Private Walking Tour of Westminster Highlights

London , United Kingdom

Private Walking Tour of Westminster Highlights

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About this experience

A great tour to see many of London's most famous sights in one morning. Hear the stories of Westminster Abbey, where 40 monarchs have been crowned, and the history of four royal palaces where many of them have lived and died. Learn how the United Kingdom's parliamentary system works looking at the Houses of Parliament and hear Big Ben ring out on the hour. See the 4 main royal palaces (hear the story of when I was invited to Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday party!). We do not go inside any of the buildings we see.

Experience the main Changing of the Guard ceremony (not Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday) or the smaller ceremony at Horse Guards. I know the best places to go and the timing down to the minute to make sure you get the best experience! Stroll through a magnificent royal park and historic square and stop to take photos at the best spots. Finish by exploring Trafalgar Square, home to two major, free to enter, art galleries and close to many exciting places to eat.

Available options

Private Walking Tour of Westminster Highlights

What's included

Guiding services

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Stop outside the abbey where Steve will explain its history and role in the coronations of 40 monarchs

Stop 2 Pass by

See the famous Houses of Parliament (officially the Palace of Westminster), hear its history and learn how the UK parliamentary system works. The palace was twice destroyed by fire but one part, dating from 1097, still survives. We'll explore Parliament Square and its statues and stop for you to take photos of probably the most famous view in London.

Stop 3 Pass by

Originally a marsh, these public gardens are a great place to walk. Home to pelicans, a bridge over the lake offers some iconic photo opportunities.

Stop 4 Pass by

Still the formal address of the UK's royalty and where we start to follow the old guard in the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Stop 5 Pass by

The palace where we can see the world famous balcony where the royals show themselves to the crowds below. depending on the day we will see parts of the Changing of the Guard ceremony and maybe march alongside the soldiers.

Once a tilting yard, then a polo field and the location of the beach volleyball in the 2012 Olympics, deepening on the day, we will see a mounted ceremony of the Life Guards

Stop 7 Pass by

The official home of the UK's Prime Minister. We will get a glimpse of the building and hear its story. We'll also walk along Whitehall, see the Banqueting House which dates from 1622 and talk about some of the memorials.

Stop 8 Pass by

Home to the famous Nelson's Column, a statue that marks the centre of London, the country's smallest police station and a mysterious empty plinth. Our walk finishes here outside the National Gallery and close to shops and restaurants.

What's not included

Coffee and/or Tea

Snacks

Souvenirs

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We do not enter any of the buildings we see so there are no admission charges to pay.

We will be walking on flat ground for 3 hours 30 minutes. Rests or coffee breaks can be built in as required.

Meeting point

Look for your guide carrying a sign outside the shop

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle

34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge

130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton

80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets