The London Time Tour Bus

Rating

4.5(29)

Family of 4

USD 100–150

Duration

2–3 hours

Best Ages

4 and up

About

The London Time Tour Bus brings a creative storytelling twist to the classic hop-on hop-off double-decker experience, using historical narration and multimedia to transport passengers through London's past as they travel through the present. For families with children who love history, the concept is uniquely engaging: as the bus passes significant locations, the commentary connects the modern view with what stood there in previous centuries — from Roman Londinium to Tudor courts to Victorian-era street life. The combination of real-world sightseeing and time-layered storytelling helps children build a mental map of how the city evolved over time, making what they're seeing feel richer and more meaningful.

The physical experience is that of a traditional open-top London bus, with the upper deck offering panoramic views of the city's skyline and major landmarks. The enclosed lower deck keeps things comfortable on grey days. Stops are positioned at the city's most historically significant sites, so families who want to hop off and explore further have excellent options at every point.

Tickets are valid for an extended period, giving flexibility to break the experience into morning and afternoon sessions if that suits your family's rhythm better. Children who've studied British history at school or who are avid readers of historical fiction will find this tour particularly satisfying as a complement to classroom learning.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

Not on board; available at stop attractions

Kid Meals

No food on board

Setting

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Morning when top deck is less crowded

Wait Times

10–20 minutes between buses

Nearby Food

Stops near Westminster, the South Bank, and the Tower of London all have extensive food and cafe options within easy walking distance

Why Kids Love It

The London Time Tour Bus adds an immersive historical storytelling element to the classic double-decker format, making the journey feel like a time-travel experience. Kids are captivated by the idea of seeing what London looked like in different eras as they pass through the same streets today.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • Sit near a window on the upper deck to follow the landmarks as the commentary describes them
  • Bring a simple London history book or printed timeline to engage older kids further
  • Start at a central stop like Waterloo or Victoria to get the most out of the route

What to Bring

  • Warm layers for the open deck even in summer — London temperatures drop quickly
  • A notebook for kids who want to draw or write down what they learn
  • Snacks and drinks for the ride

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

USD 100–150

Tips to Save

  • Combine with a Thames cruise for a discounted dual-experience package

Hours & Contact

Hours

Friday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Sunday
2:45 – 4:00 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Saturday
2:45 – 4:00 PM
Thursday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed

Contact

8 Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5BY, UK

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