London: Royal Rascals and Scandalous Sovereigns Walking Tour

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $406 per group of up to 6 people and lasts 3 hours.
• Location and Start Point: It begins outside Westminster Abbey Gift Shop in the heart of royal Westminster.
• Content Focus: Explores scandalous stories and fascinating trivia about British monarchs, blending history and gossip.
• Highlights: Includes strolls past statues, landmarks, and possibly the Changing of the Guard when scheduled.
• Guide and Approach: Led by a live English-speaking guide who combines light-hearted storytelling with historically accurate details.
• Accessibility and Flexibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and available for private groups, with full refund policy if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring London’s Royal Secrets in Just 3 Hours

The London: Royal Rascals and Scandalous Sovereigns Walking Tour offers an engaging journey through Westminster, where the stories of British monarchs are brought vividly to life. Priced at $406 for a group of up to 6, this 3-hour guided walk is perfect for those interested in royal history with a humorous twist. The tour is suitable for anyone who appreciates accurate storytelling combined with lively anecdotes, making it a compelling choice for history buffs and casual visitors alike.

Starting outside Westminster Abbey Gift Shop, the tour provides a rundown of royal landmarks and the stories behind the statues and memorials. The focus is on revealing the mad, the bad, and the quite nice monarchs, offering a mix of scandals, quirks, and charming anecdotes. While the pace is relaxed enough to enjoy the sights, it also includes the possibility of witnessing the Changing of the Guard, when scheduled.

Key Points

• Price and duration are clear: $406 for 3 hours.
• The meeting point is outside Westminster Abbey Gift Shop in central London.
• The tour covers iconic landmarks, statues, and royal memorials in Westminster.
• A live English guide leads the walk, sharing accurate stories with a humorous touch.
• Includes notable tales of monarchs like George IV, Edward the Confessor, and others.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and available for private groups with flexible cancellation.

Starting Outside Westminster Abbey Gift Shop

The tour’s meeting point is conveniently located outside the Westminster Abbey Gift Shop, placing you right in the heart of London’s royal district. This spot acts as an ideal starting point for a walk that blends history, humor, and royal architecture. The 3-hour duration ensures a thorough exploration without feeling rushed, making it an accessible option for most visitors.

Upon gathering, the guide immediately sets the tone with entertaining and accurate stories about the British monarchy’s most colorful characters. The walk takes you past statues and memorials of past kings and queens, each with its own story to tell. If the timing is right, you might also see the Changing of the Guard, adding a touch of traditional pomp to the experience.

Discovering Royal Landmarks and Statues

Throughout the walk, royal landmarks and memorial statues are focal points of the storytelling. You’ll learn about King Edward the Confessor, known for his religious devotion, and Edward the Caresser, a monarch noted for his lack of religiosity. The guide shares curious tales behind each figure, revealing aspects of their personalities and scandals that aren’t always part of standard history lessons.

You’ll pass grand buildings, great churches, and royal palaces, giving you a visual sense of London’s regal history. The statues and memorials serve as tangible links to the monarchs’ stories, making the tales feel even more vivid. The guide’s lively narration makes these landmarks come alive, whether describing George IV’s annoyances or the monarchs who played tennis at Wimbledon.

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The Mad, the Bad, and the Quite Nice Monarchs

The tour’s use of the phrase “mad, the bad, and the quite nice” perfectly captures its tone. You’ll hear about monarchs with notorious reputations, such as a king described as “the man of blood” or one involved in slave trading. Conversely, the guide also shares stories of kings and queens who were remarkably kind and well-liked, giving a balanced perspective.

This mix keeps the tour engaging, as it showcases a variety of personalities from Britain’s royal past. The stories are light-hearted but based on factual history, making the tour both educational and entertaining. It’s a chance to see the human side of monarchy—flaws, follies, and moments of genuine kindness—set against the backdrop of historic Westminster.

The Changing of the Guard and Other Live Highlights

When scheduled, the tour includes a viewing of the Changing of the Guard, which typically takes place on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9:00 am and 10:00 am. This ceremony adds a regal flourish to the experience, providing an iconic snapshot of British tradition.

The guide’s storytelling likely incorporates trivia and gossip about the monarchy, making the ceremony even more memorable. The light-hearted tone ensures that this traditional event feels accessible and fun, especially for those new to royal customs. The tour’s pacing allows time to appreciate the architecture and statues in Westminster, along with the lively stories that animate each stop.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a range of mobility needs. It is designed as a private group experience, which means it can be tailored to your party’s pace and interests. The full refund policy allows canceling up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for changing plans.

The English-speaking guide is trained to deliver both historically accurate facts and entertaining anecdotes, striking the right balance for a fun but informative walk. The duration of 3 hours ensures ample time to enjoy the sights and stories without fatigue, ideal for most visitors.

Who Will Appreciate This Royal Walking Tour?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts wanting a humorous take on royal stories. It appeals equally to families, couples, or small groups looking for a personalized experience in London’s royal Westminster area. Those interested in monarchs’ scandals and quirks particularly enjoy the storytelling style.

While it’s suitable for most, it’s not ideal for babies under 1 year or people over 95 years, and participants should be prepared for a walking tour that covers central London’s historic streets.

The Sum Up: A Fun and Informative Royal Walk in Westminster

The London: Royal Rascals and Scandalous Sovereigns Walking Tour offers a compact, engaging way to explore royal Westminster. Its strength lies in the knowledgeable guide, lively storytelling, and focus on both scandal and charm in British royal history. The $406 price covers a well-paced 3-hour experience that includes landmarks, statues, and possibly the Changing of the Guard.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy history with a humorous twist and want to see London’s royal side in a relaxed setting. The private group format ensures a personalized and flexible experience, while the accessible design makes it suitable for a broad range of visitors. For a light-hearted, fact-based walk through Westminster’s royal stories, this tour makes a memorable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 3 hours, providing a thorough overview of Westminster’s royal landmarks and stories.

Where does the tour start?
It begins outside Westminster Abbey Gift Shop, in central London.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accommodating for participants with mobility needs.

What is included in the tour?
The experience includes a guided walk of royal Westminster, visits to London landmarks connected to royalty, and stories and trivia about British monarchs. Statues and memorials are also viewed.

Does the tour include the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, when scheduled, the tour includes a viewing of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which typically occurs on specific days between 9:00 am and 10:00 am.

How many people can join the tour?
The tour is designed for private groups of up to 6 people, ensuring an intimate experience.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour different from others?
This tour combines historical accuracy with light-hearted anecdotes about monarchs, with a focus on scandals, quirks, and charming stories that bring Westminster’s royal history to life.

Is there an option to pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby