Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye Option

Imagine rolling through London’s bustling streets on a classic red double-decker bus, with open-top views of iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Tower of London. Now, add a scenic boat ride along the Thames, and you’ve got a pretty charming way to explore the city in about three and a half hours. This tour, offered by Premium Tours, blends nostalgia with practicality, giving visitors a chance to see many of London’s must-see sights in one go. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, this experience promises a lively, visually stunning journey.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines two different perspectives of London — from the historic bus to the water — making it both engaging and efficient. Plus, the optional London Eye add-on makes it feel like a more complete day of sightseeing. But, of course, there are a few things to consider, such as the potential for traffic delays or the weather affecting the open-top experience. Still, for those seeking an immersive London experience with great value, this tour hits many marks.

If you’re someone who loves authentic transportation experiences, appreciates stunning city views, and enjoys combining sightseeing with small adventures, this tour is likely to be a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a guidetour but also enough flexibility to enjoy London at a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Authentic vintage experience: Riding on a well-maintained, classic Routemaster bus adds a nostalgic charm.
• Great for photo lovers: Open-top decks provide prime angles for capturing London’s most famous sights.
• Water views: The Thames cruise offers a different, scenic perspective of the city’s landmarks.
• Flexibility with add-ons: You can opt for the London Eye or Stonehenge visit for extra value.
• Guided commentary: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insightful stories.
• Convenient location: The tour starts and ends at Victoria Coach Station, close to other transport links.

A Close Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at Victoria Coach Station — a central hub that’s easy to reach via public transportation. We loved the way the vintage bus greeted us, its bright red livery instantly recognizable and iconic of London’s transport history. The open-top nature of the bus means you’ll be soaking in the sun and the sights (or bracing the elements in rainy weather), which adds to the charm. Reviewers mention the buses are well-maintained and visually appealing, with some noting that their guides kept the commentary lively and informative.

Exploring London’s Landmarks from the Bus

As you trundle around the city, the route is carefully curated to hit many major sights. You’ll pass Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the famous Clock Tower — all with commentary that makes history come alive. The guide’s knowledge is often praised; one reviewer highlighted Steve, who provided “great commentary on each site,” making the history feel accessible and entertaining.

Driving up Whitehall, you’ll see Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence, which tends to excite political buffs. Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, and the Law Courts present a good mix of cultural and legal landmarks, with reviewers noting that the commentary made these historic sites more interesting than just passing by.

Stop at the Tower of London and Thames Cruise

One of the key highlights is the photo stop at the Tower of London. While admission isn’t included (meaning you’ll need to buy tickets separately if you want to go inside), the exterior view alone is impressive, and many visitors appreciate the chance to snap photos of this historic fortress. The reviews mention that the time allocated is around 30 minutes, enough for a quick photo without feeling rushed.

The boat trip along the Thames is a real treat, offering views of Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye. The friendly guides on the boat enhance the experience with stories about the city’s history and architecture. Reviewers like Mollie_P and Erin_L commented on how the cruise offers a different perspective, with stunning views of the city skyline and landmarks from the water.

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

After the river cruise, the vintage bus heads towards Buckingham Palace. The timing of the Changing of the Guard can be hit or miss depending on the day — it happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays in the mornings. Some reviewers, like Alexandra S, mentioned missing it due to timing, but most still enjoyed stopping outside for photos of the Palace façade. The guard change is a classic London experience, and even if the ceremony isn’t happening, the sight of the guards in their red tunics and bearskin hats is impressive enough.

Optional London Eye and Stonehenge

The tour offers optional add-ons for an extra fee. The London Eye upgrade is popular, allowing you to skip the long lines and enjoy a relaxing 30-minute ride in a glass capsule, with 360-degree city views. Many reviewers highly recommend it, noting it’s worth the extra cost for the panoramic perspective.

Alternatively, the Stonehenge trip can be added in the afternoon. The journey involves a shuttle bus to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can explore the prehistoric monument with an audio guide. This option is perfect if you want to combine London sightseeing with a visit to one of the UK’s most iconic ancient sites. Keep in mind, some reviewers felt that the timing for the boat and guard ceremony could be tight, making the day somewhat rushed if you choose both.

The Practicalities: What You Should Know

Duration and Group Size

The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, which is a manageable length for most travelers. The tour typically has a maximum group size of 40 travelers, ensuring you’re not lost in a sea of strangers and that guides can give more personalized commentary. Several reviewers expressed appreciation for the guides’ knowledge and friendly demeanor, with some specifically mentioning guides like Magnus and Steve as highlights.

Transport and Comfort

The vintage Routemaster bus offers a nostalgic ride but can be affected by London traffic, which might cause some delays. The open top is perfect for summer days but could be less comfortable in rain or cold — be prepared with a raincoat or umbrella. During reviews, some mentioned that the bus was well-maintained and that guide commentary was lively, even if the bus occasionally got stuck in traffic.

The Thames cruise is a short, 30-minute trip, with comfortable seating and great views. You might find some reviews mention waiting times for the boat, but overall, it’s a smooth part of the experience.

Cost and Value

At $85.04 per person, this tour offers good value, considering you’re getting a panoramic bus tour, a Thames cruise, and optional entry to the London Eye or Stonehenge. Compared to booking each element separately, the package provides convenience and often a more rundown of London. Several reviewers felt it was worth the price, especially when the guides made the experience fun and informative.

However, a few pointed out that if you aren’t interested in the add-ons, the base tour still covers a lot — though some wished the itinerary included more insider experiences or entry to landmarks like Westminster Abbey.

Weather Considerations

Since the bus is open-top, weather plays a significant role. Rainy days may limit the experience, or at least dampen the sightseeing from the upper deck. The tour provider mentions that if the weather is particularly poor, they might switch to a closed-top bus, or you’ll be offered alternative options.

Cancellation Policy

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which offers peace of mind if your plans change unexpectedly — a handy feature for travelers with flexible schedules.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Many reviewers appreciated the knowledgeable guides—notably calling out guides like Steve, Magnus, and Michael for their friendly, engaging, and informative commentary. Several mentioned how their guides made the sightseeing fun and accessible, often sharing stories that brought landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey to life.

The stunning river views received high praise; one reviewer noted that the boat ride provided a “different, scenic perspective,” and many felt the cruise was a highlight of the day. The vintage bus itself became a photo magnet — with guests capturing shots of the iconic red bus against London’s skyline.

Some criticisms centered around traffic delays and timing issues, especially when trying to catch the Changing of the Guard or fitting in the Stonehenge trip. A few felt the tour could feel rushed or disorganized, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of London’s most famous sights. It’s also suited for photographers looking for picture-perfect moments from the open-top bus and river. If you value authentic transport, enjoy guided commentary, and want a cost-effective way to see multiple landmarks in one day, this tour ticks those boxes.

On the other hand, if you’re after deeply immersive experiences—like inside visits to Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace—this tour might feel a little surface-level. Also, if weather is poor, be prepared for a less enjoyable experience on the open deck.

Final Thoughts

This vintage London bus tour, paired with a Thames cruise and optional London Eye ride, offers a fun, authentic way to see London from two different perspectives. The combination of nostalgic transport, scenic water views, and engaging commentary makes it a memorable experience for many travelers.

While it’s not completely without hiccups—traffic delays, weather dependence, and timing issues—its strengths in value, charm, and rundown make it a highly recommendable option for those wanting a lively, guided introduction to London.

If you’re after a comfortable, entertaining, and visually stunning way to explore the city in a short time, this tour is definitely worth considering. Pack your camera and a sense of adventure; London’s sights await.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all weather conditions?
The tour is open-top, so weather can impact the experience. On rainy or cold days, the bus may switch to a closed top or be less enjoyable, but your guide will do their best to accommodate.

Can I cancel the tour for a full refund?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. Less notice means no refund.

Are the London Eye and Stonehenge options included in the base price?
No, these are optional extras that you can add at booking. The base price covers the bus tour, Thames cruise, and a guide.

What landmarks will I see from the boat?
Expect to see Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye, and other famous sights along the Thames. The cruise offers a different perspective from the land.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Is the group size large?
The tour is capped at 40 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience compared to bigger coach tours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Victoria Coach Station and concludes nearby in Victoria, close to public transport options for easy onward travel.

In all, this tour offers a lively, nostalgic, and scenic introduction to London. It’s a great pick for those who want a well-rounded, enjoyable snapshot of the city, especially if they love classic transport and water views.