London: Westminster Walking Tour & London Eye Ticket

Key Points

• In-Depth Westminster Tour: A 3-hour guided walk through iconic London landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
• Includes London Eye Tickets: Enjoy a scenic 2-hour ride on the London Eye with pre-booked admission, offering sweeping city views.
• Small Group Experience: The tour limits groups to 10-15 guests, ensuring a personalized and engaging guide.
• Starting Point and Accessibility: Begins outside The Ritz London near Green Park Underground station; wheelchair accessible.
• Timing and Schedule: The tour lasts around 5 hours, with specific schedules for the Changing of the Guard on certain days.
• Practical Tips: Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and an umbrella; food and drinks are not included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Starting Point: Outside The Ritz London

The tour begins at The Ritz London, located at 150 Piccadilly. Meeting here is straightforward, next to two red telephone boxes and two souvenir stands beneath the Ritz sign. The Green Park Underground station is the nearest, with a left exit, stairs, and a ramp leading out. This convenient location makes starting the day easy for visitors staying in central London.

This initial meeting spot is ideal for travelers familiar with the area or using public transport, and it offers a picturesque setting to begin exploring London’s grandeur. The tour naturally concludes back at the same meeting point, simplifying logistics for the rest of the day.

Exploring Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

The first major stop is Buckingham Palace, where the guide provides insights into the royal residence and its history. The guided walk lasts about one hour, giving ample time to view the exterior and learn about the monarchy’s role in London life.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 10am, visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, managed by the British Army. This event is a highlight for many, showcasing precise military drills and traditional uniforms. However, it’s important to note that this ceremony is not available every day, so checking the schedule is advised. The guide explains the significance of this ritual, adding context to this iconic spectacle.

Photo Stops at Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade

Next, the tour takes a 20-minute break at Trafalgar Square, a lively hub filled with statues, fountains, and the famous Nelson’s Column. This spot offers excellent photo opportunities and a glimpse into London’s cultural pulse.

Following that, a 20-minute walk brings visitors to Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, an impressive open space with historic military significance. The guide points out key details about the buildings and their function, enriching the sightseeing experience. These stops provide a good balance of sightseeing and photo moments, with the guide sharing interesting facts along the way.

Viewing 10 Downing Street from Outside

The tour then passes outside 10 Downing Street for a quick sightseeing stop. Though the Prime Minister’s residence is not open to the public, the guide explains its political importance and history. This brief stop is ideal for snapping photos of the famous black door and understanding its role in UK governance.

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Parliament Square and Westminster Highlights

A 40-minute walk leads to Parliament Square, an area packed with notable statues and the seat of the UK Parliament. The guide discusses the significance of each monument and the history behind the square.

Next, the group visits Westminster Abbey for a 20-minute guided exterior tour. While interior access is not part of this experience, the guide highlights the abbey’s architectural features and its role in royal ceremonies. This stop helps connect the history of London’s monarchy with the nation’s religious traditions.

The Iconic Houses of Parliament

From Westminster Abbey, the tour proceeds to the Houses of Parliament, where a 40-minute sightseeing and photo stop occurs. The guide describes the building’s architecture and its function as the UK’s legislative center, offering insights into British governance. The photos here capture the grandeur of this political landmark, an essential piece of London’s skyline.

Exploring Westminster Abbey’s Exterior

The group returns to Westminster Abbey for another 20-minute guided exterior walk. This allows for a closer look at the building’s Gothic façade and statues, deepening understanding of its historical importance.

The London Eye: Scenic Views and Pre-Booked Tickets

The final part of the tour is the visit to the London Eye, where pre-booked tickets are included. This 2-hour experience gives visitors the chance to enjoy stunning panoramic views of London from high above the Thames. The ride operates smoothly with pre-reserved tickets, avoiding long lines, and provides ample time to appreciate landmarks like Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Shard.

The London Eye’s vantage point offers a different perspective compared to the walking tour, making it a perfect way to end the day. The scenic views are a major highlight, especially on clear days.

Practical Details: Group Size, Accessibility, and Duration

This tour is designed to be an intimate experience, with a group size limited to 10-15 guests. This small group setting ensures the guide can provide personalized insights and answer questions comfortably.

The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including the 3-hour walking tour and the 2-hour London Eye ride. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

The meeting point is easy to find outside The Ritz, and the tour ends back at the same spot, making logistics simple. As a full-day experience, it suits those who want a comprehensive, yet manageable exploration of Westminster and central London highlights.

What’s Included and What to Bring

Included in the $115.84 price are entrance tickets for the London Eye, a 3-hour guided walking tour, and a small group size. The tour does not include food or drinks, so packing a snack or water bottle is advisable.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella in case of rain. A camera is recommended for capturing the picturesque moments, especially at the iconic landmarks.

Important Considerations and Schedule

The Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs only on specific days and times, so checking the schedule for the 10am tour on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday is essential. This ceremony is managed by the British Army and may be canceled in extreme weather.

The tour duration is flexible depending on the schedule, but overall it spans about 5 hours. The tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so plan accordingly if staying outside central London.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Tour with Iconic Highlights

This London: Westminster Walking Tour & London Eye Ticket offers a comprehensive experience that combines guided sightseeing of London’s most famous landmarks with a scenic ride on the London Eye. The small group size ensures an engaging atmosphere, and the pre-booked tickets save valuable time.

While it provides an excellent overview of Westminster and central London, it’s best suited for those who enjoy walking and are comfortable with a moderate pace. The inclusion of the London Eye adds a memorable visual dimension to the tour.

This tour balances history, culture, and panoramic views, making it perfect for first-time visitors wanting a thorough yet manageable introduction to London’s most celebrated sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the price of this tour? The tour costs $115.84 per person.
• How long does the tour last? The full experience lasts approximately 5 hours.
• Where does the tour start? It starts outside The Ritz London at 150 Piccadilly.
• Is the London Eye ticket included? Yes, pre-booked tickets are included in the price.
• Can I see the Changing of the Guard? Yes, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10am.
• Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.
• What landmarks are visited? Highlights include Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, 10 Downing Street, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.
• Are meals included? No, food and drinks are not included.
• Do I need to bring anything? Bring comfortable shoes, an umbrella, a camera, and any snacks or drinks.
• Where does the tour end? It concludes back at The Ritz London, the same as the starting point.