Private Walking Tour of Westminster Highlights

5.0
(1 reviews)

3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

Guiding services
Coffee and/or Tea
Snacks
Souvenirs

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Westminster Abbey Shop

Look for your guide carrying a sign outside the shop

End point
Trafalgar Square

Outside the National Gallery

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • Westminster Abbey (Pass by)

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

    Admission ticket free
  • Houses of Parliament (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • St. James's Park (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • St. James's Palace (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Buckingham Palace (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall (Pass by)

    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

    Admission ticket free
  • 10 Downing Street (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Trafalgar Square (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.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
Supplied by Steve at Excellent Walks of London

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
DSA non-compliant
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 1 1 review
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