London: Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour incl walking tours

If you’re dreaming of seeing London sparkle during the holiday season, the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour offers a charming way to soak up festive cheer without the hassle of navigating the busy streets yourself. While it’s not a perfect experience, it packs in some enjoyable moments, especially if you love iconic sights and festive lights from the comfort of a double-decker bus.

What makes this tour worth considering? First, the top-deck views are unbeatable, giving you a panoramic perspective of London’s Christmas illuminations. Second, the guides are clearly knowledgeable, sharing stories and insights about the city’s festive traditions and landmarks. Third, the multi-language audio commentary makes it accessible for international visitors. However, some travelers mention that traffic jams and audio issues can detract from the experience, so it’s worth keeping in mind that this isn’t a silent, smooth ride.

This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, visually stunning overview of London at Christmas with some storytelling thrown in. It may not be ideal if you’re a light sleeper or sensitive to noise, or if you prefer a more intimate, walking-focused experience. Overall, it can be a fun, festive outing, especially if you’re looking for a convenient way to see the city’s famous lights without spending hours wandering.

Good To Know

• Beautiful city views at night, especially from the top deck of a double-decker bus.
• Knowledgeable guides sharing festive stories and landmark insights.
• Multi-language audio commentary enhances accessibility.
• Traffic delays may mean some parts of the journey are slower or less scenic.
• Ideal for those who enjoy sightseeing from a comfortable bus rather than walking.
• Limited inclusions—no food, drinks, or hotel transfers—make it a straightforward sightseeing option.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Starting at Coventry Street, this hour-long journey takes you around some of London’s most famous Christmas-lit spots, all from the vantage point of a cozy, open-top double-decker bus. The experience balances sightseeing with storytelling, allowing you to relax and savor London’s holiday magic without the fatigue of walking.

The Ride and the Highlights

As the bus departs from Coventry Street, you’ll immediately feel the festive spirit. The route is carefully planned to showcase London’s most iconic Christmas displays, illuminated streets, and landmarks. The guide’s commentary, available in English, is lively and informative, sharing tidbits about London’s Christmas traditions, history, and the significance of each illuminated location.

Trafalgar Square and Regent Street

These are the star attractions of any Christmas lights tour. Trafalgar Square is often decorated with a towering Christmas tree, and the lights on Regent Street are truly spectacular, with multiple strands of bulbs creating a glowing canopy over the bustling shopping street. Expect to spend a few moments here, soaking in the festive atmosphere and snapping photos of the Instagram-worthy scene.

Piccadilly Circus and Soho

Passing by Piccadilly Circus, you’ll see the famous neon signs and the towering Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, all aglow with Christmas lights. The vibrant heart of Soho offers a more lively, nightlife vibe, with neon signs competing with holiday decorations. The guide will share stories about these neighborhoods, adding context to their lively personalities.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Oxford Street, Marble Arch, and Grosvenor Square

Oxford Street’s legendary holiday window displays and twinkling lights are a highlight, while Marble Arch offers a classic London landmark view. Grosvenor Square, with its elegant architecture, becomes a festive spectacle as the lights complement the historic surroundings.

Walking Tours and Additional Stops

While the bus covers most major sights, the tour also integrates audio-guided walking tours through an app, giving you the flexibility to explore on foot if desired. This feature is particularly useful for visitors wanting a more intimate experience at certain locations.

Practical Details: What You Should Know

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts around 1 hour, with scheduled starting times that you should check in advance. The timing is ideal for an evening outing, allowing you to see the lights in full glow after dark. Be aware that during peak holiday periods, traffic congestion can slow down the bus, sometimes causing delays.

Price and Value

At around $45.80 per person, this tour offers a reasonable price for a festive, guided experience—especially considering the Wi-Fi, live guides, audio commentary, and access to the Tootbus app. It’s a cost-effective way to see London’s key sights illuminated, without the expense of multiple tickets or the hassle of public transport.

Accessibility and Comfort

The bus is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs. Children under 5 can travel for free if sitting on a parent’s lap. The open-top design ensures good views but can be chilly, so dressing warmly is advised.

The Guide and Commentary

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the knowledgeable guides. They share stories that add warmth and context to the sights, making the experience more than just a visual feast. However, some reviewers mention that audio quality can be inconsistent, and during busy times, microphone noise can make it hard to hear everything clearly.

The Experience’s Drawbacks

A significant downside, noted by a reviewer, is the traffic congestion which can cause the bus to be stationary for extended periods—sometimes up to an hour. Plus, audio headphone issues and guide microphone noise can hinder the storytelling experience, especially for non-native English speakers.

How This Tour Compares to Other Options

There are several other Christmas lights experiences in London, many of which include vintage buses, hop-on-hop-off options, or combined river cruises. Compared to these, the Tootbus tour is straightforward, with a focus on comfort and guided commentary. If you’re after a more immersive, walking-focused experience, you might prefer other tours. But for a convenient, panoramic sightseeing ride, this tour hits the mark.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for a relaxed way to enjoy London’s Christmas displays. It’s particularly suitable if you value guided commentary and top-deck views. However, if you’re sensitive to traffic delays, the noise, or prefer small-group or bespoke tours, you might find this experience a bit less satisfying.

The Sum Up

The Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour offers a charming way to soak up London’s holiday sparkle from the comfort of a double-decker bus. While it shines in providing spectacular views, informative guides, and easy accessibility, it does have its flaws—mainly traffic delays and occasional audio issues. For travelers wanting a stress-free overview of London’s illuminated landmarks, this tour provides good value and festive fun.

It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy sightseeing with commentary and don’t mind the occasional traffic hold-up. If you’re after a convenient, festive night out in London, this tour can add a magical touch to your holiday itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, with specific start times you should check in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 5 can travel free on their parents’ lap, making it family-friendly.

Are there audio guides in languages other than English?
Yes, the audio commentary is available in 10 languages, including Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Arabic.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You will meet at the starting point on Coventry Street.

Are there walking components?
Yes, there are audio-guided walking tours available through an app, providing additional flexibility.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly, especially since the bus has an open top and the journey takes place in winter evenings.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservations can be made with flexible payment options.

In essence, the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour offers a festive, scenic, and informative way to enjoy London’s December nights. While it’s not perfect and traffic can be an issue, the overall experience can still add charm and sparkle to your holiday in the capital.

You can check if your dates are available here: