Tower of London

One of England's first Norman castles, as well as its most feared prison and the home of the Crown Jewels.

Adults: 2 Children: 0

TravelCurious Tip

Take notice of the extravagantly dressed Beefeaters, more properly called Yeoman Warders. They have been the royal bodyguards of the Tower and the crown jewels since 1509 and still wear the Tudor State Dress when royalty comes to the castle.

Norman power

Since 1066 AD, the year of the momentous Norman invasion, the Tower of London has stood as a sign of the strength of England and a fearsome reminder to anyone who challenges the security of the realm or the authority of the king.

When the Norman Duke William the Conqueror took control of England he went about establishing his authority across his new kingdom. He immediately began building castles throughout the country, bringing the impressive fort-building skills of Normandy with him, the likes of which England had never seen. These huge stone structures represented the might of the Norman lords and their armies, and struck fear and awe into the conquered English.

The most important of these castles was the Tower of London. Around 1078 the Conqueror added what has come to be known as the White Tower, which is also where the castle gets its name. Located on the north bank of the River Thames, surrounded by a moat and high stone walls, it was in an ideal location to defend from attack, and, at least for the first century or two, also reminded rebellious Londoners who their new overlords were.

Princes, wives and twins

For over 800 years the Tower was also England’s most dreaded prison, and in its time has held some of the most high-profile names in European history. During the Wars of the Roses, the Tower was the site of the mystery of ‘The Princes in the Tower.’ When King Edward IV died his 12-year-old son became Edward V. However, young Edward’s uncle and guardian went to Parliament, had Edward and his younger brother legally declared illegitimate, and took the crown for himself, becoming Richard III. The young princes still had many powerful supporters, so in order to prevent them becoming a figurehead of rebellion Richard had the boys locked in the Tower. Shortly after they were imprisoned it was reported that the boys had mysteriously disappeared. They were never to be seen again.

To this day historians still argue over the fate of the Princes in the Tower. Was Richard III the murderous hunchback of Shakespeare or did the conspiracy go even deeper? The Tower is also where Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, were notoriously executed along with their alleged lovers. In 1952, East End gangsters the Kray twins were among the last prisoners to be held here.

Ravens, jewels and poppies

Despite its often grim history, the castle has always been primarily a royal palace. During the Middle Ages it was tradition that before the coronation ceremony of a new monarch the next king or queen would spend the night in the Tower of London in preparation for the big day. It was also probably the first zoo in England, housing the royal menagerie, which visitors can see today. The menagerie has been empty since 1835, but there are still seven ravens - cared for by the resident Raven Master - to be found living next to Wakefield tower. Legend has it that if the birds leave, the Tower will fall.

Visitors may also see the magnificent Crown Jewels of England, which have been on public display since 1960. From November 2014 the Tower has been the site of Paul Cummins and Tom Piper’s Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, a deeply moving installation of 888,246 ceramic poppies in commemoration of the lives lost in WW1. The castle, host to compelling historical mystery and brimming with stories of kingship, romance, and murder, remains a vibrant and fascinating destination.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in London

Tower Bridge

London's iconic bridge across the River Thames, with two beautiful Victorian towers.

Shad Thames

A historic riverside street besides Tower Bridge. Lined with tall Victorian warehouses.

HMS Belfast

An iconic battleship permanently moored on the Thames ,that once served in WW2.

East India Company

Today's current Lloyd's of London Building occupies what was once the former site of the East India Company - itself famous for the wealth and corruption it brought Englishmen returning from its service.

The Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels,Kings and queens of England have stored crowns in Tower of London

Boar’s Head Inn

Boar’s Head Inn comprehends a few taverns in London with reference to Shakespeare plays and characters, specially Henry IV.

Explore the home of the British Monarchy in the heart of the city and discover some of Royal London’s most popular landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), including a visit to the Tower of London and seeing the exquisite Crown Jewels.

On your private half-day tour, you will:

Meet your professional Blue Badge tour guide to start your journey at the Tower of London, a 900-year-old historic castle and fortress;
Marvel at the magnificent Crown Jewels, some of the most important symbols of the Monarchy still used today by the Royal Family;
See stunning views of London’s most popular landmarks from the water including Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye;
Enjoy a walking tour that will take you to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Parliament and Big Ben;
End your tour in Trafalgar Square, where your guide will recommend other must-see sites you don't want to miss.

Your tour will begin at the Tower of London where you will explore this 900-year-old castle and learn about the kings and queens who lived and died in the Tower and its role as a fortress, prison, zoo, and observatory.

Before entering the Jewel House to see the famous Crown Jewels collection, your guide will tell you all about their religious and cultural significance and the many attempts to steal these beautiful diamonds! Important: Your guide will be accompanying you through the visit but is not allowed to give live commentary while inside the collection.

After visiting the Tower of London, you will commute like a true Londoner to Westminster where you will see some of the most popular sights from the water along the way, including Tower Bridge and the London Eye.

Once in Westminster, you will see the Houses of Parliament - the home of the British government, and the magnificent Elizabeth Tower known as "Big Ben". A short walk on, you will come to the exterior of the beautiful Westminster Abbey, where every English king and queen for the last 1000 years has received their coronation, and where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married.

Walk along the Mall and learn curious facts about British kings and queens, who turned the British Empire into the most dominant power on Earth.

Your tour finishes in Trafalgar Square, where your guide will show you the best places to spend the rest of your time exploring, dining, and shopping.

London in a Day: Private Walking Tour including the London Eye

This full-day tour is the perfect way to see London's most iconic attractions in a day, making the most of your time in the English capital by the hand of a professional tour guide who will share local stories and the history of the city.

On your full-day walking tour, you will:

Spend a day in London with a Blue Badge tour guide who will share the history behind the most popular landmarks and hidden gems;
Get access to the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey and take a ride in the London Eye;
Visit the Tower of London and see the impressive Crown Jewels, while learning about the Line of Kings and the Royal Family;
Stop for lunch at one of the many options near the Tower of London (Lunch not included);
Hop aboard a Thames River bus to see some of the best sites from the water, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Globe Theatre, and Tower Bridge;
Explore one of the world’s most famous Gothic cathedrals, Westminster Abbey, and see the place where royal coronations take place;
Enjoy a walking tour of the city of Westminster, where you’ll see St James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace, the Horse Guards, the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben;
Conclude your tour at the London Eye, where your guide will give you Fast-track tickets to see the city of London from above.

Meet your guide at the Tower of London and explore one of the oldest buildings in the city where some of the greatest events in English history occurred. You will have the opportunity to admire the unmissable and stunning Crown Jewels which are kept here behind extensive security in the aptly-named Jewel House.

On leaving the Tower, enjoy a lunch break before travelling to Westminster by River Bus for a guided visit to Westminster Abbey, London’s royal church, the site of 39 coronations and the venue for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. You will learn about the Coronation ceremony and enjoy the beauty of this 800-year-old treasure.

Your full-day tour will continue with a walking tour past some of London’s most famous buildings including St James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards, the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben.

After a day in London filled with history, culture and visits to the most iconic landmarks, it's time for a relaxing ride on the London Eye, one of the world's biggest Ferris Wheels for spectacular views across London that you will enjoy with your group.

Please Note: timing of the itinerary, including lunch and Westminster Abbey, are subject to change.

Horse Guards Parade, Westminster & Tower of London: Full-Day Tour

Experience a full-day private tour of London's spectacular Royal landmarks with a private and knowledgeable Blue Badge guide and discover the most popular sites including the Tower of London, the best of Westminster and the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard.

On your private full-day tour, you will:

Visit Parliament Square and see the famous Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey (from the outside only);
Walk through St James’s Park, see the giant marble memorial to Queen Victoria in front of Buckingham Palace and follow the famous Changing of the Guard parade;
See St James's Palace and Horse Guards Parade;
Walk along Whitehall to see number 10 Downing Street and through Trafalgar Square;
Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Thames with views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Globe Theatre;
Explore the Tower of London, a former royal castle turned traitor's prison;
Go round the White Tower, the armoury and mint;
Step inside the dungeons and torture chambers, walk the battlements and visit the Chapel Royal;
Learn about the Princes in the Tower, Henry VIII and the fate of his wives Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, the young Lady Jane Grey, Sir Walter Raleigh, and many others;
Meet the ravens and the Beefeaters or Yeoman Warders who guard the Tower;
Admire the dazzling Crown Jewels;
End outside the Jewel House where you are free to explore more at your own leisure or exit the Tower with your guide.

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

Enjoy Royal London on this fantastic day tour that begins in the heart of Westminster, follows the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and ends with the sight of the dazzling Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

Meet your guide at Westminster for a tour outside the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Learn about the political history of Parliament Square and its relationship to The Crown. Westminster Abbey has been the site of 38 coronations since 1066, and numerous royal weddings and funerals, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Her Majesty The Queen's state funeral.

From Westminster, wander up Birdcage Walk where you will follow the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Follow the Guardsmen and military band, with their famous red coats and black bearskin hats to Buckingham Palace. Head into Trafalgar Square, via Horseguards Parade, and along Whitehall - the political nerve centre of the UK and the address of 10 Downing Street - home to the British Prime Minister.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Thames to Tower Bridge. You'll get to see London and Waterloo Bridges, the London Eye, the Globe, the skyscrapers, and St Paul’s Cathedral from the boat.

Your guide will then accompany you to St. Katherine's Docks for lunch (not included), after which you will enjoy an exclusive private tour of the infamous Tower of London, with reserved tickets included.

Then it's time to enter the Tower of London! Walk past Traitor's Gate and discover the many stories and scandals hidden within the walls of this ancient building. It was formerly a moated royal palace, that became an armoury, a royal mint, a zoo... and most famously the traitor's prison! You'll meet the Beefeaters and the ravens who guard the Tower and discover the stories behind some of the Tower's most famous prisoners from the young Princes in the Tower to Queen Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey whose graffiti you can still see in her prison cell.

Explore the White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress, walk the battlements, enter the torture chambers (if you dare!) and visit the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, where some very famous queens are buried.

Best of all, you will be able to admire the dazzling Crown Jewels which are kept behind extensive security in the aptly-named Jewel House.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the strict security measures in place and the moving viewing platform, your guide cannot accompany you but will wait for you at the exit.

End your tour inside the Tower to explore more at your leisure - or return to modern life with your guide!

Family Friendly Royal London: Full Day Private Tour

Experience the perfect tour of Royal London in a day for families with teens and children, including the Changing of the Guard. Keep even the most easily distracted children entertained on this fabulous, fun, and fascinating tour of Royal London! We know how important it is to inspire all ages and work hard to ensure a perfect match with a family-friendly Blue Badge guide.

On your private tour, you will:

Explore the grand buildings around Westminster, like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey from the outside;
Walk down Birdcage Walk to see St James's Park and the Pelicans donated to King Charles II by a Russian ambassador during a visit in 1664;
Witness the pomp and circumstance of the Changing of the Guard;
Walk along the Mall to see St James's Palace, the Horse Guards on Whitehall, and the iconic Trafalgar Square with the mighty Nelson's Column;
Enjoy a riverboat ride up the Thames with fabulous views of St. Paul's Cathedral and Shakespeare's Globe, skyscrapers like the Shard, to Tower Bridge;
Enjoy a fully guided tour of the Tower of London with priority access - no waiting in line!
Learn about the Tudors, especially two of the wives of Henry VIII who were imprisoned and beheaded at the Tower: Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard;
Walk around Tower Green, visit the White Tower, and see the execution site of Anne Boleyn and others;
Explore the prison cells - and hear about Lady Jane Grey;
Visit the torture chambers and hear the gruesome tales and techniques of medieval torture;
Learn all about the magnificent Crown Jewels outside the Jewel House; before going in without your guide (this is due to the strict security measures in place)
Your tour ends outside the Jewel House where you are free to explore at your leisure, or your guide will accompany you out and help you on your way.

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

Learn all about London's incredible past on this fun, action-packed full-day tour of Royal London. From the Gunpowder Plot at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, a terrifying coronation at Westminster Abbey in 1066, to following the Changing of the Guard ceremony, you and the kids will be hooked all the way!

Hear about the secret underground tunnels below Buckingham Palace, and the times when thieves and madmen were able to break in - including a 14-year-old cat burglar who was caught stealing Queen Victoria's knickers!

Head up to Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, and learn about the legends of the lions, before a fantastic riverboat ride down the Thames to Tower Bridge. See if you can spot famous London Landmarks along the way - like Shakespeare's Globe, the Shard, and St Paul's Cathedral.

After a well-earned lunch break at St Katharine's Docks, reconvene with your guide outside Traitor's Gate! Yes, it's time for your tour of the Tower of London. An ancient fortress built by William the Conqueror, it used to have polar bears in the moat - neither the moat nor the bears have survived!

Explore the White Tower and the Armoury, the Chapel Royal, and the prison cells... learn about the mystery of the Princes in the Tower and the gruesome executions that took place here. See the burial place of three Queens: Anne Boleyn, Catharine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey. Meet the Beefeaters and the ravens who guard the Tower, and learn about medieval torture in the dungeons!

