You are here: Home > Things to do > Sightseeing > Sightseeing tours > The best private London tours

The best private London tours: Personalised tours and experiences

Discover the best private London tours, from dazzling day trips to luxurious car and walking tours.
Sigrun Tomicki
Written by Sigrun Tomicki Edited by Coralie Modschiedler 08 October 2026
As Visit London authors, we are free to decide what to include within our content, unless stated otherwise. If you purchase via visitlondon.com, we will receive commission, which supports our work creating jobs for Londoners.

Want to feel like a VIP during your time in the capital? Enjoy a stress-free sightseeing experience on a private London tour. Spend quality time with friends and family or embark on a solo trip that is tailored to your interests and preferences. 

Private city tours offered by Visit London include return transportation from the capital and can be adapted, where possible, to fit your requirements. You can gain fascinating historical insights from your guide, customise your itinerary to spend more time at certain locations and even request guides who can speak specific languages. 

Explore both key London attractions and tourist hotspots outside the capital with these private car tours, private walking tours and other private sightseeing tours. Guaranteeing a flexible, one-on-one experience, private city tours are particularly ideal for families and large groups. Explore Harry Potter filming locations, delve into ancient mysteries at Stonehenge, soak up royal history at Windsor Castle and much more.

Find further inspiration in our guide to day trips from London, and discover the best day trips from London by train.

Top private London tours at a glance

Explore private London tours

Private London tours by car
Private walking tours
Private day tours from London

Private London tours by car

Private car tour of London with expert guide and driver – Best for first-time visitors and personalised sightseeing

A photo of St Paul Cathedral's dome with panoramic view of London and blue skies.
Don't miss the spectacular St Paul's Cathedral. Image credit: Golden Tours. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.
Where: Pick-up and drop-off from a central London address of your choice
When: Daily, departing at 8.30am
Duration: Either four or nine hours
Price: From £210.00

See London in a new light on this private car tour with an expert guide and driver. Choose between a full-day tour, which includes entry to Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, or a half-day tour, which gives you enough time to admire the attractions without going inside. Both options include plenty of photo opportunities outside both attractions, plus other London landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral.

Best for: Couples, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a more tailored tour experience
Good to know: Food and drink is not included in the price, and attraction entry is only included with the full-day option.

Harry Potter filming locations private London tour – Best for a magical adventure through the capital

People stood inside the Harry Potter shop in King's Cross with messy drawers reaching the ceilings and stacks of boxes and trinkets that look like they came from the film
Step inside the whimsical world of Harry Potter at the shop of the same name in King's Cross. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Where: Pick-up and drop-off from a central London address of your choice
When: Daily, from 8am
Duration: Three hours
Price: From £316.00

Jump into a classic black cab and explore top Harry Potter filming locations in London. Visit the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, seek out the secret door to the Ministry of Magic and cross the Millennium Bridge, listening as your expert guide shares film trivia and behind-the-scenes stories about the famous franchise. You'll even get the chance to step onto Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross station. 

Best for: Families and Harry Potter fans who want to explore filming locations in a more private setting
Good to know:  For the perfect photo opportunity, ask your guide to show you the Harry Potter statue in Leicester Square.

Private guided Christmas lights tour – Best for a luxurious festive experience

Giant gold bells with red bows and giant red baubles hang along the ceiling inside Covent Garden's covered market
Get the perfect festive photo in front of Covent Garden's Christmas lights. Credit: Covent Garden. Image courtesy of Covent Garden.
Where: Pick-up and drop-off from a central London address of your choice
When: 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm from 24 November 2026 to 4 January 2027
Duration: Three hours
Recommended Age: 3+
Price: From £699.00

Marvel at London's festive sights on a private guided Christmas lights tour. From the comfort of a private car, you'll see iconic spots including Regent Street, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden, with an expert guide on hand to explain the capital's biggest festive traditions. Don't forget to snap plenty of photos of the breathtaking Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.

Best for: An intimate tour of London's most famous light displays
Good to know: Couples, families and anyone craving a magical sightseeing tour with plenty of picture-perfect moments.

