London’s landmarks have long been the backdrop to unforgettable memories, but for Jez York, one of The Original Tour’s longest-serving Tour Hosts, it’s between the stops where the magic really happens.

Having spent more than three decades in the sightseeing industry, Jez has welcomed visitors from around the world onto London’s open-top buses, witnessing emotional reunions, once-in-a-lifetime trips and unexpected moments that passengers carry with them long after the tour ends.

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The Original Tour bus through the ages from 1951 to 2026

One of Jez’s most memorable experiences involved an Australian couple who joined him on a Rock ‘n’ Roll tour many years ago. The pair enjoyed the experience so much that they returned to Denmark Street, famously known as Britain’s “Tin Pan Alley” for being the epicentre of the UK music industry, to buy a guitar as a memento of the tour.

Years later, while hosting another Rock ‘n’ Roll tour, Jez was approached by an Australian lady who asked whether he recognised her.

“As we began talking, I remembered her from that tour many years back.

“However, she had sadly lost her husband a few months before, and vowed to return to complete the trip that they had to cut short due to her husband’s health issues. She told me that their very guitar was sitting in pride of place in their home.”

The guest was clearly moved to be back in London and was able to relive the tour she had enjoyed so much with her late husband. Then came an unexpected moment that Jez describes as something truly special.

“Well, the Gods must have been shining down that day because as we went past Fortnum & Mason, Bill Nighy, her favourite actor, jumped out of a taxi!

“She was so excited and asked him for a picture, which Mr Nighy was happy to provide. I took a picture of them both, and Mr Nighy was so kind to her and had no idea of her personal circumstances.

“When we got to the end of the tour, she had a huge smile on her face. I really feel that The Original Tour did a wonderful thing that day, because we helped that lady in more ways than we will ever know.”

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Credit: PA Media

The story is being shared as The Original Tour celebrates its return to London’s streets and marks 75 years since first helping visitors discover the capital.

Recently, thousands of people lined the streets of central London as celebrity lookalikes of David Beckham, King Charles III, Ed Sheeran, Joanna Lumley, Gordon Ramsay and Mr Bean surprised passengers aboard one of The Original Tour’s open-top buses, creating memorable moments for guests while celebrating the return of the world’s original hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour.

For Jez, the celebration reflected what has made The Original Tour special for generations: the ability to bring people together and create moments they remember long after they leave London.

From surprise encounters and celebrations to emotional personal stories, Jez says no two tours are ever the same.

“I’ve spent more than 30 years in this industry; I’ve just about seen it all! The Original Tour has provided the London backdrop for marriage proposals, surprise family reunions, anniversary celebrations, and even couples meeting for the first time.

“People visit London to celebrate milestones, honour memories, or tick off life-long travel ambitions, and we feel privileged to play a small role in those personal stories. You never quite know what each day will bring, and that’s one of the reasons why I love being in this industry.”

The Original Tour’s return marks the next chapter for one of London’s best-known sightseeing experiences. Founded in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, the company has spent 75 years helping visitors explore the capital through open-top bus tours and unique perspectives of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

While London’s sights remain a major draw for visitors, Jez believes it is the people and stories behind each journey that make the experience truly memorable.