routemaster bus tour london

Discover The Top London Attractions in 75 minutes

The Classic Tour is a wonderful vintage double decker bus tour and sightseeing experience like no other. Hop on board our carefully restored classic 1960s double-decker Routemaster bus, for your open-top ride through the best attractions in London.  Our hand-picked, highly trained, entertaining and comedic tour guides are the best in the business and will help you experience an authentic London you may not have known. They are also very funny! You will see more, learn more and laugh more while understanding the astonishing history of the Capital, taking the photos and selfies of a lifetime, and enjoying the glorious sights of London.

Please note – choice of seats and deck are given on a first-come first-serve basis.

A Classic London Bus Experience

Experience historical London from our beautiful and iconic open-top London bus which was originally used by London Transport from the 1960s.

Finest Tour Guides in London

Our brilliant tour guides come from a variety of entertainment backgrounds and will bring you a tour like no other. Our guides really do know their history and facts about London. They will share their wealth of knowledge with you, as you pass the key landmarks. Watch and listen out for some incredible insights into the making of our Capital city.

State of The Art Audio Equipment

The buses have been fitted with state of the art enhanced technology to bring your experience into the 21 st century.

The Classic Tour Story

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

YOUR JOURNEY

Your journey starts at Trafalgar Square.

Departing from the absolute heart and centre of London, you will follow a carefully selected route to allow you to discovery the very best of our Capital and see the best attractions, buildings and landmarks in London. You will have constant opportunities to take some fantastic photographs and better understand the history of how and why the buildings came to symbolise our great city. Please also note, although we will always try our best, on rare occasions we may be unable to visit every landmark listed on the tour.

Find out more here

Our tours depart from Northumberland Avenue at:

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

Please note that tour times are subject to change.

The following tickets are available when you book:

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St Paul’s Cathedral, London, is an Anglican cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the Diocese of London. It sits on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London and is a Grade 1 listed building.

Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, built around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. Its name commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars with France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, Spain.

Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focal point for the British people at times of national rejoicing and mourning.

Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, is a large, mainly Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, London, just to the west of the Palace of Westminster.

The Shard, also referred to as the Shard of Glass, Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower, is a 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark, London, that forms part of the London Bridge Quarter development. Standing 309.7 metres (1,016 ft) high, the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom, the fourth-tallest building in Europe and the 111th-tallest building in the world.

The Tower of London, officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill.

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. The structure is 443 feet (135 m) tall and the wheel has a diameter of 394 feet (120 m). When it opened to the public in 2000 it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.

Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London built between 1886 and 1894. The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become an iconic symbol of London, resulting in it sometimes being confused with London Bridge, situated some 0.5 mi (0.80 km) upstream

Downing Street is a street in London, United Kingdom, known for housing the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. “Downing Street” is used as a metonym for the Government of the United Kingdom.

• London City Tours >

Highlights of London with River Cruise - 3.5 Hours

Our highlights of London tour is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the city. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour with a live guide and watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. You’ll enjoy amazing views of the city’s most famous attractions, including Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, and the London Eye, as well as enjoy a private cruise along the River Thames. End the trip with an optional flight on the London Eye or a traditional fish & chip meal.

Our highlights tour of London is available every day in the morning and afternoon.

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure

Highlights of London

• Discover the city onboard a restored open-top 1950’s Routemaster Bus. This is the iconic red bus that is a symbol of London. See London’s most famous sites and disembark for a photo stop outside of Westminster Abbey, where King Charles was crowned. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace
• Learn more about the city with an onboard commentary from a professional guide
• Take a cruise along the River Thames that passes Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle, Tower Bridge, The Shard and the Tower of London.  During the summer months, we use a private boat that is on exclusive hire to our customers

River Thames Cruise

Choose to add-on to your tour the following upgrades at checkout:

Tour with Cruise plus London Eye

Following your bus tour and river cruise, we will transfer you to the London Eye with tickets to enjoy a flight on the famous Ferris wheel. Enjoy amazing views from high above and spot landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and River Thames.

Tour with Cruise plus Fish & Chip Meal

At the end of your tour and cruise, enjoy a delicious fish & chip meal. This is the national dish of Britain!