Beatles private black cab tour – Best for rock and roll fans

Two people walking across the famous Beatles zebra crossing.
Walk across the famous zebra crossing at Abbey Road. Image credit: Michael Barrow. Image courtesy of London & Partners.
Where: Pick-up and drop-off from a central London address of your choice
When: Daily, from 8am
Duration: Three hours
Price: From £316.00
Immerse yourself in music history on a private Beatles black cab tour. You'll see the homes of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page, before hopping out of your black cab to snap a photo on the legendary Abbey Road zebra crossing. Venture into Carnaby and Soho to learn all about the swinging '60s, and finish your tour by admiring a number of famous music venues including the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.

Best for: Music lovers and anyone looking for a new way to experience the capital
Good to know: Your tour ticket entitles you to 10% off merchandise at Gibson Garage.

Private walking tours

Private Natural History Museum guided tour – Best for a family-friendly outing

A blue whale skeleton handing in mid-air in the Natural History Museum's Hintze Hall.
Marvel at Hope, the blue whale, in the Natural History Museum's Hintze Hall. Image credit: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum. Image courtesy of the Natural History Museum.
Where: Natural History Museum, 1 Cromwell Gardens, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Nearest Tube or train: South Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly) and Gloucester Road (Circle, District and Piccadilly)
When: 11am daily
Duration: Two hours
Recommended Age: 11+
Price: From £349.00

Gain fascinating insights into the origins of life on Earth during a private guided tour of the Natural History Museum. Your expert guide will show you the very best artefacts within the Dinosaur Gallery, the Mammals Gallery and the Human Evolution Gallery, as well as leading you through the Marine Life section and, of course, the magnificent Great Hall.

Best for: A deep dive into one of the most impressive historical collections in the UK
Good to know: At the start of the tour, your Golden Tours guide will meet you opposite the bronze skeleton statue in the museum's Evolution Garden.

Private royal walking tour – Best for a deep-dive into royal history

A Royal Guard dressed in red sits on a horse and rides down The Mall, with Union Jack flags lining the road.
Witness some of London's most famous traditions during a Royal walking tour. Image credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Where: Meet outside the King's Gallery at Buckingham Gate Tourist Bus Stop, SW1A 1AA
Nearest Tube or train: Victoria (Circle, District and Victoria) and Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria)
When: 10am daily
Duration: 90 minutes
Recommended Age: 5+

Uncover the secrets of the British monarchy on a private royal walking tour. Witness the Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, admire the grandeur of Clarence House and dive into the Tudor history of St James's Palace. You'll learn about the Royal Warrant Holders on Jermyn Street, and if you upgrade your ticket, you'll even get the chance to step inside Westminster Abbey.

Best for: London sightseeing with a royal twist
Good to know: While a standard royal walking tour is organised in larger groups, a private tour can be booked for up to eight people, giving you a more intimate experience.

Private Jack the Ripper walking tour – Best for spooky sightseeing

Blue painted facade of the Ten Bells Pub with gold columns
Embark on a Jack the Ripper walking tour and visit key locations including the Ten Bells Pub in Spitalfields. Image credit: Hulki Okan Tabak. Image courtesy of Unsplash.
Where: Meet outside Tower Hill Underground Station
Nearest Tube or train: Tower Hill (District and Circle) and Tower Gateway (DLR)
When: 3.30pm and 6pm daily
Duration: 90 minutes
Recommended Age: 12+
Price: From £299.00
Book a private Jack the Ripper walking tour and travel back in time to learn about one of London's most haunting mysteries. Follow your guide from Whitechapel to Spitalfields, uncovering the grisly history of each location and delving into the clues and theories surrounding this grisly killer.

Best for: Horror fans and anyone tempted by a spooky tour through east London
Good to know: If you're still craving a thrill at the end of your tour, check out the Jack the Ripper Museum in Whitechapel to learn even more about this gruesome historical figure.

Private day tours from London

Private full-day tour of Windsor, Eton and Stonehenge – Best for a varied itinerary

A view of the exterior of Eton College.
Admire the historic grounds of Eton College. Image credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock
Where: Pick-up and drop-off from a central London address of your choice
When: Daily, from 8am
Duration: Nine hours
Price: From £499.00

Spend your day exploring three locations west of London on this private tour of Windsor, Eton and Stonehenge. Wander the streets of Eton town, step inside the magnificent Windsor Castle and uncover the ancient mystery of Stonehenge. Don't miss the famous Eton College and the breathtaking State Apartments at Windsor Castle.

