the group size is a bit large - we were 46 - which can sometimes make for slower travel. Otherwise, absolutely wonderful!

Tours starting from London

• for 3 Weeks (93)
• for 2 Weeks (90)
• for 10 Days (87)
• for 7 Days (83)
• for 4 Weeks (52)
• for 3 Days (15)
• to Europe (440)
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• to Ireland (18)
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• England Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

The Londoness

• Secret London

London’s Best Tour Guides

Last updated on April 23rd, 2023

Are you looking for the best tour guide in London? Hiring a private tour guide or joining a public tour in London can be one of the best ways to experience the capital as a tourist, or even as a Londoner. You might be looking for an accredited Blue Badge Guide for a private tour of the Tower of London, someone with Harry Potter magical know-how, or a tour guide who knows secret, quirky, hidden or historic London inside out. Perhaps  you want to tag along on a guided public tour, book a personal walking tour for your own party, or create a customised London tour, bespoke-created for you and yours. From Blue Badge experts to everyday London gurus, here is a selection of some of the best tour guides in London.

London’s Best Tour Guides

Alex Lacey hit the career jackpot when she discovered she wanted to become a London tour guide. She worked in tourism for most of her adult life but discovered that what really made her tick was getting out and about, chatting to people and helping them discover London’s secret, hidden gems.

She covers a wide range of areas and subjects including the Georgian sex industry, film and TV, street art, food and drink, photography and London’s major sightseeing landmarks. Alex can also create bespoke private tours. And if you fancy a virtual puzzle, she hosts the brilliant Tudor Escape Box .

Alex is a Blue Badge Guide and was St Paul’s Guide of the Year in 2015. She runs tours in English, Dutch and French. If you love your London history, you will want to head over to her Ladies who London podcast and her Instagram page here .

Alex’s Tours

• Pack your wands for one of the best: the Harry Potter Wizarding Wander walking tour
• For the grown-ups, she loves dishing out fun facts about London’s Georgian history in her signature Harlots and Bawds tour (which I can confirm will have you hot under the collar!)
• Blood and Guts in Smithfield and Clerkenwell
• Black Londoners
• Women of Westminster
• Slavery in the City of London
• Glorious Greenwich

Alex, please share a quirky fact about London? Did you know there is a hangman’s noose you can find behind a pub along the river? Go down the tiny little Pelican Stairs alleyway alongside the Prospect of Whitby pub, and you will find the noose, reminding us of the pirates who used to be executed near here on Execution Dock. Grisly, huh?!

How to book a tour with Alex:

Due to Covid restrictions, Alex is currently capping the group size for her London public tours to 12 (she normally hosts 20). These cost £15 per person and you can book via her website . For private London tours, please contact Alex directly: [email protected] or on +44 (0) 7790308887. Prices start at £180 for a 2-hour tour.

“Oh my! Can we bottle this tour guide?! I took a tour of an area I’ve visited in London regularly for the last decade. When I return, everything will feel new & undiscovered again because Alex really opened my eyes to what was around me. Her knowledge brings the surroundings alive, and her passion leaves you energised & hopeful for the future of culture in this country.”

Jack Chesher of LIVING LONDON HISTORY

If you want to get down and dirty with ye olde London, Jack’s the man for you. As he explains on his tour, he likes to get under the skin of the city, and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing on one of his quirky and super informative London tours.

Originally from Bristol, Jack moved to London after completing his history degree, and more recently, he also got the Open City Golden Key Academy guiding course under his belt.

Make sure you check out Jack’s blog where he reveals some of London’s hidden treasures and curiosities. You can also follow him on Instagram and Twitter .

Living London History Tours

• The Hidden Strand: Power, Wealth and Empire
• Covent Garden: Behind the Scenes
• Lambeth’s Legendary Trailblazers: From Blake To Chaplin
• Westminster’s Backstreets: Saints and Scoundrels

Jack, please share a London tidbit with us? One of my favourite things about London are the layers of history you can delve down into. For example, go down into the underground London Wall car park and in bay 53 you will find a section of London’s Roman wall, put up in around AD200!

How to book a tour with Living London History:

Jack’s guided walking tours last about 2 hours and cost £16 per person. He also organises private tours for up to 15 people. These start at £160 based on 2 people for a 1.5-2 hour walk.

“Jack has curated such a fascinating collection of history and fun facts and delivers them with such passion and enthusiasm. Thoroughly recommend this tour for tourists and locals alike. I’ve lived in London for years and found this thoroughly worthwhile!” (Lydia H on Tripadvisor)

Minna Andersen

Minna Andersen has been keeping busy throughout lockdown with her addictive historical talks and virtual walking tours. She specialises in Richmond, St James’s and Mayfair, Kensington, Notting Hill and Hampton Court.

Originally from Finland, Minna delivers her tours in (perfect) English and Finnish. 30 years ago, she decided to set herself the challenge of working her way through the Blue Badge Tourist Guide course and is still loving and discovering the capital city she fell in love with all those years ago. Her knowledge of London history is nonpareil and delivered with infectious enthusiasm.

Luckily for us, Minna will carry on hosting her fantastic live-streamed walking tours. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter .

Minna’s Tours

• Royal London
• Aristocratic London
• 1000 years of the Tower of London and Southwark
• Historic Richmond
• Queen Victoria’s Kensington and the birth of the museums
• National Gallery
• Henrys and Georges in Hampton Court
• Marble Hill House and Gardens
• Orleans House in Twickenham

Minna, please share a quirky fact about London? Cleopatra’s Needle on Embankment has a Victorian Era time capsule buried at its base, and it includes that day’s newspapers, railway timetables, some bibles in different languages, coins, razor blades and 12 photographs of the most beautiful women in England!!

