evan evans tours harry potter

• Evan Evans Tours
• London Tours
• Walking Tours
• Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour (Standard)

Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour

Explore the magical world of Harry Potter with our immersive half-day walking tour through the charming streets of London. Immerse yourself in the Harry Potter film series as you visit up to 18 real-life locations that served as the backdrop for iconic scenes in the Harry Potter books and films. Follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard on this enchanting half-day, Harry Potter-themed walking tour of London. Visit filming locations locations and discover the inspiration behind the sites, as our expert guide brings the magic to life.

Led by our knowledgeable guide, uncover the secrets behind the filming locations and gain insight into the inspiration that brought the wizarding world to life. This spellbinding experience is a must for avid Potter fans seeking to follow in the footsteps of the world's most famous wizard. Join us on a journey where fiction becomes reality, and the magic of Harry Potter comes alive in the heart of London.

Sir Winston Churchill Statue, Parliament Square, London SW1P 3JX, UK

Meet your guide at the Sir Winston Churchill statue, Parliament Square, London, SW1P 3JX. The nearest underground station is Westminster, serviced by the Jubilee, Circle, and District Lines.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour start time.

Uncover many of the real-life locations that inspired some of the most iconic locations in the Harry Potter film series . With an itinerary that will see you visiting up to 18 of the real-life film locations, this promises to be a spellbinding experience for intrepid Potter fans. You'll pass Westminster Tube Station , as seen in The Order of the Phoenix , used by Harry and Mr Weasley on their way to the Ministry of Magic. On the corner of Great Scotland Yard , you'll discover the exteriors used for the Ministry of Magic during filming for the Polyjuice potion scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , as well as the location of the red telephone box used to enter the ministry. You'll also have the chance to stand on the very spot where the Death Eaters and Fenrir Greyback destroyed the famous Millennium Bridge , and also visit Trafalgar Square , where the Death Eaters again wreaked further havoc on London in the opening scenes of The Half-Blood Prince.

Our next stop sees us visit the real-life locations that inspired Diagon Alley, including Godwin's Court , a narrow alley featuring rows of 17th-century terraced houses, and Cecil's Court , which inspired the famous shops of Diagon Alley. In Borough Market , London's oldest food market, you'll see one of the two locations used as the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron and also where, in The Prisoner of Azkaban , Harry disembarked from his frantic journey on the Knight Bus. Our tour concludes at Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station , where you can try and make your way to Hogwarts and visit the Harry Potter Shop next door.

London King’s Cross Train Station

Your Tour concludes at London King’s Cross Train Station, where you can conveniently access the London Underground, National Rail, London Bus Services, or local taxis.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Tour Starts: 9:00 am, Sir Winston Churchill Statue, Parliament Square, SW1P 3JX (meeting time 8:45 am)
• Tour Ends: 12:00 pm, Platform 9 3/4, King's Cross Train Station
• Tour Starts: 2:00 pm, Sir Winston Churchill Statue, Parliament Square, SW1P 3JX (meeting time 1:45 pm)
• Tour Ends: 5:00 pm, Platform 9 3/4, King's Cross Train Station
• Days of operation: Apr-Mar: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat except 24-26 December
• This tour is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
• Parts of this tour require guests to have a valid travel card /Oyster card (not included) for travel in Zone 1 on the London Underground
• Please note that face coverings are required when travelling on the London Underground (unless exempt)
• Guests are encouraged to bring their own face coverings. Spare disposable masks are available at check-in
• Guests will be provided with personal audio headsets so social distancing can be maintained when listing to the live commentary
• We encourage guests with e-tickets to bring these on their smart devices
• Please visit our Travel Health page for full details of our enhanced hygiene standards and protocols
• Half-day Harry Potter-themed walking tour of London
• Discover up to 18 real-life film locations featured in the famous Harry Potter films
• Take a photo at Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station

What's Included

Expert guide, personal audio headset, walking tour, what's excluded, hotel pick-up & drop-off, travel card.

• No Cancellation Fees
• No Change Fees
• No Booking Fees
• Your Money is Protected - Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the day of departure
• Our team, including our guides and drivers, have been trained in our enhanced hygiene procedures; please refer to our Travel Health page for more information

For full terms, see Our Flexible Promise to You

Share with friends

• Share on facebook
• Tweet article
• Share article via WhatsApp

From £30.00 per ADULT

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Earn onekeycash when you sign in and book an activity.

Check availability

• About this activity

Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter by Luxury Coach

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Behind-the-scenes of sets from the Harry Potter film series
• Actual props, costumes & sets used in award-winning films
• Chance to see Diagon Alley, Night Bus & Hagrid's Flying Car
• Enter the set of Gringotts Wizarding Bank
• Host welcoming you on arrival & comfortable coach

Activity location

• WD25 7LR, Leavesden, England, United Kingdom

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 258 Vauxhall Bridge Road
• SW1V 1BS, London, England, United Kingdom

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Sat, Jun 15 -
• Sun, Jun 16 $142
• Mon, Jun 17 $142
• Tue, Jun 18 $142
• Wed, Jun 19 $142
• Thu, Jun 20 $142
• Fri, Jun 21 $142
• Sat, Jun 22 $142
• Sun, Jun 23 $158
• Mon, Jun 24 $142
• Tue, Jun 25 -
• Wed, Jun 26 $142
• Thu, Jun 27 $158
• Fri, Jun 28 -
• Sat, Jun 29 $158

Departure from Victoria

• Activity duration is 7 hours 7h 7h

Please Meet at Evan Evans Tours, 258 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1BS. Nearest tube station is Victoria.

Departure from Russell Square

Please Meet Outside Blooms Café, 51 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0DG. Nearest tube station is Russell Square.

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Admission to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
• What's included What's included 4 hours at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
• What's included What's included Complimentary WiFi & USB charging on-board the bus
• What's included What's included Round-trip transportation to and from central London
• What's excluded What's excluded Meals and drinks
• What's excluded What's excluded Hotel pick-up/drop-off

Know before you book

• Children 2 and younger are complimentary provided they do not occupy their own seat onboard the coach
• Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the booked tour start time
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
• Hot food and drinks are not allowed on board the tour bus

What you can expect

Step into the magical world of Harry Potter with a behind-the-scenes look at film sets, props, and costumes at Warner Bros. Studios in London. Scope out treasures from your favourite scenes and uncover the secrets behind the cinema' dazzling special effects as well as a huge array of beautiful sets, costumes and props with this 4-hour visit.

Grab a seat on a superior coach in the centre of London for the 90-minute ride out to the studio. On arrival, your host arranges your entrance ticket and guides you to the entrance to the studios where you join a self-guided tour of the original sets, props, and costumes from the Harry Potter movies.

Marvel at an array of beautiful sets, from the shopfronts of Diagon Alley to Platform 9 3/4, the Forbidden Forest, Gringotts Wizarding Bank & Professor Sprout's Greenhouse. Check out costumes worn by characters like Hagrid and Dumbledore, spot props used in the films, and discover the tricks behind the special effects and animatronics that brought the fantastical world of Harry Potter to life onscreen.

NEW: Return to Azkaban (1st May – 4th Sep 2024)

DIVINATION, DESTINY AND DARK MAGIC

Join us in celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with a brand new feature for 2024. Discover new filmmaking secrets and explore fan-favourite sets, built by the original filmmakers and available at the Studio Tour for the very first time!

During the special feature, you are invited to broaden your mind and cast yourself into the future as we showcase the noble art of divination. For the first time ever, the Divination classroom set will be on display at the Studio Tour, as seen when Harry, Ron and Hermione attend their first lesson with Professor Trelawney, allowing you to discover the details up close. Make sure to look out for the original Grim teacup!

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures.

• Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants
• High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected

Social distancing

• Contactless ticket redemption
• Protective shields in place at main contact areas

Safety measures

• Hand sanitizer provided
• 51 Bedford Way
• WC1H 0DG, London, England, United Kingdom

How to get to Harry Potter Studios from Central London

The Harry Potter Studio Tour is one of the most magical experiences in all of London, regardless of whether or not you’re a regular Muggle or a true Potterhead .

Except it’s not in London. The studio where the movies were filmed is, in fact, located 20 miles outside of Central London in the English county of Hertfordshire.

So, what is the best way to get to Harry Potter Studios? Let’s look at three of the best ways to get there. We’ve also included a handy price comparison table at the end to easily see how much each option costs.

• Free parking on-site at the studio
• Flexible travel – depart and return whenever you want
• Doesn’t include entry to the studios
• Expensive compared to other options
• Hidden fees – insurance, fuel, etc
• ‘Congestion Charge’ for travelling in Central London
• Driving in London
• Driving on ‘wrong side of the road’ in the UK
• Automatic cars are rate & expensive in the UK

Travelling anywhere in London by car is never a good idea. Not only is hiring a car in the capital prohibitively expensive, but London’s roads are also incredibly dangerous for inexperienced drivers.

We hope you have deep wallets if you plan on hiring a car. Gasoline prices in the UK are some of the most expensive in the world , while in London, you can also expect to fork out an additional £12.50 per day if you’re planning on driving through Ultra-Low Emission Zones (in a car that isn’t Euro 4/Euro 6 compliant) or £15 per day if you happen to be passing through a Congestion Zone .

That is, of course, assuming you get anywhere at all. London’s roads are the most congested in the entire country. Traffic in the city crawls along at a glacial pace of just 7mph (11km/h), while the UK’s roads are the 3rd most congested in Europe.

Yikes. Worse still, if you hold a license for an automatic vehicle, you’ll have difficulty hiring a car in the UK. The vast majority of cars in the UK

• Hassle-free – pay one package price
• Includes transport to and from studio
• Includes entry to the studio
• Convenient Central London departure point
• Stress-free – avoid planning transport to and from studio
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• USB charging at every seat
• Slightly more expensive than purchasing ticket and transport separately

Coach tours are the perfect way to get to Harry Potter Studios. OK, we may be slightly biased here, but hear us out.

Travelling is stressful. Planning a 40-mile round trip by public transport means plenty of opportunities for something to go unexpectedly wrong. When travelling with kids or little ones in tow, wouldn’t you prefer to have everything taken care of for you? Imagine a world where you wouldn’t have to worry about anything and could enjoy your day?

On a coach tour to Warner Bros. Studio, everything is taken care of:

• Return travel from a convenient Central London location? Check.
• Free Wi-Fi and USB charging on board? Sit back and enjoy the journey .
• Entry to Warner Bros. Studios with a very generous 4-hour stay so that you can take your time to explore absolutely everything? Take your time!

The bottom line is this: a coach tour to Harry Potter Studios is a stress-free experience where everything is cared for for you. No dealing with unscrupulous car rental companies, zero hidden fees or costs, no worrying about missing your train and no concerns about getting back from the Studio Tour with tired little ones.

• The cheapest option available
• Trains depart from Central London
• Doesn’t include entry to the studio
• Trains do not travel directly to the studio
• Lots of moving parts to plan and account for
• Requires multiple travel tickets

Travelling by train can be a great option for those who are flexible with travel times and want to save money.

If you’re happy to make your own way there, it’s cheaper than hiring a car or opting for a coach tour. However, it’s not without drawbacks, and you’ll need to weigh the cost-saving benefits beforehand.

So, what are the drawbacks? Firstly, trains do not travel directly to the Harry Potter Studios. All trains from Central London travel as far as Watford Junction, which is located 3.4 miles away from the studio. Upon arrival at the station, you must make your own way to the studio.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to do this:

• The first option is to take one of the regular(ish) shuttle buses from Watford Junction to the studio. Buses depart every 20 minutes from the train station with a journey time of around 15 minutes. Both cash and contactless card payments are accepted on board the shuttle bus service (~ £3.00 for a return journey).
• Alternatively, you can take a cab or taxi to the studio, although we wouldn’t recommend it as even an Uber can cost between £15 and £25. Bear in mind that local, non-Uber cab operators are likely to charge more.
• If you opt to travel by train, make sure to leave plenty of time for travel so that you don’t miss your train. If possible, time your arrival at Watford Junction to coincide with the shuttle bus timetable so that you aren’t standing around for too long waiting for a bus.

Price Comparison

Based on average prices for an adult traveller:

There’s a clear price winner here: Train – but not by much.

Although it may be cheaper to travel by train than the next best option, Coach , it’s important that you weigh up the cost-savings benefits beforehand.

If you’re a savvy traveller looking to save some money, then the train is clearly your best option. However, if you’re a busy parent travelling with children or just don’t fancy dealing with the stress of having to make your own way there, then that extra spent on our Harry Potter Studio tour may well be just worth it.

Father’s Day: top London things to do and gift ideas

6 of the Best Afternoon Tea Locations in the World

Related posts.

Euro Cup: thrilling sports activities in the UK to celebrate the football games in style

UK’s Best Summer Festivals & Events to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

Why Try a Wine Tasting in the Cotswolds?