Best for: An action-packed adventure outside of the capital
Good to know: Entry to both Windsor Castle and Stonehenge is included in the tour price.

Private full-day tour of Stratford-Upon-Avon and Warwick Castle – Best for literary history and royal landmarks

Stratford-upon-Avon viewed from the sky with Church of the Holy Trinity, trees, houses and the river Avon.
Stroll along the riverside and admire the charming cottages in Stratford-upon-Avon. Image credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Where: Pick-up and drop-off from a central London address of your choice
When: Daily from 8.30am, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Duration: 11 hours
Price: From £474.00

Venture out of the capital on a private tour of Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle. Your guide will lead you through the market town of Stratford-upon-Avon – the birthplace of William Shakespeare – and into the hallowed halls of Warwick Castle. You'll gain incredible insights into both locations and visit the most photo-worthy spots.

Best for: History buffs and Shakespeare fans
Good to know: Let your guide know if you're keen to stay longer at either location and your itinerary will be customised accordingly.

Warner Bros, Studio Tour with return transport – Best for a VIP Harry Potter experience

The set of Dumbledore's Office, complete with framed picutres on the wall.
Dumbledore's office. Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.
Where: Pick-up and drop-off from a central London address of your choice
When: Daily, from 8.30am
Duration: Seven hours
Price: From £315.00

Enjoy luxury return transport to and from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Watford on this dazzling day trip. Venture behind the scenes and discover how the Harry Potter films were created, gaining an exclusive look at original sets, props and costumes. 

Best for: A relaxed, VIP-style trip to the Harry Potter Studios
Good to know: The tour price includes both luxury private transport and entry to the Studio Tour. You will be given around four hours to spend at the studios before your driver escorts you back to London.

Paris day trip with private guide – Best for international adventures

The river Seine with boats on it and the Eiffel Tower in the background on a sunny day.
Visit Paris on a day trip from London and admire the Eiffel Tower. Image credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Where: Meet your Golden Tours representative at Paul Le Café, Unit 2, St Pancras Station, Euston Road, London N1C 4QP
Nearest Tube or train: King's Cross (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria)
When: Departure time is 5.30am from Monday to Friday, 5am on Saturdays
Duration: 16 hours
Price: From £1,299.00

Hop on the Eurostar from London and get ready for this Paris day tour with a private driver-guide. Marvel at world-famous landmarks including the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe, and step inside the Louvre (or the Musée D'Orsay, if you're visiting on a Tuesday). You'll even have the chance to board a cruise along the river Seine and admiring the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Best for: A thrilling adventure through the French capital in just one day
Good to know: The itinerary includes at least 45 minutes to take a lunch break, giving you the opportunity to taste some classic French food.

Private car to Bicester Village – Best for stress-free designer shopping

People walking past a row of colourful shops on a sunny day
Enjoy luxury outlet shopping at Bicester Village, with designer brands, cafes and a stylish open‑air setting that is easy to reach by train from London. Image credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Where: Pick-up and drop-off from a central London address of your choice
When: 8.30am from Monday to Sunday, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Duration: Eight hours
Price: From £300.00

Enjoy a VIP shopping experience with a private transfer to and from Bicester Village. Your driver will pick you up from central London and escort you to this incredible shopping destination in style, leaving you to explore the cafes, boutiques and designer outlets. Don't miss unbeatable discounts at high-fashion brands including Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino, and make sure to check out Bicester Village's renowned pop-ups and art installations.

Best for: Incredible designer discounts and a glamorous day out
Good to know: The experience includes a VIP pass which entitles you to 10% off selected retailers. Plus, there's no need to worry about carrying your bags, as a hands-free shopping service is also included.

Private London tours FAQs

Are private tours and guides in London worth it?

Private London tours are absolutely worth it, particularly if you are looking for a personalised and less crowded sightseeing experience. Private guides and drivers offer specialised knowledge of each location, and itineraries can be customised to suit your preferences and interests.

 

Explore by category