Thames River

The second longest river in the UK the Thames is an iconic piece of London culture. Don't be put off by its murky colour it is actually one of the cleanest metropolitan rivers in European.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in London
Big Ben
Renamed "Elizabeth Tower" for the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II, the iconic Victorian clock tower of London, has become a symbol of the city itself.
London Eye
The London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel, is a huge observation wheel on the banks of the River Thames, that offers spectacular views of the city.
Thames River Boat
A River Thames Boat Ride is one of the most picturesque ways to travel through London like a Londoner while enjoying amazing views of the most popular landmarks.
Winston Churchill Statue
A bronze sculpture of the former British prime minister Winston Churchill located in Parliament Square.
The Cenotaph
A national war memorial in London.
Westminster Tube Station
The Westminster Tube Station is a subway station managed by the London Underground in the city of Westminster. The famous movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, recorded a scene at the Westminster Station.

Related Tours

The Best of London: Private Driving Tour in an Iconic London Taxi
Explore the best of London by the hand of a well-informed cabbie and professional driver guide, who knows the city like the back of his hand, including the most popular attractions and many hidden gems on this panoramic sightseeing tour of London. 

On your private driving tour, you will: 

  • Enjoy hotel pick-up from any central London hotel;
  • Catch the ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony for tours starting at 10 am or earlier;
  • Hop back in for an easy drive to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster;
  • Stop at several quintessential London must-sees, including Buckingham PalaceTrafalgar SquareHyde ParkRoyal Albert HallSt Paul’s Cathedral, and St James's Palace;
  • Drive alongside the Thames River to the Tower of London, where true stories seem more like fiction than fact!

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

Your guide will meet and greet you at your central London hotel (or preferred pickup location) and at the conclusion of your 4-hour tour, you can be dropped off at your hotel or any central location of your choice. 

On this half-day tour, your guide will stop at a minimum of 6 popular locations to tell you about the fascinating history of these iconic attractions. 

This is less of a whistle-stop tour than most of the London highlights tours and invites you to slow down, while those around you hop on and off of buses without enough time to truly appreciate the layers of history and wild stories that surround so many London icons. 

There will be plenty of opportunities throughout your tour to take those treasured photos – and if you want to take time out, your London guide knows all the best places to grab a coffee. 
James Bond Filming Locations in London: Private Driving Tour
Delve into the world of espionage with Bond, James Bond on a private tour of London to uncover many filming locations in the city of London that you have seen in your favourite movies for over 40 years.

On your James Bond filming locations tour, you will:

  • Travel in the comfort of a private and iconic London Taxi;
  • Relive your favourite spy flicks and their lead characters with an accredited London Driver Guide who's a 007 aficionado
  • Become a special agent of "His Majesty’s Secret Service" and explore the haunts throughout London where Connery, Lazenby, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan and Craig each brought Bond to life;
  • Explore the places behind the stories in Ian Fleming’s iconic novels and the subsequent films;
  • Learn about the real-life world of the Secret Service as you tour Westminster, Whitehall, Downing St, and the National Gallery.

London is a city unlike no other in respect of its long associations with the world of espionage - the spies, double agents, traitors, heroes and villains from every continent played out their cloak-and-dagger games of cunning, deceit and treachery on the mean streets that we shall traverse. 

Like in real life, the city has played host to some incredible spy moments on the big screen, including in Bond film scenes over the past 55 years. Your 007 expert tour guide is here to take you undercover and whisk you through the film locations from ‘Dr. No’ through to ‘Spectre.’
 
James Bond fans will not only get to see those film scene sites - but also most of London's iconic landmarks, plus a special visit inside one of the world's most famous spaces, the National Gallery.
Harry Potter Filming Locations in London: Private Tour in a London Taxi
Whether you're merely a muggle harbouring a belief in the wizarding world's existence or whether you remember He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, this Black cab tour will take you through several of the Harry Potter filming locations for the story of the boy who lived. 

On your private driving tour inspired by the wizarding world, you will:

  • Travel in the comfort of a private LondonTaxi;
  • See all the film locations, used in all 8 movies, accompanied by a professional guide and Harry Potter fanatic!;
  • Stop for a memorable photo opportunity at ‘Platform 9 ¾’;
  • See where the external shots were used for the "Gringotts Wizarding Bank", Diagon Alley, and the Leaky Cauldron;
  • Follow the route of the ‘Knight Bus’ across the River Thames and around those windy streets;
  • Walk over the Brockdale Bridge, which collapsed in the opening scenes of the sixth film;
  • Browse Borough Market, home of the ‘Third-Hand Bookshop';
  • Finish your tour as a true insider of Harry Potter in London

It may not be September 1st, but unbeknownst to students, trains do depart from Platform 9¾ daily. Enjoy a quick photoshoot there before pushing through the barrier, so you don't miss the departure of the Hogwarts Express! 

Prepare for your own sorting ceremony and be sure you know which magical creature you want to bring with you to Hogwarts. Don't forget to visit Gringott's Wizarding Bank to pay for each of your treasures at the real entrance to Diagon Alley (muggles can't see it but pass by it daily at Leadenhall Market.) 

Remember the loss of muggle life on Brockdale Bridge (known in the muggle world as 'Millennium Bridge') as you cross. But never fear, the Dark Lord is now defeated and there have been no death eater sightings for many years. 

In just three hours, you'll traverse many of London's hidden passageways and filming locations for the iconic 8 films. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Ernie Prang and Stan Shunpike navigating the Knight Bus throughout the city. 

We promise even if you're not enough of a Potterhead to understand a single reference made in this tour, your guide is used to accompanying muggles and showing them the magic of the wizarding world, visible everywhere throughout London! 
Discover Westminster in an Iconic London Taxi: Private 2-hour Tour
Explore the hub of British politics, power, and royalty on this two-hour private driving tour of Westminster and Central London in an iconic London Black Cab. With your expert private driver-guide, you will pass by all of Westminster’s historic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, and Westminster Abbey.

On your private tour, you will:

  • See iconic sights including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the Palace of Westminster;
  • Marvel at the architectural wonders of St James' Palace, Westminster Cathedral, St Margaret's Church, and Westminster School;
  • Visit famous and lesser-known places including Downing Street, Central Methodist Hall, Banqueting House, Horse Guards, and the National Gallery;
  • Hear stories and scandals about Trafalgar Square, Nelson's Column, Marble Arch, Wellington Memorial, Lambeth Palace, the London Eye, and the River Thames;
  • End your tour with a drop-off at any preferred Central London location.

Discover the real history of power, politics, and monarchy in London on this express two-hour private tour of iconic London landmarks with an expert Cabbie who not only knows London like the back of their hand but is also a historian... with many royal and historic secrets to share with you!  

Whether you are interested in the British monarchy's royal palaces or the historic UK Parliament based at Westminster for over 1000 years, your expert guide is more than happy to spill all the gossip, alongside the history of any topic which may interest you. 

Learn about the ancient coronation rituals that have been taking place at Westminster Abbey since William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066 up to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 and King Charles III. Admire the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture of the Abbey that has stood the test of time for over 1000 years. 

Your guide is ready to discuss anything you throw their way - including filming locations for Harry Potter, James Bond, and Downton Abbey, among many others. In short, for any curiosity, you may have about London today and British history as a whole, you're in great hands! 
In the Footsteps of Jack The Ripper: Private Tour in a London Taxi
Delve into the macabre history of Jack the Ripper and the underbelly of London’s notorious East End on this unique driving and walking tour with a professional guide and passionate ‘Ripperologist’! 

On your private tour, you will: 

  • Travel in the comfort of a private and iconic London London Taxi
  • Enjoy the personal attention of a professional Black Cab Driver, who is also a licensed tour guide and Ripper enthusiast, who will accompany you throughout the day;
  • Trawl the crime sites of the "Whitechapel Murders" and Wapping districts, as you hear the spine-chilling story of Jack the Ripper and his victims;
  • Visit the notorious pubs where many of the women were last seen before their brutal demise at the hands of Jack the Ripper – whose identity remains a mystery over a century after his barbaric crimes;
  • Walk through the once gas-lit backstreets and alleyways of the 1800s in Whitechapel;
  • Hear about the misdeeds of another despicable 19th-century predator on Fleet Street;
  • See the haunts of the legendary Kray Twins – kings of gangland and of more recent East End folklore;
  • Throughout your tour, you’ll see some truly iconic London sites from the Tower of London (external) to Great Scotland Yard, from Tower Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral and from Whitechapel to Fleet Street and Trafalgar Square

