Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour & Westminster Abbey

Exploring London’s iconic landmarks has never been easier with the hop-on hop-off bus tour. Travelers can conveniently see the city’s top sights, from the grand Westminster Abbey to the picturesque River Thames, at their own pace. The audio guides offer rich historical context in multiple languages, enhancing the experience. While the tour provides a rundown, a deeper dive into the abbey’s captivating history and the literary legacies in Poets’ Corner promises to captivate any visitor. With flexible ticket options and additional walking tour choices, the London discovery is truly in the hands of the adventurous explorer.

Key Points

• The hop-on hop-off bus tour allows visitors to explore London’s main sights at their own pace with flexibility to hop on and off at stops near key landmarks.
• Westminster Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has served as the coronation church since 1066 and houses the final resting place of 17 monarchs.
• The coronation ceremonies at Westminster Abbey transform the abbey into the symbolic heart of the nation’s pageantry and royal tradition.
• Poets’ Corner within the abbey memorializes Britain’s most renowned literary figures and celebrates the immense contributions of writers to English literature and culture.
• The optional River Thames boat ride offers panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks and provides commentary on the river’s rich history and importance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Information

The hop-on hop-off bus tour provides visitors with a convenient way to explore London’s main sights and attractions, offering audio guides in 11 languages and tickets valid for 1 day, 24 or 48 hours.

Passengers can hop on and off the buses at stops near key landmarks, ensuring they don’t miss any of the must-see destinations. The flexible format allows travelers to create their own itinerary and explore London at their own pace.

Whether it’s a quick overview or an in-depth discovery, the hop-on hop-off bus tour is an efficient and hassle-free way to experience the city’s top attractions.

Westminster Abbey History

With over 1,000 years of history, Westminster Abbey has served as the coronation church since 1066, witnessing the crowning of monarchs on the iconic Coronation Chair.

This hallowed ground houses the final resting place of 17 monarchs, while its Poets’ Corner memorializes famous writers and literary figures, cementing the abbey’s enduring significance in the nation’s history and cultural heritage.

Visitors can explore the abbey’s rich tapestry of history, from the extravagant coronation ceremonies to the serene ambiance of the ancient architecture.

The abbey’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site underscores its profound cultural and architectural importance, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Britain’s storied past.

Coronation Ceremonies

Coronation ceremonies at Westminster Abbey have marked the formal investiture of English and British monarchs since the 11th century, transforming the abbey into the symbolic heart of the nation’s pageantry and royal tradition.

The coronation chair, a medieval oak throne, has been used for the crowning of monarchs since the 14th century.

Key elements of the ceremony include:

• The presentation of the regalia, including the crown, orb, and scepter
• The oath taken by the monarch to rule justly and uphold the laws of the land
• The anointing of the monarch with holy oil
• The crowning and enthronement of the monarch
• The homage paid by peers and bishops to the newly crowned ruler

Poets’ Corner Memorials

Poets’ Corner within Westminster Abbey houses memorials to some of Britain’s most renowned literary figures, commemorating their enduring legacies.

The area features memorials to luminaries such as Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and Rudyard Kipling, among others.

These memorials serve as a celebration of the immense contributions these writers have made to English literature and culture.

Visitors can explore the intricate monuments and learn about the lives and works of the poets, playwrights, and novelists interred or commemorated in this hallowed space.

Poets’ Corner stands as a testament to the power of words and the immortality of great literature, inspiring visitors to appreciate the timeless impact of these literary giants.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

River Thames Boat Ride

The City Cruises boat ride along the River Thames offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience London’s iconic waterway and its surrounding landmarks from a different vantage point.

Cruising along the river, passengers can admire the picturesque views of the city’s historic buildings, bridges, and attractions while learning about the river’s rich history and importance to the city’s development.

The optional boat ride includes:

• Panoramic views of the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben
• Commentary on the city’s riverside history and architecture
• Opportunities to spot wildlife, such as birds and seals, along the riverbanks
• Easy access to popular riverside destinations, like the South Bank
• A relaxing and leisurely way to explore the heart of London

Walking Tour Options

Along With the hop-on hop-off bus tour and visiting Westminster Abbey, visitors can also explore London through specialized walking tours that explore the city’s rich history and culture. Two popular options include the Jack The Ripper Walking Tour, which takes guests through the East End to uncover the mysteries surrounding the notorious serial killer, and the Coronation Walking Tour, which traces the steps of British monarchs during their coronation ceremonies. These guided experiences provide a unique perspective and immersive look at pivotal moments that have shaped London over the centuries.

Tour Name	Description	Duration
Jack The Ripper Walking Tour	Explores the East End and the mysteries of the notorious serial killer	1.5-2 hours
Coronation Walking Tour	Traces the steps of British monarchs during their coronation ceremonies	2-3 hours

Additional Tour Details

Visitors can take advantage of a few additional features when booking the hop-on hop-off bus tour and admission to Westminster Abbey. A complimentary 24-hour extension is available on 24, 48, or 72-hour bus tickets throughout July and August, giving travelers more time to explore at their own pace.

Plus, security screenings are in place for entry to Westminster Abbey, and the iconic landmark may occasionally close for special events.

Other notable details include:

• Face coverings required inside the Abbey
• Audio guides available in 11 languages
• Ticket valid for 1 day, 24 or 48 hours
• Optional City Cruises boat ride along the River Thames
• Jack The Ripper Walking Tour and Coronation Walking Tour available

Visitor Information

Travelers can expect a seamless experience when exploring London’s top attractions through the hop-on hop-off bus tour and visit to Westminster Abbey.

Security screenings await at the Abbey’s entrance, and face coverings are required within the historic site. Despite occasional closures for special events, the iconic landmark remains open most days, offering visitors the chance to uncover over 1,000 years of history.

Audio guides in 11 languages are available for the bus tour, while the boat ride along the River Thames provides an optional add-on.

With free extra hours available for 24, 48, or 72-hour tickets during July and August, travelers can maximize their time and explore London at their own pace.

Recap

The hop-on hop-off bus tour and Westminster Abbey offer visitors a comprehensive way to explore London’s iconic sights.

Travelers can create their own itinerary, complementing the bus tour with a visit to the UNESCO-listed abbey, renowned for its royal history and literary memorials.

This flexible and informative experience allows visitors to discover the best of London at their own pace.

You can check if your dates are available here: