Go On-Board HMS Belfast & See 30+ London Top Sights

Explore Over 30 London Sights and Step Aboard the Historic HMS Belfast for an Unforgettable 6-Hour Tour

This 6-hour guided walking tour in Greater London combines iconic sights with a unique maritime experience, offering a compelling way to see the city. For $101.02 per person, travelers get to visit more than 30 top attractions, from Buckingham Palace to Tower Bridge, all led by a knowledgeable local guide. The tour includes a 2-hour visit onboard HMS Belfast, a WWII battleship with a fascinating history tied to the Normandy Landings.

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, especially those interested in World War II, as it combines urban sightseeing with the chance to explore a historic warship. The small group size ensures a personal experience, and the accessible, family-friendly format makes it suitable for most travelers. One thing to keep in mind is the time spent walking and the two visits onboard HMS Belfast, which total 3 hours of active exploration.

Key Points

• Duration and Price: The tour lasts 6 hours and costs $101.02 per person.
• Highlights: Visit 30+ top London sights including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Tower of London.
• HMS Belfast Experience: Enjoy a 2-hour entry to London’s WWII battleship, one of only three remaining vessels supporting the Normandy Landings.
• Walking Route: The tour covers Westminster and Southbank, walking past landmarks like Big Ben, Parliament Square, the Globe Theatre, and London Bridge.
• Guided Insights: A local guide provides detailed commentary on London’s history, architecture, and the battleship.
• Convenient Meet Point: Starts outside The Ritz London, next to two red telephone boxes, near Green Park underground station.

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Starting at The Ritz and Exploring Central London

The tour begins at The Ritz London, a famous luxury hotel located in W1J 9BR, with easy access from Green Park Station. This central starting point sets the tone for a day packed with sightseeing. After gathering outside the hotel, the guide leads the group through some of London’s most recognizable landmarks.

The initial stops include a photo stop at Buckingham Palace, where the Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 10 am, if you attend that specific tour. The walk continues to Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, and 10 Downing Street, giving a deep dive into Westminster’s political and royal sites.

Visiting Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to Westminster Abbey, where the guide shares details about its architecture and history. The group then moves to Parliament Square, a focal point of British political life, for a 40-minute guided walk and photo opportunities.

Each stop is brief but packed with interesting facts, making the most of the limited time while giving visitors a good sense of the area. The guided approach ensures visitors understand the significance of each landmark without feeling overwhelmed.

The Significance of HMS Belfast

The HMS Belfast visit is a core part of the tour, offering a two-hour exploration of a World War II battleship. The vessel served during the Normandy Landings, making it highly significant for WWII history buffs. The entry ticket is included, allowing access to all decks and exhibits within the ship.

While the guides do not board the ship with guests, they prepare visitors with a broad historical context before the visit. After the onboard experience, the group reassembles for a one-hour second visit, which adds depth to understanding the ship’s role during wartime.

Walking from Westminster to Southbank

The tour transitions from Westminster to the Southbank area, taking about 20 minutes on the subway or metro. Once there, the group explores the Southbank Centre and other landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and Borough Market.

The walk along the Thames provides scenic views of London Bridge, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. The guide offers commentary on each site, its history, and its modern use, making it a lively and informative experience.

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The Borough Market and Tower of London Stops

Next, the group takes time at Borough Market, a lively food market perfect for quick photos and sightseeing. The 30-minute stop allows visitors to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Following this, the group visits London Bridge and the Tower of London, iconic symbols of London’s history. The 30-minute stops here include photo opportunities and brief insights into their stories, from medieval times to modern day.

Final Stop at HMS Belfast and Tour End

The tour concludes with a one-hour second visit onboard HMS Belfast, solidifying the WWII connection and offering a more comprehensive view of the vessel. The entire experience ends back at the initial meeting point outside The Ritz.

Travelers finish the day equipped with a broad understanding of London’s royal, political, and wartime history. The combination of walking sightseeing and ship exploration offers a well-rounded perspective of London’s diverse heritage.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The meeting point is easy to find outside The Ritz London, next to two red telephone boxes. The tour runs on a schedule, with starting times available upon booking, and it ends back at the same location.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs. The activity includes skip-the-ticket line access, saving time at popular sites.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, an umbrella, a camera, and food or drinks if desired. Luggage or large bags are not allowed onboard HMS Belfast or on the walking tour.

Overall Impression of the London Sightseeing Tour

This comprehensive 6-hour experience offers outstanding value for those wanting an all-in-one tour of London’s key sights, paired with the unique opportunity to explore HMS Belfast, a WWII vessel with a direct connection to historical events. The knowledgeable local guides excel at providing insightful commentary, making the tour engaging and educational.

While the pace is brisk, it suits travelers eager to cover major attractions efficiently. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and personalized attention. The inclusion of HMS Belfast makes this tour stand out among standard London sightseeing options, especially for history buffs.

Potential visitors should plan for a fair amount of walking and bring suitable gear for weather conditions. The cost is competitive considering the extensive itinerary and the entry to HMS Belfast included in the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby

• What is the duration of this tour? The tour lasts approximately 6 hours.
• Where does the tour start? It begins outside The Ritz London, next to two red telephone boxes.
• Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.
• Are meals or drinks included? No, travelers should bring food and drinks if desired.
• What sights are covered? Over 30 attractions including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Globe Theatre, Tower Bridge, and more.
• Is HMS Belfast included in the price? Yes, entry to HMS Belfast is included.
• Does the tour run on specific days? The Changing of the Guard is on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10 am.
• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, umbrella, camera, and personal food/drinks.
• How long is the visit onboard HMS Belfast? The first visit lasts 2 hours, and the second 1 hour.
• Can I cancel this tour? Yes, with full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.