The urban legend of Jack the Ripper - his barbaric crimes and the mystery of his identity have exercised a morbid fascination over the police and public alike, ever since his horrific crimes were discovered in 1888. On this unique tour, you will be able to listen to one of the foremost experts in Ripperology who is also a licensed London Cabbie, as he takes you around the locations associated with the Ripper and his victims— all young women working in London's East End. 

After meeting your driver-guide, you’ll begin your tour in Whitechapel, the infamous district of East London that made headlines in the year 1888 with the brutal murders of five working girls by an unknown assassin, known for over a century as Jack the Ripper. 

You’ll visit the notorious pubs, like the Ten Bells, where the women were last seen and walk down the very streets where their bodies were first seen and caused such widespread shock, fear and horror. 

You’ll see Buck’s Row, where Mary Ann Nichols was discovered; Hanbury Street, the site of Annie Chapman’s body; Berners Row where Elizabeth Stride was found; Mitre Square scene of Catherine Eddowe’s murder, and Miller’s Court where Mary Jane Kelly was brutally attacked. 

Your guide will tell you their tragic stories and the clues found by the police, the police arrests and the many hundreds of theories put forward over the intervening years. The tour also covers many other notorious areas of the East End and sites of historic crimes and punishments from the traitors of the Middle Ages at the Tower of London to the more recent gangland criminals, the legendary Kray Twins. 

You’ll visit the underbelly of the East End: The Blind Beggar Public House, the scene of a notorious gangland murder; The Highway – famous for the Ratcliffe Highway murderer, and Wapping’s Execution Dock! 

You’ll also pass by some iconic London landmarks and monuments – including the Whitehall Bell Foundry at Spitalfields where Big Ben was made, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge and The Royal Hospital – former residence of the unfortunate ‘Elephant Man’ - made famous in the Hollywood blockbuster and Oscar-winning movie, which starred John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins. 

And finally, you’ll head toward central London and Fleet Street, known for the infamous Demon Barber of Fleet Street Sweeney Todd, the Knights Templar, and now for West End pubs and theatres! Your fascinating tour of the lesser-known underbelly of London ends here or at a location of your choice. 
See London's Magical Christmas Lights: Private Tour in a London Taxi
Enjoy a magical winter wonderland tour of the Christmas lights and famous sights of London in a classic London Taxi and an expert private guide to lead the way. See the most famous landmarks and shopping streets of London, all sparkling with truly spectacular light displays, festooned with garlands, Christmas trees, and dazzling decorations. 

On your private tour your will: 

  • Meet your expert driver guide at your hotel in central London or Embankment, and be swept up in a traditional London Taxi to see all the razzle-dazzle of London’s spectacular Christmas light displays; 
  • Visit the two most famous shopping areas of London: Regent Street and Oxford Street and be totally dazzled by their historic Christmas light shows that have been going on since 1948 and 1959;
  • Drive through marvellous Marylebone, always tastefully decorated, and admire the sumptuous window displays of the designer shops on upmarket Bond Street, festooned with garlands of holly and ivy as well as artistic lights;
  • Enjoy a walkabout and photo opportunity at Carnaby Street - always one of the most cheerful, ambitiously creative, and brightly coloured streets of London bordering Soho;
  • Wander around the famous Covent Garden - truly the hub of Christmas in London with its vibrant atmosphere, bright lights, comforting winter smells of mulled wine and giant 60-foot Christmas tree;
  • Stop at the iconic Trafalgar Square in central London with its majestic views towards Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the imposing Nelson’s Column, the magnificent National Gallery and at Christmas a vast 80-foot Christmas tree, an annual gift from Norway since 1947;
  • Enjoy drive-bys along famous streets like the Strand, and hidden gems like Connaught Street and the 7 Dials
  • Pass by Buckingham Palace - home of the British monarchy and stunningly flood-lit at night; 
  • Enjoy views of Westminster Abbey, the bridges over the River Thames, Piccadilly Circus with its flashing billboards, Marble Arch and Mayfair - all beautifully lit with festive cheer; 
  • Drive past the British Parliament, always flood-lit at night with added sparkle for Christmas and head to Chelsea, an upmarket borough of London famous for its dazzling Christmas lights around Sloane Square and the King’s Road