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of London for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy London without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Why now is the perfect time to visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter

With Hogwarts decked out in all its festive glory, there’s no better time to head to this world-famous studio tour. Why not make the whole experience even easier by booking a coach tour?

No matter what you’ve seen on social media or heard from friends, nothing truly prepares you for your first visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter. Step through those heavy doors to the Great Hall and you’re quite literally immersed in Hogwarts, with the table prepared for a feast and Dumbledore waiting for you at the end of the immense stone pathway. And that’s just the beginning of the tour! Your visit to the site where the Harry Potter films were created is longer than many visitors expect: it takes about four hours to explore the sumptuous sets, jaw-dropping props and heart-stopping models. And that’s before you take into account the time you’ll inevitably want to spend sipping Butterbeer.  Whether you’re yet to discover it or you’ve been before, now’s a great time to visit. What’s more, sightseeing company Evan Evans Tours is here to make the whole experience even better. Having run tours to iconic UK locations since 1933, Evan Evans really knows how it’s done; its Harry Potter Studio Tour gets you from central London and back comfortably and efficiently. Normally, getting to Watford on the outskirts of London can be a bit of a faff, but with Evan Evans, it’s an absolute breeze.

An email you’ll actually love

Hogwarts in the Snow is in full swing

Getting up close to the twinkling model of Hogwarts, venturing into the Forbidden Forest and braving the Whomping Willow are magical experiences any time of year. But the annual Hogwarts in the Snow makes it all even more special. Running from now until January 15, Harry Potter sets are dressed in blankets of filmmaking snow. The Great Hall has been transformed into the Yule Ball, complete with dripping icicles and sparkling snow, and Diagon Alley is at its cute, festive best. 

There’s the new Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse

Earlier this year, the studio tour unveiled a brand new set: Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse.  Based on the scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , you will recognise the Venomous Tentacula hanging from the ceiling as you walk through the greenhouse. T hen, step inside and see if you can pull out a potted Mandrake. Be warned: they’re not happy about it! 

Relive your favourite moments

No matter how many times you visit, we guarantee you’ll notice different things each time. Embrace floods of nostalgia as you pass Ollivanders in Diagon Alley; glare disapprovingly at the cutesy kitten pictures in Umbridge’s office; see if you can muster the Parseltongue to open the Chamber of Secrets. It never gets old. 

Get there with Evan Evans Tours

Evan Evans’ Harry Potter Studio Tour really is an ideal way to get to and from the site in Watford. Not only is it available daily from central London (either from Russell Square or Victoria), but the coaches have free Wi-Fi, comfy seats, USB chargers and air conditioning, so you’ll arrive with a big smile on your face. Tours start from £94, and include your ticket to the tour including Hogwarts in the Snow. Choose to meet at 1pm from Russell Square, or 9am, 11am, 1.30pm or 2.30pm from Victoria. Once you’re there, you’ll get four hours to explore the studios. 

Book the Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Evan Evans now

[image] [title]

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Claim your listing
• Time Out Offers FAQ
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Offers
• Time Out Worldwide

Protect Your Trip »

21 best london tours of 2024.

From exploring Harry Potter movie sets to cruising on the River Thames, these are the best tours of London.

The Best London Tours

Courtesy of Secret Food Tours

If you're looking for the best things to do in London, but are unsure where to begin, consider a guided tour of the city. Many sightseeing excursions cover the highlights (think Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge ), while other London tours focus on Harry Potter, Jack the Ripper and day trips to Stonehenge. Read on to discover a variety of well-rated tours in London.

Editor’s Pick: Premium Tours – Full Day London Tour

Price: Adults from 143 pounds (about $183); kids from 133 pounds (about $170) Duration: 9 hours

U.S. News independently paid to send  Laura French , an award-winning British travel writer currently based in London, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. Premium Tours – Full Day London Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

This full-day bus tour packs in an impressive number of London’s must-see sights, with free time to explore at each stop. We boarded at Victoria Coach Station before ambling through Westminster, getting up-close views of honey-hued Parliament Square – framed by the Houses of Parliament , Big Ben and Westminster Abbey – from the bus. From there it was on to St. Paul’s Cathedral , where we were given a guided tour of this chandelier-bedecked marvel as our English guide shared intriguing facts about its history. Next up was Buckingham Palace, where our guide timed it so we’d catch the changing of the guard. Our next stop was the Tower of London , where we had a brief lunch break and guided orientation before having a couple of hours to roam freely. Most of the tour group made an immediate beeline for the crown jewels, eyes goggling at the impressive collection of diamond encrusted crowns and gold chalices. We rounded off the day with a cruise along the Thames. The tour ended at the London Eye , where several in the group had opted for an add-on whirl on the wheel, and a few left for cream tea at Harrod’s (two activities included in the upgraded ticket option).

