Tours

Open-top bus tours
A good introduction to the sights of London are the hop-on hop-off tours on double-decker buses with English-speaking guides or a taped commentary in various languages. The largest operator of this kind, with over 50 years' experience is the Original London Sightseeing Tour. It offers five routes for the price of one. There are live English speaking guides, seven language commentaries, a 'Kids Club', and a hop-on, hop-off service with tickets valid for 24 hours. Buses operate every day with a 5-15 minute service. You don't have to book in advance, simply pay on the bus at any of the 80 stops and enjoy your tour of London.
Price: £14 adults, £7.50 for children.
Call: 020 8877 1722.

Walking tours
A good way of seeing London is on foot. There are many different walking tours, however one of the most prestigious companies is London Walks. Their guides include Donald Rumbelow, who is "internationally recognised as the leading authority on Jack the Ripper" and Britain's most distinguished crime historian. Boasting walks such as 'Old Westminster by gaslight' and 'Jack the Ripper haunts', there are morning, afternoon and evening tours.
Price: A London Walk costs £5 - or £4 for senior citizens, full-time students, and Discount Walkabout Card holders.
Where: London Walks, PO Box 1708, NW6, 020 7624 3978, http://london.walks.com

Black Taxi Tours
The unique Black Taxi Tours offer a personalised and flexible drive with a full commentary from knowledgeable London cabbies. Tours last two hours and can be booked for any time of the night or day - stops for photographs are included. Drivers will pick you up and return you to your hotel. A day tour costs £75 per cab, which can take up to five passengers. This is a fun way of meeting a local.
Enquiries and Booking: 24 hour booking line on 020 7289 4371, 020 7935 9363
http://www.blacktaxitours.co.uk/

Jason's Traditional Canal Trip
Jason's famous Boat Trip, established in 1951, is London's most popular cruise along the Regent's Canal. Cruise along the beautiful Regent?s canal and glimpse a unique view of hidden London - from romantic Little Venice, through Regent?s Park to the colourful street markets of Camden Lock Market (LINK TO MARKETS SECTION), guided by a live historical commentary. The trip's only 1 and a half hours.
Price: £6.95 Return; £5.50 Child Return (under 14s)
Where: Departs Little Venice,020 7286 3428, http://www.jasons.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp

WATER JOURNEYS (link to transport - BOATS)
One of the best ways to tour London is both on the River Thames and canals, which are tranquil and traffic-free compared to the heavily congested roads. From the river, you can enjoy unrivalled views of Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London and Tate Modern. Revel in the varied architecture - from nineteenth-century warehouses to London's stunning new Millennium Bridge. The Thames boat tours are also an excellent way to visit Greenwich or Hampton Court. The Regent?s Canal trips make a fun day out to Camden Town and charming Little Venice.

Frog tours
A bizarre sight in the capital is the 1940s amphibious boat cum lorry vehicle that takes people on a tour from Parliament to Piccadilly on the road before driving into the Thames and swimming back up. Amazing and especially fun for the children!
Price: A 75-min tours costs adults £15, under 12s £10.
Where: Belvedere Road, SE1, 020 7928 3132, www.frogtours.com

City Cruises
To go to Greenwich by boat just hop on the city cruise that leave Waterloo and Westminster pier. Taking around 3 hours, you can stop off for lunch to see the sights.
Price: Family tickets £21
Where: Waterloo/Westminster Piers, 020 7740 0400, www.citycruises.com

Catamaran River Cruises
Learn about London's history and culture by taking a two-hour trip with commentary starting from Waterloo, Embankment of Westminster Piers. There are also hop on and hop off trips to Bankside (Tate Modern), Tower and Greenwich Piers.
Price: Adults £7.50 a tour; children £5.50 a tour
Where: Waterloo/Embankment or Westminster Piers, 020 7925 2215, www.bateauxlondon.com

Turk's Launches
Take a leisurely 3hour cruise from Richmond to Hampton Court and back again. Passing Ham House and Marble Hill House en route before disembarking at Hampton Court Palace. There is no service during the Winter months.
Tube: Richmond, 020 8546 2434.
Price: Adult return: £7.00, Child return: £6.00

For more information on travel in London click on Transport for London www.tfl.gov.uk