Enjoy the magic of London’s streets lit up at Christmas time from the comfort of a classic London Cab. With your expert private guide, you’ll also get a whistle stop tour of many of the most important and famous landmarks, streets, views, and markets of the British capital city! 

You’ll enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Christmas markets, soak up the fairy-tale wonder of the dazzling light displays all over the city and learn about famous London sights, history, and Christmas traditions - all from a glass-roofed cab to ensure you make the very most of this incredible experience. 

Your 2.5-hour private driving tour will ensure you see all the best viewing points of London beautifully alight at Christmas! 

The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a London Taxi
The Premier Classic London Experience is the perfect way to discover the marvellous city of London for first-time visitors and for those that have a short time in the city. 

On your private driving tour, you will: 

  • Enjoy hotel pick-up from any central London hotel;
  • Discover the best 6 and most popular attractions that are the essence of the city;
  • Get a taste of the real London with a “cabbie”, a professional driver-guide who knows the city inside out,
  • Visit notable sites and landmarks while your local guide shares interesting stories and history at each locale;
  • Stop at several quintessential London must-sees, including Buckingham PalaceTrafalgar SquareHyde ParkRoyal Albert HallSt Paul’s Cathedral, and St James's Palace;
  • Catch the ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony for tours starting at 10 am or earlier (subject to weather and scheduled);
  • Hop back in for an easy drive to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster;
  • Drive alongside the Thames River to the Tower of London, where true stories seem more like fiction than fact!
  • Enjoy drop-off in any central London location of your hotel.

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

During the Premier Classic London Tour, your knowledgeable guide will warmly greet you at your central London hotel or chosen location. 

Throughout the 4-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the history behind at least 6 popular London landmarks, all while comfortably riding in an iconic London Taxi.

This tour has been designed for those who want to take their time to appreciate the rich and fascinating stories that surround these iconic attractions, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, and our fully customisable to suit your needs and interests.

Your guide will ensure that you have plenty of chances to snap memorable photos and can even recommend the best spots for dining, shopping, or any other of your interests for the rest of your trip.

It's important to note that this tour doesn't include entry to any attractions or requires tickets. 

At the end of the tour, you'll have the option to be dropped off at your hotel or any other central location of your choice.
Downton Abbey Filming Locations in London: Private Half-Day Tour
Explore the city of London like a lord or a lady and follow the footsteps of your favourite characters on this Downton Abbey Filming Locations half-day tour.

Even though Yorkshire and Highclere Castle are the main Downton Abbey filming sites for the earlier episodes, central London started to hog the limelight as the show clocked its later innings, and on this tour, you will flashback to the popular scenes set in the city’s iconic landmarks.

Play guessing games to jog your memory as you see: 

  • Buckingham Palace, while not a regular setting, references are made throughout the series due to its importance as the residence of the British monarch;
  • Lancaster House, a neo-classical mansion used for filming historical dramas due to its opulent interiors;
  • Bridgewater House, a privately owned home symbol the exclusivity and wealth of its owner, reflecting the lifestyle of the elite during that era;
  • Belgrave Square, an affluent area in London;
  • Criterion Restaurant, the historic restaurant in Piccadilly Circus;
  • The Ritz London Hotel, built in 1906, 
  • Hyde Park and the Albert Memorial, one of London's largest parks served as a backdrop for strolls and social events;
  • Astor House
  • St. Pancras Station, is used in many scenes boarding trains or meeting others in London;
  • and these are just for starters. How many could you spot?

Be bowled over by a few secret filming locations, including Lord Grantham’s London stately home shared by your Professional Private Driver Guide who happens to be a Downton Abbey fanatic as well.

