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There are so many tours in London to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding sightseeing, historical, and other fun tours around the city.
But what if you don’t want to be surrounded by strangers?
Being in a crowded city can be stressful enough, but when you’re just trying to ask a question during your tour and you keep being interrupted by someone you don’t even know, it can be a real stressor!
You might not be able to escape the general hustle and bustle of the city, but you can at least make sure your tour is just between you (or your travel party) and your guide!
⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?
The best private tour in London is this black taxi tour of London.
The best way to ensure that you have your guide’s full attention is by booking a private tour, like one of these private guided tours London and luxury private tours London.
From the usual sightseeing, to historical tours, to even a pub crawl or a refreshing bike ride, you’re in for a memorable experience with these private London tours!
Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group, where I can answer more of your questions!
Easy Guide: Best Private Tours in London
| #1 PICK 🏆 | Private Black Taxi Tour of London | 5 out of 5 Stars, 470+ reviews | ▶ Book Here! |
| #2 PICK | Private Historical Pub Walking Tour of London | 4.5 out of 5 stars, 3,400+ reviews | ▶ Book Here! |
| #3 PICK | Private Tower of London Tour | 5 out of 5 stars, 80+ reviews | ▶ Book Here! |
1. Private Tour: Black Taxi Tour of London
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 470+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Option for customized itinerary on on of these private London tours
- Knowledgeable guide with safe driving skills
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Ride in a classic London Black Taxi
London Black Taxis are an iconic part of the city, so it’s only natural that one of the best private tours in London takes place in one of them!
Hop in a sleek black cab for a 2-hour private tour around the city, starting right outside of your central London hotel!
That’s right, your guide will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, so there’s no need to navigate the busy streets of London by foot!
See the most famous parts of London from the comfort of your cab, while your guide tells you about the fascinating history of the city.
On a standard route, you’ll see Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and more!
Have something else in mind?
Customize your route with the help of your tour guide!
This tour is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
2. Private Group: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars, 3,400+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2-4 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Private group tour
- Professional guide
- Visit 4 or 5 iconic pubs
- Learn history, too!
Looking for a private London tour that even locals love?
Rally your friends, then go on a customized London pub crawl with a professional guide – one of the best private tours of London.
There are dozens of iconic and unique pubs all around central London, but most people don’t have the time to visit all of them.
Well, your guide will take care of that for you!
This private tour will be tailored to your group, so you can find the best pub experiences for you!
Your local guide’s expertise is unmatched.
They’ll tell you about the history of the pubs, and even recommend the best drinks*.
Thirsty for more of London?
In addition to visiting a handful of famous pubs, you’ll also pass by iconic attractions like St Paul’s Cathedral and St Bride’s Church.
*Please note that beverage purchases from these pubs are not included in the tour and come at an additional cost.
3. Private Tour, Tower of London
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 80+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Entry to the Tower of London on this London private tour
- Skip to the front of the queue
- Professional, knowledgeable guide
- Conveniently located near public transit
Visiting the Tower of London?
You’ll want to get the most out of it by booking this private tour!
Meet your guide at the Tower Welcome Centre, then skip straight to the front of the security queue and head into this iconic London attraction.
Your entry ticket to the Tower is included with the tour, so there’ll be no worries about extra fees!
Once inside, you’ll meet ravens (yes, real birds!), learn the history of the Tower and who was imprisoned there, and see gruesome artifacts in the medieval torture chamber!
You’ll be mesmerized by the Crown Jewels, and the White Tower will give you a fascinating glimpse of the arms and armors that once belonged to famous kings such as Henry VIII, Charles I, and James II.
Your tour will conclude with a beautiful view of the Tower Bridge, the perfect time to snap some envy-inducing vacation photos!
4. London Private Welcome Tour with a Local Guide
⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 Stars, 100+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2-6 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Pick up from your hotel
- Customized guided tour
- Local, knowledgeable guide
- Discounts for children 12 and under
Get to know the city by foot with your personal, local tour guide!
This private tour will take you on a walking journey around central London, and it can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours!
It’s easy to spend a full day walking around London and getting lost, so instead of wandering around aimlessly, why not follow in the confident footsteps of a local guide?
