London Half Day Tour - Parliament Parks Palaces and Markets
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the heart of London on this engaging walking tour, where history meets vibrant culture. Starting at the iconic Houses of Parliament, you'll stroll through Westminster and visit landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. This tour reveals hidden gems and avoids the usual crowds, offering a local's perspective on the city's unique charm. As you meander past St James's Park, through Piccadilly and the West End to Covent Garden, you'll gather valuable insights from your knowledgeable guide, making this a memorable introduction to London.
- Duration: 3 hours, from 10 am to 1 pm, covering a moderate walking distance of 2.5 miles
- Visit must-see sites including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Piccadilly and Covent Garden
-; Children under 12 gain free entry
- Expert local guides share insider stories and tips for lunch after the tour
Available options
London Half Day Tour - Parliament Parks Palaces and Markets
What's included
Expert guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Learn the history, often bloody, of the Mother of Parliaments.
2
Stop 2
Numerous monarchs were married here, had their coronation here and are buried here.
3
Stop 3
The residence of British Prime Ministers since the 18th Century.
4
Beautiful historic parade ground in Whitehall.
5
Stop 5
Walk through this lovely, ancient, London park.
6
Stop 6
Learn about the main royal residence in London.
7
Stop 7
Once a monastery this is now one of 3 major royal palaces in London.
8
Stop 8
One of the most famous and historic intersections in the world.
9
Stop 9
Walk through this lovely square, the heart of London's West End.
10
Stop 10
Learn about this fascinating and historical neighborhood. Have lunch in one of the many nice cafes or restaurants (at own expense), as tour takes an hour break.
What's not included
Gratuities not included, because voluntary. If you enjoy tour please allow 10-15%.
Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St James Palace,
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace, climbing several hills and sets of steps. It’s not suitable for people with mobility issues. Guests walk 2.5 miles. on the tour.
Children UNDER 12 y.o. gain free entry.
Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you will miss the tour.
Please check dates/times carefully BEFORE making a booking.
Have lunch in Covent Garden after tour (guide can make recommendations).
By making a booking for this tour you agree to be bound by Real London Experiences terms of service.
Meeting point
Meet your guide under the arches of Portcullis House, on the corner of Bridge St and Victoria Embankment.
Remember to aim to be 15 minutes early, if you're late you may miss the tour (we can't wait for latecomers).
Important notes
Thanks for making a booking with REAL LONDON EXPERIENCES.
This ticket has ALL the information that you'll need - PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY!
PREPARATION
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing.
Allow PLENTY of time to get to the meeting point. Remember that YOU'RE responsible for getting to the meeting point on time - not us.
GETTING TO THE TOUR
Please be aware there can be other events going on in the area, which are nothing to do with us, causing delays and crowding.
If you get there early you can get some nice shots before the tour!
MEETING THE GUIDE
The guide will be checking-in guests from 15 minutes before the tour under the arches of Portcullis House, on the corner of Bridge Street and Victoria Embankment.
Don't worry about us, we've been doing this for more than 10 years - all you need to do is make sure you're there and we'll take care of the rest.
It's very likely there will be other guests, so we CANNOT hold for latecomers. There is NO phone or email help center, there's no point - you have all the info you need right here.
Please bring a paper or electronic copy of your ticket.
TIPS / GRATUITIES
Cashless payments for gratuities are available, please allow 10-15%.
FINALLY!
We're looking forward to creating an amazing experience for you :-).
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