Brace for non-stop peppy conversation, not crisp commentary.

"Darkest Hour" Filming Locations in London: Private Half-Day Tour
"Darkest Hour" is a 2017 British war drama film with Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill in the early days of World War II when he became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom leading the country through "its darkest hour". The movie received 6 nominations for Academy Awards and an Oscar for Best Leading Actor, and on this tour, your driver-guide will take you to movie spots that will repeat the experience offscreen. 

On this half-day tour,  you will:

  • Travel back to 1940 in one of our traditional London Black Cab time machines, which doubled up as fire engines in WWII, when the wartime leader was under pressure to make peace with Hitler as his armies advanced across Europe;
  • Storm through the violence of ‘The Blitz’ with your private guide;
  • Feel the jitters as you visualise Nazi Germany threatening Western Europe and Great Britain’s very existence; 
  • See the Houses of Parliament, an iconic building where Churchill gave his famous speeches;
  • Discover Buckingham Palace, the residence of the British monarch is also featured in the film;
  • Pass by St. Paul's Cathedral, which plays a significant role in the film, as it was where Churchill attended a service to rally the British people during the war;
  • End your tour at the Cabinet War Rooms, the Imperial War Museum or Warship HMS Belfast. (Tickets not included)

Step into an iconic London black cab and immerse yourself in the history of the capital with a half-day tour of "Darkest Hour" filming locations. With an expert driver-guide at the wheel, you will visit some of the most iconic sites of the movie, from the Houses of Parliament to the Cabinet War Rooms. 

Pass by the places where Churchill stood and spoke to the people of Britain during the country's darkest hour and get a feel for the resilience and determination that helped shape the course of history. 

With a knowledgeable guide to provide historical context and entertaining anecdotes, this tour is a must-do for history buffs and movie lovers alike. 

Sit back and relax as you travel back in time in one of London's most iconic vehicles, taking in the sights and sounds of the city that Churchill called home during this pivotal moment in history.

Enjoy a Few Hours in London: Private Heathrow Airport Layover Tour
If you are in transit at Heathrow only for a few hours and you don’t know what to do, this London Layover tour will take you to the most popular landmarks and famous highlights in the time that you have.

Departing from Heathrow airport (approximately 25km away from the city), your professional driver guide will pick you up from your terminal to start your stopover experience in an iconic London Black Cab.

This fast-paced layover tour includes 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 2 Tudor Palaces and all the must-see attractions in the heart of London including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Bridge, River Thames, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and many more! 

All our tours are fully customisable, and the itinerary can be adjusted on the day of the tour according to your interests and you will have plenty of time for photos and new memories.

You can choose from:

  • Royalty and Politics
  • A Flashback into ancient history
  • Playhouses and Pubs
  • Movie and music site locations
  • The best of London

Your driver guide will make sure you are back in time at Heathrow for your next flight.

Light Up London: Private 2-Hour Night Tour in a London Taxi
As the sun sets, the city of London transforms into an enchanting display of lights with London's spectacular Illuminated River, a long-term art installation transforming that span nine bridges in the heart of London.

On your night journey through the illuminated heart of the city, you will:

  • Discover London's after dark beauty;
  • See London's massive Illuminated River art installation showcasing a lit up city even outside of the Christmas season;
  • Admire the vibrant colours of this 3.2 miles from Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge of this art commission;
  • Get beautiful views of the River Thames and its various bridges;
  • Learn about the architecture and the history along the riverbank communities;
  • Travel in a classic London Taxi, driven by knowledgeable cabbies who will share their passion for the city;
  • Leave with memorable photos of the brilliance of the city.

Experience the captivating allure of London by night on our Black Cab Heritage tours Night Tour in a classic black cab. 

Showcasing the Illuminated River Project, this tour will take you through the city's magnificent landmarks for a mesmerising spectacle you won't want to miss. 

From the iconic Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge, the River Thames and its bridges become the stars of the show as our knowledgeable cabbies share fascinating insights into the architectural marvels and social history along the riverbank. 

With your camera in hand, you’ll capture the brilliance of the city as it shines in the darkness, ensuring that this private tour remains etched in your heart and photographs for years to come.
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