The Classic Tour — Local services in London

Good luck with this company. You’ll need it. When we arrived at our tour meeting point, a 10k foot race had shut down all surrounding streets and prevented the bus from getting through. As tourists we of course were not aware of the change (should not the tour company have known? these things are planned months if not years in advance...). Someone from the company met us and walked us over the Golden Jubilee bridge, which took about 15 minutes in 85 degree heat. Fine. We then departed only to meet road construction project after road construction project (again, as driving around town is your business, is this not something the company should have been aware of and alerted customers?). We literally did not see a single site on the itinerary and stood in bumper to bumper traffic inhaling exhaust for 45 minutes in the summer heat. The driver and guide did their best to maneuver the traffic, but we finally decided to hop off near the Tate Modern in order to salvage some part of our day. The experience was truly disappointing, a waste of money, and a terrible use of our limited time in London. When I emailed the manager, Barnaby Harrison, to request a refund, he refused, saying “we cannot refund on this occasion.” I’m curious on what occasions he does make refunds as this occasion certainly seems worthy by even the lowest of standards. Poor customer service. Poor planning. Poor execution and poor response....

Okay, forget EVERYTHING you know about bus tours, because this is a tour like no other! We were pretty much crying with laughter and everyone on the street was taking photos of the bus because we were having so much fun (incidentally this included people on other tour buses who didn't seem to be having anywhere near as much fun as us!). I don't want to give away the details, but suffice to say I don't actually like tour buses but I love theatre, improv and comedy and and SO pleased my friends persuaded me onto that bus! I loved it so much that I've booked to go again next month with some of my other friends...I have refused to tell them any details but I know they're going to LOVE it! Don't expect dry commentary..."on the left you can see a fine example of English Arts & Crafts architecture....." and DO expect to be in stitches, join in with the fun (or just observe, they don't make anyone join in, it's totally do-as-you-please so absolutely fine for anyone). Incidentally, yes you do also see all the sights, learn a huge amount of truly interesting things and come away feeling like you've had a really valuable sightseeing experience...it's just that all that happens whilst you're smiling until your...

We had a great time today on the Christmas Lights tour. As a family of 5 with 3 kids (11,8 and 5) we enjoyed Tom’s interesting and entertaining commentary which made us all laugh. He was great!

Despite the rain (which is obviously outside the tour companies control) we enjoyed the tour and marvelled at the twinkling light displays. We moved downstairs when the rain grew heavier which was just as fun.

We actually turned up 30 mins early to ensure we got seats upstairs. Doing so we were offered seats on the earlier bus tour which was great for us.

The pick up and drop off location was excellently located and easy to find.

The traffic was slow around central at 4.30pm… which to be honest was to be expected, however Tom kept everyone entertained and spread some Christmas cheer.

We would definitely recommend the tour especially with Tom as our guide.

Thank you The Classic Tour for a...