4 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Our London classic tour takes in all the essential sites of London plus some extras, all in the comfort of a traditional London black taxi cab, complete with a panoramic roof for better touring experience. With access to most bus lanes, taxi ranks and our ability to stop, turn and park in places forbidden for other road users, means that we have unprecedented access to the streets of London. We run tours in English and 6 other languages, curated and produced by us, combining over 30 years experience in the touring business. Other languages are available on request. Every London cabbie has passed the fiendishly difficult "knowledge" of London. This involves knowing every street within a 10 kilometre radius of central London, plus over 20,000 points of interest. You can be assured therefore that you are in safe and capable hands for great tour of London.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Parking Fees
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
What To Expect
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch. Originally built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, the palace became an official royal palace with the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. Today, it stands as a symbol of the British monarchy, hosting state occasions and royal hospitality, with its State Rooms open to the public during the summer months. Look for the guards outside in their famous bear-skin hats. Find out about the man who broke into the palace and found the Queen's bedroom.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
St. James's (Pass By)
St. James’s is the oldest of the Royal Parks in London. The landscape includes a lake that serves as a wildlife sanctuary for ducks, geese, swans, and even pelicans. One king kept two pet crocodiles here! The park’s history dates back to the reign of King Henry VIII and has been shaped by several monarchs, making it a serene retreat with a regal backdrop.
Queen Victoria Memorial (Pass By)
The Victoria Memorial, located at the end of The Mall in London, is a grand monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, designed by the sculptor Sir Thomas Brock. Unveiled in 1911, it features a central pylon of Pentelic marble and statues in Lasa marble and gilt bronze, symbolizing the virtues of the late queen. The memorial, which weighs 2,300 tonnes and stands 25 meters high, was part of an ambitious urban planning scheme that included the creation of the Queen’s Gardens.
Green Park (Pass By)
There are many stories about Green Park, including a haunted tree and a jealous queen. Developed by Charles the second over 350 years ago the park is a serene haven of mature trees and grasslands, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.
Whitehall (Pass By)
Whitehall is known for housing numerous government departments and being synonymous with the British Government itself. Whitehall has been the site of many historical events, including the execution of King Charles I. Look for the "Cavalry Blacks", horses standing guard mounted by soldiers dressed in their splendid ceremonial uniforms.
10 Downing Street (Pass By)
Downing Street is renowned for housing the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Built in the 1680s by Sir George Downing, it has been at the heart of British political power for over three centuries. The street is also a symbol of the British Government, with Number 10 serving as the Prime Minister’s home.
Old Admiralty Building (Pass By)
The Old Admiralty Building is over 300 years old. The wires on the top of the building were once used to send messages down to the fleet in Portsmouth. It was here that Admiral Nelson's body was retrieved from a barrel of brandy following his death at the battle of Trafalgar. Suspiciously about a third of the brandy was missing. Find out why on the tour.
Banqueting House (Pass By)
Designed by the architect Inigo Jones and completed in 1622 Banqueting House is renowned for its stunning ceiling painted by Peter Paul Rubens and is the only remaining part of the Palace of Whitehall. It was through this room that Charles the first passed on his way to his execution in 1649. The Banqueting House was also home to Henry the eighth's wine-cellar.
Great Scotland Yard (Pass By)
Great Scotland Yard was originally the site of buildings used by Scottish royalty and diplomatic representatives when visiting the English court1. It became famous as the original headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service of London, leading to the name “Scotland Yard” becoming synonymous with the police service. The street has a rich history, having housed notable figures such as architects Inigo Jones and Christopher Wren, and poet John Milton.
Big Ben (Pass By)
Officially called the Elizabeth tower after the late Queen, Big Ben refers to the 13 1/2 ton bell inside made in Whitechapel bell foundry, the same foundry which cast the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Half way up the tower there's a prison and a light inside indicates that the House of Commons is in session.
Houses of Parliament
The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is the seat of two parliamentary houses, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The current Gothic Revival palace, designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, was constructed in the mid-19th century after a great fire destroyed much of the original building. Westminster hall, however, remains. This was the site of many dramatic events in English history including the trial of Guy Fawkes, the man who tried to blow up Parliament and the trial of Charles the first.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Parliament Square (Pass By)
Statues of all the major political figures from all over the world adorn the square. Abraham Lincoln, Gandi, and Nelson Mandela are honoured here. The most famous of all is Winston Churchill, Britain's wartime leader.
Westminster Abbey (Pass By)
The Nation's church, founded in 1066 is where every King and Queen of England, with just two exceptions, were crowned. It is also a place of royal marriages, funerals and burials. Of the many famous people buried here, there's one buried standing up. Find out why on our tour.
Buxton Memorial Fountain (Pass By)
The Buxton Memorial Fountain commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the British Empire in 1834 and honouring the parliamentarians who campaigned for abolition1. Designed by Charles Buxton in collaboration with neo-Gothic architect Samuel Sanders Teulon, it was unveiled in 1865, coinciding with the United States’ Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery. Originally located in Parliament Square, the memorial was moved to Victoria Tower Gardens in 1957 and has undergone several restorations, the latest being in 2007.
Boudiccan Rebellion (Pass By)
James Thorneycroft statue commemorates the queen who led a resistance against the Romans in Britain 2,000 years ago. This rather fanciful statue features horses modelled on Prince Albert's own.
Lambeth Palace (Pass By)
The home of the archbishop of Canterbury in London. The brick towers are over 500 years old. This is the archbishop's residence in London, and parts of the building are over 750 years old.
Trafalgar Square (Pass By)
Dominated by Nelson's column, this square commemorates England's greatest naval hero. The lions at the base were added later. The sculptor never saw a lion in real life and supposedly they're based on his pet Labrador dogs.
Canada House (Pass By)
This is Oceanic house, once owned by the White Star Line, operators of the ill-fated Titanic. Today is is part of Canadian High Commission. The libertine Casanova was once entertained here.
Birdcage Walk (Pass By)
This pleasant avenue runs to the south of Saint James's Park. Named after the birds kept here during the reign of James the first, birdcage walk features Wellington barracks to the south, home to the five foot regiments who guard the palace. On the other side is saint James's Park where tame parakeets can be hand fed.
Admiralty Arch (Pass By)
Sir Aston Webb's High Empire Arch of 1905 is exactly 1/2 a nautical mile from Buckingham Palace. The style is known as High Empire. The offices of the first sea lord are in the north of the arch.
Churchill War Rooms (Pass By)
A secret underground bunker from where Winston Churchill directed the allies war effort in the second world war. Built in 1940 the war rooms, the rooms remained a secret until opened to the general public in 1984.
Pall Mall (Pass By)
Named after a fashionable game from the late 1600s, Pall Mall is home of the elitist gentlemen's clubs. Gastronomic delights invented in the kitchens within these clubs include the beef wellington, steak and kidney pie and the humble sandwich were invented here. Some of the clubs achieved a notoriety for gambling; one member boasting he could ride to Edinburgh on horse backwards.
St. James's Palace (Pass By)
Built by Henry VIII for his second wife, Anne Boleyn, 500 years ago, this palace is still a royal residence and all foreign diplomats report to saint James's palace. Following a fire in Whitehall in 1698, the royal family moved into this palace and remained here for the next 150 years.
Berry Bros. & Rudd (Pass By)
The wine merchants set up business here in the seventeenth century where Henry the eighth once had his tennis courts. Inside Berry Brothers and Rudd there are some massive scale where famous people from over 200 years ago had themselves weighed. The second floor is where the state of Texas has its legation during the brief time it was an independent state.
John Lobb (Pass By)
This is where the great and the good have had their shoes made for over 250 years. Shoes are made in blocks of wood known as "sets" and the shore is built around it. These shoes are said to last a lifetime, and when you see the price you'll understand why.
D. R. Harris & Co Piccadilly (Pass By)
Known for their hangover cures, this is the oldest pharmacy in London. D.R. Harris and company are known for the gentleman's grooming products.
Piccadilly Circus (Pass By)
The Time Square of London, famous for its electronic billboards and the statue of Eros, the first aluminium statue in the world. Built in 1891, it was the first aluminium statue in the world, and commemorates Lord Shaftesbury, a British Prime Minister of the mid nineteenth century, who did much to alleviate the conditions of the poor, particularly children. The electronic advertising hoardings started in 1908 and they are the largest in Europe, containing 281 trillion colours from 11 million pixels.
Mayfair (Pass By)
The fair that was once held was banned in the late 1600s for its rowdiness. From that time onwards townhouses were developed for wealthy residents. Look for the arcades, covered shopping areas over 200 years old patrolled by the beadles in their nineteenth century uniforms.
Burlington House (Pass By)
Lord Burlington's London home now houses the Royal Academy of Arts. Some of the world's most famous contemporary artists exhibit here within the splendid neo-Palladian building.
Fortnum & Mason (Pass By)
Founded over 300 years ago Fortnum and Mason's is one of London's most famous department store. They are purveyors of luxury goods to the Royal family. Their Christmas hampers are world renowned as are their scotch eggs which were invented here.
Hyde Park Corner (Pass By)
The massive statue of an angel surmounting a chariot was unveiled in 1913. The statue is so large that a dinner party for eight people was held within one of the horses. Only members of the Royal Family and the household guard are permitted to pass through the arch beneath.
Apsley House (Pass By)
Home to the Duke of Wellington, victor over Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo in 1815. By the staircase is a massive 5 metre statue of the Duke's adversary, Napoleon. The Duke was nicknamed to iron duke. Find out why on our tour.
Park Lane (Pass By)
This London thoroughfare links Constitutional and Marble arch. Along the east side of Park lane are some of London's most prestigious hotels. On the west side is Hyde Park, the largest of London's central parks.
Marble Arch (Pass By)
John Nash's masterpiece from over 200 years ago stands at the site of the old Tyburn Hill, a place of execution for over 700 years. The arch once stood outside Buckingham palace but was moved during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Bayswater (Pass By)
North carriage drive to the south of Bayswater road is said to be haunted by a bus! This road was originally built by the Romans 2,000 years and links London to the university city of Oxford. J.M. Barrie, the children's author lived on this road and wrote his classic children's novel "Peter Pan" here.
Hyde Park (Pass By)
The largest of London's many parks and gardens, Hyde park was once the hunting ground of Henry the eighth. The park you see today was landscaped in the early 1700s and the Serpentine lake was created. It was here that the Great Exhibition of 1851 was held and the memorial to man who made it such a success, Prince Albert, can be seen here.
Serpentine Galleries (Pass By)
Award winning galleries featuring works by some of the world's most famous artists.
Serpentine Boating Lake (Pass By)
An artificial Lake created over 300 years ago was the centre piece of Charles Bridgeman revolutionary development of Hyde Park. The lake was created by damming up the river Westbourne which flows into the river Thames. There's a lovely view to the east of the London Eye.
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain
Built at a cost of £3.2 million this granite memorial commemorates the life of Diana, Princess of Wales. The fountain has two courses of water which meet up at the bottom. The fountain is said to reflect Diana's life of turbulence and calm.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Albert Memorial
Probably the best example of gothic revival architecture, this memorial commemorates the life of Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria. The memorial was built during the height of the British Empire. The four figures at the base represent the Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas where Britain's presence was felt throughout the nineteenth century.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Royal Albert Hall
The Albert Hall hosts the Proms; a summer long celebration of classical music. The 8,000 seat auditorium is oval in shape and also hosts circuses and rock concerts. The distinctive dome is largest unsupported glass dome in the world.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Kensington Palace
Once the home of Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince William and Princess Kate, this palace was birthplace of Queen Victoria. The palace is over 300 years built for Queen Mary and her husband, William, Duke of Orange. The palace is open to the public and features a costume museum.
2 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Natural History Museum (Pass By)
This splendid neo-gothic building dates back to the late Victorian age and the style reflects "High Church" architecture, popular at this time. The museum has over 80 million specimens. Exhibits include animatronic dinosaurs and Charles Darwen's octopus.
Science Museum (Pass By)
The science museum features many of the world's inventions, including the first steam locomotive and the earliest computer. Also exhibited here is the car that made the first motor journey in Britain and a collection of veteran airplanes.
V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum (Pass By)
Once described as the nation's handbag, this museum features a curious collection of art from all over the world. There are over 2.3 million exhibits from all over the world, spanning 5,000 years of human history. Like most museums in this area, entrance is free to the general public.
Harrods (Pass By)
Arguably the world's most department store, Harrods reputation is second to none in accessing provisions for their most demanding customers. Their motto is; something for someone, everywhere. It was the first building in the country to have escalators and a man with a wooden leg was employed to go up and down it, to demonstrate it was quite safe to use.
Belgravia (Pass By)
Much of the land around here is owned by the Grosvenor family, who inspired the character of the grinning Cheshire cat. Find out why on this tour. Belgravia is home to many of London's embassies.
Royal Mews (Pass By)
The Royal Mews is where the King keeps his carriages which can be seen by the public on selected dates throughout the year. 24 of the King's horses are stabled here, attended by 12 grooms. Also on display is rare Rolls Royce, a gift from the society of motor manufacturers to the late Queen Elizabeth the second.
Lambeth Bridge (Pass By)
Look out for the pineapples on top of the columns, the emblem of the borough of Lambeth. There are some great views towards the Houses of Parliament. This was an ancient fording point, going back over 4,000 years and once had a horse ferry until this bridge was built.
Lambeth Palace (Pass By)
The home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth palace is distinguished by the brick tower gateway built over 500 years ago. The river Thames once went up to the wall and the archbishop would have arrived by boat. The gardens are only accessible by nurses in the nearby Saint Thomas's hospital.
Florence Nightingale Museum (Pass By)
Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing established a school here 150 years ago. A small museum is dedicated to her memory where you can see her famous lamp and pet owl, Athena. Florence Nightingale also approved the hospital's design.
County Hall (Pass By)
Once the home of London's government, this building has over 8 kilometres of corridors and is home to the London aquarium. When the foundations were being dug in the 1920s an almost intact Roman galley was found from 2,000 years ago. The lion standing outside County Hall is made from Coade stone.
Westminster Bridge (Pass By)
"Earth has not anything to show more fair", wrote the poet William Wordsworth on Westminster bridge. There are some great views towards "Big Ben" from this bridge. The coloured canopies of the Houses of Parliament nearby feature the liveries of the Commons and the Lords.
London Eye (Pass By)
Built to commemorate the millennium, the London Eye is now London's most popular tourist attraction with over 3.5 million visitors a year, one of the tallest observation wheels in the world. The wheel is over 100 metres in height and has 32 pods which can hold up to 12 people at a time. It takes half an hour to make a full revolution.
Thames River (Pass By)
The Thames is the second oldest place name in the English language, named by Julius Caesar following his invasion over 2,000 years ago. Although only just over 300 kilometres in length, the river was once the busiest in the world. The river has changed greatly since Victorian times, when it was up to three times wider than it is today.
Sir Joseph Bazalgette Memorial (Pass By)
The man who built London's sewage system and drastically altered the shape of the Thames. Before Bazelgette's great engineering project the Thames was a foul smelling and dangerous river. The 100 kilometre embankments along the Thames greatly altered the flow and nature of the Thames.
Cleopatra's Needle (Pass By)
A gift from the Turkish viceroy of Egypt Cleopatras needle is a 4,000 year old Obelisk said to be jinxed! Look at the base on the obelisk and you'll see shrapnel damage from one of the first bombs to land on British soil dropped by a Zeppelin in the first world war. Buried beneath the obelisk is a time capsule, depicting England's most beautiful women of the time.
Waterloo Bridge (Pass By)
Known as the ladies bridge, this was built during the second world war when the men were away fighting. There are some great views to both the City and Westminster from this bridge. The bridge is made from a self cleaning stone from the isle of Portland on England's south coast.
Aldwych Area (Pass By)
Meaning "the old port" in old English this area of London is home to the London School of Economics, one the country's most prestigious universities. We are on the edge of the theatre district here. Covent garden is also close by, a major hub for dining and entertainment.
Somerset House (Pass By)
Once the site of a royal palace this building dates from the the late 1700s. Public records were once held here. Today the building is a venue for lectures and also features Courtaulds art gallery.
Fleet Street
Once famous for newspaper publications, some of the old taverns frequented by journalists still remain, including one with a foul mouthed parrot! The church of Saint Bride's is known as the wedding cake church. You'll see why on this tour.
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
St Bride's Church (Pass By)
Often described as the journalists' church the spire is said to have influenced the design of the modern wedding cake. This has been a place of Christian worship for over one thousand five hundred years. The present church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
Temple Bar (Pass By)
The huge dragon in the middle of the road marks the boundary of the City of London, the world's oldest continuous democracy. The City of London is a political entity in its own right, with its own police force, schools and government. Endowment funds from hundreds of years ago make the city of London one of the most prosperous pieces of real estate in the world. The dragon is said to be protecting the city's wealth.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Sir Christopher Wren is the architect of Saint Paul's cathedral, the fourth such on this site. The dome is second only in size to saint Peter's in the Vatican. The dome is known for its acoustics, known as the whispering gallery because a whisper can be clearly heard across the gallery.
2 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
London Bridge (Pass By)
Some great views from this bridge towards Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast. There have been several London bridges here. The most famous stood for 650 years and once had shops and houses on top it. There was even a jousting match on the bridge between an Englishman and a Scotsman. To find out who one, come on our tour!
Tower Bridge (Pass By)
Instantly recognisable as London's most famous bridge the lifting mechanism got stuck as a bus crossed over in 1952. Find out what happened next on our tour.
Tower of London (Pass By)
In its time the Tower of London has been a prison, a jail, a place of execution, a royal palace and a zoo. The Crown jewels are kept here and are on public view. The jewels were stolen once and the thief was awarded land and a pension! There are also some ravens in residence looked after by a raven master, one of the beefeaters who guard the tower.
Southwark (Pass By)
The major entertainment hub during Shakespeare's day, Southwark could be a rough and ready place, full of taverns, bear pits and theatres.
Borough Market (Pass By)
A fruit and vegetable market for over 700 years, the market is a favourite to place to sample some of the best street food from all over the world.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelling sickness
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the London Private Guided Taxi Tour?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-68077P3
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the London Private Guided Taxi Tour?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Bottled water.
- Private transportation.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Parking Fees.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the London Private Guided Taxi Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelling sickness
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for London Private Guided Taxi Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Parking Fees
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelling sickness
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
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