How to book a tour with Minna:

Her live walking tours are all private and the maximum group number is 10-15 people. Her main clients include DMCs (destination management companies), agencies, corporates, airlines and universities. She can also put together a customised tour. Book via her website or by emailing her on [email protected]

  “A big thanks also to the very special Minna Andersen. What a gem. She had us captivated from the first word and somehow managed to keep their attention until the very last day. She brought great hospitality to the program and provided a wonderful red thread throughout, connecting the first through to the very last day.” (Australian VVIP corporate organiser)

Katie Wignall of LOOK UP LONDON

I came across Katie back in 2017 when we were both Time Out community bloggers. Katie left her job at the National Theatre in 2013 to pursue guiding full time. She trained as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and qualified in 2018 with “best overall presentations.” She knows her London stuff inside and out and has become famous during lockdown for her virtual walking tours of London.

She specialises in walks for Londoners, helping them rediscover the city and encouraging them to look up (as well as look down). Katie also hosts private museum and gallery tours and London sightseeing tours.

TripAdvisor ratings place Katie as one of London’s best tour guides (she’s regularly in the top 3). Most days, you’ll see her walking around London or burrowing somewhere in the city’s underbelly – and sharing the magic with us on her blog or on her Instagram .

Look Up London Tours

• Bankside Behaving Badly
• The City: Power and Sacrifice
• Bermondsey: Off the Beaten Track
• Quirky Bloomsbury
• Sordid Soho
• Southwark’s Saucy Secrets
• The Spirit of Spitalfields

Katie, share a quirky London secret with us? “Too many to share! Come see the Russian WWII tank in Bermondsey, or the Roman ruins in a Hairdresser’s basement, a pub with a famous stuffed parrot and where coffee was first sold in London!”

How to book a tour with Look Up London:

Get booking as her public tours sell out quickly! Groups are for a maximum of 10 people (including Katie) and cost £20 per person. You can book them here or contact her directly for a private tour of London. These start at £180 based on two people for approximately 90 minutes.

“The best tour of London I have ever been on. I have walked those streets hundreds of times on my way to and from work, and yet discovered so many new things that I had never even noticed before. Katie’s energy, humour and passion made it a very relatable and funny tour, and all of us were blown away by all the fascinating stories and details she revealed to us. I would recommend it to any Londoner, even if you think you know those streets like the back of your hand. You do not!”  (recent Tripadvisor review)

Antony Robbins of MR LONDONER

Antony (aka Mr Londoner) is a London Blue Badge Guide, holds a Tourism diploma and was one of the directors of the Museum of London. He is a regular guest on David Grant’s BBC Radio London programme who describes Mr Londoner as “the coolest man on the planet.”

A born-and-bred Londoner, he loves working with adventurous guests who want to have fun and see the city through the eyes of a local. His favourite neighbourhoods include Shoreditch, Soho and Bankside. As a Blue Badge, he is accredited to tour around St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. Antony also works further afield in Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Canterbury.

I met him during one of his popular Bankside tours (on a wet and windy night when a post-tour pick-me up was definitely required!)  You can read more about that here .

Antony creates bespoke tours according to each clients’ individual needs. He specialises in the secret and the hidden and likes to lead his group off the beaten track. Antony also hosts popular bike tours of London.

Mr Londoner Tours

• The Liberty of the Clink
• London Icons
• London at War
• Hidden, Secret, Lost
• Menswear and Making
• Sex, Death and Shopping
• Magical Mystery Tour

Mr Londoner, please share a fun London fact? “Bankside gave the world the drag queen. In Shakespeare’s day, women were forbidden from treading the boards. Young men took female roles instead and became the ‘queens of the drag’.”

How to book a tour with Mr Londoner

Tours are all bespoke. Rates start at £185 regardless of group size. Book here or get in touch on Twitter or Instagram .

“I went on Mr Londoner’s tour of lockdown London and was genuinely impressed. Antony was exceptional and was able to show a different side of London that I didn’t think was possible through a camera. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wanted to see London from the comfort of their own home.”

Sue Hillman of IT’S YOUR LONDON

It’s not every day your face ends up on the world-famous Piccadilly Circus digital billboard, but Sue’s was splashed across it as a thanks for her amazing charity work this last year. Pre-pandemic, Sue would kick-start her year with a 2-month volunteering stint in a range of countries, helping to build schools and give kids a better start. During the last year and due to Covid travel restrictions, she’s focused her charity work in London and has been supporting Age UK with food packing and delivery to keep the capital’s older folk properly fed. She also works with the homeless, foodbanks and much more.

I met Sue at a press view several years ago, and the depth and breadth of her knowledge about London always amazes me. I’m now proud to call her one of my friends.

Sue’s tours are all tailor-made. She is comfortable heading into most areas of London, although she tends to focus on central London. The bulk of her clientele is from the USA. She only tours in English but can speak some French and Spanish.

Some of her best tours include the Walking Tour of the City (which includes the Tower of London), hopping in and out of black cabs, or a guided tour by boat or by double decker bus. Her most popular tour for London newbies is the Big Sights Tour. London aficionados might prefer her Hidden Gems tour.

Sue, would you share a fun fact about London with us? “London black cab drivers are amazing!  As well as driving safely around London they must pass a fiendishly difficult test called The Knowledge.  This means they know every road and landmark within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross in central London.  This amounts to around 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks along 320 key routes.  It takes them two to four years to learn this. You will often see trainees out and about on bikes with maps trying to cram all that information in before the tough exam. It’s mind boggling. So, next time you take a black cab, remember there’s a genius driving!”

How to book a tour with Sue Hillman of It’s your London

Sue specialises in small private groups – anything from solo travellers to a family of six. Tailor made tours start at £250 for a half day for a small group and £500 for a full day.  Contact her via email for further information. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter .

“We recommend Sue’s personalized London tours. She has an excellent feel for the big city and will customize your days based on your particular interests. We spent 2 days with her, one for a general introduction to the must-see sights and the second day was traveling around to different neighborhoods and lesser known, fascinating and fun places that only insiders know about. Definitely book her to discover this fascinating city of London.” (Anne and Chuck, USA)

A London arts and culture blog featuring articles about art, theatre, opera, dance, music and design.

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Karen (Back Road Journal)

What a fantastic post. We had two different accredited Blue Badge Guides when my husband spent three days in London before joining a Mediterranean cruise and I would encourage anyone to hire a guide when in London. They were great and made the history they told us about so very interesting. We had the second guide because our first one had rehearsals the next day as she was an actress as well.

That’s fantastic, Karen, so pleased you enjoyed your Blue Badge tours.

What a great range of tours!

Bejal Gosai

This is a brilliant idea for a post Scarlett and now I know just who to go to for my London tours when I can finally plan a visit. Also really love the choice of tours which sound pretty unique and fun too.

Thank you Bejal!

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9+ Attractions You MUST Book Ahead of Time in London (2024)

This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission to help keep the site running. You will not be charged extra for these items had you not clicked the links. Thank you for your help to keep the site running!

Should you book your entire London trip complete with every attraction in advance, or are there some you can buy on the day?

In this post, I’ll take you through some of London’s most important attractions and talk about how early you should buy tickets and things to book in advance in London.

⭐️ Top tip! ⭐️

The most important thing to book in advance in London is the Harry Potter Studio Tour – it books up like crazy.

Seriously, book it now here like right now. (4.7 out of 5 ⭐️, 10,000+ reviews)

>>Click here to book in advance

The Absolute Must-Knows (from a Londoner)

• 😍 Cheapest Way to See it All: Get the London Pass here (yes, it’s worth it)
• 🎭 Cheapest site for West End theatre tickets: London Theatre Direct
• 🚕 Cheapest and most reliable airport transfer service: Welcome Pickups
• 🚉 Cheapest Way to Book Train and Bus Tickets: Omio
• 🔌 Most Reliable Adapter for UK Plugs: This one

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Check out the YouTube channel for more London tips

Things to Book in Advance in London: 3+ Months Ahead

There are two attractions that I feel are must book 3 plus months in advance.

🛎 Still looking for somewhere to stay in London?

My favorite hotel in London for all visitors is the Strand Palace ( click here to check prices ). ⭐⭐⭐⭐

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
• International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

1. Buckingham Palace State Rooms

In the summer months, Buckingham Palace opens to visitors and everyone wants a piece.

They do timed entrances and you get to explore the state rooms and then end up on the Buckingham Palace back lawn, which is worth the cost of the ticket alone to think of how many dignitaries, celebrities and heads of state have graced those same spaces.

I’m not saying it’s impossible to get tickets closer to the date, but if you know you want to go and they’re open while you’re there, you should try and book your tickets as far in advance as possible.

Click here to see if Buckingham Palace tickets are available for the summer.

GET A FREE LONDON INTRO GUIDE and ACCESS TO MY FB GROUP

Start your planning with this “Intro to London” guide and access to my London planning Facebook group!

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2. Harry Potter Studio Tour

Even years after it first opened, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is still attracting visitors like it opened yesterday.

This is a must book in advance, at least 3 to 4 months if not right when tickets are released for your dates.

These do book up and sell out all the time, and once they do, your options are very limited.

What Should You Book in Advance in London? 1+ Month Ahead of Time

3. westminster abbey.

Westminster Abbey is done on a timed entrance, which puts it on my “should book in advance” if you’re picky about the time and date you go.

Click here to book tickets to Westminster Abbey.

4. Churchill War Rooms

Another attraction that works on timed entrances and is very popular are the Churchill War Rooms .

Particularly in the summer months, these are popular with groups and you’ll want to book your ticket in advance to make sure you get the day and time you want if you would prefer to know exactly when you’re going.

Click here to book tickets to the Churchill War Rooms.

5. SkyGarden

The SkyGarden books up very quickly, but they only release tickets about 3 weeks ahead of time.

This is a fantastic, free view of London, so make sure you keep an eye on the available dates and book it up in advance of your trip here .

6. In-Person Guide on the Houses of Parliament Tour

Want to head to the Houses of Parliament for a tour?

You’ll have good luck doing it any time if you’re happy with just an audio guide, but if you want a real, in-person English speaking guide to take you around (which I highly recommend), you’ll want to keep checking back here for available dates about a month ahead of your trip.

These are in-demand, and if you show up last minute and expect there to be space, you’ll definitely be out of luck.

7. Anything Christmas Themed

From Christmas afternoon teas to Christmas bus tours, make sure to book your Christmas activities in advance of your trip to London.

Because they’re only available for a limited time of the year, these book out quickly and people are already thinking about the holidays by the time August and September roll around.

The earlier, the better, but at the least, check for times and tickets for Christmas themed London activities one month in advance to make sure that you still have a chance at getting booked in.

Some options, like Christmas at Kew, seriously sell out months in advance.

What to Consider Booking in Advance for London

There are various attractions that you usually have no problem getting tickets to on the day, but if you do it at least one day in advance you’ll get discounts.

8. Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye

These include the Tower of London , St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye .

The London Eye also operates on timed entrances, so unless you’re prepared to be flexible on the day, it really works out best for you to book this one as soon as you know when you want to ride the Eye.

