Car
Planning a trip to London
Do NOT, under any circumstances, rent a car to get around London. If you are renting one to leave the city, however, read on for tips.
Lodgings in England
The hotel garage will often be far costlier than a nearby public garage or other parking option
Planning for a trip to England
Except for the driving on the left thing, British road rules are similar enough to North American ones that you'll get by fine; here are the important differences
How to arrange for a short-term lease on a brand-new car—cheaper than a rental for longer periods, and far better insured
Camping is a great way to see Britain, but you needn't be tied down to tent pegs; RV rentals are as easy in Europe as they are here at home
There are hundreds of road signs blocking your view on British roads and—more importantly—telling you how to get where you're going
You do not need a IDP for the U.K., but if you are traveling on to the Continent, consider getting one
A good road map can save you time and help you discover places and things not in your guidebook
Stay in the slow lane (the leftmost one) on a U.K. highway unless you are actively passing another car
How to get the most out of renting a car in the U.K. with the lowest cost and least hassle
Car Tours2 days | from £989.00
Experience the Cotswolds on this 2-day tour from London. Travel with an attentive and knowledgeable guide, visit famous towns and villages situated in England’s scenic counties of Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Wiltshire. Explore the university city of Oxford and visit Stratford-upon-Avon, where William Shakespeare once lived. Embrace the charms of the Cotswolds before discovering the Roman-era city of Bath.
Day 1: London – Oxford – Cotswolds
You will be collected from your London hotel in an executive Mercedes, then head out of the city. The first stop is Oxford, England’s world-famous university city. Visit the famous Christ Church, with its links to the past and Harry Potter. Afterward, be driven to the scenic Cotswolds for lunch.
Then, travel to Burford, full of history with a lovely spired church. Visit Chipping Campden, full of Cotswold stone cottages, some with thatched roofs.
See the village of Broadway and its iconic namesake tower.
Pay a visit to Hidcote and take in its beautiful gardens high on the lime stone ridge. See the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-on-Avon, which features a museum alongside other homes connected to his wife’s family and his son-in-law. Be dropped off at your chosen accommodation for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Burton-on-the-Water - Bath
Be picked-up from your hotel at approximately 9:30am. The first town on the itinerary is Burton-on-the-Water, probably the most visited town of the Cotswolds region. Situated on the clear water of the River Windrush with three lovely bridges, it is home to a bird sanctuary and other tourist attractions. Certainly the most “commercial” of the towns you will visit in the Cotswolds, it is best viewed in the morning, before the arrival of the crowds on the numerous coach tours.
Moving away from the potential crowds, cruise on over to Bibury via the ancient Roman road linking South West Britain with Lincoln in the east, the Fosse Way. Hailed as the most beautiful village by William Morris, Bibury remains a very picturesque village with a trout farm on the River Colne. Travel through the Rissingtons, yet another pretty village with several lovely manor houses.
On then to the main town of the Cotswolds, Cirencester, known as Corinium in Roman times, with its Gothic church and Roman museum. As an important Roman town, it had an amphitheater, the site of which can still be seen today.
Travelling then to Tetbury you unexpectantly pass the source of the River Thames. Tetbury is an old “wool town” with many beautiful historic buildings. The Market House, built in 1667, dominates the center of the town and is where traders bought and sold their wool.
Through the most historic town of Malmesbury your next stop is Lacock. Visit the abbey, the internal courtyard of the cloisters of which were used to shoot scenes for the Harry Potter movies.
After a stop at Castle Combe, one of the prettiest villages in England, is Bath. Take a tour of this splendid Georgian city, steeped in Roman history. After a very memorable two days, you will be dropped off at your London hotel or railway station in the Cotswolds.
Flexible | from £23.10
Sail down the Thames and enjoy the views from your cruise. Your Thames cruise ticket is valid in the central and eastern zones. Disembark at North Greenwich for Emirates Airline.
Soar over London in the Emirates Air Line cable cars. All tickets include a 360 Degree tour on Emirates Air Line, in-flight discovery film and souvenir in-flight guide and entry to Emirates Aviation Experience located by the North Greenwich terminal is also included.
Explore London from the deck of a boat on the Thames River! Escape the crowded tubes and buses to enjoy a journey on the fastest fleet of catamarans on the river. The boats depart every 20 minuets from a number of different locations including Westminster, Embankment, Greenwich, North Greenwich and Tower Bridge.
This is the most perfect way to get through the centre of the city, enjoy unbeatable views of London's landmarks which are lining the river Thames. The Thames cruise ticket allows you to hop-on and hop-off at any pier in the central and eastern zones.
