London: Westminster Walking Tour and Kensington Palace Visit

Explore London’s Iconic Landmarks with a Guided Westminster Walking Tour and Kensington Palace Visit

This London tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into Westminster’s most famous sights combined with an entry to Kensington Palace. For $87.55 per person, you get 5 hours of engaging sightseeing, guided by knowledgeable locals who bring London’s history and culture to life. The tour starts at The Ritz London and includes stops at Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Downing Street, Parliament Square, and Westminster Abbey. It concludes with a 2-hour visit to Kensington Palace, the childhood home of Queen Victoria and residence of Prince William.

While the tour provides a rich overview of London’s most recognizable spots, it’s important to note that transportation is not included, and the tour does not include entry into Kensington Palace—you visit it independently after the guided part. This setup suits visitors wanting a well-organized overview of Westminster’s highlights paired with a visit to one of the royal residences. The friendly local guide enhances the experience with insider stories and interesting facts, making this tour both informative and enjoyable.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $87.55 per person and lasts 5 hours.
• Comprehensive Sightseeing: It covers Westminster’s top landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Downing Street, Parliament Square, and Westminster Abbey.
• End with Kensington Palace: The tour concludes with a 2-hour visit to Kensington Palace, where entry is included.
• Guide Expertise: A friendly local guide provides insight into the history, legends, and stories behind each site.
• Starting Point: The meeting takes place outside the Ritz London at 150 Piccadilly, near Green Park Underground station.
• Timing Notes: The Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs only on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun at 10 am during the 10 am tour.

Starting Point: Meeting Outside The Ritz London

The tour begins at The Ritz London, a famous luxury hotel located at 150 Piccadilly, next to two red telephone boxes and souvenir stands. Guests meet underneath the Ritz sign, making it easy to find. The nearest underground station is Green Park, with an easy left exit leading to the meeting spot. This central location ensures quick access from various parts of London.

Walking Through Westminster’s Most Famous Landmarks

Following the start at The Ritz, the guide leads you on a walk through Westminster, with photo stops and guided commentary at several high-profile sites.

Buckingham Palace is the first major stop, where a photo opportunity allows you to capture the palace facade and view the Changing of the Guard if it coincides with the 10 am tour. The guide’s insights help explain the significance of the royal residence and its ceremonies.

Next, the tour proceeds to Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, where Horse Guards Parade is an eye-catching site and a popular photo stop. The route continues to 10 Downing Street, the iconic home of the Prime Minister, providing another photo opportunity.

The group then visits Parliament Square, where the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben tower over the area. The 40-minute guided stop offers stories about London’s political history and the buildings’ architectural details.

Westminster Abbey is the next highlight, where a brief guided tour covers its history as a royal church and site of historic coronations and weddings. The 20-minute visit provides a taste of this remarkable Gothic structure.

Kensington Palace Visit: An Elegant Royal Residence

After exploring Westminster, the tour concludes with a 2-hour visit to Kensington Palace. The included entrance ticket grants access to its magnificent rooms and gardens. Known as the birthplace of Queen Victoria, the palace also hosts exhibitions related to Prince William and Kate Middleton, offering a glimpse into royal life today.

Travelers should be aware that the guide does not accompany them inside Kensington Palace, but the entry is seamlessly included in the tour package. The grounds and interior showcase royal splendor and timeless elegance, making it a fitting cap to the sightseeing experience.

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The Tour Itinerary: A Closer Look at the Stops

The itinerary is carefully curated to maximize exposure to London’s most iconic sites.

• Start at The Ritz London: A historic and luxurious backdrop sets the tone.
• Buckingham Palace: The official royal residence, with an hour for photos and stories.
• Trafalgar Square: Famous for Nelson’s Column and lively atmosphere.
• Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall: An impressive ceremonial site with historical significance.
• 10 Downing Street: The Prime Minister’s official residence, with a photo stop.
• Parliament Square: Surrounded by historic political landmarks.
• Westminster Abbey: A symbol of royal and national ceremonies.
• Kensington: The royal residence known for its elegant rooms and gardens.

Each stop balances visual highlights and informative commentary, with short walking distances and time to absorb the history and architecture.

Logistics and Accessibility

The tour begins outside the Ritz at 150 Piccadilly and ends back at the same location, making it convenient for travelers. The walks are manageable, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, suitable for most visitors.

It’s important to note that transportation is not included, so guests should plan how to get between stops or return after the tour. The tour is designed for those interested in a structured overview of Westminster’s highlights in a group setting with a live guide.

The Kensington Palace Entrance and Visit

The 2-hour visit to Kensington Palace is a highlight for royal enthusiasts. The entrance ticket is included, allowing access to its state rooms and gardens. Guests can explore the royal apartments, view exhibitions, and stroll through the Palace Gardens.

While the guide does not accompany inside, the included ticket ensures a seamless transition from sightseeing to exploration. The Palace’s architecture and exhibits display royal history and modern royal life, making it an enriching experience.

Pricing, Cancellation, and Customization

At $87.55 per person, this tour offers good value considering the guided sightseeing and entry to Kensington Palace. The duration of 5 hours balances sightseeing and leisure without feeling rushed.

Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance, and there are options for private groups or reserving and paying later. This flexibility makes it suitable for planning around other activities or last-minute bookings.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose This Tour

This guided London tour is ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting an organized overview of Westminster’s most famous sites, combined with a royal residence visit. The friendly local guides bring stories and context, making famous landmarks more meaningful.

The walking pace, well-planned stops, and included entrance to Kensington Palace** make it a convenient yet comprehensive choice. However, guests should be prepared for a fair amount of walking and the independent visit to Kensington Palace after the guided part.

Overall, it’s a solid option for anyone seeking a structured, informative, and enjoyable way to explore London’s core sights in half a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include transportation between sites?
No, transportation is not included. The tour moves on foot between landmarks, and guests are responsible for their own travel afterward.

Can I join the tour if I have mobility limitations?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most visitors with mobility needs.

Is Kensington Palace included in the tour price?
Yes, the entrance ticket for Kensington Palace is part of the package, and the visit lasts about 2 hours.

What happens if I want to see more at Kensington Palace?
The tour provides entry to the palace and its gardens, but additional exhibits or areas may require extra tickets or time.

When does the Changing of the Guard take place?
It occurs only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10 am during the 10 am tour; schedule may vary with weather or official arrangements.

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