Tour with Cruise plus London Dungeon

Includes tickets and transfer to the London Dungeon, which recreates scenes from London’s scary history. Discover 360 sets with gripping storytelling

Tour with Cruise plus London Aquarium

Includes tickets and transfer to the London Aquarium. You’ll get to see amazing creatures, including seadragons, sharks, turtles and more!

what to know:

• The tour departs at 07:45 and 13:00 from London Victoria Coach Station
• This Highlights of London tour lasts approximately 3.5   hours (without upgrades)
• It includes a London vintage bus tour with photo stops outside of Westminster Abbey, viewing of the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace and a River Thames Cruise.
• When the Changing of the Guard does not take place, we stop instead for photos of Buckingham Palace.
• You can choose to add-on upgrades at checkout. We provide transfer to all venues
• This is a fully guided tour and includes an individual headset to hear the guide’s commentary
• Since this is an open-top tour, it’s recommended to bring a raincoat! On rare occasions, the open-top bus may be changed to a closed-top bus

Tour Booking

Terms and conditions, you might also be interested.

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Fully Guided Day Tour of London

Christmas Lights Bus Tour London 2024

Afternoon Tea Bus with London Sightseeing - 1.5 Hours

London Hop on Hop off Bus with Optional River Cruise

Hop-on Hop-off London Routemaster Bus Tour

• 48 Hour Ticket (2 Day Ticket)
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• K397FThelenac 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Never showed up Booked it day before never showed up waited 2 hours was never informed wasn't running rang the office no answer, took our money and had no service running the entire day! Paid for it and never used it I would give Zero out of 5 Read more Written 26 February 2024
• 670fionab 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Utter waste of time and money. Disgraceful customer service. 1 star is too many. Booked this in October. My bank card was cloned in Nov and the payment for the remaining balance due the day before obviously was declined due to the bank having now issued a replacement with different details. Attempted to contact the tour operator via TripAdvisor message, rang the number left a voice message and sent a text. I re-booked in a panic as this was meant to be a Christmas treat for my family. Didn't realise it had defaulted the time to 8pm. I tried to change the time online and it cancelled and said the £112.50 was non refundable. I tried ringing multiple times and left another voice message and sent another text. No one answered or responded. Eventually about an hour and half before the start time a person who was just passing by answered the phone. Said he would ask a manager if we could still go on the tour and ring me back. He did. He said no guarantees but we could try. We were only allowed on the bottom of the bus. We could see no Christmas lights at all. Hear none of the audio commentary that the top level was getting and it was absurd. A complete waste of time and money. Utter lack of customer service and communication. Read more Written 29 December 2023
• missm812 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Don't waste your money So disappointing. Waited for a long time, bus finally arrived...no commentary, no explanation when it stopped and the engine was turned off. It appeared the remaining stops has been cancelled due to roadworks in the area of Picadilly circus, so the plan was for the bus to turn around and do the same route we had just done. This was only communicated when we went to locate the driver to enquire why we were no longer moving. Don't waste your money. You can catch a local bus for 1/10th of the price and do this exact trip without having to wait 30 minutes for the bus to show up. Read more Written 17 December 2023
• Jeffus89 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun on a Route Master 1964 Very enjoyable the Conductor was very knowledgeable and great fun. The price was right and for just under the hour where you could drop off and jump back on its ideal as part of you London experience. Read more Written 27 August 2023
• 378tjb 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good experience. Fun way to travel around London. There is a conductor on board who is very knowledgeable but only narrates if few people are onboard. Given the price, it is well worth it. Read more Written 25 August 2023
• stevesC6124LD 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Awful don’t recommend Bus was late even with minimal traffic. The person at the back was dressed like a child with all them badges looks very unprofessional. Didn’t tell us where we are just kept singing. Read more Written 12 May 2023

More to explore in London

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Hop-on Hop-off London Routemaster Bus Tour provided by London: Ride a Routemaster Bus Sightseeing Tour

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There’s a new regular London bus route using vintage Routemasters

Route A will run between Piccadilly Circus and Waterloo via Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the London Eye

Along with red phone boxes, red post boxes and M&Ms World, nothing says ‘London’ like a red double-decker bus. Specifically, the classic Routemaster, which was the staple of London’s bus routes for 50 years. Introduced in 1956, the Routemaster was still in everyday service until 2005, and continued running on ‘heritage’ routes until 2021. A real trouper. So beloved was the classic design that it inspired the creation of Thomas Heatherwick’s ‘New Bus for London’, one of then-mayor Boris Johnson’s grand projects. A design, that while uniquely striking, is in all fairness is probably not going to be running on our streets in 2070.

Now, though, there is a new chance to experience the heyday of the Routemaster. A company called ‘Londoner Buses’ is starting a new regular bus route in central London entirely equipped with vintage Routemasters. The line, which will be known as Route A, will run from Piccadilly Circus to Waterloo Station and back, taking in Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards, Parliament Square and Big Ben, and the London Eye en route. So it’s aimed fairly and squarely at the tourist Instagram market. And why not?

After all, if you’re going to get a hop-on, hop-off bus experience in the West End, you might as well travel authentically rather than on something emblazoned with a massive Union Jack and with no roof.

Route A will run every 20 minutes, with 14 stops along the route. Tickets are £5 a day, with unlimited use, so it’s pretty good value (certainly beats a rickshaw). However, bear in mind that you CANNOT use Oyster cards on the new service, cos it’s not run by Tfl, innit.

So bounce around on an ancient London bus over the heritage potholes of Westminster, trying not to think about the post-apocalyptic landscape.

Londoners Buses ’ Route A runs between Piccadilly Circus and Waterloo via Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the London Eye. £5.

The Paddington Bear statue at Paddington station has been moved after a protest . 

Take a look inside the spectacular renovation of Battersea Power Station .

• Chris Waywell Deputy Editor, Time Out London

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The Ghost Bus Tours London

The Ghost Bus Tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adult = £25.00

Child (5 – 15 years) = £17.00

Family (2 adults + 2 children) = £63.00

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

T’s And C’s

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

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

Scott Monument

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

Calton Hill

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

Grassmarket

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

The Royal Mile

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

Parliament Building

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

Holyrood Park

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

St. Giles Cathedral

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

Greyfriar’s Church

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

Greyfriar’s Bobby

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

Edinburgh Castle

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

St. Cuthbert’s Grave

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

Knavesmire Gallows

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

Terry’s Chocolate Factory

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

Dick Turpin’s Grave

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

Clifford’s Tower

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

Golden Fleece Pub

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

The Shambles

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

Black Swan Pub

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

York Minister

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

St Crux Parish Church

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

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

St.Mary’s Abbey

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

Holyrood Palace

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

Tower Bridge

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

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

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

Tower of London

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

St. Paul Catherdral

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

Downing Street

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

Buckingham Palace

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

Westminster Abbey

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

Trafalger Square

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

Classic Routemaster Bus

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

High Class Customer Care

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

Afternoon tea on vintage Routemaster bus lets you tour iconic London landmarks while indulging

Brigit's Bakery pairs a delicious menu with London's best sights

• 08:00, 24 APR 2022

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There’s nothing better than a little sandwich, a tiny cup of tea, and cute cakes, stacked up on a stunning afternoon tea stand, enjoyed with a glass or two of prosecco on a Sunday. For Brits, afternoon tea is a staple - good enough to take your grandma for her birthday, or just deserved because you had a hard week.

But if us foodie Londoners love anything, we love to be extravagant. And what if I told you that afternoon tea has now gone a step further - and you can indulge on a London bus. That’s right, Brigit’s Bakery allows you to enjoy all the delights of afternoon tea while taking in London’s sights.

On the bus tour, you get given a range of delicious sandwiches, cakes and pastries, and take a classic route through the city. On the tour you get to see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park , The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street and more.

READ MORE: Afternoon tea expert who drinks 8 cups a day on whether milk goes in first and the best tea you can drink

On the menu for the traditional bus tour are pastrami and gherkin burgers, ham, cheese and mustard mayo finger sandwiches, cucumber, cream cheese and mint, smoked salmon pretzels with cream cheese, and feta, pepper and sun-dried tomato muffins.

They’ve also got every tea you can dream of - from Earl Grey to Darjeeling and Jasmine Tea - or coffee and hot chocolate, if that floats your boat. And of course, it wouldn’t be afternoon tea without freshly baked scones, topped with clotted cream and jam.

The tour lasts around 90 minutes (depending on traffic), and costs upwards of around £45 per person, or £35 for children. It’s incredibly child friendly, and is suitable for ages 5+, so might be the perfect birthday present for your little one.

The buses depart from either Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square, and start at 12.00, 12.30, 13.00, 14.30, 15.00, 15.30, or 17.00. If this sounds like something your best mate might like, you can also grab a gift voucher.

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The Best Red Bus for Hire — Routemaster Hire Ltd

Red bus routemaster hire for london and the home counties.

