Best of London by LE GRAND – London’s Luxury Bus Tour

Introduction

If you’re looking to tick off London’s must-see sights without the hassle of navigating public transport or booking multiple tours, the Best of London by LE GRAND offers a unique blend of sightseeing and dining. This tour promises a taste of London’s grandeur with a side of gourmet indulgence—all from the comfort of a plush, luxury double-decker bus.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the elegant and comfy layout of the bus, which reviewers praise as a refreshing change from typical tour vehicles. Second, the dual focus on iconic sights and tasty bites makes it a real time-saver—especially appealing for visitors with limited schedules. Finally, the professional service and stylish interior elevate what could otherwise be a straightforward bus ride into a memorable experience.

That said, it’s worth noting that gourmet bites and drinks are not included in the ticket price, so you’ll want to budget for that. This tour is ideal for food lovers, those who want a relaxed yet rundown of London, and travelers short on time but eager to see the essentials in style.

Good To Know

• Luxury Experience: The bus’s elegant, comfortable interior makes it stand out.
• Efficient Sightseeing: Cover many major landmarks in just 1.5 hours.
• Food and Views: Combines city sights with gourmet bites or afternoon tea.
• Ideal for Foodies: Perfect for those who enjoy good food along with sightseeing.
• Limited Duration: A quick, immersive overview suited for tight schedules.
• Small Group: A maximum of 32 travelers ensures a more intimate experience.

An Overview of the Experience

The Best of London by LE GRAND is a 1.5-hour luxury bus tour that offers a condensed but comprehensive glimpse of London’s most recognizable landmarks. Meeting at Green Park, the tour begins in the early afternoon, providing a perfect break in your sightseeing schedule. You’ll hop aboard a sleek double-decker, designed with style and comfort in mind—something that reviewers like SanjayN highlight as a major plus, praising the “elegant and comfy layout.”

This isn’t just a standard hop-on-hop-off; it’s a curated ride that takes you past Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square, among other iconic sights. The route also includes cultural landmarks such as the Natural History Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Royal Albert Hall, giving you a well-rounded overview of London’s historic and modern attractions.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Westminster Area

Your tour begins in Westminster, with views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. These sights often form the core of London’s image, and from the bus, you get a sweeping perspective. You’ll also pass Downing Street and Parliament Square, where you can imagine the buzz of political life.

Royal Landmarks

Next, the bus makes its way towards Buckingham Palace, where you can see the regal façade from the comfort of your seat. The nearby Royal Albert Hall and The Albert Memorial add a touch of royal grandeur. Although the tour doesn’t include entrance tickets, it provides plenty of photo opportunities and context about these landmarks.

Cultural and Shopping Districts

As the bus circles through areas like Harrods, Sloane Square, and Soho, you’ll get a sense of London’s vibrant shopping and entertainment hubs. The route also covers Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, and the Royal Academy of Arts, rounding out the cultural landscape.

Parks and Museums

A highlight for many is the passing of Hyde Park—a sprawling green oasis—and the neighboring Natural History Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum. While you won’t go inside, the views from the bus provide excellent photo ops.

The Dining Component

The real charm of this tour lies in the dining experience. You have the option to indulge in gourmet bites or enjoy a quintessential British afternoon tea while seated comfortably on the bus. This dual experience allows you to relax and soak in the sights without the typical hustle of cafeteria-style food trucks or hurried meals.

However, it’s important to note that food and beverages are not included in the ticket price. You’ll need to purchase these separately, which can be an advantage if you want to choose your preferred menu or indulge in high-quality fare—we have heard that the food options are well-received, making it a good choice for food lovers exploring the city.

What’s Special About the Bus and Service?

The bus itself is often described as a luxurious, stylish vehicle with plush seating, armchairs, and sofas. This elevates the experience from the typical sightseeing bus, making it feel more like a private lounge on wheels. Reviewers mention the professional service onboard, which contributes to a relaxed, enjoyable journey.

The small group size—capped at 32 travelers—ensures a more intimate atmosphere, so it’s less about crowded buses and more about enjoying the ride comfortably. The mobile ticket system also offers flexibility, allowing you to join the tour without fussing over paper tickets.

The Review Perspective

One reviewer, SanjayN, specifically mentioned the “elegant and comfy layout”, praising it as “a great new product that is unique and special,” with excellent service. The fact that the bus’s design is both stylish and functional likely contributes to the positive experience.

Another point worth mentioning is the timing—the 2:00 pm start is ideal for a late lunch or afternoon break, and the tour ends back where it begins, simplifying logistics.

Price and Value Analysis

At $65.64 per person, this tour hits a sweet spot for a luxurious, yet time-efficient way to see London. While the ticket doesn’t include food, the added value comes from the convenience of combining sightseeing with a seated meal or tea.

Compared to other London tours, which can be longer or more fragmented, this one offers a curated, high-end experience in a short window. Travelers who dislike crowded buses or want a more refined atmosphere will find this worth the investment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits foodies who enjoy pairing sightseeing with tasting moments, especially those new to London who want a broad overview without the hassle of multiple bookings. It’s also excellent for travelers with limited time who prefer a relaxed, stylish experience rather than rushing from attraction to attraction.

The Sum Up

The Best of London by LE GRAND offers a distinctive way to see London’s landmarks while enjoying a touch of luxury. The elegant bus design, combined with the opportunity to indulge in gourmet bites or afternoon tea, makes it a great choice for those who value comfort and style.

While it’s not a budget option, its focus on quality, convenience, and a memorable atmosphere justifies the price for many travelers. This tour is best for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with a refined dining experience, all wrapped up in a small, intimate group setting.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, stylish introduction to London’s highlights—without sacrificing comfort or good food—this tour deserves serious consideration.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 are not allowed on this tour, but it’s suitable for most other travelers who can sit for 1.5 hours comfortably.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is at Green Park Underground toilets, 21 Arlington St, London SW1A 1RD.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 2:00 pm, and the journey lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Are food and drinks included?
No, gourmet bites and beverages are not included in the ticket price, so you should budget for these separately.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour limits group size to 32 travelers, ensuring a more comfortable experience.

Is this a hop-on-hop-off tour?
No, it’s a guided tour that follows a set route and ends back at the starting point.

How is the seating arranged?
The bus features plush armchairs and sofas, providing a relaxed and stylish environment for the sightseeing journey.

Can I customize the food experience?
Since food and drinks are purchased separately, you can choose your preferred gourmet bites or afternoon tea options.

Is the tour accessible for public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit, making it easy to reach on foot or via bus or tube.

Whether you’re after iconic views paired with a luxurious atmosphere or simply want to enjoy London’s sights in style, this tour offers a compelling package. Just remember to plan ahead for food, and you’ll be set for a memorable, comfortable London experience.