Your guide will meet you at your hotel (or a central landmark, if you prefer), then help you get to know the local neighborhood before venturing out to the rest of the city.
If you tire of walking, just ask your guide about using a cab or public transportation to get around for part of the journey!
Traveling with kids?
Guests under 12 are eligible for a 50% discount, and those aged 3 and under can go for free!
5. London: Private Walking Sightseeing Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.3 out of 5 Stars, 100+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3-8 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Pickup from hotel lobby on this private London day tour
- Flexible itinerary
- Over a dozen language options
- See the most iconic parts of London
Take on London by foot (or wheelchair) with this private sightseeing tour!
Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel in the morning, and from there you’ll embark on a journey full of the wonders of London!
Stand outside of Buckingham Palace during the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, then head on to Westminster Abbey to discover where some of the most famous poets, artists, actors, and other notable people are buried alongside British monarchs.
You’ll pass by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then continue on to see what’s happening in Trafalgar Square.
Something else you really want to see?
Bring it up with your guide to see if you can work it into the itinerary!
Looking for tours in your first language?
This tour will allow you to select a guide who can speak English, Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Moldavian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, or Ukrainian!
6. Royal London Bike Ride, with cosy ale pub and street art: best private tours in London
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars, 1,000+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Hand-built British bicycle to ride during tour
- Tweed cap or helmet to wear during tour
- Easy & safe route led by a fun guide
- Spray paint a tunnel (free and legal!)
Forget walking; see more of London without killing your feet when you take this biking tour!
Explore 7 miles of the city by bike (provided by your guide), and get around London like many locals do!
You’ll be safe and secure as you follow your guide at an easy pace down dedicated bike lanes and side streets.
Pass by some of the most iconic sites around London, like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
Don’t worry about moving too quickly to take it all in; there’ll be regular stops, and you’ll even have the chance to snap some photos along the way!
Near the end of your tour, you’ll visit an historic pub and get to know your guide better.
Then, they’ll lead you to Banksy’s graffiti tunnel, pull out a can of spray paint, and let you have a go at making your own mark on the city!
To ensure a private tour, remember to select “Book for a private group” when booking!
7. Retired Royal Guard Central London Walk: private tours in London
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars, 860+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Former Royal Guard tour guide
- Unique insight into the history and culture of the Royal Family
- Time to relax in St James’s Park
- Free admission for people assisting guests with disabilities
See London through the eyes of a Royal Guard!
On this one-of-a-kind walking tour, you’ll follow David, a retired Police Inspector who has served in the Royalty Protection Squad at Buckingham Palace.
He’s also got a degree in history and is a lifelong Londoner – so you can be sure he really knows his stuff!
David will meet you in Trafalgar Square, giving you insight to the area’s history.
Then, you’ll watch the Changing of the Guard before continuing along The Mall to St James’s Palace and Clarence House, where you’ll hear details about the night before Prince William’s wedding!
See Buckingham Palace and be sure to take plenty of photos while your guide tells you more about the Royals from his unique perspective!
After that, you’ll enjoy a bit of rest in St James’s Park, and the chance to purchase refreshments before continuing along and eventually ending back in Trafalgar Square.
To ensure a private tour, remember to select “Book for a private group” when booking!
8. Discover hidden sites with a historian
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars, 320+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Professional historian tour guide
- Little-known historical facts
- Walking distance from public transportation
- Option to tailor tour to your interests
Learn the hidden history of London with a passionate historian tour guide!
Terry, your guide, will show you the historic sites that are often missed by tourists, and tell you all about their fascinating history.
Your tour will start in the Victoria Tower Gardens, near the beautiful Buxton Memorial Fountain.
During the tour, you’ll learn about often-forgotten historical figures like Jonathan Tyers and suffragist Millicent Fawcett, and enjoy a moment of philosophical insight from your passionate guide.
Hear the infamous story of Henry VIII’s fifth wife, the 19-year-old Katherine Howard, who was convicted of adultery and subsequently executed.
If the history lessons aren’t fascinating enough, you’ll be swept away by the utterly breathtaking atmosphere of the gardens themselves, from Victoria Tower Gardens to Vauxhall Park, where the tour ends.
Past attendees have noted Terry’s exceptional story-telling skills, making this tour stand out above the rest!