Tours run daily from 7:45 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m. It’s worth noting the changing of the guard only takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, so if you’re hoping to catch it, book the tour for one of those days (and while guides will do their best to accommodate seeing the changing of the guard, there’s never a guarantee).

You’ll be on your feet a fair amount, so it's best to wear comfy shoes . You'll also want to pack light – in the morning, you can leave things on the bus, but when you get off at the Tower of London, you’ll need to take everything with you, as the rest of the tour is on foot and by boat. Also, you'll have to queue a bit for the crown jewels, but it’s worth the wait!

Laura French

Why we love it:

• Beyond the official stops, our guide pointed out plenty of other intriguing spots along the way – from Downing Street, official home of the prime minister, to Fleet Street, the former epicenter of British journalism, and the West End , the biggest theater district in the world. Despite having grown up in and around the city, I gleaned plenty of new historical facts myself, and spotted things I’d never noticed before (including the building that served as Gringotts Wizarding Bank in the "Harry Potter" movies).
• The tour ticket covers the cost of entry for St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the river cruise.
• The guide also gave us plenty of other tips – such as when to come to see the dress rehearsals for the Trooping the Color (the king’s official birthday) – and pointed out a good fish and chip shop by the Tower of London for a classic British lunch.

– Laura French

Check prices & availability on:

Secret Food Tours – London Bridge

Price: Adults from 79 pounds (about $100); kids from 69 pounds (about $88) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

British food often gets a bad reputation, but this tour will change your mind. You'll visit seven different eateries, sampling everything from sausage rolls to sticky toffee pudding.

The tour begins at bustling Borough Market, where you'll snack on a bacon and egg bap (the U.K. version of a breakfast sandwich) as your guide tells you about the history of the market, as well as an overview of the city's history and culture. Other stops include a historic pub for a cheese tasting paired with English cider. And – as is standard on a Secret Food Tour – there will be a secret dish offered somewhere along the way. As you eat your way through London, you'll also enjoy great views of the city skyline, London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Past participants appreciate the quantity and quality of food provided, as well as the entertaining guides.

Tours depart several times a day between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Secret Food Tours also offers tours of the Shoreditch district, among other areas.

BrakeAway Bike Tours – The Secret London Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 32 pounds (about $41); kids from 26 pounds (about $33) Duration: 3.5 hours

This London bike tour leads riders past famous sights, such as the Tower of London and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, but also explores lesser-known features of the city, including its street art and secret passageways. It also includes a 20-minute stop at Brick Lane. Reviewers extol the fun guides and say the tour is ideal if you want a break from the tourist crowds. Plus, they say it's a great value for the money.

Tours are offered daily from late March through October at 3 p.m. Tour prices include bikes, helmets and rain ponchos. Children 9 and younger are not permitted on the tour, and groups are capped at 12 participants. For a more traditional tour of London, consider the company's Grand London Bike Tour.

Liquid History Tours – Drink London Tour

Price: From 25 pounds (about $32) Duration: 3 to 4 hours

If the idea of walking – and drinking – in the footsteps of literary luminaries like Shakespeare and Dickens appeals, this is the tour for you. On the Drink London Tour, you'll walk along the "Street of Shame" (Fleet Street) for approximately 2 miles and stop in at least four historic pubs, some centuries old. You'll stroll by St. Paul's Cathedral, peek into secluded courtyards and listen to tales about Sweeney Todd. Travelers love the stories the guides share just as much as they enjoy drinking the local brews.

Note that the cost of drinks is not included, and reservations are required for this tour. Participants must be at least 18 years old. If you're traveling with a group, consider one of Liquid History Tours' private excursions.

The Ghost Bus Tours

Price: Adults from 25 pounds (about $32); kids from 17 pounds (about $22) Duration: 75 minutes

Ride a vintage double-decker bus for a spooky peek into London's lesser-known history with Ghost Bus Tours. Mixing horror with a fair bit of comedy – an aspect reviewers love – the actors-turned-guides describe the haunted history of top attractions, such as the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, among other famous landmarks. Both visitors and locals value the obscure stories guides share.

Tours last approximately 75 minutes and run several times each evening, though departure times vary by day.

London Bicycle Tour Company – The Classic Tour

Price: Adults from 33.95 pounds (about $43); kids from 24.95 pounds (about $32) Duration: 3 hours

Travelers consistently give the London Bicycle Tour Company high marks for its fun guides who are vigilant about ensuring riders' safety. On the Classic Tour – which travels about 8 miles – you'll breeze past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Banksy Tunnel (where you'll likely witness artists at work) and other local landmarks. Your tour guide will offer commentary and give you plenty of time to stop and take photos. Children need to be at least 10 years old and stable riders to participate.

Tours are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. To admire the city lights at night, consider the company's daily sunset ride.

Courtesy of Alternative London

Alternative London – Street Art Walking Tour

Price: Adults from 20 pounds ($25); kids from 14 pounds (about $18) Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Promising to show you things London guidebooks don't cover, Alternative London's walking tour takes you to East London, where guides showcase the area's street art and discuss its culture and history. The company employs street artists and other creative types as guides so you get an insider's look into the community, something travelers say makes the tour unique. No two tours are alike because every guide has their favorite route and spots to highlight. Past tourgoers say the tour is fun and full of interesting insights.

Tours run at 11 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays, as well as 2 p.m. on Fridays. Outings are limited to 20 people. Looking to explore more of London's hidden spots? Alternative London offers a bike tour that emphasizes street art.

The English Bus – Stonehenge, Bath & A Secret Place Tour

Price: From 134 pounds (about $170) Duration: 12 hours

After you've had your fill of London's hustle, take a day trip to the countryside for a tour of Stonehenge . On this small tour of 16 people or fewer, you'll depart London in a Mercedes minibus and head to both Stonehenge and Bath. At Stonehenge, you'll have time to walk around the ancient stones and marvel at their enormity. In Bath, you'll have time to stop for lunch and either explore on your own or take a guided tour. The twist to this tour is that you'll also visit a secret spot on the way back to London, which is only revealed when you arrive.

The English Bus's vehicle, with panoramic windows and a glass roof, is small enough to go down back roads and through the countryside – a feature travelers love. Reviewers are also complimentary of the guides, who they describe as friendly, educational and well-versed in British history.

Tours depart daily at 8:45 a.m. and return to central London around 8:30 p.m. Tickets do not include food, drinks or admission to Stonehenge. The English Bus also operates daylong trips to the Cotswolds, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, among other destinations.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Price: Adults from 53.50 pounds ($68); kids from 43 pounds ($55) Duration: 3.5 to 7 hours

If you're a fan of Harry Potter, you already know that this London tour is a must – and previous tourgoers confirm it lives up to the hype. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter offers a behind-the-scenes look at sets, props and costumes used in the film franchise. Walk through the Great Hall – which is set for dinner – and explore Diagon Alley and Platform 9 3/4. Other exhibits include Creature Effects, where you can see how characters like Buckbeak the Hippogriff and Aragog were brought to life. You can even enjoy a butterbeer in the Backlot Café. Special exhibits are also displayed throughout the year and around the holidays.

Plan to spend at least half a day to fully experience the collection and discover its intricate details. Themed packages and add-on experiences are also available. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

City Experiences – Evening Cruise on the River Thames

Price: From 30 pounds (about $38) Duration: 2 hours

City Experiences offers evening cruises on the River Thames, a lovely way to end your day in London. Upon boarding, a server greets you with a complimentary glass of prosecco, and hors d'oeuvres are served throughout the two-hour cruise. You'll enjoy live background music as you take in the sights from your seat on the open-air upstairs deck or inside the saloon with picture windows. Previous travelers say they enjoyed the cruise, noting it is relaxing and affords spectacular views for photos.

In the warm weather months, cruises run daily at 6:30 p.m.; beginning in October, cruises are available Thursday through Sunday only. Patrons must be age 13 or older to join the tour. Other London river cruises offered by City Experiences include a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing cruise.

Courtesy of Jack the Ripper Tour

The Jack the Ripper Tour With Ripper-Vision

Price: Adults from 18 pounds (about $23); kids from 10 pounds (about $13) Duration: 2 hours

This offbeat Jack the Ripper tour has a unique spin: the company uses what it calls "Ripper-Vision" to tell the story of the notorious murderer. A hand-held projector, "Ripper-Vision" displays pictures on walls and sides of buildings throughout the tour, allowing the guides to show (and tell) all about the infamous serial killer. You'll visit the actual murder sites where Jack the Ripper commited his crimes, and will get a glimpse of what London was like in the late 1800s. Tourgoers say guides are informative, entertaining and skilled at retelling the stories of Jack the Ripper's escapades.

Tours are offered nightly at 7:30 p.m., with an additional 5 p.m. tour on select days. The company also offers Jack the Ripper pub tours.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Eating Europe – East End Food Tour

Price: Adults from 85 pounds (about $108); kids from 70 pounds (about $89) Duration: 3.5 hours

Eating Europe's East End food tour is a 3.5-hour exploration of one of London's most diverse and interesting neighborhoods. Participants will enjoy food at six restaurants, pubs, markets, bakeries and shops. Along with classic (and award-winning) fish and chips, you'll also sample some of the city's best curry, bagels and pastries. Reviewers rave about the delicious and varied offerings on this tour and encourage future participants to pace themselves so they can enjoy every bite.

Tours run throughout the day, every day, beginning at 11 a.m. There is a maximum of 12 people per tour. Eating Europe also offers tours of Soho and Borough Market.

Fat Tire Tours – Royal London Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 35 pounds (about $44); kids from 29 pounds (about $37) Duration: 4 hours

Fascinated with the monarchy? On this approximately four-hour cycling excursion from Fat Tire Tours, expert guides lead you to spots like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Kensington Palace, all while sharing intrigue and stories about British royalty. Midway through the tour, there is a half-hour lunch break near Trafalgar Square (at your own expense). Bikers say the tour provides a great way to see iconic sights and describe guides as informative and friendly.

Rides are offered daily at 10:30 a.m.; an additional 3:30 p.m. tour may also be available depending on the day and month. Schedules vary during the winter. Travelers should note reservations are required for this tour, and helmets are provided. Fat Tire Tours also offers cycling tours along the Thames, bike rentals and private tours.

Evan Evans Tours – Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath

Price: Adults from 95 pounds (about $121); kids from 85 pounds (about $108) Duration: 11 hours

The first stop on this day trip from London is Windsor Castle – the largest occupied castle in the world. Here, you'll have time to stroll the immaculate grounds and pay a visit to St George's Chapel, the location of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2018 nuptials. From there, you'll head to the city of Bath, England – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to the world-famous Roman Baths. The last stop of the day is Stonehenge. In all, the tour lasts about 11 hours. Reviewers rave about the entertaining, passionate guides, but some do bemoan the pace of the tour, saying certain parts felt rushed. However, all agree this is a great way to cross some must-see landmarks off your bucket list.

Tours depart Victoria Coach Station daily at 8 a.m. Evan Evans Tours also operates a similar tour that stops in Oxford instead of Bath.

Courtesy of Brigit's Bakery's Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Brigit's Bakery London – Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour

Price: Adults from 45 pounds (about $57); kids from 35 pounds (about $44) Duration: 1.5 hours

Offering a unique twist on a bus tour and afternoon tea, Brigit's Bakery London's Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour combines the two for a tasty outing. During the tour, you'll ride on a vintage double-decker Routemaster bus through central London, passing by Big Ben, Hyde Park, Downing Street and more. As you sightsee, servers pour tea and offer sandwiches, cakes and pastries. In addition to the tour's novelty, visitors find the prerecorded commentary entertaining and informative, and most say they enjoyed the food.

Tours, which last about 90 minutes, run several times daily and depart from either Northumberland Avenue or Victoria Coach Station. The tour accommodates several dietary restrictions, though these options may have an additional fee. Children ages 4 and younger are not permitted. Prefer gin to tea? The company also offers a Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, among other options.

Tally Ho! – Landmarks and Gems Royal London Bike Tour

Price: From 55 pounds (about $70) Duration: 3.5 hours

On the London Landmarks & Gems cycling tour, Tally Ho! leads visitors to the city's major sights, while expert guides offer their insights and informative commentary – a point of praise for many reviewers. Other highlights include seeing the royal guards (and possibly the changing of the guard ceremony), spray painting in the Leake Street tunnel and grabbing a pint at a pub. The tour covers about 5 miles and travels at a leisurely pace, with time for photo stops.

Tours ride twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., though times may vary seasonally. There may only be an afternoon ride during the fall and winter months, and an additional tour at 9:30 a.m. runs during the summer months. There is a maximum of 12 people per tour. A helmet or tweed flat cap and spray paint are provided to bikers. Tally Ho! offers a variety of cycling and walking tours, including a gin "safari."

Thames Rockets – Ultimate London Adventure

Price: From 49.95 pounds ($63) Duration: 50 minutes

The 50-minute Ultimate London Adventure tour is a sightseeing cruise like no other. As your actor-turned-guide narrates your trip, you'll take in iconic sights along the Thames, such as the Tate Modern, the Gherkin and the Houses of Parliament. Once you get under the Tower Bridge, the speedboat captain ramps up to speeds of 30 knots (35 mph) and takes you on a thrilling ride as the music blasts and passengers shriek. Tourgoers describe it as an exhilarating, fantastic experience.

Tours depart several times daily. Keep in mind: From November through January tours are only offered Thursday through Sunday. Thames Rockets also offers adults-only evening rides, as well as longer 80-minute cruises, among other options.

Courtesy of Tour for Muggles

Tour for Muggles

Price: Adults from 17 pounds (about $22); kids from 15 pounds (about $19) Duration: 2 hours

One of the best Harry Potter tours in London , this option garners rave reviews from witches, wizards, Muggles and Squibs who appreciate both the knowledgeable tour guides and seeing their favorite "Harry Potter" locations in real life. Tour for Muggles takes visitors through London for approximately two hours to see locations where the movies were shot, as well as places that inspired author J.K. Rowling.

Tours are limited to 20 people and run several times a day Tuesday through Sunday.

Gin Journey London

Price: From 75 pounds (about $95) Duration: 4.5 hours

If you enjoy imbibing in gin, you'll love taking a tour with Gin Journey, where your expert "gin guardian" takes you to five different venues in London in a chauffeur-driven minibus. During the 4.5-hour tour, you'll sample five different gins, enjoy five gin cocktails, visit a distillery and learn all about this spirit and why it's having a modern renaissance. Reviewers praise the guides, the drinks and the tour's great organization.

Gin Journeys can be booked in different neighborhoods, including Hackney and Soho. Tours, which are capped at 20 people, are offered every Saturday at 1 or 2 p.m., depending on which neighborhood you choose to book. Ticket discounts may be available for early bookings.

Strawberry Tours – Free Soho Tour London

Price: Free Duration: 2 hours

Since the mid-19th century, Soho has been a haven for musicians, writers and bohemians. Learn about the neighborhood's famous residents and much more on this free two-hour London walking tour. Your guide will talk about famous bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and their connection to the area. You'll also learn about the history of Soho's sex industry, a topic not always discussed on tours. Guides will take you by the Old Red Light District, Carnaby Street, the West End Theatre District and more. Tourgoers rave about the expert guides and are awestruck by the history of the area.

As its name suggests, the tour is free, but at the end of tour, you can pay your guide what you wish. This tour runs Wednesday through Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Strawberry Tours offers other free excursions around London, such as street art-themed tours and several London landmarks tours.

Check availability on:

Free Tours by Foot – World War Two Tour of London

On this two-hour walking tour of London, you'll learn about London during the Blitz, hear tales of how the city was rebuilt after the war and walk past landmarks that survived the bombings, such as St. Paul's Cathedral. Tour-takers value the engaging guides and the amount of history shared on the tour. They also say guides tailor the tour to participants' interests.

Visitors can name their own price, paying what they think the tour was worth at the excursion's conclusion. Tours operate Thursday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Reservations are required to guarantee a spot. Free Tours by Foot offers a variety of walking and food tours, including tours of Westminster and London street art, among many others.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in London
• The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace
• The Best Stonehenge Tours from London
• The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Tours , Vacations , Travel , London , Europe Vacations , United Kingdom Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best scotland tours.

Marisa Méndez June 13, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross June 13, 2024

How to Renew a Passport Online

The Best Small Group Tours of Italy

John Rodwan June 12, 2024

Crystal Symphony Review

Jill Schildhouse June 12, 2024

Fall in New England

Amanda Norcross June 11, 2024

Fun Things to Do in New Mexico

Alissa Grisler and Ashley M. Biggers June 11, 2024

Travel During Hurricane Season

Top Orlando Theme Parks

Lyn Mettler and Timothy J. Forster June 11, 2024

The Best Places to Go for July Fourth

Sharael Kolberg June 10, 2024