Westminster Walking Tour & Visit The Tower of London

A comprehensive way to explore central London, this Westminster Walking Tour & Tower of London visit offers a mix of guided sightseeing and independent exploration. For $157.98 per person, you get about six hours of walking through London’s most iconic areas, along with tickets to the Tower of London, one of the city’s most historic castles. The tour starts at The Ritz London at 10:00 am and covers at least 20 sights in Westminster, making it ideal for active travelers eager to see many highlights in a day.

The guided portion lasts around 3 hours, during which you’ll hear engaging stories from a local guide about landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, and the Houses of Parliament. Afterward, you receive your Tower of London tickets, which allow for self-guided exploration at your own pace. While the tour offers a rich experience, it’s important to note that transport to the Tower is not included and costs around £5.

With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 20 reviews, this experience stands out for its lively guides and thorough coverage of Westminster’s most famous sights. However, some reviewers point out that the tour does not include Westminster Abbey entry and that timing can be tight if arriving late, especially during busy days. This tour suits active visitors who want an engaging, informative overview of central London with the flexibility to explore the Tower of London on their own afterward.

Key Points

• Includes tickets to the Tower of London, allowing independent exploration
• Guided walk covers at least 20 sights in Westminster and nearby areas
• Approximate 6-hour experience with 3 hours of walking and free time at the Tower
• Start at The Ritz London and end near the Tower, with a group size limited to 15 people
• Requires moderate physical fitness due to extensive walking
• Additional costs include transport (~£5) and food or drinks (please bring your own)

Starting at The Ritz London: Meeting Point and Timing

The tour begins promptly at 10:00 am from 150 Piccadilly, outside The Ritz London. This central starting point is easily accessible via public transportation. The tour does not include hotel pickup, so participants should plan to meet at the designated spot. The guide leads you through the Westminster area, covering over 20 sights in a little over 3 hours, with the pace suitable for most active travelers but requiring good mobility.

Exploring Westminster’s Top Sights with a Local Guide

The guided part of this tour offers a rich overview of Westminster, highlighting landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. The guides share stories about British royalty, politics, and architecture, making history come alive.

Buckingham Palace is a key highlight, where visitors can enjoy stories of the Royal Family and, if timing allows, watch the Changing of the Guard. The tour walks along Royal Mews and through Green Park to reach the palace. At Trafalgar Square, the Nelson’s Column and fountains provide a perfect photo backdrop.

Whitehall, home to Downing Street, is also included, offering insights into British government and history. The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben are viewed from Parliament Square, providing some of London’s most recognizable sights. The guide’s commentary brings these landmarks to life, making the walk more than just a visual experience.

Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade, and Government Buildings

The tour’s route takes you past the famous Horse Guards Parade, with its notable arch and clock, offering excellent photo opportunities. The guide points out Downing Street, where the British Prime Minister has resided since 1735, giving visitors a taste of political history.

Along Whitehall, the walk passes by grand government buildings and monuments, illustrating London’s political center. The guide shares stories about the Royal and political history embedded in this part of the city, making it a lively narrative experience.

The Iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

As the tour reaches Parliament Square, viewers get a close-up look at the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. While the exterior is the main focus of this sightseeing experience, the views here are iconic and often featured in photos of London. The Churchill Statue nearby adds extra historical context to this bustling square.

The 40-minute stop here allows plenty of time to admire these landmarks and listen to stories about British politics and architecture. The guide points out The London Eye and other nearby sights, adding to the panoramic feel of the walk.

Westminster Abbey: 1000 Years of History

Just a short walk from the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey stands as one of London’s most beautiful and historic buildings. The Abbey has been the site for royal coronations, weddings, and burials for over a millennium.

While entry is not included in the tour, the exterior and the surrounding area are noteworthy. The guide shares stories about the Abbey’s royal ceremonies and architectural evolution, enriching understanding for those who choose to explore inside independently.

The Self-Guided Visit to the Tower of London

After the guided walk, participants are given tickets to the Tower of London, where they can explore at their own pace. The Tower is famous for its Beefeater guards, crown jewels, and ravens.

The ticket includes access for around 3 hours, allowing visitors to see the historic castle, learn about its many roles, and enjoy the medieval architecture. The guide provides instructions and directions at the end of the walk, but note that transport to the Tower is not included and costs approximately £5 via public transit, which takes about 20 minutes.

Practicalities: Group Size, Pacing, and Accessibility

This tour is limited to 15 participants, creating a more intimate experience and allowing guides to engage with everyone. The pacing of the walk is moderate but involves a lot of walking, so it’s best suited for active travelers with good mobility.

The tour is accessible for most with moderate physical fitness, but travelers should be prepared for standing, walking, and some crowds. Bring your own drinks and a packed lunch, as food and drinks aren’t included, and consider an Oyster Card or Travel Card for transport to and from the Tower.

The Guide and Tour Experience

Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge, enthusiasm, and humor, with Tim, Nicholas, and Jason noted as particularly engaging storytellers. Participants appreciate local insights and the storytelling style that makes history feel personal and lively.

Occasionally, unexpected challenges like last-minute guide dropouts or crowd congestion** are mentioned, but the overall experience remains positive thanks to the guides’ professionalism.

Timing, Pacing, and Crowd Considerations

The tour starts at 10:00 am and covers over 20 sights in Westminster. During busy days, crowds can impact visibility and comfort, especially near major sights like Buckingham Palace and Parliament. Some reviews note that timing can be tight, especially if arriving late or during events like the London Marathon, which can block certain viewpoints or streets.

The end of the guided walk is near the Tower of London, about 20 minutes by public transit. The separate ticket and directions are provided, but travelers should plan their schedule accordingly to avoid missing their entry time.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour includes a comprehensive sightseeing walk and tickets to the Tower of London, it does not include transportation to the Tower or access to Westminster Abbey itself. Food, drinks, and personal expenses are not covered, so bring your own or plan for nearby options.

A few reviews mention timing issues or disorganized experiences, especially during busy periods or if guides are unavailable. It’s best suited for active, independent-minded travelers comfortable with navigating London’s busy streets and public transit.

Final Thoughts on the Westminster and Tower of London Tour

This experience offers a balanced combination of guided sightseeing and self-guided exploration at one of London’s most famous castles. The knowledgeable guides, extensive coverage of Westminster landmarks, and small group size create an engaging environment.

While some limitations exist—such as transport costs and the absence of Westminster Abbey entry—the overall value remains strong, especially for those who want a rundown of central London in a single day. This tour is well-suited for active visitors eager to combine history, culture, and iconic sights with the flexibility of exploring the Tower independently afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include entry to Westminster Abbey?
No, Westminster Abbey is not included. The tour covers the exterior and surrounding areas, with optional inside visits available independently.

How do I get to the Tower of London after the tour?
The tickets and directions are provided at the end of the guided walk. Transport costs approximately £5, and the Tower is around 20 minutes away by public transit.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour suits active travelers with moderate physical fitness. It involves a lot of walking, so those with mobility issues should consider their comfort level.

What if I arrive late or want to reschedule?
The tour requires timely arrival at 10:00 am. Rescheduling is not available if late, but you can do the Tower of London separately if needed, as tickets are issued after the walk.

Can I purchase food or drinks during the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included. Participants should bring their own or plan to stop at nearby cafes and shops during free time.

This Westminster Walking Tour + Tower of London provides a well-rounded London experience with insightful guides and flexible exploration, ideal for those who want to see a lot in a day without sacrificing personal pace.