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Oh, what transport of delight

Taking a trip with us is truly taking a trip down memory lane with all the sense of occasion, well-being and nostalgia. It’s a celebration of years gone by, revisiting childhoods.

RoutemasterHire is a family ‘lovingly-run’ London red bus hire company — for whom professional, premium service, authenticity and real passenger pleasure are top-deck.

Our own vehicles

We don’t hire buses from other owners or operators for your occasions. Our vehicles are our own, our pride and joy — rigorously maintained and authentically restored.

People with plans, dreams and expectations

We work with:

• Prom debutantes
• Corporate event managers
• Party planners
• Exhibition and road-show organisers
• Festival planners

Above board, on board, up front

We pride ourselves on our impeccable London buses, our courteous and timely client service and our reliability:

• Above board — properly PSV licensed and Operators’ License, Routemaster experienced drivers, rigorous vehicle maintenance, VOSA compliant, fully insured
• On board — with your ideas, visions, expectations
• Up front — with everything we do for you, honestly and sincerely, especially regarding passenger safety

A ticket to ride

• Quality service delivered with a smile and with professionalism and courtesy
• Collaboration with you on perfect planning — for the perfect occasion
• Suggest different tour routes and themes to individualise the experience
• Offer ideas for historical or memory lane trips

Wedding Bus Hire

Make your wedding extra memorable with a vintage double decker bus taking the bride to the ceremony & then the guests to the reception.

Prom Bus Hire

There’s no better way to get 70 adults safely to a Prom Night, Party or Ball. Your guests will mingle while they are en-route to your venue.

Corporate Event Bus Hire

Our Corporate Event Bus Hire will make your event standout and has luxurious interiors for presenting and entertaining during your event.

London Tour Bus Hire

Take your guests on a Bus tour of London from the best sights to the top shopping destinations, with tour guide pointing out all the areas of interest.

• Your Name * First Last
• Your Email *
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• Reason for hire * Wedding Corporate Event Party Christmas Party Sporting Event Prom London Tour Funeral Static Bus
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• Number of guests:
• Date of hire * Day Month Year
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• How did you find us Google Facebook Twitter Magazine Exhibition Previous Customer Word of Mouth See you on the Road

• Wedding Hire
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• Included with your Hire
• Personalised Destination Blind
• Personalised Bus Tickets
• Host Service

Classic Routemaster

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

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

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

Regal AEC Single Deck

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

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

Modern Double Decker

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

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

Coaches & Minibuses

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

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

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Take a tour on T15 & ride on a London icon

Our Heritage Route T15  links Trafalgar Square with Tower Hill and gives you the chance to ride on a London icon whilst also serving some of London's top vistitor attractions.

Ride a Routemaster, see London...

Travel around London and see the sights aboard the world's most famous type of bus - a red London Routemaster.

Introduced in 1956 to the streets of London, 2760 of these fine buses operated in the capital until 2005 when the last examples retired from normal service. They became symbols of the city and as much an icon of London as the tourist attractions you will see on this tour of the city.

This tour starts at either Trafalgar Square or Tower Hill, both with easy access from London Underground lines but you can hop-on or off at any of our stopping places. We pass Covent Garden, Royal Courts of Justice, St.Paul's Cathedral, Monument, Tower of London & Tower Bridge.

TRAFALGAR SQ | ALDWYCH | ST.PAUL'S | MONUMENT | TOWER HILL

Downloads:    T15 Leaflet       T15 Timetable

Sight see ing london.

Hop-on, see London aboard probably the most famous type of bus in the world!

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hop-on, hop-off

The Routemaster is the original hop-on, hop-off style bus - there's plenty of stops along the way.

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Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations Instead

O ne of the world's greatest cities, London is packed with tourist attractions so impressive that you'll want to add them all to your itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace to the Churchill War Rooms, the list of unmissable landmarks seems endless. Don't worry, though -- it's possible to visit most of them in just a two-day trip . When you're on a tight schedule, it's important to avoid time- and money-wasting tourist traps in favor of visiting sites that are worthy of your attention. 

Whether it's an overrated and overpriced wax museum, a kitschy dungeon experience, or a super crowded viewpoint, there are many places to avoid visiting in the U.K.'s heady capital. The confusing part? Some of them top multiple lists of must-see attractions. That's where we come in. 

As someone who lived in this captivating English city for six years, I have first-hand knowledge of the biggest tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London. Plus, I can offer more impressive (and often less costly) destinations to visit instead. Don't want to take my word for it? No problem. I combined my first-hand knowledge with reviews and suggestions from other locals to create this list.

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus

While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in London, you can expect to pay over $50 per adult for a one-day pass. Instead, board a London bus, which will cost less than $7 for a day of travel. Bus fare for one ride is about $2 and the daily cap is under $7. To pay for their ride, visitors must use a contactless card or an Oyster Card, the visitor's version of which can be purchased online and mailed to your home before you leave.

Double-decker London buses offer spectacular city views, with many routes passing right by London's landmark attractions. One of our faves is the historic Routemaster Bus 15, which we suggest boarding at the Tower of London. Hop on at Great Tower Street (Stop TT) and ride west to Charing Cross Station. Be sure to sit up top for the best views along this heritage route -– you can't miss St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus 24 is another great option for sightseers. Hop on at Victoria Station and ride it to Camden High Street. Along the way, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's Parade, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Grab a bite at Camden Market when you disembark or stay on until you reach Hampstead Heath where you can catch unbeatable views of the city.

Skip Madame Tussauds And Visit Buckingham Palace

It may tout itself as a top London attraction, but Madame Tussauds would be more honest if they said they were the top rip-off site. Booking in advance will save some money -- the standard online rate for an adult begins at just over $47 versus the walk-up price, which begins at almost $60. But that's still a lot of quid to dish out for wandering around an overcrowded and noisy space filled with okay-ish wax replicas of A- and B-list celebs. Yes, it's fun to take photos with the royal family and fool friends into thinking you met them IRL, but is it worth it? We don't think so.

Instead, we suggest visiting Buckingham Palace for a potential King Charles III sighting. Realistically, you probably won't spy a royal outside the palace, but at least you'll see a historic monument up close. Celebrities more your thing? Book a reservation at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Chiltern Firehouse has hosted acting greats Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as well as soccer superstar David Beckham. 34 Mayfair is another good bet for great food and celeb spotting. Imelda Staunton and royal family members have all eaten here.

Skip Changing Of The Guard And Visit The Queen's Gallery

While you should add Buckingham Palace to your list of must-see London tourist attractions, you may want to avoid a visit during the Changing of the Guard. This formal ceremony marks the change between the old guard (on-duty soldiers) and new guard (soldiers taking over duty) for the royal palaces. Marching with a band from Wellington Barracks to the Palace, the new guard will arrive at the palace at about 10:45 a.m. A well-known event, this is a big tourist draw, which means you can expect hefty crowds queuing up an hour or more in advance, as well as pickpockets who arrive to take advantage of the chaotic atmosphere. This tourist trap, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, is one you'll be happy to miss. Sadly, watching this famed ceremony these days feels more like witnessing an overhyped marching band than it does an esteemed historic ritual.

Instead, ditch the crowds and glimpse art from the Royal Collection in the Queen's Gallery or visit the Royal Mews , where you can see the royal stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation. The Mews are open Thursday through Monday from early March to early November. Neighboring St. James Park is another interesting place to visit. One of London's famed Royal Parks, it is bordered by three palaces and boasts a fabulous view of Buckingham Palace in particular.

Skip Platform 9 ¾ At King's Cross Station And Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London

If you're traveling with a Harry Potter-obsessed kid, you may want to visit Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station. But if you're alone, or with other adults who couldn't care less, we advise you to skip this overrated tourist trap. If you're already planning to be in King's Cross Station and have time to scope out this attraction, that's one thing; but if you're traveling there with the sole purpose of visiting this site, think twice. 

Set between platforms 9 and 10 (obvs) this point of interest includes nothing but a brick wall denoted with a sign. Stuck into the wall is part of a trolley loaded with fake suitcases and an empty owl cage. Those hoping for a quick photo and to score some Potter swag will be pleased;  the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is open daily, even on bank holidays, and it sells everything from wands to clothes to makeup. 

For those who'd rather have an unforgettable and truly magical Harry Potter experience, though, head to Warner Brothers Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter in nearby Leavesden. Instead of merely looking at a wall, visitors can board the Hogwarts Express, "fly" on a broomstick, walk through the Great Hall, and explore the Forbidden Forest. Step foot in Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer, or check out some of the film's famous props and costumes. You won't be sorry you visited.

Skip London Dungeon And Visit The Tower Of London

No matter how much the kids beg you to visit the London Dungeon, stay strong and just say "no." This kitschy tourist trap is a waste of your hard-earned money (tickets start at over $37 for adults) and it's so hokey you'll roll your eyes more times than you can count on both hands. This pitiful attraction is peppered with costume-clad actors who like to scream and cackle and its two rides (the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and the Tyrant Boat Ride) will make you wish you were at Walt Disney World; even "It's a Small World" would be more enjoyable. An escape room has also been added to increase the venue's income stream –- it costs $153 for a private game for six people.

Want a historic experience with a side of chills? Head to the Tower of London instead. There, you can tour the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with the stretching machine (a.k.a. the rack) and other ancient torture devices in the Lower Wakefield Tower. The Bloody Tower is another point of interest you won't want to miss. The most infamous prison on the grounds, this is where you'll learn about the alleged murder of two young princes -– Edward V and his little brother Richard –- by their uncle, Richard III.

Skip The London Bridge Experience And Visit Churchill War Rooms

Looking for a good spooking? Do yourself a favor and skip The London Bridge Experience. A tourist trap designed to bring the city's macabre history to life with the help of actors with a penchant for jump scares, you can expect to meet zombie-like versions of ghastly heavyweights Jack the Ripper and William Wallace during your visit. Tickets cost about $37 for the experience, which takes anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes. That means you could be spending more than $1 a minute. Entry fees also include a trip to the London Tombs, deemed the U.K.'s "best scare attraction," according to their site . Zombified dentists, doctors, and creepy clowns await visitors in the lower vaults of this venue, ready to pounce and scream in your face.

Instead, we suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Also located underground, this fascinating historic facility is part of the Imperial War Museums. Located in the basement of Whitehall, this once-secret complex was used by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, top government ministers, and military planners to conduct meetings and develop plans during the country's war effort during World War II. Known as the Cabinet War Rooms, this clandestine spot was used daily during the war, until August 16, 1945. Or experience that stomach drop feeling by walking the glass floors at Tower Bridge. Set nearly 138 feet above the Thames, the views are both terrifying and impressive. Tickets cost under $16 per adult. 

Skip The Sherlock Holmes Museum And Visit The Sherlock Holmes Pub

We don't recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum unless you have a detective-obsessed kid who doesn't realize that the famed character is fictional. Set inside a Georgian townhouse at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone, this four-story museum has been open since 1990. Inside lie antique furnishings mentioned in the books and pretty creepy-looking mannequins. Tickets cost over $21 which isn't exorbitant, especially for London, but considering you won't be there long (the museum's quite small), this seems a bit of a waste.

Instead, head to The Sherlock Holmes  in St James. Self-described as a "Victorian-themed public house," this watering hole features a recreated version of the famed fictional detective's apartment upstairs. The entire pub is dotted with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved books, making it easy to feel as if you're within the pages. Plus, there's a beer garden –- the museum certainly doesn't have one of those.

Skip The SEA Life London Aquarium And Visit The London Zoo

You'll find everything you'd expect to see at the SEA Life London Aquarium. From penguins to sharks to turtles, they're all there. And as far as aquariums go, this is a pretty good one. But when you're in one of the world's greatest cities that lies on the banks of a river, not an ocean, there are plenty of better things to see. Standard tickets to the Sea Life London Aquarium cost $24 online or $51 at the door. Again, that's pretty on par for London attractions, however, it's a steep price to pay for a tourist trap. 

Instead, visit London Zoo in Regent's Park. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, this family-friendly attraction was opened in 1828 for fellows of the Zoological Society of London. In 1847, the public was invited to visit. Today, the zoo is home to 14,0000 animals including a giant, 425-pound silverback gorilla, Sumatran tigers, and Linne's two-toed sloths. While tickets aren't cheap (an adult will cost about $40 to visit on a weekday), it's easy to spend a whole day here. Or, if you aren't willing to part with that much cash, visit the smaller, and lesser-known, Battersea Park Children's Zoo . Adult tickets are more reasonably priced, at $16. There are over 100 animals at this little zoo, including wallabies, meerkats, otters, and lemurs, and plenty of opportunities to interact with animals like coatis, donkeys, and goats.

Skip The Shard And Visit Level 10 At The Tate Modern

There's no denying that The Shard is impressive. In fact, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the world . The viewing platform was opened by the queen on February 1, 2013, with the main restaurants (Aqua, Oblix, and Hutong) following suit that summer. Set across the Thames from another bucket-list-worthy London building, the Gherkin, this engineering masterpiece towers 1,016 feet above the city and boasts 11,000 glass panels. 