Finally, hear all about the Crown Jewels, before heading into the Jewel House and be dazzled by the priceless collection of royal jewellery and regalia, including the legendary Kohinoor Diamond and King Edward's Crown.

End your tour inside the Tower to explore more of the cells, dungeons, and medieval torture chambers at your leisure - or return to modern life with your guide!

The Best of London in an Iconic Black Cab: Private Driving Tour

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;
Stop at several quintessential London must-sees, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, and St James's Palace;
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;
Drive alongside the Thames River to the Tower of London, where true stories seem more like fiction than fact!
Stop for a coffee or tea along the way, if you need a pick-me-up.

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.

007 James Bond Locations in London: Private Black Cab 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 Black Cab;
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.

Customise Your Own 9-hour Private London Tour in a Black Cab

At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Customise Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note

No entrance fees are included
Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off is only included from Central London

Customise Your Own 6-hour Private London Tour in a Black Cab

This “Customise Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note

No entrance fees are included
Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off is only included from Central London

Customise Your Own 10-hour Private London Tour in a Black Cab

This “Customise Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note

No entrance fees are included
Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off is only included from Central London

The Tower of London: Private Half-Day Tour Including Crown Jewels

Explore the UK's royal history, dating back 1000 years and discover one of London’s most recognisable icons, a former royal palace turned prison – the Tower of London.

On your private Tower of London tour you will:

See the famous Crown Jewels, which are still used for state occasions today;
Visit the Royal Apartments and Prison Cells inside the Castle;
See the graffiti left by Lady Jane Grey and Sir Walter Raleigh;
Learn about the fate of the Princes in the Tower;
Hear about the imprisonment and execution of two of Henry VIII's wives: Anne Boleyn and Catharine Howard;
Visit the White Tower - the oldest part of the Tower complex built in 1066;
See the impressive armoury and learn about the Royal Mint;
Learn the Tower's history and transformation from working Royal Palace to royal mint, to royal prison;
Hear about the moat and the polar bears that no longer exist, and medieval battle techniques;
Finish your tour inside the Tower, where you can continue to explore at your own leisure.

Please note: to minimise your time waiting in a queue for the Crown Jewels, we recommend booking the morning tour, which begins as the Tower opens.

Visit the Tower of London with your private guide, see the dazzlingly magnificent Crown Jewels, and learn about one of the world's most famous castles. For nearly 800 years the Tower was also England’s most dreaded prison, and in its time has held some of the most high-profile names in European history, including three English Queens: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey.

Despite its grim history, the castle has always been primarily a royal palace. During the Middle Ages, it was a tradition that before the coronation ceremony of a new monarch the next king or queen would spend the night in the Tower of London in preparation for the big day.

It was also probably the first zoo in England, housing the royal menagerie, which visitors can see wire sculptures of today. The menagerie has been empty since 1835, but there are still seven black ravens - cared for by the resident Raven Master. Legend has it that if the birds leave, the Tower will fall.

Meet the Yeoman Warders - nicknamed the Beefeaters, all of whom served in the Armed Forces with distinction. Visit the Chapel Royal and view the burial site of many of those executed in the Tower Grounds! Visit the White Tower, the armoury, the Royal Mint, walk the battlements and enter the torture chambers - a chilling experience indeed!

Learn of the historical mysteries associated with the place, like the Princes in the Tower. The Tower of London is brimming with stories of kingship, romance, murder, imprisonment, and brutal execution.

From medieval fortress to the guardianship of the Crown Jewels, it remains a vibrant site, and one of England’s most loved castles.

The Tower of London & Tower Bridge: Private Half-Day Tour

Explore two of London’s most iconic sites – the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, and learn all about the last 1000 years of royal history.

On your private half-day tour you will:

Enjoy a privately guided tour of the Tower of London, with an expert Blue Badge Guide;
Admire the dazzling Crown Jewels and learn all about their place in coronations;
Visit the Royal Apartments and Prison Cells inside the Castle;
Learn all about the long history of the Tower of London, from royal castle to infamous prison;
Visit the White Tower, the battlements, and the Chapel Royal where three executed Queens are buried;
Hear the tragic stories of Anne Boleyn and Catharine Howard, wives of Henry VIII who were held prisoner and executed at the Tower;
Learn about the mysterious legend of the Princes in the Tower, and walk past Traitor's Gate;
See the famous ravens of the Tower, and meet the Beefeaters in their historic uniforms;
Leave the Tower and walk to the Victorian Engine Rooms of Tower Bridge and learn about the history of this famed icon.
Take your tickets to Tower Bridge from your guide who will direct you to and leave you at the entrance;
End by walking the 42 Metre High Walkway and stand on the spectacular glass floor, where you can see the traffic and river below.

