FAQs
What time and where do your tours start?
The start-time is up to you and all of our tours include collection and return to your central London Hotel or other central London location. In the case of collections from train stations in central London e.g Victoria and Waterloo there is a surcharge of £20.
We recommend an early start for a full day tour of 7 hours or more.
If you need to be collected from outside central London a surcharge is made, please contact us. Also see our airport transfers page.
Will we get out of the car to see places of historic importance, take photos etc...?
Yes! Your tour guide will guide you inside places of historic importance as well as show you the city panoramically.
Can I tour on Sundays or is everything closed?
All of the main sights in London are open on Sunday and the City (London's financial centre) has the advantage of being less busy than on a weekday.
Due to services on Sundays however, guiding inside St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey will either be very limited or not possible. If you wish to visit London's Cathedrals and Abbeys and have a choice between touring on a Sunday and a weekday, a weekday would be better.
For touring outside London, almost all of the historic sights which we cover on day tours from London are open on Sundays.
How much will I see in a 3 hour London tour compared to a 7 hour London tour?
A 3 hour tour is mainly panoramic seeing London's most important sights from the outside or one sight in depth. On a full day tour of London you will see much of the West End of London as well as the City, the original site of London. There is also time on a full day tour to go inside places of historic importance with your guide such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.
Lunch and entrance fees?
Lunch and entrance fees are not included on our tours. We do not include them because our tours are flexible - not everyone wants to visit the same attractions, or eat in the same pub or restaurant.
An indication of admission fees based on standard adult rates (concessions apply for children/students/elderly and families)
Westminster Abbey: £20 (adult) £9 (child)
The Tower of London: £25 (adult) £20 (child)
St Paul's Cathedral: £18 (adult) £8 (child)
London Eye from £27.45 (adult) £23 (child)
(2016 Prices)
NB If you're planning on visiting a number of attractions, a London pass can be a good idea. We offer a 10% discount on the London Pass - see London Pass Discount
Lunch is usually in a good pub or restaurant that our guide will recommend depending on your location at lunchtime.
Can I extend my tour?
Yes, subject to availability. In high season, please let us know if you might extend. Simply tell your guide on the day. The hourly extension rates are:
Up to 2 people: £60
Up to 4 people: £60
Up to 6 people: £60
Up to 11 people: £105
Can you book hotels for me?
Yes, if booked in conjunction with one of our overnight tours. For overnight tours, we typically recommend historic inns and 4 or 5 star Country House Hotels rather than hotel chains. Please advise us of your preference.
You can also book any of our recommended London hotels directly.
Can I share a tour with another group?
Our tours are for individual private groups so unfortunately not.
How much do Language Guides Cost?
There is an additional charge of £30 per half day and £60 per full day for a German, French, Italian or Spanish speaking guide. All other languages including Russian, Japanese and Chinese have a surcharge of £175 up to 4 hours, £275 for 5 to 9 hours and £50 extra per hour thereafter (2016 rates).
Can I customise my tour?
Yes. Our tours are flexible. Your guide will design your tour around your specific interests and preferred pace.
How much notice is needed for a tour?
It is advisable to give us a few days notice especially for a series of day tours, overnight tours, special interest tours, large groups, foreign languages and tours during the height of the season.
What is the cancellation policy?
Please see our Terms and Conditions
What vehicles do you provide?
Driver-Guide for up to 5 people
Based on the number of people, cars would be a high end sedan or MPV with a driver-guide. Typical cars are Audi A6, Jaguar XJ or an MPV with leather seats such as Volkswagen Sharan or Ford S Max.
Driver and Guide for up to 6 people
Mercedes E, S or V Class with driver and separate tour guide.
Minibus and Coaches for larger groups
Wheelchairs
We have taken many clients on tour who use foldable wheelchairs. Please ask us for tours which offer good access to the histroric sites.
Other European Cities
In addition to London and Britain, we provide private tours in Paris and France, and in Rome and Italy.
Is our Guide's gratuity included?
Gratuities are completely at your discretion. If you are happy with your guide, a gratuity - usually in the region of 10% to 15% of the cost of the touring rate - is much appreciated.
Travel Agents
We work with many agents worldwide. Please email us at tours@britishtours.com with details of your agency. We look forward to hearing from you!
Trade Partners and Affiliates?
If you are a Travel Agent or Travel Writer and would like to join our affiliate program please do get in contact! You can reach us at marketing-inquiries@britishtours.com