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Enjoy a fresh perspective on London with this curated selection of skip-the-line private tours. Whether you want to delve into the rich history of the Tower of London after hours, explore the majestic Westminster Abbey, or embark on a creative journey through the colourful streets of Shoreditch, these immersive private tours offer exclusive access and expert guidance to the city, ensuring a unique and unforgettable exploration of London’s iconic landmarks. See the city from a fresh angle and uncover its hidden treasures on these eight

(WA= Wheelchair Accessible)

Guards during the Ceremony of Keys; a moment which is one of the unique experiences in London

Image Courtesy of Walks

See the Ceremony of the Keys and get after-hours access to the Tower of London

The Ceremony of the Keys is an ancient tradition that takes place every evening at the historic Tower of London and is one of the oldest surviving enactments of its kind. On this VIP Tower of London Tour, you’ll get to experience the tower and ceremony without all the crowds, as it takes place after the doors have closed to the public. You’ll get to explore with an official Beefeater guard, a Yeoman Warder, who lives in the building, and watch as they perform the 700-year-old Ceremony of the Keys ritual. Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Tower of London, away from the usual crowds of tourists, and hear stories about the famous ghosts that are said to haunt the premises. This tour is particularly special as it’s exclusive to this tour company, meaning there’s no other place to enjoy such an intimate and personal experience with the tower and this historic tradition.

VIP Tower of London: After Hours Tour & Ceremony of the Keys | Tower Hill 

Tower of London overlooking the River Thames.

Be one of the first visitors of the day at the Tower of London

Next on our list of top private tours of London is for those who prefer to make the most of their mornings. This First Access Tower of London Tour allows you to explore the former prison and fortress as one of the day’s first visitors. The site has almost 1,000 years of history under its belt, and the best way to explore it is with a certified Blue Badge guide, the only guides permitted to give tours inside the Tower. You’ll get to see the iconic Crown Jewels without having to queue before wandering around the ancient structures of this former royal residence alongside your Blue Badge guide. See where bloody executions took place, and you might even feel the presence of the two princes that are said to haunt the halls. You’ll also finish your tour with a flexible one-way sightseeing cruise of the iconic River Thames.

First Access Tower of London Tour | Tower Hill

The Majestic Westminster Abbey ready to be explored with no hassle during one of the top private tours of London

Skip the queues at Westminster Abbey and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries

Westminster Abbey is another of London’s iconic buildings that has hosted kings, queens, soldiers, poets, priests and villains between its walls. It was founded by Benedictine monks in 960 AD and has been the official coronation church since 1066. On this Skip the Line Westminster Abbey Tour, you’ll discover more than ten centuries of British history whilst skipping the long queues and being led by a knowledgeable Blue Badge guide. Spend less time waiting and more time exploring as you see all the main points of interest and hear the stories behind them, including the tombs of some of the most influential figures in Britain’s history, the Coronation Chair, the Quire, and the High Altar, where countless royal weddings have taken place. The ticket also gives you access to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, which has recently opened to the public and usually requires booking months in advance. Inside you’ll find the monarchy’s treasures that are over 1,000 years old and have been hidden away from the public for many years.

Skip the Line Westminster Abbey Tour with Diamond Jubilee Galleries | Westminster 

Visitors checking out vinyl records in Shoreditch during one of the top private tours of London

Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide

Enjoy a personalised tour of the creative East End with a local

The East End is the epicentre of creativity in London and a true art powerhouse, but knowing where to go to experience a local side of it is the hardest part. On this private Shoreditch Tour, you’ll get to see it from a local perspective alongside a knowledgeable local guide matched with you based on your interests and personality. Explore one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in London while staying off the beaten path. You’ll see some of London’s coolest street art, including works by Banksy, and visit the bustling Brick Lane, chock full of food stalls, restaurants, independent shops, vintage stores and quirky cafes. A bespoke tour will be designed especially for you, based on what you’re most interested in, with the option to change the itinerary as you go.

Discover Shoreditch: London’s Coolest Neighborhood | Shoreditch | WA

Natural History Museum at its full glory on a bright sunny day in London.

Explore the Natural History Museum with just you and your expert historian

Experience the fascinating wonders of the world’s history on this private Guided Natural History Museum Tour, where you’ll delve into a labyrinth of galleries housing an astounding 80 million specimens alongside your professional historian guide, who’s there for you only. Get up close to the museum’s famous Sophie the Stegosaurus and a skeleton of the extinct Dodo bird, with insightful facts along the way from a guide who knows the museum inside out. Marvel at the enigmatic Archaeopteryx, the alleged missing link between dinosaurs and birds, experience the Cursed Amethyst and stand in awe before a huge slice of a Giant Sequoia. Encounter casts of Pompeii’s volcanic victims uncover civilisations that used human skulls as drinking vessels and foster a profound appreciation for nature’s marvels on this private tour.

London: Natural History Museum Tour | South Kensington 

Explore London in the infamous mini cooper during one of the top private tours of London

Image Courtesy of Viator

Cruise around London’s landmarks in a classic Mini Cooper

See a different side of London with your own private driver on this Panoramic Tour of London, where you’ll get to cruise the city’s streets in a classic Mini Cooper. In just two hours, your knowledgeable guide will show you many of the city’s iconic landmarks, like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, and the renowned Big Ben. You’ll get to experience some of London’s top spots, including Borough Market, London’s oldest food market dating back to at least the 12th century. Make the most of the insider tips and recommendations on the city’s top destinations while experiencing London from the comfort of your classic Mini Cooper with your very own local guide, who can also tailor the trip to your interests and preferences.

Private Panoramic Tour of London in a Classic Car | Clerkenwell | WA

Friends enjoying the best of London gin during one of the top private tours of London

Image Courtesy of Viator

Explore London’s gin history on a private gin tour

London’s gin history dates back centuries, with the spirit gaining popularity in the 18th century during the infamous “Gin Craze.” Today, London remains a hub for gin production and is known for its traditional distilleries and craft gin scene. Indulge in London’s rich gin heritage on this Private Gin Tasting Tour of London, offering a closer look at the city’s long-standing traditions and acclaimed establishments. Meet your guide in Soho, then head to visit local bars known only to insiders. Savour a variety of craft gin selections while hearing tales about London’s ginful past (lolz) as your expert guide shares their knowledge and facts. This personalised and private tour offers a glimpse into the world of London’s gin, allowing you to taste, learn, and uncover the fascinating stories behind the nation’s beloved spirit.

London Gin Tasting Tour | Elephant and Castle 

Visit the historic pubs of London and discover their unique drinks, and sip away as the bartender makes your drinks

Get to know London’s pub history on a private pub tour

Last on our list of the top private tours of London takes us to explore London’s vibrant pub culture. The city’s rich and fascinating pub history has deep roots in UK heritage, boasting over 3,500 pubs, some of which have welcomed patrons since the 14th century. So, it’s no surprise that London has garnered a well-deserved reputation as a city renowned for its bustling pub scene, which you will experience on this Private Tour of London’s Historic Pubs. Immerse yourself in the city’s storied pub culture with a knowledgeable local guide, who will take you to explore the lively district of the City of London, through Holborn, Fleet Street and Blackfriars, to discover atmospheric pubs renowned for their locally brewed ales and buzzy atmosphere. Gain fascinating insights into England’s beer heritage in a small intimate group, hearing insights and stories along the way and enjoying a range of tastings.

Private Tour of London’s Historic Pubs | Blackfriars

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Top Skip-the-Line and Private London Tours and Experiences
Jessica Dellow

Jessica Dellow is an East Londoner who loves to travel the world and eat her way around the city. When she's not eating, cooking or hanging out in the local pub, you’ll probably find her walking one of her BorrowMyDoggy dogs in Victoria Park with a coffee in hand.