Click here to book tickets to the Tower of London , here to book tickets to St. Paul’s Cathedral , and here to book tickets to the London Eye .

9. West End

If there’s a particular play or musical that you know you just have to see in London, book as early as possible from somewhere like London Theatre Direct (my recommendation) to get full advantage of the most seating options and access to the cheap tickets.

I’ve got plenty more information about cheap theater tickets in my guide to saving money in London.

If you’re up for playing it by ear and don’t care what you see, then do the opposite and don’t buy until the day of, either from the box office directly that morning or from one of the TKTS booth in Leicester Square .

Don’t Need to Book

Many of London’s museums are free and require no booking at all.

Just show up!

This includes the British Museum , Science Museum , Natural History Museum , Victoria and Albert , Tate Britain , Tate Modern , and others.

What else should I not miss in London?

If you’re visiting London soon, here’s a very brief rundown of a few of my other favorites to make sure you don’t miss anything!

• Hidden London Walking Tour – this tour is the absolute best if you want to see London in a different light and uncover hidden nooks, crannies, and histories that you won’t get on your normal, run-of-the-mill London walking tour. Click here to check prices and book.
• Historical Westminster Walking Tour with Churchill War Rooms – if you’re a history buff or even mildly interested in all of the insane things that have happened in London, particular during the wars, you have to book this tour which is an absolute bargain for the tour + entry to the Churchill War Rooms (basically two must-dos in one). Click here to check prices and book .
• Cutest London Afternoon Tea on a Bus – want to see the sights and enjoy afternoon tea at the same time on the upper deck? Yes, absolutely you do. This afternoon tea is a real delight and helps you get out and about while also putting your pinkies up. Click here to check prices and book.

Want more London travel guides? Check these out!

• The Definitive London Packing List for Visitors
• A Full Guide to Oyster Cards in London for Dummies
• Getting around London: Everything a Visitor Needs to Know
• Weather in London: a Visitor’s Guide
• The Best Time to Visit London: a Local’s Guide
• London on a Budget: How to Save Money in London
• Money in the UK: How to Pay for Things in London
• Exactly How Many Days to Spend in London: an Expert Guide
• How to Use the Tube in London: a Guide for Newbies
• What to Wear in London (How to Dress Like a Londoner)
• British Pub Etiquette: the must-read guide
• 49+ Expert London Travel Tips
• Visiting London with Anxiety: the ultimate guide

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

1 thought on “9+ Attractions You MUST Book Ahead of Time in London (2024)”

Great article! I love booking my attractions ahead to time. It helps me organise my trip better and get the most out of my time there 🙂

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London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London

Explore buckingham palace, see the crown jewels, take a river cruise on the thames, and more.

Want to see London’s most iconic attractions in just one day? This jam-packed London day tour makes the most of your time in this historic city, taking you from Westminster to the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and beyond! With an expert local guide, your in-depth city tour lets you skip the line to see London’s best sites without the long wait, and you’ll even take a ride along the River Thames by boat for a unique perspective on the city. It’s the ultimate day tour in London!

Skip the Line

• Meet your guide at Parliament Square

Westminster Abbey

• Coronation Chair
• Buckingham Palace
• Changing of the Guard
• Lunch break
• Thams river cruise

Tower of London

Crown jewels.

• End inside Tower of London

You'll meet your local guide in front of the Abraham Lincoln statue in Parliament Street, just behind Parliament Square and a short stroll from Westminster Station. There, you and your fellow travelers will learn the day's itinerary and what cool things to expect on this full day tour of London's most well-known attractions.

Today, you'll see some of London's most historic sites with a guide who knows this great city inside and out and has plenty of stories to keep you entertained throughout the day. You'll begin at Westminster Abbey with skip-the-line access before seeing the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace (on certain days) and checking out Downing Street. Next up is a River Thames boat ride to see London from a whole new perspective, then you'll head to the infamous Tower of London to discover its bloody history and see the stunning crown jewels. After your tour ends, you're free to head across the famous Tower Bridge on your own before enjoying this incredible city by night!

London in a Day Tour Description

Your 7.5-hour tour includes:

Skip-the-line entry and tour of Westminster Abbey

Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace (certain days weather permitting)

Free time for lunch near Parliament Square (not included)

Boat ride down the River Thames by clipper

Guided tour of Tower of London

Access to the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and more

Passionate, local guide

Maximum group size of 15

Make sure you have your walking shoes on because you'll be getting your steps in on this tour! At your first stop, your expert guide will take you inside Britain's most famous church. Westminster Abbey has over 1,000 years of history as a religious center, although the incredible building you'll see today is only around 750 years old, having been consecrated in 1269.

Huge events in British history have played out here, including almost 40 royal coronations and the funeral of Princess Diana—watched by some 2.5 billion people worldwide. Today, it remains in use for royal weddings and the funerals of the royal family and other notable people from British society.

Though the Abbey has famous modern history, it is also the burial place for many of England's most acclaimed political and cultural leaders. Set in impressive life-like effigies, your guide will lead you through the most important tombs that include Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, and Geoffrey Chaucer. You'll explore every beautifully crafted corner of this vast abbey, learning all about its rich history as you go.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

A stroll through beautiful St. James Park brings you to the Buckingham Palace, just in time for the famous Changing of the Guards ceremony. As one of London's must-see events, crowds can get pretty big and it's not always easy to get a good view.

Since 1660, the reigning monarch has been protected by the King's Guard (or the Queen's Guard). The elaborate Changing of the Guard is the ceremony where on-duty guards are relieved by the next shift. Though they are dressed in ornate uniforms, these elite soldiers are well armed and are not distracted by anyone's humorous efforts to distract them. Your guide will take you to several vantage points so you can see a full picture of this historic event.

The Changing of the Guard occurs only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the remainder of the year. If there is heavy rainfall, the Changing of the Guard will not happen.

Downing Street

Provided there are no active protests or events happening, your guide will lead you towards the most famous house in London: 10 Downing Street. It's the house where colossal decisions are made by key Parliament members and the sitting Prime Minister. Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, and many more notables have lived in these walls and your guide knows the most interesting stories here.

London Boat Tour

After some free time for lunch around Parliament Square (not included), you'll set off on a ride along the Thames by the local clipper service. These boats are comfortable and air-conditioned, so you can relax as your guide points out the famous sites you'll pass along the way.

You'll see some of London's beautiful old bridges, including London Bridge and Tower Bridge, as well as the stunning architecture of London's City Hall and the Shard—the tallest building in western Europe. Your destination, of course, is the Tower of London, and there's no better way to travel there!

Established by William the Conqueror in 1066 after his conquest of England, this castle was built to symbolize the historic shift in power. By the turn of the 12th century, the tower had become a prison, a role it would keep all the way until after World War II. As the most fortified structure in London, the Tower has played a huge role in British history.

Your local guide is a true Tower of London expert, and they'll tell you all about the bloody history of the castle. It has come under attack many times over the centuries, and it was used to imprison (and often execute) princes, queens, and enemies of the state such as Guy Fawkes. The execution room was particularly busy during the infamous reign of Henry VIII, who sent sent two of his six wives and a number of other notable people to their deaths here.

Things are a lot less gruesome these days, thankfully, but you'll still meet the traditional (and impossible to distract!) Beefeater guards here, along with the resident ravens, and many important artifacts from British history.

The most important (and valuable) items you'll see at the Tower of London are the impressive crown jewels, which have been protected here for centuries. Stored and secured in the Jewel House, the crown jewels are the elaborate symbols and coronation regalia of the English Monarchy. These 140 royal objects are bedazzled with over 23,000 stones.

Although many of the original items were destroyed during the English Civil War by Oliver Cromwell, when the monarchy was temporarily abolished, the collection was rebuilt after the crown was restored in 1660 and there are a few pieces which remain from the 12th century. Access to the Jewel House is in high demand, but your guide will plan the tour to keep your waiting time to a minimum.

Your tour ends near the famous White Tower, which you're free to explore on your own. And of course, your guide will be happy to share some local tips for where to eat and what to do with your evening in London.

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What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

213 total reviews

London in a day

Tobey was FANTASTIC. He was friendly, funny and incredibly knowledgeable. I’d love to tour with him again!

Wonderful Day Tour

Despite the rainy day, the tour was excellent. Our guide, Adrian, was very knowledgeable and made the tour fun. We saw a lot of sites in a day!

What a Great guide- Thank you Adrian - he knew how to optimize our experience, made it informative and fun. We were thrilled to be one of the first groups into Westminster Abbey, well ahead of the crowds, and the experience was amazing. Adrian then found optimal positions for viewing the changing of the guards and the Tower of London /Crown Jewels was amazing-We booked the tour for a Monday and the afternoon at the Tower was not busy. great day.

show more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Please wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for the majority of this tour. There is a lot of walking, so we also recommend a water bottle and perhaps some snacks too.

Can I take pictures in Westminster Abbey?

Yes! You are now allowed to take non-commercial photography inside Westminster Abbey. Videos and flash photography are not allowed, nor is any kind of photography allowed during a service.

Does this tour include pick up at your hotel?

There is no hotel pick up for this tour. You'll meet your guide at the meeting point listed on your confirmation voucher (Parliament Square).

Can I bring a backpack?

Small backpacks and bags are allowed, but they will be searched at Westminster and the Tower of London.

Please wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for the majority of this tour. There is a lot of walking, so we also recommend a water bottle and perhaps some snacks too.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included, but you'll have time to grab lunch at one of several restaurants near Parliament Square. Your guide will point out several places to eat.

Where does this tour end?

This tour ends inside the Tower of London where you are free to explore more areas. You can then exit and walk across Tower Bridge on your own, grab a taxi, or head to the nearest Underground station called Tower Hill.

How much of this tour is guided?

The entire day is spent with your guide except for your free time at lunch. There are certain areas within the Tower of London where no guides are allowed, but you'll have plenty of time with them otherwise.

How gentle or rocky is the boat ride?

It's a really gentle ride since the River Thames is wide and slow. The boat is also quite large so it's not prone to rocking much at all.

Does this tour guarantee seeing the Changing of the Guard?

No. The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens every day during June/July, but only Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sundays throughout the year. If there is heavy rainfall, the ceremony does not happen. Your guide will watch the time to help you get to the ceremony from Westminster Abbey in time.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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Russ announces UK and European ‘It Was You All Along’ tour dates

The tour is named after Russ' upcoming second book out this summer

Russ has added new UK and European dates to his ‘It Was You All Along’ world tour. Check them out along with ticket details below.

Back in March, the New Jersey rapper first announced his upcoming ‘It Was You All Along’ tour in North American with 6LACK and Melii as support acts. The tour is named after Russ’ second upcoming book, slated to be released this June, and will also celebrate his recent musical releases.

Now, Russ has revealed that he’ll tour Europe and the UK this Autumn, starting in Lisbon, Portugal on September 1. He’ll also stop in France, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Germany and more before ending in Stockholm, Sweden on November 17 – before heading to the UK and Ireland to play London’s OVO Arena Wembley on November 1, Manchester’s O2 Apollo the next day, and conclude in Dublin at the 3Olympia Theatre on November 5.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SANTIAGO (@russ)

Tickets for the UK and European dates of the ‘It Was You All Along’ tour will go on sale at 10am local time this Friday (May 3). You can find tickets for the UK shows here .