First erected as a safe castle fortress by William the Conqueror, the Tower of London was first and foremost a royal residence. It was built as a defensive castle, with a moat, battlements, and arrow slit windows. Later it became the Royal Mint and Armoury - indeed it was a veritable marketplace.

During the reign of Henry VIII, it became infamous as a place of imprisonment and execution: Trader's Gate became known as Traitor's Gate! This is where Anne Boleyn and Catharine Howard - the unfortunate wives of Henry VIII, Lady Jane Grey, and Sir Walter Raleigh would have entered the Tower by boat when the Thames water was higher than it is today.

You'll hear many stories of the Tower's unlucky residents over the years - from the mysterious events surrounding the young Princes in the Tower to poor Lady Jane Grey, an innocent pawn in the power struggles of Tudor England.

Visit the impressive White Tower, admire heavily polished suits of armour, walk the battlements, and of course gaze on the dazzlingly beautiful, priceless Crown Jewels in the Jewel House. Due to tight security measures, your guide will explain the Jewels and their historic significance outside as you enter alone - there is a moving platform and the jewels are kept behind bulletproof glass. Your guide will meet you at the exit to the Jewel House.

After you tour the Tower of London, your guide will take you to the magnificent Tower Bridge, where you will be given a tour of the Victorian engine rooms, which control the mechanism to raise the bridge, and then left with tickets to ascend to the top of the bridge at your own pace.

There is both an elevator entrance and stairs, so you may choose how you wish to get to the top of the tower to see the spectacular views below!

Jack The Ripper's: London's East End Private Black Cab Tour

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 Black Cab.
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.

The Ultimate London Tour: Private 6-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Experience all that London has to offer in a day on this whistle-stop driving and walking tour of the most famous landmarks and sites that London is world-famous for, and see more of London in a day than most visitors will see in a week!

On your private full-day tour, you will:

Travel in style in a private London Black Cab with a licensed cab driver;
See London's most famous attractions, including 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 2 Tudor Palaces;
Discover St.James's Palace, the historic residence of the British monarchy;
Catch the world famous ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony at Buckingham Palace if your tour's pick-up time is at 10 am or earlier (subject to weather conditions and schedule changes);
Take a stroll down Parliament Square, located in front of the Palace of Westminster and discover its surrounding landmarks;
See the Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower), Westminster Abbey and statues of iconic figures such as Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi, among others;
Pass by 10 Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister;
Feel the bustling energy of Piccadilly Circus, an iconic entertainment center featured in many movies and tv shows;
Marble Arch,
See St Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren;
Admire Kensington Palace, a historic royal residence located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea with intricate architecture and lush gardens;
Snap a photo at the London Eye and the Shakespeare's Globe,
Explore Borough Market, a culinary hub for locals and visitors alike where you can find fresh produce, artisanal foods, and international delicacies;
Get breathtaking views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, a defining symbol of the city of London for its distinctive design, its unique location and for being showcased in multiple films building an even larger cultural significance,
Capture a memorable photo at Abbey Road, and more!

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

London is a modern capital with an ancient past as for centuries it has occupied a central place in the rich fabric of British life and history. Your expert driver-guide will introduce you to one of the world's most multi-faceted and fascinating cities, home to the King, and aeons of Royal history, not to mention Shakespeare's Globe and a thrumming West End theatre scene.

On your private, full-day tour in a Classic Black Cab, you'll stop along the way for many photo opportunities and hear the stories of many of the most famous buildings of Britain's Capital city as well as take the opportunity to stroll and explore some of the Victorian alleys and markets such as Covent Garden in the West End and Leadenhall market in the East End (featured in Harry Potter movies).

This comprehensive tour will include stops all over the city, including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and many more.

At each place, you'll be able to capture your memories and share your amazing day on Instagram, before being dropped off at a location of your choice.

IMPORTANT: This tour does not enter any attractions and no tickets are included

Customise Your Own 4-hour Private London Tour in a Black Cab

This “Customise Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

This tour can only take place within the city of London due to the tour duration.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note

No entrance fees are included
Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off is only included from Central London

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

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 Palace, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, St 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 black cab or 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.

The Extended Ultimate London: Private 8-hour Tour in a Black Cab

If you are looking to visit all of London’s iconic landmarks in a full day, then The Extended Ultimate London Tour is the perfect option for you!

On your private 8-hour tour, you will:

Travel in style in a private and iconic London Black Cab;
Embark on an memorable journey through the heart of the city of London and immerse yourself in the Westminster's grandeur and charm;
See more of London in a day than most visitors will see in a week!;
Catch the popular ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony at Buckingham Palace if your reservation pick-up time is 10 am or earlier (Subject to weather conditions and schedule);
Enjoy a well deserved lunch break at a traditional British Pub (lunch not included in the price);
See London's most famous attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, Marble Arch, Kensington Palace, the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe;
Stand in awe of Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece: St Paul’s Cathedral at the end of the famous Millennium bridge;
Marvel at the engineering work of the Tower Bridge that spans the River Thames and capture breathtaking views of the historic Tower of London;
Admire Trafalgar Square, home to the magnificent National Gallery and Nelson's column;
Explore Mayfair, the upscale district renowned for its elegance and exclusivity;
Visit Leadenhall Market and Borough Market,
Discover musical and film locations of interest and hidden gems;
Snap memorable photos at the most famous sights such as Abbey Road.

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

With a rich history spanning centuries, this tour offers you the opportunity to explore London's most iconic landmarks, from the grandeur of the world-known Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral to the ancient Tower of London and the iconic Tower Bridge.

In addition to the well-known attractions, your driver-guide will show you some of the hidden gems of the city, including charming Victorian alleys and bustling markets such as Covent Garden in the West End and Leadenhall Market in the East End, famously featured in the Harry Potter movies.

Throughout the tour, there will be many photo opportunities and plenty of time to soak up the history and culture of the city.

After a full day of exploration, you'll be dropped off at a location of your choice in Central London.

Don't miss this chance to experience London's wonders, finest landmarks and hidden treasures and create memories that will last a lifetime!

IMPORTANT: This tour does not enter any attractions and no tickets are included

Roman & Medieval London: Private Half-Day Tour in a London Taxi

The city of London, as it stands, was founded by the Romans and their rule lasted from 43 AD to the fifth century AD when Boudica burnt the city to the ground. You will travel back in time to the Roman settlement of Londinium and witness the Romans marching into London on your London Taxi time machine.

On your private tour, you will:

See the remains of the Roman defensive walls that can still be found in a handful of places in London which were originally built in the late 2nd century AD;
Discover the Statue of Trajan, a 20th century bronze sculpture depicting the Roman Emperor Trajan;
Dare to peek into the ‘Dead Man’s Hole’, once a mortuary housed beneath the north tower of Tower Bridge;
Enjoy (or endure) the Execution site on Tower Hill and smirk at the origin of that well-used phrase ‘Can I hang with you?’
See the old Roman Amphitheatre which was discovered in 1988 beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery;
Admire the 800-year-old Magna Carta, one of the most significant documents in English history;
Get ‘hung, drawn and quartered in the tiny little medieval streets from London’s less glamorous past;
Drift into the story of the ‘Great Fire of London’;
Decode the blueprint of Sir Christopher Wren’s architecture, including his masterpiece St. Paul’s Cathedral.

If you are a history lover, bring all your questions to the tour because your tour guide is a keen Londoner and a historian. For the rest, you’ll shun your illusions about history being a bore.

Ghastly Ghosts of Haunted London: Private Black Cab Tour

London is one of the most haunted capital cities in the world and on this Ghastly Ghost Tour, you will get your nerves tingling on a goosebumpy ride with our ‘gruesome’ guide.

On this spooky tour, you will:

Shiver and shake along the hair-raising trail to hidden corners of our secret city;
Feel the adrenaline rush as we terrorise you with nightmarish stories and creepy characters;
Stumble upon headless queens and carriage drivers in dingy dark alleyways;
Bump into phantom highwaymen and grave robbers in cobblestone streets;
Run into ghostly apparitions in traditional pubs, theatres, churches, dungeons and prisons;
Face your fears now in the most haunted house in London or scream your lungs out.. because there’s nowhere to hide.

Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Macabre of the Murdered Actor, Fred the Poltergeist, Casper the Cat or Scratching Fanny? Out with it. Which happy, sad, mad or bad ghosts made your heart slip, or skip a beat?

"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.

Tower of London

TravelCurious Tip

Norman power

Princes, wives and twins

Ravens, jewels and poppies

Nearby Attractions

Related Tours

Guides

Partners