London: Westminster Walking Tour & The Tower of London Entry

Explore London’s Most Famous Sights with a Guided Walk

This London: Westminster Walking Tour & The Tower of London Entry offers an engaging way to see 20 top sights in Westminster and beyond. Priced at $105.07 per person, it lasts approximately 4 hours and is perfect for visitors looking to combine sightseeing with some historical insight. The tour kicks off from outside The Ritz London, a central spot near Green Park Underground station, making it accessible for most travelers.

A major highlight is the guided exploration of Westminster, where you walk through historic streets once trodden by the British monarchy for over a thousand years. The tour includes a visit to the Tower of London, giving you a chance to see the Crown Jewels and learn about the site’s intriguing stories, legends, and ghosts. Reviewers consistently praise the knowledge and storytelling skills of the guides, with some mentioning the lively, engaging narration by guides like Mark and Benedict.

While the tour offers a rundown, it does not include transportation or snacks and drinks, so travelers should prepare accordingly. The walks are well-paced, covering key royal landmarks, historic sites, and iconic buildings, making this tour suitable for those with moderate mobility who enjoy walking and outdoor sightseeing.

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Key Points

• Includes entrance to the Tower of London with a 3-hour exploration of its exhibits
• Guided tour covers 20 sights in Westminster, including Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey
• Witness the Changing of the Guard during scheduled days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
• Starts outside The Ritz London near Green Park station, with a detailed itinerary
• Tour duration is approximately 4 hours, with an emphasis on walking and sightseeing
• Highly rated for guides’ knowledge and storytelling, with a 4.6/5 rating from 123 reviews

Starting Point Outside The Ritz London for Easy Access

The tour begins outside The Ritz at 150 Piccadilly, next to two red telephone boxes and souvenir stands. The location offers a central starting point, just steps from Green Park Underground station, with the left exit leading to the meeting spot. Travelers should arrive promptly to ensure they don’t miss the initial briefing and to enjoy the full experience.

The meeting point’s prominence makes it simple to locate, and the tour ends back at the starting location, providing a logical conclusion for those planning to explore independently afterward. The easy access from central London is a convenience that adds to the tour’s appeal.

Highlights of London’s Iconic Westminster Landmarks

This tour visits Buckingham Palace, where you’ll enjoy a photo stop and learn about the British monarchy’s residence. On certain days, you can witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, usually at 10 am on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. This ceremony is a crowd-puller and a true spectacle, although it may be canceled due to extreme weather, so check the schedule in advance.

Following Buckingham Palace, the guide leads you through Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, another notable royal site, and then to 10 Downing Street, which is a photo stop since the Prime Minister’s residence is not open to the public. The walk then continues through Parliament Square, offering views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

A visit to Westminster Abbey provides a photo stop and an opportunity to appreciate one of London’s most historic religious sites. The entire route is designed to showcase London’s political and royal heart, with detailed commentary from guides like Connor, who is praised for their entertainment and clarity.

The Tower of London: Crown Jewels and Historic Stories

The visit to the Tower of London is a key highlight and lasts around 3 hours. Travelers get direct access with included entrance tickets, allowing an in-depth look at the Crown Jewels, which are among the most striking displays. The Tower has a history of prisoner cells, armories, and stories of royal executions, which guides like Sandra and Tim bring vividly to life.

The Tower’s history, legends, and stories of ghosts make it a fascinating stop for history buffs and curious visitors alike. Since the tour guide will lead you to the Tower but not inside, guests should budget additional time for self-exploration.

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Walking Through Green Park and Central London Streets

The walk through Green Park en route to Buckingham Palace is a highlight for its well-manicured trees and floral displays. The tour also includes visits to Downing Street, Whitehall, and Parliament Square, covering London’s political and royal districts in about 40 minutes of sightseeing and guided commentary.

This paced walk offers a blend of photo opportunities and historical insights, with guides ensuring the group stays together and learns about London’s royal and political history in a relaxed manner.

Practical Details for Participants: Meeting Point, Schedule, and What to Bring

The tour starts promptly outside The Ritz at 150 Piccadilly and ends there as well, simplifying logistical planning. The nearest station is Green Park, and travelers are advised to arrive early to locate the meeting point easily.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as walking is the main activity. An umbrella is recommended for unpredictable weather, along with snacks and drinks for energy, since these are not included. Large bags or luggage are not permitted, so plan accordingly.

The tour operates with a live English-speaking guide, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Booking options allow pay later, providing flexibility for travel plans.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Offers

This experience combines a comprehensive walking tour with entrance to the Tower of London, offering excellent value for those wanting both sightseeing and entry to one of London’s most historic sites. The tour covers 20 sights in just 4 hours, making it a timely and efficient way to see key landmarks.

The inclusion of guide-led commentary and timed visits to places like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey enrich the experience. The reviews emphasize guides’ expertise and entertaining storytelling, which helps make the walk memorable.

While the schedule for the Changing of the Guard depends on the day, this added spectacle is a significant draw, though it may be canceled in bad weather. The pace is generally relaxed, with pauses for photos and questions, ensuring visitors absorb the sights comfortably.

Final Thoughts on the Westminster & Tower of London Tour

This 4-hour guided walking tour offers a balanced mix of royal, political, and historic sights with direct access to the Tower of London. Priced at $105.07 per person, it provides good value, especially given the inclusion of Tower entry and comprehensive sightseeing.

The guides’ knowledge and storytelling skills stand out, making the experience both educational and engaging. Suitable for moderate walkers who appreciate outdoor exploration and want a structured overview of central London’s most famous landmarks.

While the schedule depends on weather and specific days for the Guard change, the overall itinerary ensures you see the most iconic sites in Westminster and enjoy a deep dive into London’s royal history. This tour is an excellent choice for those eager to combine history, architecture, and a bit of royal spectacle into a compact four-hour visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation?
No, this tour is solely a walking experience. Participants should plan their own transport to the meeting point outside The Ritz.

What sights are included in the itinerary?
The tour covers Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Whitehall, Downing Street, Parliament Square, and the Tower of London.

Can I see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, if scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday at 10 am, but it may be canceled due to extreme weather.

Is the Tower of London visit self-guided?
Yes, the guide leads you to the Tower, but inside exploration is independent, with tickets included for a 3-hour visit.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, an umbrella, snacks, and drinks are recommended. Large bags are not allowed.

Where does the tour finish?
The walk ends back at the starting point outside The Ritz on Piccadilly.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 4 hours, including sightseeing, walking, and the Tower visit.

Is there a guide available in languages other than English?
No, the tour is offered in English only.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The walking pace and duration suggest it’s best for older children or teens comfortable with walking. It may not be ideal for very young children due to the length.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of top Westminster sights with a visit to the Tower of London and engaging guides makes it a practical, informative choice for visitors wanting a balanced overview of royal and political London.

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