3 Hour Guided Private Walking Tour: The Best of London
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover top attractions and famous landmarks across the British capital on this private 3-hour London walking tour. Follow a private guide through the ancient streets of London and gain insight into centuries of British history. Along the way, hear the chimes of Big Ben and take in key sites of interest such as Covent Garden, China Town, and Trafalgar Square. Soak up the atmosphere in Piccadilly Circus and see the royal soldiers at Buckingham Palace. This private tour includes pickup and drop-off at selected London hotels.
Available options
See all the main sights!
3 hour walk to see Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Horseguards Parade, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Picadilly & Leicester Sq, Buckingham Palace and more!
Additional 2 hours Touring
Everything in the standard tour plus we will then get the Tube a few miles across London to visit St. Pauls Cathedral, The Millenium Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Tower Bridge+Tower of London!
What's included
Hotel pick-up and drop-off to selected hotels
Private guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The famous clock tower of Westminster Palace.
2
Stop 2
Behind Parliament is the River Thames and you'll learn a little of the life it has played in shaping London.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
We won't go on it but we'll see it from the river.
4
Stop 4
The Mother of Parliaments. Once a royal palace, it has inspired democratic movements in the France, the USA and around the world. We'll learn of its history and the role it still plays today.
5
Stop 5
Parliament Square the the political heart of Westminster. Full of statues of people dedicated to Democracy and Liberty from Winston Churchill to Abraham Lincoln to Nelson Mandela. Surrounded by Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the High Courts.
6
Stop 6
The broad avenue in Westminster full of beautiful and famous London government buildings.
7
Stop 7
Our national memorial to the fallen of WW1, WW2 and recent wars.
8
Stop 8
The home of the Prime Minister at Number 10.
9
The primary ceremonial parade ground is surrounded by beautiful buildings and parks. It must be why the Queen has her birthday celebrations here.
10
Stop 10
Beautiful Westminster Abbey is where every monarch has been crowned since the times of William the Conqueror almost 1,000 years ago.
11
The beautiful old headquarters to the Royal Navy.
12
Stop 12
The most famous square in London. Home of fountains, statues, galleries and culture.
13
Stop 13
Learn the story of Admiral Nelson and the famous lions at the base of his majestic column
14
Stop 14
Overlooking the fountains and large plaza, The National Gallery is full of paintings on the inside and street performers and art on the outside.
15
This beautiful old street is full of niche art and cultural shops and the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
16
Stop 16
The cultural heart of London with a unique vibe. From Opera to sword jugglers, this is the place to be.
17
Stop 17
The beating heart of the West End. Surrounded by cafes and movie-cinemas.
18
Learn the story of the women who died during the epic war effort.
19
Stop 19
New York has Time Square, London has the much older Piccadilly Circus.
20
Stop 20
Pass by
One of many high quality retailers in Piccadilly and one where everyone from The Queen downwards buys their goodies from!
21
Stop 21
One of the Royal Parks. It is called Green Park for a particular reason!
22
From Green Park, we will see the London family home of the Spencer family.
23
The primary Ceremonial road in London. You might recognise it from Royal Weddings and national celebrations.
24
Stop 24
Buckingham Palace, the home of the King.
25
Stop 25
Chinatown in Soho is a unique mix of old London, Chinese heritage and contemporary culture.
26
Stop 26
An ornately beautiful Royal Park with great views of the palace and Westminster. Sometimes used in TV shows such as Downton Abbey.
27
Stop 27
On the extended tour, we will see the cathedral for London and learn its fascinating history.
28
Stop 28
Londons newest iconic bridge. (Extended Tour)
29
Stop 29
Pass by
The largest modern art gallery in the world. (Extended Tour)
30
Stop 30
Londons most famous food market, here since Roman times. You can get food from all over the world here... freshly made. Many a tour has come to a halt here :-) I like the dairy free goat ice-cream and also the Ethiopian curry but everyone has their favourites! (Extended Tour)
31
Stop 31
One of the smaller and less famous London cathedrals but beautiful nonetheless. (Extended Tour)
32
Stop 32
The original bridge was built by the Romans and pulled down by the Vikings. A millennia later and this modern bridge still has a tall spike on the end with a gory story to tell. (Extended Tour)
33
Stop 33
Learn the story behind the famous Globe theatre and all things Shakespeare! (Extended Tour)
34
Stop 34
Pass by
From London Bridge we will see this old Royal Navy Cruiser. (Extended Tour)
35
Stop 35
From out of nowhere, the epic Monument to the Great Fire of London appears. (Extended Tour)
36
Stop 36
Built by William The Conqueror and home to the Crown Jewels and with an active military history up past WW2. We will visit the ominously named Traitors Gate. (Extended Tour)
37
Stop 37
We finish by one of the symbols of London, Tower Bridge and learn a little of its interesting history along the way. (Extended Tour)
38
This is just one of over 50 tours run and organised by Ye Olde England Tours. Believe it or not the list of places we visit in this tour is not exhaustive. This is the tour for you for your first or only day in London.
What's not included
Transportation to/from attractions
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
27 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
31 reviews
5★
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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
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour involves a moderate amount of walking please wear comfortable shoes
Generally the sights are relatively quiet and we always practice social distancing but at some locations it is possible small sections may have small crowds so we will do our best to avoid them though social distancing is generally not a problem. All of our tours are private so it is just you/your family and your guide. To make it easier and safer for all concerned we would suggest starting this tour a little later than the usual time, perhaps around 10.30-11am which allows us all to miss rush-hour. We are happy to still come to your hotel to meet you but for the moment we would suggest meeting us at the tour starting point. This allows you to arrive by a taxi or uber rather than public transport. Please feel free to wear masks throughout or at times during the tour. Your guide will also have a mask with them.
Meeting point
Just outside Westminster Underground Station on Bridge Street, opposite Big Ben. There is a Caffe Nero, we start from there. Of course we can meet you at your London hotel too.
Important notes
• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
This operator requires you to contact them directly prior to this tour/activity.
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
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