Recommended

Any available tickets for the European and US dates can be found here . Check the full tour dates below.

The tour dates for Russ’ ‘It Was You All Along’ world tour are:

MAY 31 – Seattle, Washington – Climate Pledge Arena*

JUNE 2 – Oakland, California – Oakland Arena* 6 – Los Angeles, California – Kia Forum* 8 – PHOENIX Arizona – Footprint Center* 13 – DALLAS Texas – American Airlines Center* 15 – DENVER Colorado – Ball Arena* 21 – SAINT PAUL Minnesota – Xcel Energy Center* 23 – CHICAGO Illinois – United Center* 25 – TORONTO Ontario, Canada – Scotiabank Arena* 27 – NEW YORK New York – Barnes & Noble* 28 – BROOKLYN New York – Barclays Center*

SEPTEMBER 1 – Lisbon, Portugal – Coliseu 2 – Madrid, Spain – La Riviera 5 – Milan, Italy – Circolo Magnolia 6 – Zurich, Switzerland – Komplex 457 8 – Paris, France – L’Olympia 9 – Brussels, Belgium – Ancienne Belgique 13 – Budapest, Hungary – Akvarium Klub 14 – Warsaw, Poland – Palladium 16 – Prague, Czech Republic – SaSaZu 18 – Vienna, Austria – Gasometer

NOVEMBER 2 – London, England – OVO Arena Wembley 3 – Manchester, England – O2 Apollo 5 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Olympia Theatre

7 – Dusseldorf, Germany – Mitsubishi Electric Hall 9 – Stuttgart, Germany – WAGENHALLEN 10 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – AFAS Live 12 – Berlin, Germany – Uber Eats Music Hall 14 – Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller 15 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Grey Hall 17 – Stockholm, Sweden – Fallen

* with 6LACK and Melii as support acts

Over his career, Russ has garnered 22billion streams and sold over 25million singles. His 2017 studio album ‘There’s Really A Wolf’ has also been certified double platinum. The last album he released was 2023’s ‘Santiago’, which debuted at Number 12 on the Billboard 200 album charts.

In 2019, the ‘What They Want’ star published his first-ever book, the best-selling It’s All In Your Head: Get Out Of Your Own Way – dubbed as “an inspirational book” that helps with one’s self-belief.

Russ is set to release his second book It Was You All Along next month (June 4) via HarperCollins. The book will expand on the inspirational themes of his debut, with a greater emphasis on “self-empowerment, self-awareness, and ultimately self-love,” as stated in the press release. You can pre-order the book here .

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Money latest: These are the most in-demand holiday destinations this year

Welcome back to our Money blog, where we bring you all the latest consumer and personal finance news and tips. This week we're kicking off by talking about holidays (seeing as the sun has finally come out), and we're answering a reader's Money Problem on an undeclared management fee.

Monday 6 May 2024 18:30, UK

• Bank of England 'not yet ready to cut interest rates'
• GoFundMe and loan sharks: How Britain's poorest are burying their loved ones in 2024
• The most in-demand holiday destinations this year

Essential reads

• Money Problem: My daughter discovered undeclared £600 management fee after buying her flat - can we complain?
• Cinema first is back - so should movie lovers unsubscribe? 
• 10 biggest mistakes people make in job interviews I Tell us your job interview mistakes/stories/tips in the comments box
• Train strikes in May - everything you need to know

Ask a question or make a comment

Qantas is being forced to pay a £53m penalty along with £20m in compensation to passengers following a legal battle over tickets it sold for cancelled flights. 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) sued Qantas last summer, alleging the airline had broken consumer law when it sold tickets for more than 8,000 flights without disclosing they had been cancelled. 

One case saw the airline selling tickets for a Sydney to San Francisco flight some 40 days after it had been cancelled, the ACCC said. 

More than 86,000 customers will share the compensation pot, and will be contacted over the next two months.

Gina Cass-Gottlieb, chair of the ACCC, said the airline's behaviour was "egregious and unacceptable".

"Many consumers will have made holiday, business and travel plans after booking on a phantom flight that had been cancelled," she said.

"We expect that this penalty, if accepted by the court, will send a strong deterrence message to other companies."

Qantas's chief executive Vanessa Hudsons said the agreement was a "step forward" to "restoring confidence" in the airline. 

She said the administrative failings were caused by COVID, and that the airline was "sincerely sorry". 

If you'll be affected by the M25 closure this weekend, it's worth noting that an alternative diversion route could slap you with an unexpected ULEZ charge. 

The M25 will be closed in both directions between Junctions 9 and 10 in Surrey from 9pm on Friday until 6am on Monday. 

Official diversion routes will take drivers on A roads crossing from Surrey into London's ULEZ area, but there will be no enforcement action for anyone taking the official route who does not meet the ULEZ requirements.

However, National Highways has warned anyone ignoring diversion signs in an attempt to find shorter alternative routes will be liable for the £12.50 daily ULEZ fee.

Of course, this does not apply to cars that meet the low emission standards.

The ULEZ was expanded to cover every borough of London last year. 

The UK economy would be better off if there were fewer buy-to-let landlords, the country's biggest investment company has said.

Legal and General Investment Management (LGIM) told The Telegraph that "unscrupulous" landlords were "taking people's deposits and giving them a bad experience". 

Bill Hughes, global head of real assets at L&G, said the rental sector needs an overhaul as too many buy-to-let landlords have been "suboptimal and substandard". 

