London: Children’s Open Top Bus Tour – Halloween Special

If you’re searching for a way to introduce the little ones to London’s sights in a fun, engaging, and family-friendly setting, the Children’s Open Top Bus Tour – Halloween Special might just be your answer. This 45-minute adventure combines sightseeing with Halloween-themed surprises, making it an exciting way to see the city through a child’s eyes.

From live, kid-friendly commentary to spooky stories and treats, this tour gets the balance of entertainment and education just right. We love that it’s accessible, affordable, and tailored specifically for children aged 6 to 12.

One potential consideration is that the tour’s duration is fairly short, so if you’re hoping for a full-day sightseeing experience, you’ll want to pair this with other activities. Still, it’s perfect for a half-day outing, especially during Halloween season.

This tour is ideal for families with children who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and storytelling, and who are ready to don costumes and embrace some spooky fun. If your kids love interactive experiences and stories that bring London’s landmarks to life, this tour is worth considering.

Good To Know

• Family-Friendly Focus: Designed specifically for children aged 6-12, with fun stories and activities.
• Short and Sweet: 45-minute tour perfect for young attention spans but packed with sights.
• Halloween Special: Spooky tales, treats, and costumes add extra festive fun during October.
• Interactive and Educational: Live guides tell engaging stories tailored for children, making learning about London fun.
• Great Value: At $19 per person, the tour offers a convenient, budget-friendly way to explore key landmarks.
• Tech & Extras: Free access to the Tootbus app enhances the experience with self-guided tours and bus tracking.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Complete Breakdown of the Experience

The Tour Overview

This is not just a bus ride; it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience aimed at making London’s highlights accessible and entertaining for kids. Hop onto the open-top double-decker bus at the 24 Royal Opera Arcade, conveniently located on Charles II Street, just behind His Majesty’s Theatre. The tour runs from October 18 through November 2, timed to coincide with the Halloween season, which adds a mischievous twist to the usual sightseeing.

What You Can Expect

The 45-minute journey takes you past London’s most iconic landmarks, with a live English-speaking guide providing stories that are easy for children to understand. The guide’s tone is friendly and humorous, often sprinkling in funny anecdotes or ghoulish tales that make the landmarks come alive. Expect to see the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Pall Mall, Piccadilly Circus, Downing Street, and more.

The Route and Landmarks

• Starting Point: 24 Royal Opera Arcade
• Trafalgar Square: The tour kicks off here, giving kids a glimpse of the heart of London with its famous fountains and statues.
• Piccadilly Circus: Marvel at the bright billboards and buzzing atmosphere as your guide shares stories about London’s entertainment capital.
• Green Park: A brief pass by this lush green space, perfect for stories about royal parks and their history.
• London Eye: The giant Ferris wheel offers stunning views, with tales about its construction and significance.
• Big Ben & Houses of Parliament: Your guide will share interesting tidbits, including some spooky anecdotes suited for Halloween.
• Westminster Abbey & Pall Mall: Rich with history and stories, these landmarks are brought to life with engaging commentary.
• 10 Downing Street: While you can’t go inside, the guide will share fun facts about the Prime Minister’s residence.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Halloween-themed Fun

The tour is decorated festively, with guides dressed up and handing out Halloween masks and sweets. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes, and the best costumes might even win a prize—like a family ticket for a Christmas Lights tour! The guide, often disguised with accessories, makes the storytelling more immersive and fun.

The Experience on Board

Traveling in a comfortable, open-air bus, your family will enjoy great views from the top deck. Wi-fi onboard means you can share photos or access additional content via the Tootbus app, which features real-time bus tracking and self-guided walking tours. The bus is capable of accommodating wheelchairs, making it accessible for all children and families.

The Guides and Commentary

From numerous reviews, it’s clear that the guides make or break this experience. Reviewers repeatedly praised the guides for being “informative, funny, and excellent with the kids.” One reviewer mentioned that the guide “spoke clearly, which is important for hearing-impaired guests,” showing their attentiveness to diverse needs.

The stories are delivered in a lively manner, with some reviewers noting that guides like Jezz and Luke kept children engaged through jokes, interactive quiz questions, and storytelling quirks. The guide’s ability to manage traffic jams with humor and keep the atmosphere light is a recurring highlight.

Additional Activities & Self-Guided Tours

As part of the package, families gain free access to the Tootbus app, which enhances the experience with maps, self-guided walking tours, and real-time bus tracking. This means after the ride, you can continue exploring London at your own pace using the same platform, making it a valuable resource for extra sightseeing.

The Value for Money

At $19 per person, this tour is highly affordable, especially considering the convenience of transportation and live storytelling. The price includes the 45-minute guided ride, Halloween treats, and access to the app—adding layers of value that make it a worthwhile choice for families wanting to combine sightseeing with festive fun.

Given the reviews praising the quality of guides and the engaging content, many feel it’s a very reasonable price point for such a tailored experience. Some reviewers pointed out that the content was “just the right length” to hold children’s attention, which is crucial when traveling with young kids.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for families with children aged 6 to 12 who enjoy stories, costumes, and Halloween festivities. It’s particularly perfect during October half-term or as a festive way to introduce kids to London’s landmarks.

If your children are easily bored by long excursions or prefer interactive, story-based experiences, this tour hits the sweet spot. Also, those who appreciate good value and convenience will find the combination of sightseeing, storytelling, and treats hard to beat.

The Sum Up

The London Children’s Open Top Bus Tour – Halloween Special offers a delightful blend of sightseeing and storytelling that captures kids’ imaginations while giving parents a chance to relax and enjoy London’s highlights. Its lively guides, festive decorations, and interactive app make it a memorable experience—especially during the spooky season.

While the short duration might not satisfy travelers seeking a comprehensive city tour, its charm lies in its simplicity, affordability, and focus on fun. It’s a fantastic way to introduce children to London’s landmarks in a way that’s engaging and age-appropriate.

For families looking for an easy, entertaining way to combine sightseeing with Halloween festivities, this tour hits the mark. It’s a smart choice for those wanting a quality, budget-friendly experience that kids will talk about long after they’ve left the bus.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a perfect length for young attention spans without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from 24 Royal Opera Arcade on Charles II Street, which is conveniently located near His Majesty’s Theatre.

Is the tour suitable during Halloween?
Yes, the tour is themed for Halloween, with spooky stories, decorations, masks, and treats included, running from October 18 to November 2.

Are there any age restrictions?
It’s designed for children between 6 and 12 years old, but the overall atmosphere is family-friendly for younger kids as well.

Is the bus accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the bus is wheelchair accessible, accommodating families with different needs.

What should we wear?
Costumes are encouraged since kids are invited to come dressed up and have a chance to win a prize.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, but treats and sweets are handed out onboard.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What’s the value of the Tootbus app?
It offers real-time bus tracking, maps, self-guided walking tours, and additional content to enrich your visit.

This playful, informative tour is a fantastic choice for families wanting a quick, festive overview of London—combining iconic sights with a spooky twist that kids will love.

You can check if your dates are available here: