London Pass Review: Is it Worth It? How to Maximise Your Time
If you’re planning your first London trip, you’ve probably come across the London Pass. But is it actually worth it? In this London Pass review, I’ll walk you through what the pass includes, who it’s right for, how to maximise its value over three consecutive days and what to do with the rest of your time in London.
Having helped thousands of visitors plan smarter trips to London, I’ve tested the London Pass several times. It can save you money and reduce decision stress BUT only if you use it wisely. Here’s how to make it work for you.
London Pass Review: Who it’s Actually For
The London Pass is ideal for:
- First-time visitors in London for 3 days who really want to hustle when here
- People spending 5+ days in London who want a mix of packed itineraries and a balance of easy, slow paced travel on other days
- Travellers who want to see the top attractions quickly and efficiently, focusing on just highlights
- People who are happy to plan their sightseeing on three consecutive calendar days
- Families with older kids or teenagers
- Visitors who are comfortable with walking, queues and a structured schedule
That said, not every experience is included. For example, my most recommended Tower of London activity (the Private Beefeater Tour) is not available through the London Pass. If you’re someone who values fewer crowds and exclusive access, that alone might shift your plans.
Still unsure if it fits your style? That’s exactly what I help with during 1:1 travel consultations. For travellers interested in top sights plus food tours, hidden gems and pubs, Mr Sunny and I give those recommendations in these personalised Zoom meetings.
Why a 2-3 Day London Pass is the ONLY Way to Get Value
Let’s be clear in this London Pass review: the 1-day pass doesn’t deliver much value. For example, here’s a day on popular London attractions:
- Tower of London £35.80
- Tower Bridge £16
- The Monument £6
- St Paul’s Cathedral £26
- The View from the Shard £38
The total comes to £115.80. The 1-Day Pass Plus is £109. That’s barely any savings and makes for an exhausting day.
The real value comes with 2 or 3-day passes, where you can group high-value attractions by area and move at a more enjoyable pace.
Just remember, the pass activates the first time you scan it and must be used on consecutive calendar days. You can’t split it across your visit.
That’s why I often suggest using the pass for the first half of your trip and reserving the second half for exploring London’s personality: neighbourhoods, hidden gems and off-pass activities tailored to your interests. I can help you plan these during a consultation.
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My 3-day London Itinerary that Actually Works
Here’s the structure I recommend to every client. It’s tightly planned, saves you the most money and sets your expectations correctly.
Day 1: City Icons
(As indicated in the London trip itinerary above with a hidden gem replacing the Monument)
Start early and move quickly. There is no time for leisurely stops like Borough Market if you want to hit all five. Expect queues and plan accordingly.
Day 2: Greenwich Day Trip (by River)
Take the included Thames River Cruise to Greenwich and explore:
- The Old Royal Naval College
- Royal Observatory
- Cutty Sark
A 2-day total without the London Pass would be £237.10. However, the 2-day Pass Plus currently costs £154. That’s a savings of £83 per adult!
For a full breakdown of this area, see my blog post dedicated to 10 Things to Do in Greenwich London.
Important Note: The thrill-seeking activity Up at the O2 is not included in the London Pass. I recommend it separately for adventurous travellers. I have written a Climb the O2: What to Expect review blog article and video on that too.
Day 3: Hampton Court Palace
- Entry is included and no advance booking is needed
- Arrive in the afternoon for a better visitor experience (quieter and less rushed)
- Explore the palace, maze, kitchens and formal gardens
Avoid Windsor Castle: Although entry is technically included, pass holders are only allowed in during the afternoon. When I visited with my mother during spring break, we couldn’t see St George’s Chapel due to limited access. It was disappointing and a waste of time. Instead, read my Visiting Windsor Castle: What You Must Know article and video for how to visit properly.
What About the Rest of Your Trip?
The pass gives you structure for your sightseeing days. But what about your personal travel style?
This is where I can help. Through 1:1 travel consultations, I create personalised itineraries based on your interests. From elegant pubs to quirky shops, local food tours to secret gardens, we make suggestions that you will love. These aren’t covered in any pass, but they’re what make your London trip unforgettable.
If you prefer DIY planning, my London Travel Planner has all of this built in, plus interactive links and video guides.
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Essential Tips Before You Buy the London Pass
- It’s not a 24-hour pass. Days are by the calendar, not the clock
- Some attractions require pre-booking (examples: View from the Shard, London Eye)
- Be sure to know which attractions are part of the London Pass Plus option (like the two just listed) before buying
- You still need to queue at most attractions, even with the pass
- Plan your route by area or risk wasting hours on transport
- Don’t activate it on a “filler” activity. Start with a high-ticket item early
- Many sights close early or are not open every day
- Use the app for digital entry but don’t rely on it to plan your entire day
Final Thoughts: London Pass Review Summary
In this London Pass review, I hope I’ve shown you both the advantages and the limits of the pass. When used over 2–3 consecutive days and paired with the right itinerary, it can save you time and money. But it’s not a catch-all solution.
Avoid the 1-day pass, skip Windsor Castle on it and know that it doesn’t include everything- especially my favourite experiences like the Private Beefeater Tour or Up at the O2.
If you want help building a smart, personalised itinerary around your London Pass days, book a 1:1 travel consultation or grab my London Travel Planner. You’ll avoid common mistakes, reduce decision stress and make your trip to London truly memorable.
Buy the London Pass here and let’s plan what to do next.
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