A CALMER SIDE OF LONDON: EVENING IN WESTMINSTER
AS THE DAY WINDS DOWN: A SMALL-GROUP walk through Westminster at a relaxed and civilised hour. See London’s most famous landmarks as the crowds fade and the atmosphere becomes CALM.
YOUR GUIDE: Personally led by CHRISTOPHER, an EXPERIENCED WESTMINSTER GUIDE. A calm, thoughtful and PERSONAL introduction to the royal and political heart of London. British, raised and educated in England, he speaks with a clear ENGLISH ACCENT and brings a university-trained eye for ACCURACY, DETAIL and STORYTELLING.
A VISUAL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME: I share curated iPad images that bring London's history to life.
THE ROUTE (6.30pm - 8pm):
ROYAL LONDON: Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and The Mall.
POLITICAL HEART: Horse Guards, Downing Street, the Cenotaph and Parliament.
ICONIC LANDMARKS: Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
SMALL GROUP: Maximum 8 guests
SMART FINISH: Approx. 8pm outside Westminster Abbey, with time for onward plans.
Meet CHRISTOPHER outside the restaurant known as The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB, by the main entrance. Nearest Underground station: Green Park. (Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubilee lines). Christopher will be wearing his blue Westminster Guide Association lanyard.
The walk finishes at approximately 8:00pm outside Westminster Abbey, close to several excellent restaurants if you wish to continue your evening in Westminster. The route is through central Westminster - one of the most historic and well-lit areas of London.
We’ll pause by the Victoria Memorial for a clear view of Buckingham Palace and its famous balcony. In the early evening the crowds of the afternoon have usually begun to thin and the atmosphere around the palace is calmer. Christopher explains royal traditions, daily life at the palace and how to tell if the King is currently in residence.
The Mall – London’s iconic “red carpet” road. As we walk along this ceremonial avenue, Christopher explains the great state visits of foreign Heads of State and the royal processions that have shaped British public life past and present.
A stunning Tudor building where we view the stained glass of the Chapel Royal from the outside. This is the historic location where Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, and more recently, where Prince George and Prince Louis were christened.
We view the London home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. I'll share stories of its famous former residents, including the late Queen Mother, in this more intimate royal setting.
We walk through the iconic arches to this impressive parade ground, synonymous with the British Army and the setting for "Trooping the Colour." You'll see the Old Admiralty building flanking one side of this vast, historic space.
See the architectural revolution of Inigo Jones—London’s first taste of the Renaissance. This groundbreaking building was unlike anything the city had ever seen. We’ll stand at the exact spot where King Charles I stepped out onto his execution scaffold.
We stop at the gates of one of the world's most famous streets. While the black door of No. 10 is tucked out of direct sight, we’ll discuss the history of the Prime Minister’s residence and the daily life of this historic street.
A brief stop at the nation’s primary memorial. This simple, powerful monument on Whitehall is the centerpiece of Remembrance Sunday services, honouring those from across the Commonwealth.
We can enjoy a quiet moment in the square to see the statues of world leaders and look across at the ancient Westminster Hall. We'll discuss the "treasured stories" of this historic space before the daily bustle begins.
Catch the "Great Bell" as it chimes. We’ll enjoy the evening light on the details of the Elizabeth Tower—London’s most iconic landmark—without the usual midday crowds.
We’ll view the House of Commons and the House of Lords from the square. I’ll explain how the two houses operate and share a bit about the atmosphere of Prime Minister’s Questions, which takes place here once a week.
Stand before the Great West Door in the morning stillness. This is the stage for the Coronation of King Charles III and the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. We'll trace the history of royal weddings and events that have shaped the nation for a thousand years.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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