To ensure a private tour, remember to select “Book for a private group” when booking!
9. Explore the City with an Economist
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars, 230+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Professional Economist tour guide
- Learn about financial markets and the economy
- Free admission for people assisting guests with disabilities
- Convenient start and end near Underground stations
Curious about London’s position in the economy?
This utterly unique tour is for you!
Your guide is a professional economist who works in the city, providing unparalleled insight into London’s most prominent financial institutions and their role in the economy.
You’ll start near St Paul’s Cathedral and stop by five different institutions, including the London Stock Exchange and The Central Bank.
All in all, the journey is just over a mile, and will take about an hour and a half, ending near Bank station.
Those in your group who aren’t as interested in economics will still appreciate the chance to admire the architecture and learn the general history of the area.
Even children are sure to have a good time marveling at the tall buildings while the adults soak up the fascinating information!
To ensure a private tour, remember to select “Book for a private group” when booking!
10. Music walking tour of London’s Soho
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars, 130+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Convenient meeting spot near Underground station
- Special insight into the musical history of Soho
- Passionate, knowledgeable tour guide
- Great photo ops for music enthusiasts
It’s no secret that London is rich with history.
But did you know there was a wealth of music history to be found in the city?
Take this unique musical walking tour of Soho, hosted by a passionate guide who’s been involved in the music industry for 30 years!
Whether you’re new to the city or you’re a local, you’re sure to learn something new about the musical history of Soho on this tour.
Discover the stories of famous musicians like The Rolling Stones, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, David Bowie, and, of course, The Beatles (and many more)!
Fan of classical music?
You’ll be thrilled to see the place where famous composer Mozart once lived!
Finish the tour in an English pub, which has been visited by many famous people in the past!
To ensure a private tour, remember to select “Book for a private group” when booking!
11. Secret Old London
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars, 110+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Qualified, professional guide
- Fascinating historical information
- Details often missed by tourists
- Meet near public transportation
Curious about the more mysterious side of London’s history?
Take the Secret Old London tour!
On this fascinating historical tour, you’ll learn about things like the Black Death, World War II, and ghastly executions that will chill you right to the bone!
Did you know there’s a Roman Amphitheatre buried beneath the city?
Your guide, who is an officially qualified City of London and City of Westminster guide, will teach you all about the marvelous historical sites mentioned above, and more!
This 90-minute tour will fill you with so much knowledge, you’ll be sad when it’s over.
Hopefully you’ll remember to take plenty of photos so you can relive the experience again and again!
To ensure a private tour, remember to select “Book for a private group” when booking!
Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!
- 11 Best Tours of the Cotswolds from London in 2023
- 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
- 5 Best London Open Top Bus Tours
- 9 Best Scottish Outlander Tours
- 9 Best Ghost Tours in Oxford
- 5 Best Bath Ghost Tours
- 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
- 19 Most Unique London Tours
- 9 Best Day Trips to Oxford from London
- 7 Best Stonehenge Day Trips from London
- 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
- 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
- 11 Best London Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours
- 11 Best London Museum Tours
- 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
- 11 Best London Beatles Tours
- 11 Best Walking Tours in Bath
- 13 Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford
- 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
- 9 Best London Literary Tours
- 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
- 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
- 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
- 11 Best London Bus Tours for Families
- 17 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
- 17 Best London Foodie Tours
- 13 Best Ghost & Haunted Tours in Edinburgh
- 11 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours
- 11 Best London Biking Tours
- 11 Best Ghost Tours in London
- 11 Fun Tours of Royal London
- 13 Isle of Skye Tours for a Magical Time
- 13 Mysterious Tours of Loch Ness
- 7 Best James Bond Tours in London
- 7 Best Paris Tours from London
- 7 Best Stratford-upon Avon Tours from London
- 7 Best Tours of Bath from London
- 7 Best Black Cab Tours from London
- 11 Best Downton Abbey Tours in the UK
- 5 Best Graffiti Tours in London
- 9 Best London East End Tours
UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs
🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?
Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here, a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.
🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?
Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one, which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.
🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?
The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.
🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?
For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.
📳 Will my phone work in the UK?
Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.
🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?
Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink.
