Highlights of London Full Day Private Guided Tour

London , United Kingdom

Highlights of London Full Day Private Guided Tour

Active

(20 reviews)

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 London’s top sights on a private full-day tour with an expert guide. No need to worry about tickets or navigation—just enjoy an unforgettable day exploring the city’s iconic landmarks.

Visit Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Thames River, and the Tower of London. Witness the Changing of the Guard or, on Fridays, the Household Cavalry change.

Your guide will share fascinating stories, insider knowledge, and hidden details, ensuring you experience London like a local. This in-depth tour is the perfect way to see the city's highlights in a single day.

Available options

Highlights of London Full Day Guided Tour

What's included

Thames River Ferry

10 Downing St (from outside)

Buckingham palace (from outside)

Changing of the Guard (or Household Cavalry)

Trafalgar Square & Westminster city

Big Ben (from outside)

Tower of London entrance tickets

Churchill War Rooms (from outside)

Westminster Abbey (from outside)

Professional Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Discover this shopping and entertainment hub amidst St. Martins & Drury Lane alongside of our guide. Learn about the history of the impressive opera house, which today homes the 3rd largest auditorium in London.

Stop 2

Linking back to Napoleons Battle this square has been a significant landmark since the early 1200’s. Our guide will walk you past its most impressive sculptures and share its corelating anecdotes.

Stop 3

Home to the British Royals and its famous beefeaters our guide will touch on the history of this impressive estate, following which you will attend the changing of the guard’s ceremony adjacent to the building.

Stop 4

Watch the famous changing of the guards on the palace square. Accompanied by music the old guards (also known as beefeaters) will ceremonially hand over the responsibility of guarding the Buckingham & St James’s palace to the new guards.

Stop 5

This impressive church in Gothic style is significant and not to be missed when visiting London, as it has held 17 royal weddings in addition to plentiful burials and coronations since the year 1066.

Stop 6

Discover where Churchills hid from the German Blitz attack during the second world war and planned some of his most significant strategies. Though only visited externally our guide will bring its history back to live by touching on some of these sights most memorable stories.

Stop 7

Stop 8

Also known as the Elizabeth Tower, this stunning landmark is definitely one of London’s most famous. When the clock was completed, it was claimed to be the most accurate and largest of its kind, holding 5 enormous bells, of which the biggest weighing 13.5 tons is nicknamed as Big Ben.

Stop 9

Hop on a ferry alongside our guide and enjoy this beautiful city from the waterfront passing below some of London’s bridges and cruising past the city’s landmarks.

Stop 10

Our guide will introduce you the history of this UNESCO World Heritage – a site known to have been a fortress to the royals, home to the crown jewels and former execution ground. Follow which you will enter into the sight.

What's not included

Food/Beverages

Gratuities

Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

This tour does not accommodate wheelchairs

Children must be accompanied by an adult

The British authorities reserve the right to change modify or cancel the Changing of the Guards ceremony without notice in the case of wet weather and other official events. Under these conditions, the British army usually will not give final notice of cancellation until 10 minutes before the planned time. In such cases, your guide will modify the tour to include an alternative Parade where possible, and share more highlights of the Westminster area.

In the case of heavy rain, you will see a wet change (guards marching without music).

Please note that if you book your tour on Friday you’ll experience the change of the Household Cavalry.

For the Changing of the Guard ceremony, we do not stand by the Buckingham Palace gates. The crowds swarm there hours in advance, only to find they can only see the very end of the parade all while being crushed by the masses. Instead, we take you to the best spots only the locals know, and walk along with the parade! This way you see the absolute most there is to see, and it’s a much more enjoyable experience.

The majority of this tour is a walking tour, therefore we recommend wearing comfortable shoes..

Meeting point

Our guide will be waiting for you outside of Starbucks Coffee on 10th Russel Street, holding a sign with the Liv Tours Logo

Important notes

Please present either a digital or printed out version of your booking voucher to your guide on the day of your tour.

Please be at the meeting point 10-15 min prior to the tour start time. Our guide will await you there holding a sign with the LivTours logo.

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