The 10 best bus tours in London from 007 to fine dining

If you’re a Beatles fan, then be sure to get yourself “a ticket to ride” this supersized tour through the London streets. Revisit the heady days of 1960s London, when Beatlemania was at its peak, with this evening bus trip driving past a mammoth 50 Beatles-related landmarks across the city. You’ll see key locations from the band members’ individual music careers while your expert local guide entertains you with Beatles history through music and film footage. Glance in on the only flat where the Beatles all lived together, their BBC recording studio and the exact location where Paul wrote ‘Yesterday’. And, if you’re looking for an iconic photo, you’re in luck: they’ll be a stop-off at the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing so you can make your own album cover. 

Time Out tip: Dig out your widest-legged trousers to give yourself the best chance of replicating the Abbey Road album cover. 

Price: £61

​​Set aside an hour and fifteen minutes of your time to get well and truly spooked. On this ghost bus tour you’ll cruise the city’s historic streets in an old Routemaster (painted black, of course), learning all about London’s gruesome past with a hefty helping on chilling tales and the most haunted sites in the capital. Attractions you’ll pass by include Downing Street, The Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Tower of London. This is London’s only comedy-horror experience on wheels, and you won’t want to miss it. 

Time Out tip: For even more gore, why not check out the Sweeney Todd experience at the London Dungeon?

Price: £25 for an adult ticket.

After a classic open-top tour bus experience? Hop on and off at London's best landmarks and attractions on this classic bus, which makes discovering the city a doddle. Soak up the sights at over 40 stops around the capital, with commentary that'll give you an insight into London's rich history. Commentary comes with the tour and can be played over headphones in languages including English, French, German, Mandarin and Italian. 

Time Out tip: Why not upgrade your ticket to include a river cruise so you can get a glimpse of London's famous waterfront? Just for an extra £1.99.

Price: from £43 for one day

Harry Potter fans are spoilt for choice in London, which is full of locations that inspired JK Rowling's books and featured in the movies. Hop onboard this tour and you’ll see spots including Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross, the original Number 12 Grimmauld Place, and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, on a trip that takes three and a half hours (aka just enough time to get really into the Potterverse). They’ll be lots of photo opportunities too, and even the chance to hear insider stories about how the films were made. 

Time Out tip: Any non-Potterheads along for the ride will be relieved to know that this tour also takes in classic sights such as St Paul's Cathedral and The London Eye. 

Price: £29

Sure, James Bond drives fancy cars, like a classic Aston Martin, but could he fit all his mates in there for a jolly around London? Not likely. Especially if you want to throw a guide in for good measure, too. Luckily, you can fit all those people and more on this four-hour Bond mini-coach tour. Delve into 007’s world of espionage and late-night wanderings to discover filming locations as well as sites frequented by Ian Fleming. Look out for Mi6 in Vauxhall and leave with all the knowledge imaginable about how James Bond was made. 

Time Out tip: Want even more British novelty? Just a 14-minute tube stop away you'll find Rules, London's oldest restaurant serving traditional British fare. It's pretty fancy, so Bond would approve.

Price: Adult tickets start at £36

This short-and-sweet 90-minute tour gives its riders a taste of the lit-up London skyline, stopping past some of the city's best-known landmarks as the sun sets. Travelling on board a classic double-decker, you'll get clear views of famous attractions, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye after hours - many of which are illuminated in bright lights. Your tour guide will also tell you these monuments' stories and give you fun insights into London life. At Christmas, they even put on a special Christmas lights bus tour. 

Time Out tip: If you're looking for more evening adventures the National Gallery is open until 9pm every Friday, while Sir John Soane's Museum hosts a themed late each month for £25. 

Price: £29

Have a ripping good time on this vintage double-decker bus, which offers a 75-minute open-top sightseeing experience with a retro flavour. From Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London via the Houses of Parliament, The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral, see London without any of those annoying panes of glass in the way. A witty duo of dapper guides will entertain you on route with jokes and glimpses of London's past. Described as a “theatrical experience on wheels” you’ll be sure to be witness to quite the show. 

Time Out tip: Bring a raincoat with a hood in case the British weather is on full traditional form. 

Price: £35

Combine sightseeing with fine dining on this delectable (if slightly pricey) tour, which serves up six courses as you admire the city's skyline through a panoramic glass roof. You'll see all the big landmarks, including St Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square: if you're willing to look up from your plate of French-inspired delicacies cooked up by head chef Ignazio Nuccio. There are wine pairings to enjoy with each course and the menu is seasonal and fresh. 

Time Out tip: Vegan and vegetarian options are available so no one's left out of the bustronomic fun.

Price: £180.33

Fancy a quintessentially British afternoon tea on a classic London bus? Get involved on one of Golden Tours' afternoon tea buses  – as you sit down to a brew and a dainty spread of sandwiches, cakes and pastries, you’ll be driven on a 90-minute jaunt past Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall and all the usual suspects. There’s the option of choosing a more traditional menu - that’s right, you’ll get served high tea and freshly baked scones with jam and cream. And, you’ll also get a glass of prosecco. Totally splendid if you ask me!

Time Out tip: This tour is an excellent choice if you're looking for wholesome hen-do ideas. 

Price: £45.32

Kids won't be saying 'Are we there yet?' on this fun family tour, which is full sights and stories tailored to ages six-to-12. This 75-minute experience will whisk round all the main attractions, as well as offering an app with inspirations for self-guided walking tours afterwards. This tour is specifically designed to keep children interested, so kick back and relax while your kids enjoy the sights. 

Time Out tip: Look out for special themed tours for occasions such as Halloween and Easter.  

Price: £16.80 adult, £50.40 family.