L&G has built a portfolio of 10,000 build-to-rent homes in the last eight years, and predicts traditional landlords will gradually be replaced by purpose-built rental properties managed by institutions.

Single-sex toilets will be legally required in all new restaurants, bars, offices and shopping centres, the government has announced. 

It is set to change building regulations later this year to make it compulsory for premises to provide separate facilities for men and women. 

The move follows an increase in the use of gender-neutral toilets. 

The UK has installed a record number of public electric car chargers this year, figures show. 

Nearly 6,000 new chargers were installed in the first three months of the year, according to Zapmap analysis of government data. 

Some 1,500 of these were rapid chargers. 

A common concern among those hesitant to switch to electric vehicles is range anxiety or the fear of not being able to find a charger. 

By Emily Mee , Money team

Scroll through GoFundMe and it won't be long before you see them.

There's a widow left with her husband's financial struggles. Three young siblings trying to raise funds for their mum's send-off after her sudden death. A 25-year-old domestic violence victim whose family want to give her the send-off she deserves. 

There are scores of pages like this as an apparently increasing number of Britons struggle with funeral costs.

These costs have risen 126% in the last two decades, according to a recent report from SunLife. 

Where families would once have paid £1,835 for a basic funeral, they are now looking at costs of £4,141 on average. 

"People can't afford to bury their dead," says Pastor Mick Fleming, who runs the charity Church On The Street. 

He frequently spends his time helping families pay for funerals and providing his services as a minister for free, although he says there is simply too much demand for his small charity to help everyone. 

Government or local authority grants are available to help families with funeral costs, but Pastor Mick says these can come too late as undertakers will often require a partial payment upfront. 

There's an even darker side to this, too. 

"What we're now seeing is people who are poor can't walk into the bank and get a bank loan - the economy's tough at the minute," Pastor Mick says. 

"They can't get legitimate access to money so they can't borrow it and pay a decent standard rate back, so they have to go to loan sharks."

Many then find it impossible to pay the loan back and face threats from the criminals who lent them the money, says Pastor Mick.

He recalls: "There was a middle-aged lady, she had to borrow the money to bury her son. 

"She couldn't pay the money back so then she started to get threatened and intimidated. People turning up at the house. 

"It was pretty horrendous. She was getting suicidal. She was heartbroken already and she just couldn't get the money together."

The pastor says he was able to negotiate on her behalf - something he is now having to do as part of his charity work - but "you can't do that for everybody". 

A funeral without a service

The number of funeral-related fundraisers increased by 22% on GoFundMe last year, figures shared with Sky News reveal. 

Individual donations to these fundraisers increased by almost 400,000.

Many of these are trying to avoid their loved one being given a public health funeral, which is what happens if families are unwilling or unable to pay. 

Local authorities are legally obliged to carry out funerals in this case, but they are given little guidance from the government on what this should entail - meaning each council will have its own policy on what is or isn't included. 

In some cases, a service will not be offered and a person will be cremated or buried without the presence of family members. 

Other times, the family may be allowed to attend but they might not be able to get involved in the service. 

Generally, people will be cremated, unless they have asked not to be for religious or cultural reasons. 

Those who are buried will often have a grave with no marker, or they may be placed in a communal grave. 

"For someone that's lost a child or a husband or a wife or any loved one where you just haven't been able to provide closure, there's a sense of guilt that goes with it," Pastor Mick says.

As long as funeral costs remain eye-wateringly high, families across the country will be dealing with that guilt. 

This week will see the Bank of England announce its latest interest rates decision - and experts believe borrowers will have to wait longer to see rates come down. 

Policymakers appear set to hold out for stronger signs the cost-of-living crisis has abated, with economists widely expecting the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to keep rates at the current level of 5.25%. 

Rates have been held at this level since August last year. 

At the last meeting in March, just one member of the MPC voted for rates to be cut by 0.25 percentage points, but the remaining eight members voted for no change.

Philip Shaw, chief economist at Investec, said: "This broad direction illustrates that collectively the committee is moving gradually towards a rate cut.

"It seems unlikely though to be ready to bite the bullet just yet and the Bank rate looks set to remain on hold at 5.25% for the sixth consecutive meeting."

Andrew Goodwin, chief UK economist for Oxford Economics, said data on services inflation and private sector regular pay growth has "likely extinguished any remaining hopes of a move in May".

As for whether rates could be cut in June or August, he said it is likely to be a "close call". 

Economists at HSBC are also expecting the first rate cut to come in June.

Interest rates are used as a tool to help bring down UK inflation. 

The brewing giant has announced it will invest £39m in revamping 600 of its pubs across the UK - a move that will create more than 1,000 new jobs. 

The investment plan will also see pubs in its retail arm, Star Pubs & Bars, revitalised to appeal to those working from home. 

Sixty-two pubs will be reopened this year and 94 sites are set for full refurbishments. 

The remaining pubs will receive varying upgrades. 

Heineken said it wanted to "broaden each pub's use and appeal" in response to an increase in people working from home, giving customers more reason to visit throughout the day.

The refurbished pubs will have dividing screens to create separate areas for different types of customers. 

Lawson Mountstevens, chief executive at Star Pubs & Bars, said: "Fundamentally, the changes in people's working habits means that in a lot of these suburban locations, you've got more people who are around those areas a lot more.

"It's not rocket science. Those people are looking for pubs of a certain standard."

Aldi remained the cheapest supermarket last month, new analysis shows. 

The retailer has won the crown of cheapest supermarket every month so far this year, according to research by Which?. 

An average basket of 67 popular groceries cost £112.90 - more than £30 cheaper than the most expensive supermarket, Waitrose. 

