Go Up The Shard & London Landmark Walking Tour

Explore London’s Iconic Sights and Soar to the Top of The Shard

The Go Up The Shard & London Landmark Walking Tour offers a comprehensive way to see the city’s most famous attractions in approximately 6 hours for $116.34 per person. The tour begins at The Ritz London and culminates with an hour at The View from the Shard, which includes priority skip-the-line admission. This feature saves valuable time, especially during peak hours, making it a practical choice for those wanting to maximize their sightseeing.

Designed with first-time visitors in mind, the tour balances guided walking exploration with self-guided moments at The Shard. The small-group format ensures a more personal experience, and the local guide provides engaging commentary along the way. Kids only pay for their admission to The Shard, making this a family-friendly option that combines educational storytelling with stunning views.

While the tour covers over 20 major London attractions, it also emphasizes efficient logistics to help travelers see more in less time. A key highlight is the skip-the-line access to The Shard, which is often a long wait otherwise. However, participants should be prepared for a full day of walking and some short underground journeys between locations.

Key Points

• Includes skip-the-line access to The Shard’s observation deck for panoramic views.
• Visits over 20 London landmarks with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
• Ideal for families, as children only need to pay for The Shard ticket.
• Starts at The Ritz London at 10:00 am, with a small group size of up to 20 travelers.
• Duration of about 6 hours, balancing walking, sightseeing, and time at The Shard.

Starting Point: The Ritz London and Early Morning Meet

The tour kicks off at The Ritz London located at 150 Piccadilly. Meeting at 10:00 am, participants receive their mobile tickets and are introduced to the guide. The tour does not include hotel pickups; travelers should aim to meet at the designated spot using public transportation or personal arrangements.

The arrival time and meeting point set a relaxed, punctual tone for the day. The small group size ensures attentiveness from the guide, and the limited number of 20 travelers helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

Exploring Buckingham Palace and Green Park

The first stop is Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the King. After a stroll through Green Park, the guide shares stories about the British Royal family and the palace’s history. On certain days, the Changing of the Guard ceremony can be observed, with the guide helping to find the best viewing spot.

This part of the tour is particularly good for photo opportunities and learning about the monarchy’s traditions. While admission to the Palace is not included, the focus remains on the exterior views and historical narration.

Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column

Next, the tour visits Trafalgar Square, a central hub of London life. Here, Nelson’s Column dominates the scene, accompanied by fountains and the National Gallery. The guide shares quick insights into the square’s history and significance, and free time allows for photos or a brief look at nearby landmarks.

This stop is a good example of efficient sightseeing, where iconic sights are viewed from outside, avoiding lengthy entry queues.

Horse Guards Parade and Royal Whitehall

The group then moves to Horse Guards Parade, located on the edge of St. James Park. The guide points out the famous arch and the clock, ideal for capturing memorable images. Following this, the walk continues to Whitehall, home to Downing Street, where British Prime Ministers have resided since the 18th century.

Both stops are highlights for history buffs and those interested in royal and governmental landmarks, with no entrance fees needed for viewing the exteriors.

Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey

One of the tour’s key highlights is Parliament Square, where the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben can be admired up close. The 40-minute stop offers views of London Eye and the Churchill Statue from a distance.

Moving on, the group visits Westminster Abbey, a building with over 1000 years of history. The guide explains its role in royal ceremonies, including coronations. The Abbey’s stunning architecture provides great photo opportunities, even without entering.

Southbank: Art, Theatre, and Culture

After a short underground journey, the tour reaches the vibrant Southbank area. Here, travelers see the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, both landmarks of London’s cultural scene. The 40-minute stop allows exploration of the lively atmosphere and views along the Thames.

This part of the tour emphasizes London’s artistic and theatrical heritage and the scenic riverfront.

Walk Across Millennium Bridge and Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral

The next highlight is walking across Millennium Bridge, known for its wobbly design. From here, the group enjoys a spectacular view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, especially its renowned dome. The guide shares interesting facts about the cathedral’s architecture and history while offering great photo moments.

The 20-minute stop offers a visual feast, even from the outside, and sets the stage for the next location.

Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral

The tour includes a visit to Borough Market, a lively food hub with local vendors and a few secret filming locations from Harry Potter movies. Inside, guests can observe the bustling market atmosphere and enjoy local delicacies if desired.

Following this, the group sees Southwark Cathedral, an impressive historic church close to the market. Both sites are free to view from outside, with optional exploration.

London Bridge and Sights Panorama

A short walk takes the group to London Bridge, offering iconic views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, and The Shard. The stop here lasts about 30 minutes and provides excellent photo opportunities of these historic and modern landmarks.

The guide points out all sights visible from this vantage point, making it a perfect photo spot and overview of central London.

The Highlight: The Shard’s Observation Deck

The day concludes with a special visit to The Shard, where the group receives directions to the entrance. A high-speed elevator whisks visitors up to the 68th-floor viewing platform. Here, 360-degree panoramas stretch up to 40 miles, showcasing London’s skyline from a height of over 900 feet.

For those feeling adventurous, the open-air viewing platform on level 72 offers an even more immersive experience. The entire visit lasts about an hour, and admission is included in the tour. The guide provides tips and directions, but guests explore independently at this point.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

The tour includes a local guide who shares engaging commentary, a walking tour of London’s top sights, and tickets to The Shard’s Viewing Gallery. The group size is limited to 20 travelers, fostering a more personal experience.

Participants should bring a contactless bank card or Oyster card for transportation, as the tour involves underground journeys. The start point at The Ritz and end at The Shard are both accessible via public transit, but no hotel pickups are provided.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour

This tour suits first-time visitors eager to see London’s most famous landmarks efficiently, with the added excitement of going to the top of The Shard for incredible views. Families appreciate that kids only pay for The Shard ticket, and the small-group format makes the experience more relaxed.

The balance of guided sightseeing and free exploration at The Shard appeals to travelers who prefer a structured yet flexible day. The skip-the-line feature ensures time is used wisely, especially during busy periods.

Summary: Why Choose This London Tour

The Go Up The Shard & London Landmark Walking Tour provides a comprehensive, efficient way to explore the city’s highlights. The expert guidance, combined with priority access to The Shard, makes this a practical option for those wanting memorable views without long waits.

While the full itinerary involves a lot of walking and moving between locations, the experience is tailored for ease and enjoyment. The small group size and diverse stops make it a solid choice for families and first-time visitors alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation between locations?
Yes, the tour involves underground journeys between some stops, and participants should bring a Contactless Bank Card / Oyster Card for seamless travel.

Is admission to Buckingham Palace included?
No, admission tickets for Buckingham Palace are not included, but the exterior view and storytelling about the monarchy are the focus.

How long is the visit to The Shard?
The time spent at The Shard’s observation deck is about one hour, giving ample opportunity to enjoy the 360-degree views.

Can children participate?
Yes, children are welcome; they only need to pay for their admission ticket to The Shard. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What makes this tour stand out?
The skip-the-line ticket to The Shard and the guided exploration of London’s top landmarks make this tour a time-efficient and memorable way to see the city.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
The information does not specify accessibility details, but since it involves walking and underground transport, travelers with mobility concerns should inquire further.

This tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, education, and breathtaking views, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maximize their London experience in a single day.