Dubbed a "vertical city," there's plenty to do inside, like spend serious coin on a meal with a view, or zip up one of the 44 elevators to the viewing platform. That 360-degree view will cost you, though -- about $36, or more if you add a glass of champagne. And if you visit on a day that's rainy or misty (honestly, London is often both of those things), you're basically paying for a ride in a lift.

Instead, head to Level 10 at Tate Modern, where you can enjoy a drink or snack (including sandwiches and salads) while ogling the impressive view of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, and Blackfriar's Bridge. You won't have to pay a thing unless you choose to grab a bite or a warm cuppa. The Skygarden at 20 Fenchurch Street is another must-visit for a free skyline vista. The highest public garden in London, this leafy space is as stunning as its views are remarkable.

Skip The London Eye And Visit Hamstead Heath

We are well aware that some of you will disagree with this addition to our list of tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London, but hear us out. Yes, the London Eye is iconic. Yes, it offers fantastic views of the city. And yes, it's deemed a top London attraction you won't want to miss . That said, visiting this popular landmark can cause more headaches than enjoyment. First created as a temporary point of interest, this 443-foot-tall, "cantilevered observation wheel" is the largest of its kind in the world, according to its website . And if you catch a ride on one of its 32 pods on a sunny day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The problem is that thousands of others have the same idea, which means you could stand in line for more than two hours on a particularly busy day. Standard tickets start at over $32 online or more than $57 for a walk-up.

Instead, visit Hampstead Heath for a unique city view you probably never knew existed. Parliament Hill stands over 321 feet tall, making it one of the highest natural points in the city. If the weather is ideal, you can see to the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. Speaking of the Gherkin, it's another great spot to enjoy unparalleled views. Grab a drink and snack at Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin , then relax with a side order of stunning vistas.

Skip Harrods And Visit Peter Jones And Liberty

Harrods is to London as the Colosseum is to Rome -– a historic icon that's become synonymous with the city. The world's most famous luxury department store, this Knightsbridge institution is impossible to miss -– it's eight floors tall and an entire block long, not to mention over one million square feet in size. Inside, you'll find 20 restaurants, a beauty salon, a bank, and 300 separate departments selling over 5,000 brands. You'll also see price tags so high you might suffer sticker shock. Due to its notoriety, Harrods is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the plush interior.

If you're hoping to shop during your London holiday, there are plenty of excellent places to visit instead. Sloane Square is home to the Peter Jones & Partners department store. Owned by John Lewis, this vast shop is filled with enough enticing merchandise that you'll find it tough to leave empty-handed. Grab a bite at The Top Floor Restaurant (on the 6 th floor) for captivating views of Chelsea and beyond.

Liberty is another recognizable landmark located on Regent Street. A heritage-listed building; this stunning Tudor-style store is as beautiful outside as it is indoors. Built between 1922 and 1924, it is worth a visit, if only to admire the impressive architectural features (the price tags here are also quite shocking).

Our Ranking Methodology

Having lived in London for six years with two young children, I visited pretty much every tourist attraction the city has. From renowned points of interest like the Tower of London to remarkable museums, I've seen the top sightseeing destinations multiple times, including many kitschy tourist traps I wish I'd skipped. To create this list, I used my experiences at these attractions to determine which locales are tourist traps that should be avoided and I included alternatives that are more than worthy of your time and money. I also consulted reviews from other locals and travelers, as well as their tips, to ensure the list is solid.

Read the original article on Explore .

Last Years of the London Routemaster

Publisher description.

The last decade of Routemaster bus operation in London saw over seven hundred surviving RMs and RMLs divided between several new companies following the privatization of London Buses Ltd’s subsidiaries in 1994. Now operating their existing twenty routes under contract to LRT (renamed TfL in 2000), Centrewest, Metroline, MTL London Northern, Leaside Buses, Stagecoach East London, South London, London Central, London General and London United all adopted their own predominantly red liveries, but by the turn of the century these firms had clustered in pairs and generally sold out to the emerging big corporate groups. Two independents, BTS and Kentish Bus, had also won a Routemaster route each and were similarly brought under the control of larger parents. In this photographic archive, each company’s last Routemaster-operating decade is outlined in detail up to when each route was converted to OPO one by one between 29 August 2003 and 9 December 2005. The two heritage routes are then explored all the way up to their own end in 2019.

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