A basket of comparable items in Waitrose would cost £144.13 on average. 

Here is the breakdown for each supermarket... 

• Aldi - £112.90
• Lidl - £115.23 
• Asda - £126.98
• Tesco - £128.17 
• Sainsbury's - £131.02 
• Morrisons - £134.87 
• Ocado - £136.86 
• Waitrose - £144.13. 

Food price inflation has slowed to 4.5%, its lowest level since February 2022. 

Despite being the most expensive, Waitrose and Ocado were the only grocers to win new shoppers in the first three months of the year, according to research by Kantar. 

Every Monday we get an expert to answer your money problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

"My daughter recently bought a flat and has since learnt there is an extra £600 a year management fee that was not declared by the vendor during the sales process. We have been told that the vendor was heavily involved in negotiating the management contract. Can we complain?" J Mills

Serena Amani, managing director at Monarch Solicitors , has this advice...

The general principle when buying a property is "buyer beware", which means the onus is on the buyer to perform their due diligence before contracting to purchase.

The buyer's conveyancing solicitor interrogates the contractual documentation and raises relevant enquiries to ensure the full facts and obligations are available to the buyer to make an informed decision.

In this situation, it appears the seller has failed to disclose the management fee - we assume relating to the services provided to the estate.

We can't give specific advice as we don't have access to the contractual documentation. However, we would suggest:

• To check if the obligation to pay a management fee is set out in the lease if it is a leasehold property, or the transfer deed if it is a freehold property. These documents should contain what services are provided and what the related charges are. The most common scenario is that of a leasehold flat. In this situation the services shall be set out under the service charges section. Generally, there is a provision that allows a management company to charge a management fee as a percentage of the overall service charge bill which is shared among all the leaseholders based on the size of their apartment.
• If the obligation to pay the management fee is in the contract and your conveyancer failed to notify you of this obligation, there is a potential negligence claim against the conveyancer which can be pursued through their complaints process and escalated to the legal ombudsman.
• In the rare instance that the management fee is not stipulated in the contract, then you may wish to contact the management company to obtain certified accounts for the services provided and ask them on what contractual basis they are charging a management fee. Management companies are obliged by statute to provide this information.
• If there is no contractual basis or the fees are unreasonable then you may consider bringing a claim before the property tribunal. The tribunal has the power to make a ruling on the reasonability of the management fees. It should be noted that it can be a long and arduous process and legal fees are not always recoverable even if successful.
• Where a seller has supplied misleading information about a property that materially influenced the decision to purchase the property, this could give rise to a claim for misrepresentation. Likewise, intentional concealment of this information during the sales process could constitute a breach of contract or misrepresentation. 

For more specific advice, you may wish to contact a property lawyer experienced in the conveyancing process and service charge disputes.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about.  Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via - and please leave your contact details as we cannot follow up consumer disputes without them.

• The form above - make sure you leave a phone number or email address
• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog"
• WhatsApp us  here .

The long-awaited arrival of the sun in the last few days may have got you thinking ahead to the summer... which for many means holidays.

New analysis sent to the Money team has revealed the holiday resorts that Britons have been searching for over the last few months - although it's not a particularly sun-soaked destination that has come out on top.

Amsterdam is the most in-demand holiday destination for the UK, according to a study by Desert Safari Dubai Tours. 

The company looked at Google search data over the past 12 months to find which holiday destinations were most popular in the UK, using terms such as "holidays to", "flights to" and "trips to". 

Some 57,507 searches were carried out each month for trips to Amsterdam. 

The second most in-demand was Dubai , with an average of 52,544 monthly searches. 

Here is the rest of the list...

• New York - 51,169 
• Paris - 43,326 
• Tenerife - 43,305
• Barcelona - 41,664
• Dublin - 38,801
• Gran Canaria - 33,907
• Milan - 28,549
• Istanbul - 28,097

Meanwhile, data from holiday booking site Expedia suggests Britons are chasing the sun over the summer. 

Its trending destination data shows a 50% increase in searches for mainland Greece - while its islands of Santorini and Corfu remain popular. 

Interest is also surging in Mediterranean gem Malta (up 25%), seen as a more affordable destination. 

Searches are also up 50% for Albania , which has seen a surge in interest due to social media. 

The short-haul hotspot of Tunis has seen searches rocket by 130%. 

We're back for another week of consumer news, personal finance tips and all the latest on the economy.

This is how the week in the Money blog is shaping up...

Today : Every week we ask industry experts to answer your Money Problems . Today, a Money blog reader believes they may have been misled when buying their flat - but what can they do?

Tuesday : This week's  Basically...  explains everything you need to know about the Bank of England, ahead of Thursday's base rate decision. 

Wednesday : We speak to the chef at Tom Kerridge's two-starred pub The Hand And Flowers in Buckinghamshire for his Cheap Eats.

Thursday : It's decision day for the Bank of England, and while interest rates are expected to be held at 5.25%, we may learn more about when a cut will come.  Savings Champion  founder Anna Bowes will be back with her weekly insight into the savings market.

Friday : We will be getting the latest GDP figures on this day - which could signal the UK is no longer in recession. Plus, we'll have everything you need to know about the mortgage market this week with the guys from Moneyfacts.

Running every weekday, Money features a morning markets round-up from the  Sky News business team  and regular updates and analysis from our business, City and economic correspondents, editors and presenters -  Ed Conway ,  Mark Kleinman ,  Ian King ,  Paul Kelso  and  Adele Robinson .

You'll also be able to stream  Business Live with Ian King  weekdays at 11.30am and 4.30pm.

Bookmark  news.sky.com/money  and check back from 8am, and through the day, each weekday.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

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