Real London Tours - Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pricing for tours per group or per person?

All the private tour prices listed are the total cost for the group, not the individuals of that group. If this were the case I would be a very rich man, so do yourselves a favour and don't give me any ideas.  The Group Tours are £50 per person.

Where do the tours begin?

Because most of our tours are private tours, we will pick you up at your hotel as long as it is in central London. This applies for the Big Smoke Tour and the Quick Smoke Tour. It usually is best to meet at the Reception desk of your hotel so we don't waste precious time sifting through thousands of people outside trying to discern who each other might be. All of our guides have their pictures posted on our website so you can get an idea before hand what they look like and easily spot them when they arrive. If you have another preferred pick up location besides your hotel, this can be discussed with your guide as well.

If you prefer to meet away from your hotel or it is more convenient to do so, our tour guide will discuss with you the best possible location for a pick-up depending on where you are staying and which tour you are doing.

The Group Tours start right outside the Ritz Hotel at the phone boxes next to Green Park underground station.  For a map of this area, please click here.

Do tours go out if the weather is bad?

Real London Tours goes out in rain, snow or shine. We do have indoor options sites we can visit on bad weather days. This will lessen (not eliminate) the amount of outside time we spend in bad weather. Real London Tours does reserve the option to cancel a tour if we think the weather could be hazardous. If you want to cancel your tour because of bad weather or for any other reason we require a 48 hour notice and you will not be charged. So please do keep a close watch on the weekly weather report for our area during the time of your planned visit.

How much walking do we do on these tours?

The longer the tour the more walking we do. So keep this in mind when booking the Big Smoke or Quick Smoke. Our tours travel by underground and foot. We do not use a taxi or car. This is what makes our tours so special. Our tours require the ability to walk long distances. If you have any serious health problems or mobility issues, our company might not be right for you. In a private tour though we can go at whatever pace your group chooses. Please keep in mind that the faster the pace, the more we get to see. What is most important though is that you are comfortable and enjoy the day.

What kind of attire should we wear?

Of course this depends on the time of year. During the winter we strongly suggest you bundle up and during the summer, the lighter the better. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD WALKING SHOES. (Trainers or similar are best) Please do not show up in a pair of high heels. If you do. I can almost guarantee that your feet will suffer dearly. I know London is a fashion Capital but please save your fashion statement for dinner or the theatre. Also, please take the time to check the weather report the day before our tour so you can dress appropriately.

Do we stop for lunch on the Big Smoke Tour?

Yes! In a city with so much great food, it would be crazy not to. Some people like to grab a quick snack, and some people like to sit down for a nice relaxing meal in Covent Garden or Soho. Either is an option, but just know that if we sit down for a relaxing meal we might have to move faster to get in the rest of the sights.

Do the tours cover the cost of Underground transportation and lunch?

Underground cost and lunch are not included. We may use the underground so if you have an Oyster card, please bring it along. Lunch costs will depend on where you decide to dine.

Is it okay to tip your tour guide?

Tipping is always optional, and if it means you are not going to be able to feed your children tonight, then please save your money. But if you have a great time and want to thank your tour guide, gratuities are very much appreciated.