It might be that you have a limited amount of time in the city, or that your stay at the Montcalm Hotel London has been booked up with other engagements, but sometimes ticking off those landmarks has to be done in just a morning or an afternoon. Cue the London Vintage Red Bus Tour, a whistle stop whirlwind of London’s most famous sites.
With 1500 square kilometres to cover in the city, navigating London and seeing those famous landmarks can be difficult. That’s why the Red Bus Tour is such a popular tourist attraction for visitors. Not only do you see much of Westminster and the City of London Ceremonial Borough, but you’ll be treated to audio tours of the sights you’ll drive past. This blog will outline everything you need to know about the Vintage London Red Bus Tour, providing guests of luxury suites in London with all they’ll need to get the most from their booking.
What Is The Vintage Red Bus Tour?
From aboard a vintage red Routemaster bus, the Vintage Red Bus Tour is a double decker open roof tour of the city taking just one morning or one afternoon (around 3 and a half hours). With the open roof, passengers have ample opportunities for photos (whatever the weather!) and will be treated to commentary from a professional tour guide on hand to give some background to the sights. This in depth introduction to London is one of the best ways to get to know the city and its history, especially if you’re short on time.
Routemaster Buses – A London Icon
Routemaster buses were introduced to London transport services in 1956 and continued to be implemented up until 2005. The bus has become an icon of the London transport system thanks to its large front-engined design and regular use in television and film set in the city. The Routemaster is the perfect bus for a classic tour of the city, evoking memories of London’s history and singular culture.
Where To Start The London Red Bus Tour
The London Vintage Red Bus Tour is easy to reach for guests of boutique hotels in London, starting at Victoria Coach Station. With Victoria Station just a five minute walk away, the tour is easy to reach via the Victoria tube line, District line and national rail services terminating at Victoria Station.
Approximate Length
The London Vintage Red Bus Tour has several packages that you can choose from. The basic package will mean you have around a 3 and a half hour trip, but this can be extended with a range of different upgrades. The first boarding takes place at Victoria Coach Station at 9.15 am, and an afternoon service commences at 1pm.
Costs And Upgrades
The Vintage Red Bus Tour varies in price throughout the year but as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay £38 for an adult ticket, £28 for a child (3-15) and £35 for a senior (over 60). You can also enjoy a tour through the London Pass package, which will also allow you entry into a range of other London tourist attractions under one digital app pass.
There are a range of upgrades available that will really make a day of your tour. Below are some of the options for upgrades.
London Eye
At £63 per adult, the London Eye add-on allows you a trip on the city’s popular observation wheel. Situated on the South Bank and close to Waterloo, you’ll be able to enjoy even more landmarks and panoramic views from 135 metres in the air. Introduced to the city in the year 2000 to commemorate the 21st century, the London Eye consists of 2 capsules, one for each borough of London and takes half an hour to complete. On clear days, you’ll be able to see 25 miles in every direction, further than the distance you’ll travel on the Red Bus Tour!
2-Course Pub Meal
The 2 course add on is £51 for adults and offers you a delightful pub meal in Victoria at the end of the tour. The options for your pub meal include either Fish & Chips or Vegetarian Sausages and Mash, classic British pub fare. You’ll also be treated to a Brownie for dessert and a selection of London’s finest pub beverages.
London Dungeons
For the same price as the London Eye, you can upgrade your tour to include entry into the London DUngeon on the South Bank near Waterloo. This immersive tour brings you face to face with some of London’s most bloodcurdling historical moments, including the Great Fire of 1666, the Black Plague and much more. Led by an ominous tour guide, this exciting event is not for the faint hearted as it melds special effects and live actors to create a nightmarish journey through the city’s underbelly.
Sea Life Centre
Again at £63 for adults, you can upgrade your tour to include entry into the Sea Life Centre, an aquarium situated on the South Bank. The Sea Life Centre is a great chance for kids to get up close and personal with a diverse range of marine life. It even includes a petting pool!
Harrods Cream Tea
Guests of 5 star hotels near Edgware Road seeking even more luxury London hospitality can enjoy a Harrods Cream Tea upgrade alongside their Red Bus Tour. The Harrods Cream Tea includes scones and preserves and of course, a pot of London’s finest tea. You can enjoy this add-on for £64 a ticket for adults.
Entry To Buckingham Palace
At £61 per adult ticket, entrance into Buckingham Palace gives tourists a chance to get up close and personal with one of the London Vintage Red Bus Tours most popular drive bys. Buckingham Palace has a centuries-long association with the Royal Family and is still the working headquarters for the monarchy’s administration. Be advised that this add on is only available between July and September, when the palace opens to tourists.