'Take off' on the Emirates Air line, launched in 2012 this stunning attraction allows you to get incredible views of the Olympic park, 02 and the London skyline. Take the Thames cruise across the river and board the Emirates Air Line.
2h | from £213.00
Spin through the British capital in style and take in top attractions with ease on this private 2-hour classic car tour of London. Take a seat in your stylish Mini Cooper — a real British design classic — and zoom off through the city streets. Take in famous landmarks like Covent Garden, the Houses of Parliament, The Shard, or St. Paul's Cathedral, and enjoy the flexibility to plan your private tour to hit the highlights of most interest. Tour includes pickup and drop-off at your central London hotel.Start your private tour with a pickup at your centrally located London hotel between 9am and 9pm. Alternatively, simply meet your private guide in the center of the city London. Then, hop into your restored Mini Cooper and set off through the streets.
Zoom along London’s famous thoroughfares in your classic Mini Cooper and take in top sites of interest such as the Houses of Parliament, The Shard, or St. Paul's Cathedral. Along the way, find out what really makes London swing!
With your private guide at the wheel, spin off the tourist route to corners of the capital only the locals know. Perhaps explore London’s street art scene in Leake Street, wind around the historic backstreets of Covent Garden, or soak up the atmosphere in local markets like the Borough Farmers’ Market.
After two hours exploring the streets and sites of London, conclude your tour back in the city center or at your hotel.
(no rating)60m | from £68.00
Get up close to London’s most famous landmarks on a private, 1-hour tour by vintage car. Sitting comfortably in the passenger seat of an iconic Morris Minor convertible, cruise along the capital’s streets and see showstopper sights including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye. Then, soak up the hustle and bustle of London’s famous shopping strips and learn more about London from your guide’s revealing commentary. Upgrade to enjoy your experience with a bottle of Champagne.Choose the departure time most convenient for you, and then meet your private driver-guide at the prearranged location in central London. Settle into your seat inside a Morris Minor convertible — a classic car that burst onto the British motoring scene in the late 1940s — and set off on your tour of London’s world-famous landmarks.
Sit back and soak up the buzzing atmosphere as you’re chauffeured through London’s most recognizable areas. If you’ve upgraded to include a bottle of Champagne, pop the cork and sip on a glass of bubbles as you listen to your driver-guide’s insightful commentary on the capital’s biggest attractions.
Gaze out of the window, taking in top attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.
Continue on to 10 Downing Street, home to Britain's Prime Minister, and see the royal sights of the Pall Mall, St James’ Palace and the Horse Guards Parade.
Then, find yourself on the bustling shopping strips of Regent Street, South Morton Street and Jermyn Street.
After roughly an hour, your tour finishes near your original start point.
Please note: Morris Minors are small in comparison to most of today’s cars, so with comfort in mind, bookings are only accepted for a maximum of three people per car.
Flexible | from £410.00
Explore London like a true professional with a chauffeured tour. With a separate guide and driver, you can explore the best of the city and make the most of your time. Pick up and drop off is included from locations of your choice.Your guide and driver will join you at your departure location of choice, such as your hotel or apartment. Once seated in the comfortable vehicles, relax with air conditioning, and enjoy the sights as your private guide gives you an unforgettable tour of the city.
Your day is completely flexible allowing your to choose what you want to see - if you are unsure, let your guide amaze you! With a separate guide and driver, you can leave the vehicle at any point to explore London's most quaint areas on foot.
A sample itinerary could include:
Journey through the West End of London, enjoying London's theatre and cinema scene at Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Enter the Westminster area and take in the wonders of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the London Eye. Enjoy the breathtaking Changing of the Guard Ceremony with your guide who knows the best secret locations away from the crowds.
Next, stop for a bit of luxury shopping at Bond Street or Harrods, followed by lunch made fresh at a 1000-year-old market or at a 500-year-old authentic London pub. Journey back to the beginning of London and hear about The City and its fascinating stories including the Great Fire and the Plague. All the while, a stopover at St Paul's Cathedral will be sure to amaze you. Cross the Millennium Bridge and see Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
Finally, conclude the day as you encounter the stunning Tower of London, London Bridge and Tower Bridge, followed by drop-off at your location of choice - a restaurant, museum, your hotel or shopping. Get tips and recommendations for the rest of your stay such as the best places to eat, how long you should spend at the British Museum or what to see and do in Camden.
This is just an example though, and your tour will be perfectly tailored to you and your tastes. If you are a Harry Potter fan, love the Beatles or want the best restaurants in London, simply let the supplier know. Or why not venture away from the beaten path and see the Olympic Park or beautiful, village-like Greenwich where is a mere 20-minutes away from central London?
(no rating)4h | from £34.38
Discover London’s Royal Borough of Greenwich on an independent morning sightseeing tour! Pick the sights and attractions that you want to see, and then your private driver will sort out the best itinerary for you. Visit must-see attractions in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Maritime Greenwich area, like the ‘Cutty Sark’ tea-clipper ship, or perhaps the Royal Observatory. Alternatively, take a trip to the O2 Arena, which hosted numerous London 2012 Olympics events.
For being one of London’s most famous regions, Greenwich, in London’s southeast, is surprisingly undiscovered by many. With a distinctly ‘English’ feel, the neighborhood is conservative and traditional due to its royal roots, yet also has an edgier side with exciting attractions, quirky independent shops, street markets and a thriving pub scene – all crying out to be explored!
Your private driver will pick up from your central London hotel, and after a quick chat about suggested attractions, you’ll be on your way. Your exact itinerary is flexible, so you can customize your morning based on your preferences – just let your driver know what you want to see and then sit back and enjoy the ride taking in panoramic views of London!
Most itineraries involve a route that takes in the top sights around Maritime Greenwich – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area that contains a collection of world-class attractions. Take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere, or perhaps visit some of the top sites (entry fees at your own expense).
Well-known sites inside Maritime Greenwich include the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park, home of Greenwich Mean Time, and the majestic Old Royal Naval College that was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 1600s. The famous Cutty Sark ship can be found in dry dock here, and is definitely worth a visit. The last surviving tea-clipper boat is said to have been the fastest and greatest of her time.
Your friendly private driver will give you plenty of insider tips for the best places to see or have lunch or a snack, should you wish. Greenwich has an array of independent shops that are worth visiting, or if you’re traveling on a weekend, a trip to Greenwich Market is a must. Alternatively you might wish to see the O2 Arena (named the North Greenwich Arena for the Olympic Games) where many athletic events during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics were held.
You tour finishes back at your hotel, or you can arrange with your driver to be dropped off at the central London location of your choice.
(no rating)8h | from £56.25
Discover London’s thriving market scene on a full-day independent tour. With a friendly private driver to chauffer you around the capital, this exciting tour offers a flexible itinerary, meaning you pick the places that you visit! Browse for vintage clothing in East End markets like Brick Lane and Spitalfields; sample enough gourmet delights at Borough Market to make your taste buds tingle; and shop for antiques and hand-crafted jewelry at popular Portobello Market.
London’s vibrant markets originated in the Middle Ages, when street sellers pedaled no-nonsense food to London’s city workers. Proving ever popular, the markets you’ll find today are scattered all over the capital and sell everything from artsy antiques to vintage clothing to cutting-edge fashion accessories.
With so much to choose from, scouting out the best markets can be difficult and take up too much of your valuable time. Luckily, you’ll have a knowledgeable private driver to give you the best insider tips and drive you to the markets that you simply can’t miss!
After picking you up from your hotel, your driver will chat with you about suggested markets, and then you’ll be on your way. Your exact itinerary is flexible, so you can customize your day of bargain hunting based on your preferences – just let your driver know where you want to go.
Check out the foodie hotspot of Borough Market, where nearly 100 stalls sell gourmet delights and cheap eats. Producers from around the country showcase their wares here, and you’ll be encouraged to try samples galore while walking around. Shop for tongue-tantalizing olive oils and taste exquisite cheeses, cured meats, artisan breads and more!
Portobello Market is another must-visit market that should definitely top your list. Selling a wide range of clothes, antiques, food and general knick-knacks, the market stretches the length of Portobello Road in west London, right through the trendy Notting Hill neighborhood.
East London boasts several of the capital’s best markets; choose to visit iconic ones like Brick Lane, with its retro furniture and bric-a-brac stalls, or Spitalfields Market, where vintage clothes and homemade gifts are sold in a covered Victorian hall.
After eight hours of browsing London’s best markets, your private driver will drop back at your hotel.
3h | from £26.57
See London by night on a 3-hour independent sightseeing experience! With a private driver to ferry you around, this night tour operates a flexible itinerary, meaning you can pick the exact sights and top London attractions that you want to see, leaving the logistics to your driver! Visit must-see areas of central London like Soho, the West End and Embankment, and get insider tips for the best places to see, explore or eat out.Picking you up from your central London hotel, your private driver will provide you with a few suggestions for places that you might want to see or explore. Your exact itinerary is flexible, so you can customize your evening based on your preferences – just let your driver know what central London attractions you’d like to see, and then sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
Most itineraries involve a route that takes in the top London sights, so you can get out of the car to walk around, perhaps entering some attractions at your own expense, before venturing on to the next site on your list.
