London: The London Top Sights Tour. Kids Free!

Discover the Highlights of London on a Guided Walking Tour for All Ages

The London: The London Top Sights Tour. Kids Free! offers an engaging way to see more than 30 of London’s most famous landmarks in just five hours. Priced at $87.55 per person, this tour is perfect for visitors eager to cover major sights without the hassle of transport. The tour departs from outside The Ritz London and features a small group size with a fun local guide, ensuring a friendly and personalized experience. Kids under 12 years old join for free, making it a family-friendly option.

This tour covers historic landmarks, royal sites, and scenic bridges, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops and guided insights. While the pace is brisk, it’s suitable for visitors who enjoy walking and want a rundown of central London’s most celebrated attractions. The only notable limitation is that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so travelers need to coordinate their arrival at the meeting point.

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Key Points

• Includes over 30 top sights of London in a 5-hour guided walk
• Kids under 12 travel free, ideal for families
• Starts at The Ritz London and ends back at the same meeting point
• Features iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, and Tower of London
• Guided by a fun, knowledgeable local guide with small group sizes for a personalized experience
• Includes scheduled stops for photos and sightseeing, with some activities like the Changing of the Guard on specific days

Starting Point Outside The Ritz London

The tour begins outside The Ritz London at 150 Piccadilly, marked by two red telephone boxes and souvenir stands beneath a Ritz sign. The nearest tube station is Green Park Underground, accessible via the left-hand exit. From there, travelers take the stairs up to the meeting spot, ready to start exploring central London.

This central starting location offers easy access for most travelers staying in or near the West End. The meeting point’s convenient location helps keep the tour on schedule, and the end point is the same as the starting point, making logistics straightforward.

Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

One of the tour’s most anticipated moments is the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. This 30-minute spectacle occurs only on the 10 am tour on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The tour guides explain the history behind this royal tradition, adding context to the colorful ceremony.

Guests get a close-up view of the guards in their traditional uniforms. It’s a lively and photogenic moment, although it can be crowded depending on the day. The schedule is controlled by the British Army and may be canceled in bad weather, so flexibility is recommended.

Exploring Westminster and the Political Heart of London

After Buckingham Palace, the tour heads up the Royal Mews and along Whitehall, passing Prince Charles’ residence, Clarence House. The walk continues toward Trafalgar Square, where a quick photo stop allows visitors to appreciate Nelson’s Column and surrounding statues.

From there, the group strolls past Downing Street, home to the Prime Minister, and proceeds to Parliament Square. Notable sights en route include Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament—all photo-worthy landmarks.

This section combines walking with guided commentary, offering insights into London’s political history and royal connections. The 1.5-hour segment mixes sightseeing with brief walking breaks, but some may find it slightly rushed.

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From London Bridge to South Bank Sightseeing

The tour continues across London Bridge, leading into the vibrant South Bank area. Here, visitors can admire Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, HMS Belfast, and Tower Bridge from the outside.

Walking along the Thames provides scenic views of the river and the city skyline. The group proceeds toward the Tower of London, where a 15-minute photo stop takes in the historic fortress and the Crown Jewels. The guided walk around this area emphasizes London’s medieval history and the royal traditions connected to the Tower.

Visiting Tower Bridge and the Tower of London

Tower Bridge is a highlight, with its distinctive twin towers and bascule mechanism. The sightseeing stop here offers scenic views and photo opportunities. While no interior tour is included, the external view remains impressive and iconic.

Next, the Tower of London stands as a symbol of London’s royal history. Although the tour does not include inside visits, the exterior walk allows for a good appreciation of the fortress’s architecture and its historical significance. The proximity of these landmarks makes this section especially engaging for history buffs.

Photo Stops at Globe Theatre and Beyond

A brief 15-minute stop at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre allows visitors to appreciate London’s theatrical history from the outside. The guide shares stories about William Shakespeare’s influence and the significance of the reconstructed theatre.

The tour then proceeds toward the scenic Tower Bridge, where another 15-minute photo stop captures this famous bascule bridge. This segment emphasizes London’s engineering feats and the beauty of the Thames.

Small Group Size and Expert Guide

One of the key strengths of this tour is the small tour group, which ensures a more personalized experience. The local guide is described as fun and knowledgeable, offering engaging commentary and answering questions along the way.

The guide’s storytelling style enhances the experience, making it easier to connect historical facts with the sights. Although one review mentions that guide enthusiasm can vary, overall the guide’s insights contribute significantly to the tour’s enjoyment.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour includes 30+ top sights of London, with many photo stops and guided walk segments. It is suitable for most visitors, including those with wheelchair accessibility. Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring an umbrella, and carry cash for any additional expenses.

Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, travelers should plan their own transportation to the meeting point. The tour operates live in English, with flexible cancellation policies allowing full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This guided walk is ideal for visitors wanting a rundown of London’s most famous landmarks in a single morning or afternoon. The 5-hour pace suits those comfortable with walking and eager to see a wide array of sights without the hassle of public transport or multiple bookings.

Families with kids benefit from kids under 12 traveling free, making it an accessible option for a day out with children. The tour’s focus on iconic landmarks and engaging guides makes it particularly appealing to first-time visitors or those short on time.

Final Thoughts on the London Top Sights Tour

The London: The London Top Sights Tour. Kids Free! offers a practical, well-organized way to explore many of London’s most iconic attractions in just five hours. The combination of guided commentary, photo stops, and small group intimacy makes this an attractive choice for visitors seeking a manageable overview.

While the schedule is busy, and interior visits are limited, the tour delivers ample photo opportunities and cultural insights. The small group size and expert guide ensure a more intimate experience, especially appreciated by those who prefer personal interactions.

Most travelers will find this tour offers great value, especially considering kids under 12 are free. It’s a solid, efficient way to get a broad sense of London’s rich history and world-famous sights—all in one engaging walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, kids under 12 can join for free, making it suitable for family outings. The tour’s pace and stops are family-friendly, but expect a fair amount of walking.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Bring comfortable shoes, an umbrella, and some cash for small expenses. The tour does not include food or drinks, so plan accordingly.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts outside The Ritz London at 150 Piccadilly and concludes at the same location, simplifying logistics.

Is the Changing of the Guard included?
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens only on the 10 am tour on specific days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). It is an outdoor event and may be canceled in bad weather.

How long are the stops at key landmarks?
Photo stops at Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Globe Theatre, and Tower Bridge typically last about 15 to 30 minutes each.

What if I want to explore inside the Tower of London?
This tour only offers exterior viewing and photo stops. To explore inside the Tower, additional tickets or tours are needed.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a good choice for visitors with mobility needs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

This guided tour combines the thrill of seeing London’s most iconic sights with the comfort of small group intimacy and knowledgeable narration. It provides a practical, family-friendly way to understand the city’s history, culture, and legends—perfect for first-time visitors and those short on time.

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