If you’re looking for a well-rounded way to see London’s most iconic sights and enjoy a panoramic view from one of its tallest buildings, this London: The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour offers a compelling package. Priced at $101.02 per person, this 5-hour experience combines a guided exploration of Westminster’s key landmarks with a visit to The Shard’s observation decks. The tour features a small group size and a fun local guide, making it ideal for travelers who appreciate personalized attention and insider insights.

A standout feature is the opportunity to see over 20 top sights of London, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and more. After exploring the city on foot, visitors ascend The Shard’s elevator to floor 68 for an unbeatable 360-degree view stretching up to 40 miles. For the brave, there’s an option to head up to the open-air platform on level 72 for even more spectacular vistas. While not included in the tour price, this combination of sightseeing and high-altitude views makes for an engaging and scenic day out.

Key Points

Price & Duration: At $101.02, the tour lasts 5 hours—including 3 hours of Westminster sightseeing and 2 hours at The Shard.
Includes: Entrance ticket to The Shard Viewing Gallery and a guided walking tour of Westminster’s major sights.
Meet & Start Point: Begins outside The Ritz London at Piccadilly, near Green Park Underground station.
Tour Highlights: See over 20 sights, including Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben.
Special Features: Witness the Changing of the Guard (on specific days) and enjoy London’s highest view from floor 68 with an option to visit the open-air platform.
Group Size & Accessibility: The tour operates in small groups and is wheelchair accessible.
Timing & Flexibility: Check availability for different start times; free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point Outside The Ritz London

The tour begins outside The Ritz London at Piccadilly. You’ll find the meeting spot next to two red telephone boxes and souvenir stands, directly beneath a Ritz sign. The nearest tube station is Green Park, with the left-hand exit leading to stairs and a ramp for easy access. This central location makes it easy to find and convenient for starting your day of sightseeing.

The meeting point remains the same at the end of the tour, ensuring a straightforward experience. The tour’s design allows for a seamless start and finish without needing additional transportation or complicated logistics.

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Visiting the Iconic Stops Along the Westminster Walk

The guided walking route covers many of London’s most recognizable landmarks. It kicks off with a photo stop at Buckingham Palace, where the guide shares insights into the royal residence and its changing of the guard ceremony (available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10 am).

Next, the group visits Trafalgar Square, then proceeds to Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall for another photo opportunity. The walk continues to 10 Downing Street, offering a chance to admire the seat of the Prime Minister.

A 40-minute stop at Parliament Square allows for sightseeing and photos of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, followed by a visit to Westminster Abbey. Each stop is brief but packed with highlights, and your guide provides context and stories to deepen the experience.

The Changing of the Guard Display

Depending on the tour day, travelers might witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace—a colorful and traditional ceremony managed by the British Army. It takes place only on the 10 am tour days Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, weather permitting.

This iconic event offers a chance to see British military precision and ceremonial pageantry. Since it’s scheduled at a specific time, arriving early and being prepared for potentially large crowds is advised if this experience is desired.

Climbing to The Shard’s Observation Decks

Following the walking tour, your guide indicates how to reach The Shard, where you ascend via a high-speed elevator to floor 68. Here, visitors enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view extending up to 40 miles across London and beyond.

For those who seek an extra thrill, the open-air viewing platform on level 72 is accessible, offering an unobstructed view in the open air. While this additional experience is not included in the tour price, the included visit to floor 68 alone provides a stunning perspective on the city’s skyline.

The view from The Shard is almost double the height of other London observation points, making it a must-see for panoramic photography and cityscape appreciation.

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Practical Details for the Observation Experience

Your ticket grants entrance to The Shard Viewing Gallery, allowing you to explore at your own pace after the guided walk. The elevator ride quickly transports you to floor 68, where expansive windows offer views in all directions.

Bring a camera to capture the sprawling cityscape, and consider visiting during daylight hours for the clearest views. The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, giving ample time to enjoy the vistas, take photos, and soak in the scenery.

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Group Size, Accessibility, and Flexibility

This tour is designed for small groups, enhancing the experience with more personalized attention from the live English-speaking guide. It is also wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs.

The booking process allows you to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility and peace of mind. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, aligning with flexible travel plans.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Day

Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, an umbrella, a camera, and some cash for snacks or souvenirs. Since the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, planning transportation to and from the meeting point is necessary.

Be aware that weather conditions can impact the Changing of the Guard, and schedules are subject to change or cancellation in extreme weather. Check the schedule ahead if witnessing this ceremony is a priority.

The Complete Experience: Sightseeing and Panoramic Views

This tour offers a balanced mix of city exploration and breathtaking views. The guided walk ensures you see London’s most famous landmarks with insightful commentary, while the visit to The Shard provides a top-down perspective that’s hard to match elsewhere in the city.

The combination of landmarks, ceremonial events, and sky-high vistas makes this an engaging choice for visitors wanting to cover a lot of ground in a single day. The small group setup ensures an intimate atmosphere, and the fun local guide adds a personable touch to the experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience suits travelers interested in comprehensive sightseeing combined with a memorable panoramic view. It’s ideal for those who want a guided overview of Westminster’s key sights and the city from above, all in one manageable package.

It’s especially recommended for first-time visitors to London or those wanting a well-organized, informative, and scenic tour without having to plan multiple tickets and routes independently. The flexibility, accessibility, and rich itinerary make it a solid choice for a full day of exploring.

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London: The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests.

Can I visit The Shard’s open-air platform?
Yes, level 72 is accessible if you wish to experience London’s highest open-air viewpoint; however, this is not included in the ticket price.

What landmarks will I see during the walking tour?
You’ll visit Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, 10 Downing Street, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, and more.

When does the Changing of the Guard take place?
It occurs only on the 10 am tour days Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, weather permitting.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, an umbrella, a camera, food and drinks, and cash for extras or souvenirs.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve now and pay later and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour.

This London: The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour offers a comprehensive and scenic day out, blending London’s most celebrated sights with spectacular city views from The Shard. Its small group size, expert guidance, and breathtaking vistas make it a fantastic choice for those wanting an accessible, informative, and visually striking experience.