Visit Piccadilly, the busy street that boasts several big-name London shops and hotels like Fortnum & Mason (open till late!) and the Ritz, and see Trafalgar Square when its daytime crowds and pigeons are replaced by party goers and lit-up monuments.
Be sure to take a walk around Soho, London’s proudly bohemian neighborhood, where you’re guaranteed to see a diverse bunch of Londoners enjoying a night out. The epicenter of London’s vibrant gay community, Soho also boasts an eclectic mix of businesses, from bustling Chinatown restaurants to seedy shops to trendy bars crammed full of media darlings from offices nearby.
Neighboring Soho is London’s ‘theatreland’ – the West End. This frenzied and fast-paced area is home to London’s finest theaters, such as the Adelphi and Theatre Royal, and is most definitely worth checking out.
Whatever route you decide to take, consider fitting in the Thames Embankment. Your driver can recommend a famous riverside London pub here, or point you in the right direction for a stroll along the Embankment’s south side. Following the Thames path, pass beautifully illuminated attractions like the London Eye, Festival Hall or the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben on the other side of the river.
After three hours of independent sightseeing around London at night, your private driver will drop you off back at your hotel.
8h | from £56.25
Shop ‘til you drop in London on this full-day independent shopping tour! With a private driver to chauffeur you around, this tour offers a flexible itinerary, meaning you can go to whichever shopping hotspots you want! Get insider tips from your knowledgeable driver about the best places to shop, and be sure to check out London’s world-famous department stores like Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Liberty and Selfridges.
As one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, London has an exciting shopping scene that’s particularly well known for its uber-chic department stores. Dotted around London, the stores can be tricky to find and working out the logistics from one to another can be even trickier still. Luckily, with this private tour, you’ll have a knowledgeable private driver to give you insider tips and drive you to the shops that you simply can’t miss!
After picking you up from your hotel, your driver will chat with you about suggested shops, and then you’ll be on your way. Your exact itinerary is flexible, so you can customize your day of shopping based on your preferences – let your driver know where you want to go and then sit back and enjoy the ride.
Perhaps head to Harrods in upmarket Knightsbridge. Retailing in the same location since 1849, the palatial store remains unrivaled as the must-visit shop in London. It offers both first-rate service and an extensive product range -- selling everything from haute couture to ice cream.
Fortnum & Mason is probably the best-known British food store, having operated for centuries on London’s Piccadilly. Besides being the largest quality food retailer in London, the shop has a gorgeous interior; gaze up at its glittering chandeliers as you walk along its luxuriously carpeted aisles, shopping for quintessentially English teas and picnic hampers.
Be sure to check out the shopping mecca that is Oxford Street, home to the flagship Topshop store, all the best British-brand chain shops and, of course, Selfridges – another of the world’s finest department stores, symbolized by its iconic yellow shopping bag. Nearby is Liberty, the Tudor-style building with its tantalizing window displays to tempt you inside.
After eight hours of shopping in London’s finest shops, your private driver will drop you and your shopping bags back at your hotel – the perfect ending to your perfect shopping day!
(no rating)4h | from £44.53
Visit the charming town of Windsor on a 4-hour independent sightseeing trip from London. With a friendly private driver, your tour operates with a flexible itinerary, meaning you can decide what sights to see and where you want to go! Get insider tips for the best sights and shops to check out, and visit Windsor’s many attractions like Windsor Castle (own expense), the Long Walk or the nearby town of Eton.Leave your central London hotel and travel west with your private driver to the royal town of Windsor, just under an hour’s drive away. Your exact itinerary is flexible, so you can customize your morning plans based on your preferences – just let your driver know what you want to see in Windsor and then sit back and enjoy the drive!
The affluent town is best known as the site of Windsor Castle – the official residence of the Queen and a place well worth visiting (entry at your own expense). Covering an area of roughly 13 acres (5 hectares), Windsor Castle’s grounds include an impressive list of things to see, like the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel. Your guide will give you plenty of insider tips about the best areas of the castle to visit, should you wish to.
Windsor’s Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place daily, so you can try to catch it while exploring the town. Usually accompanied by a military band, soldiers march up the high street to Windsor Castle in colorful red tunics and bearskin hats, representing the pomp and ceremony of the British Royal Family that so intrigues visitors to England.
Near the town center is Windsor Great Park -- perfect for a walk or summer’s day picnic! Take a stroll along the famous Long Walk, a 2-mile (3-km) path bordered by symmetrical rows of beautiful trees and neat lawns.
Most itineraries include a drive to Eton, the historic little town just on the other side of the River Thames from Windsor. See Eton College, where Princes William and Harry studied, and browse the town’s endearing collection of independent shops. Alternatively, visit the nearby town of Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was sealed by King John in 1215.
Your independent Windsor tour finishes back at your hotel, or a central London location of your choice.
These might include car
More tours
Rental cars links- Autoeurope.com - Wholesale prices on rentals (and short-term leases) from major rental companies. You end up picking up the car at the local Avis, Hertz, Europcar, or whatever office; you just pay less than the rack rate from those companies.Partner
- Rentalcars.com - Comparison shop the rates at multiple rental companies all at once.Partner
- Momondo.com - Comparison shop the rates at multiple rental companies all at once.Partner
- Europebycar.com - Offers both short-term rentals and short-term leases, making it easy to compare prices on a single site.
- Priceline.com - Actually finds good prices on U.K. rentals.Partner
- Vayama.com - aggregatorPartner
Car leases links- Autoeurope.com - Since Auto Europe does both short-term leases (they call it their "Peugeot Open Europe Buy Back Program") as well as regular rentals (at the best rates in the business), they're the best place to shop first to see which method—renting or leasing—will cost you the least in the long run. They do cheap cell phone rentals and consolidators airfares, too.Partner
- Europebycar.com - Europe By Car saves you some legwork by grouping together both of the factory programs, allowing you lease a brand-new automobile direct from either Citroen or Renault
- Renaultusa.com - Direct line to the Renault short-term leasing program.
RV rentals links- Autoeurope.com - rentalsPartner
- Ukandeuropetravel.com - rentals
- Wickedcampers.com - Compact campers at reducted rates.
- Worldwide-motorhome-hire.com - aggregator
- Motorhomeholidayswap.com - Already own an RV? Want to hit the road in a camper in Europe, Australia, or anywhere else without having to pay high rental fees? Find a local motorhome owner in that country who's willing to swap his for yours and you can both vacation for free (uh, plus gas):
- Ukmotorhomes.net - intel; swaps
- Mcrent.co.uk - rentals
- Campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk - A camping and motorhome club that also provides RV rentals.
Car links
- Autoeurope.com - Wholesale prices on rentals (and short-term leases) from major rental companies. You end up picking up the car at the local Avis, Hertz, Europcar, or whatever office; you just pay less than the rack rate from those companies.Partner
- Rentalcars.com - Comparison shop the rates at multiple rental companies all at once.Partner
- Momondo.com - Comparison shop the rates at multiple rental companies all at once.Partner
- Europebycar.com - Offers both short-term rentals and short-term leases, making it easy to compare prices on a single site.
- Priceline.com - Actually finds good prices on U.K. rentals.Partner
- Vayama.comPartner
Related pages
Planning a trip to London
Do NOT, under any circumstances, rent a car to get around London. If you are renting one to leave the city, however, read on for tips.
Lodgings in England
The hotel garage will often be far costlier than a nearby public garage or other parking option
Planning for a trip to England
Except for the driving on the left thing, British road rules are similar enough to North American ones that you'll get by fine; here are the important differences
How to arrange for a short-term lease on a brand-new car—cheaper than a rental for longer periods, and far better insured
Camping is a great way to see Britain, but you needn't be tied down to tent pegs; RV rentals are as easy in Europe as they are here at home
There are hundreds of road signs blocking your view on British roads and—more importantly—telling you how to get where you're going
You do not need a IDP for the U.K., but if you are traveling on to the Continent, consider getting one
A good road map can save you time and help you discover places and things not in your guidebook
Stay in the slow lane (the leftmost one) on a U.K. highway unless you are actively passing another car
How to get the most out of renting a car in the U.K. with the lowest cost and least hassle
Day 1: London – Oxford – Cotswolds
You will be collected from your London hotel in an executive Mercedes, then head out of the city. The first stop is Oxford, England’s world-famous university city. Visit the famous Christ Church, with its links to the past and Harry Potter. Afterward, be driven to the scenic Cotswolds for lunch.
Then, travel to Burford, full of history with a lovely spired church. Visit Chipping Campden, full of Cotswold stone cottages, some with thatched roofs.
See the village of Broadway and its iconic namesake tower.
Pay a visit to Hidcote and take in its beautiful gardens high on the lime stone ridge. See the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-on-Avon, which features a museum alongside other homes connected to his wife’s family and his son-in-law. Be dropped off at your chosen accommodation for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Burton-on-the-Water - Bath
Be picked-up from your hotel at approximately 9:30am. The first town on the itinerary is Burton-on-the-Water, probably the most visited town of the Cotswolds region. Situated on the clear water of the River Windrush with three lovely bridges, it is home to a bird sanctuary and other tourist attractions. Certainly the most “commercial” of the towns you will visit in the Cotswolds, it is best viewed in the morning, before the arrival of the crowds on the numerous coach tours.
Moving away from the potential crowds, cruise on over to Bibury via the ancient Roman road linking South West Britain with Lincoln in the east, the Fosse Way. Hailed as the most beautiful village by William Morris, Bibury remains a very picturesque village with a trout farm on the River Colne. Travel through the Rissingtons, yet another pretty village with several lovely manor houses.
On then to the main town of the Cotswolds, Cirencester, known as Corinium in Roman times, with its Gothic church and Roman museum. As an important Roman town, it had an amphitheater, the site of which can still be seen today.
Travelling then to Tetbury you unexpectantly pass the source of the River Thames. Tetbury is an old “wool town” with many beautiful historic buildings. The Market House, built in 1667, dominates the center of the town and is where traders bought and sold their wool.
Through the most historic town of Malmesbury your next stop is Lacock. Visit the abbey, the internal courtyard of the cloisters of which were used to shoot scenes for the Harry Potter movies.
After a stop at Castle Combe, one of the prettiest villages in England, is Bath. Take a tour of this splendid Georgian city, steeped in Roman history. After a very memorable two days, you will be dropped off at your London hotel or railway station in the Cotswolds.
Sail down the Thames and enjoy the views from your cruise. Your Thames cruise ticket is valid in the central and eastern zones. Disembark at North Greenwich for Emirates Airline.
Soar over London in the Emirates Air Line cable cars. All tickets include a 360 Degree tour on Emirates Air Line, in-flight discovery film and souvenir in-flight guide and entry to Emirates Aviation Experience located by the North Greenwich terminal is also included.
Explore London from the deck of a boat on the Thames River! Escape the crowded tubes and buses to enjoy a journey on the fastest fleet of catamarans on the river. The boats depart every 20 minuets from a number of different locations including Westminster, Embankment, Greenwich, North Greenwich and Tower Bridge.
This is the most perfect way to get through the centre of the city, enjoy unbeatable views of London's landmarks which are lining the river Thames. The Thames cruise ticket allows you to hop-on and hop-off at any pier in the central and eastern zones.
'Take off' on the Emirates Air line, launched in 2012 this stunning attraction allows you to get incredible views of the Olympic park, 02 and the London skyline. Take the Thames cruise across the river and board the Emirates Air Line.
Start your private tour with a pickup at your centrally located London hotel between 9am and 9pm. Alternatively, simply meet your private guide in the center of the city London. Then, hop into your restored Mini Cooper and set off through the streets.
Zoom along London’s famous thoroughfares in your classic Mini Cooper and take in top sites of interest such as the Houses of Parliament, The Shard, or St. Paul's Cathedral. Along the way, find out what really makes London swing!
With your private guide at the wheel, spin off the tourist route to corners of the capital only the locals know. Perhaps explore London’s street art scene in Leake Street, wind around the historic backstreets of Covent Garden, or soak up the atmosphere in local markets like the Borough Farmers’ Market.
After two hours exploring the streets and sites of London, conclude your tour back in the city center or at your hotel.
Choose the departure time most convenient for you, and then meet your private driver-guide at the prearranged location in central London. Settle into your seat inside a Morris Minor convertible — a classic car that burst onto the British motoring scene in the late 1940s — and set off on your tour of London’s world-famous landmarks.
Sit back and soak up the buzzing atmosphere as you’re chauffeured through London’s most recognizable areas. If you’ve upgraded to include a bottle of Champagne, pop the cork and sip on a glass of bubbles as you listen to your driver-guide’s insightful commentary on the capital’s biggest attractions.
Gaze out of the window, taking in top attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.
Continue on to 10 Downing Street, home to Britain's Prime Minister, and see the royal sights of the Pall Mall, St James’ Palace and the Horse Guards Parade.
Then, find yourself on the bustling shopping strips of Regent Street, South Morton Street and Jermyn Street.
After roughly an hour, your tour finishes near your original start point.
Please note: Morris Minors are small in comparison to most of today’s cars, so with comfort in mind, bookings are only accepted for a maximum of three people per car.
Your guide and driver will join you at your departure location of choice, such as your hotel or apartment. Once seated in the comfortable vehicles, relax with air conditioning, and enjoy the sights as your private guide gives you an unforgettable tour of the city.
Your day is completely flexible allowing your to choose what you want to see - if you are unsure, let your guide amaze you! With a separate guide and driver, you can leave the vehicle at any point to explore London's most quaint areas on foot.
A sample itinerary could include:
Journey through the West End of London, enjoying London's theatre and cinema scene at Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Enter the Westminster area and take in the wonders of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the London Eye. Enjoy the breathtaking Changing of the Guard Ceremony with your guide who knows the best secret locations away from the crowds.
Next, stop for a bit of luxury shopping at Bond Street or Harrods, followed by lunch made fresh at a 1000-year-old market or at a 500-year-old authentic London pub. Journey back to the beginning of London and hear about The City and its fascinating stories including the Great Fire and the Plague. All the while, a stopover at St Paul's Cathedral will be sure to amaze you. Cross the Millennium Bridge and see Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
Finally, conclude the day as you encounter the stunning Tower of London, London Bridge and Tower Bridge, followed by drop-off at your location of choice - a restaurant, museum, your hotel or shopping. Get tips and recommendations for the rest of your stay such as the best places to eat, how long you should spend at the British Museum or what to see and do in Camden.
For being one of London’s most famous regions, Greenwich, in London’s southeast, is surprisingly undiscovered by many. With a distinctly ‘English’ feel, the neighborhood is conservative and traditional due to its royal roots, yet also has an edgier side with exciting attractions, quirky independent shops, street markets and a thriving pub scene – all crying out to be explored!
Your private driver will pick up from your central London hotel, and after a quick chat about suggested attractions, you’ll be on your way. Your exact itinerary is flexible, so you can customize your morning based on your preferences – just let your driver know what you want to see and then sit back and enjoy the ride taking in panoramic views of London!
Most itineraries involve a route that takes in the top sights around Maritime Greenwich – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area that contains a collection of world-class attractions. Take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere, or perhaps visit some of the top sites (entry fees at your own expense).
Well-known sites inside Maritime Greenwich include the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park, home of Greenwich Mean Time, and the majestic Old Royal Naval College that was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 1600s. The famous Cutty Sark ship can be found in dry dock here, and is definitely worth a visit. The last surviving tea-clipper boat is said to have been the fastest and greatest of her time.
Your friendly private driver will give you plenty of insider tips for the best places to see or have lunch or a snack, should you wish. Greenwich has an array of independent shops that are worth visiting, or if you’re traveling on a weekend, a trip to Greenwich Market is a must. Alternatively you might wish to see the O2 Arena (named the North Greenwich Arena for the Olympic Games) where many athletic events during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics were held.
You tour finishes back at your hotel, or you can arrange with your driver to be dropped off at the central London location of your choice.
London’s vibrant markets originated in the Middle Ages, when street sellers pedaled no-nonsense food to London’s city workers. Proving ever popular, the markets you’ll find today are scattered all over the capital and sell everything from artsy antiques to vintage clothing to cutting-edge fashion accessories.
With so much to choose from, scouting out the best markets can be difficult and take up too much of your valuable time. Luckily, you’ll have a knowledgeable private driver to give you the best insider tips and drive you to the markets that you simply can’t miss!
After picking you up from your hotel, your driver will chat with you about suggested markets, and then you’ll be on your way. Your exact itinerary is flexible, so you can customize your day of bargain hunting based on your preferences – just let your driver know where you want to go.
Check out the foodie hotspot of Borough Market, where nearly 100 stalls sell gourmet delights and cheap eats. Producers from around the country showcase their wares here, and you’ll be encouraged to try samples galore while walking around. Shop for tongue-tantalizing olive oils and taste exquisite cheeses, cured meats, artisan breads and more!
Portobello Market is another must-visit market that should definitely top your list. Selling a wide range of clothes, antiques, food and general knick-knacks, the market stretches the length of Portobello Road in west London, right through the trendy Notting Hill neighborhood.
East London boasts several of the capital’s best markets; choose to visit iconic ones like Brick Lane, with its retro furniture and bric-a-brac stalls, or Spitalfields Market, where vintage clothes and homemade gifts are sold in a covered Victorian hall.
After eight hours of browsing London’s best markets, your private driver will drop back at your hotel.
Picking you up from your central London hotel, your private driver will provide you with a few suggestions for places that you might want to see or explore. Your exact itinerary is flexible, so you can customize your evening based on your preferences – just let your driver know what central London attractions you’d like to see, and then sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
Most itineraries involve a route that takes in the top London sights, so you can get out of the car to walk around, perhaps entering some attractions at your own expense, before venturing on to the next site on your list.
Visit Piccadilly, the busy street that boasts several big-name London shops and hotels like Fortnum & Mason (open till late!) and the Ritz, and see Trafalgar Square when its daytime crowds and pigeons are replaced by party goers and lit-up monuments.
Be sure to take a walk around Soho, London’s proudly bohemian neighborhood, where you’re guaranteed to see a diverse bunch of Londoners enjoying a night out. The epicenter of London’s vibrant gay community, Soho also boasts an eclectic mix of businesses, from bustling Chinatown restaurants to seedy shops to trendy bars crammed full of media darlings from offices nearby.
Neighboring Soho is London’s ‘theatreland’ – the West End. This frenzied and fast-paced area is home to London’s finest theaters, such as the Adelphi and Theatre Royal, and is most definitely worth checking out.
Whatever route you decide to take, consider fitting in the Thames Embankment. Your driver can recommend a famous riverside London pub here, or point you in the right direction for a stroll along the Embankment’s south side. Following the Thames path, pass beautifully illuminated attractions like the London Eye, Festival Hall or the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben on the other side of the river.
After three hours of independent sightseeing around London at night, your private driver will drop you off back at your hotel.
As one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, London has an exciting shopping scene that’s particularly well known for its uber-chic department stores. Dotted around London, the stores can be tricky to find and working out the logistics from one to another can be even trickier still. Luckily, with this private tour, you’ll have a knowledgeable private driver to give you insider tips and drive you to the shops that you simply can’t miss!
After picking you up from your hotel, your driver will chat with you about suggested shops, and then you’ll be on your way. Your exact itinerary is flexible, so you can customize your day of shopping based on your preferences – let your driver know where you want to go and then sit back and enjoy the ride.
Perhaps head to Harrods in upmarket Knightsbridge. Retailing in the same location since 1849, the palatial store remains unrivaled as the must-visit shop in London. It offers both first-rate service and an extensive product range -- selling everything from haute couture to ice cream.
Fortnum & Mason is probably the best-known British food store, having operated for centuries on London’s Piccadilly. Besides being the largest quality food retailer in London, the shop has a gorgeous interior; gaze up at its glittering chandeliers as you walk along its luxuriously carpeted aisles, shopping for quintessentially English teas and picnic hampers.
Be sure to check out the shopping mecca that is Oxford Street, home to the flagship Topshop store, all the best British-brand chain shops and, of course, Selfridges – another of the world’s finest department stores, symbolized by its iconic yellow shopping bag. Nearby is Liberty, the Tudor-style building with its tantalizing window displays to tempt you inside.
After eight hours of shopping in London’s finest shops, your private driver will drop you and your shopping bags back at your hotel – the perfect ending to your perfect shopping day!
Leave your central London hotel and travel west with your private driver to the royal town of Windsor, just under an hour’s drive away. Your exact itinerary is flexible, so you can customize your morning plans based on your preferences – just let your driver know what you want to see in Windsor and then sit back and enjoy the drive!
The affluent town is best known as the site of Windsor Castle – the official residence of the Queen and a place well worth visiting (entry at your own expense). Covering an area of roughly 13 acres (5 hectares), Windsor Castle’s grounds include an impressive list of things to see, like the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel. Your guide will give you plenty of insider tips about the best areas of the castle to visit, should you wish to.
Windsor’s Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place daily, so you can try to catch it while exploring the town. Usually accompanied by a military band, soldiers march up the high street to Windsor Castle in colorful red tunics and bearskin hats, representing the pomp and ceremony of the British Royal Family that so intrigues visitors to England.
Near the town center is Windsor Great Park -- perfect for a walk or summer’s day picnic! Take a stroll along the famous Long Walk, a 2-mile (3-km) path bordered by symmetrical rows of beautiful trees and neat lawns.
Most itineraries include a drive to Eton, the historic little town just on the other side of the River Thames from Windsor. See Eton College, where Princes William and Harry studied, and browse the town’s endearing collection of independent shops. Alternatively, visit the nearby town of Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was sealed by King John in 1215.
Your independent Windsor tour finishes back at your hotel, or a central London location of your choice.
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