London: Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Visit

Discover London’s Iconic Sights on a 5-Hour Guided Walking Tour

The London: Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Visit offers a comprehensive way to see London’s most famous landmarks in just five hours. Priced at $91.60 per person, this tour is designed to give visitors a deep dive into the city’s history, royal traditions, and architectural grandeur. Starting from outside The Ritz London, it combines a lively walking route with a detailed visit to Westminster Abbey, one of the most revered religious sites in Britain.

Known for its expert guides and engaging storytelling, this experience scores 4.7 out of 5 from over 300 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated tours in London. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a history enthusiast, this tour appeals to those looking for an efficient way to explore the core sights of central London with insightful commentary and photo opportunities at every stop.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• All-in-one London sightseeing: covers 20 key landmarks within 5 hours
• Includes Westminster Abbey entrance and guided walking tour
• Starts at The Ritz, ends back at the same meeting point
• Watch the Changing of the Guard if on the scheduled days
• Expert guides provide engaging stories and tips
• No hotel pickup or food included

Starting Point Outside The Ritz London

This tour begins right outside The Ritz London at 150 Piccadilly. You’ll meet your guide next to two distinctive red telephone boxes and two souvenir stands, underneath the Ritz sign. The location is easily accessible via the Green Park Underground station, with a straightforward exit and a short walk to the meeting spot. The convenience of the central location makes it simple to join without extra transportation arrangements, and the meeting point’s iconic setting sets the tone for a day filled with historic sights.

Walking Through Green Park to Buckingham Palace

The tour kicks off with a scenic walk through Green Park, leading up to the majestic Buckingham Palace. This is a prime photo stop, where visitors often appreciate the opportunity to snap pictures of the official residence of the British monarch. The guide shares key facts about the palace’s history and its role in royal ceremonies.

The highlight here is the Changing of the Guard, which takes place on certain days at 10 am. The schedule is managed by the British Army and might change without prior notice, so it’s good to check ahead if catching this ceremony is a priority. During this segment, the guide’s storytelling and spotting tips help visitors catch the best moments and take memorable photos.

Westminster and the Political Heart of London

A walk through Westminster takes visitors past Downing Street, the famous home of the Prime Minister, and on to Westminster Abbey. This area is rich with political and royal history, with landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The guide explains the significance of each site, highlighting their roles in British governance and ceremonial traditions.

Parliament Square offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to understand the UK’s political landscape. The guided route around Westminster allows visitors to see 20 sights in total, including notable statues and historic buildings, all within about 50 minutes in this section.

More Great Tours Nearby

Inside Westminster Abbey: Royal Ceremonies and Burial Sites

The visit to Westminster Abbey is the tour’s centerpiece, lasting 2 hours. Entrance is included, allowing access to explore this majestic Gothic church at your own pace. Since William the Conqueror’s coronation in 1066, Westminster Abbey has hosted every royal coronation and has been the site of 16 royal weddings since 1100.

Historically, the abbey was the burial place for many English monarchs until George II’s death in 1760. During the visit, visitors can appreciate both the spiritual atmosphere and the rich history of royal ceremonies, funerals, and memorials that fill its sacred halls. Guides provide insightful commentary beforehand, but note that they do not accompany visitors inside the abbey to allow for a more personal experience.

Stops at Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards, Whitehall, and Parliament Square

Along the route, the tour makes several photo stops at notable locations:

• Trafalgar Square: Known for Nelson’s Column, it offers a lively atmosphere and historic significance.
• Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall: This ceremonial site features mounted guards and the historic Horse Guards building.
• Whitehall: A historic street lined with government buildings, leading to the spectacular Parliament Square.

Each stop lasts between 20 to 50 minutes, giving ample time to take pictures and hear stories about the buildings and landmarks from your guide.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The entire 5-hour experience is led by a live English-speaking guide who shares engaging stories and historical facts. The tour includes an entrance ticket to Westminster Abbey and the guided walking route, but food and drinks are not included. The tour ends back at the starting location outside The Ritz, providing a convenient point for further exploration or transport.

Participants can reserve and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, involving some walking around central London, but no extensive physical exertion is required.

The Guide Experience and Review Highlights

The stories and personalities of guides receive high praise, with reviews noting guides like Nathaniel, Christopher, Mark, Will, Benedict, Cleo, William, Jason, and Connor as particularly knowledgeable, humorous, and attentive. Many reviews commend guides for their ability to keep the group moving efficiently, their storytelling skills, and their friendliness.

Specific praise mentions guides being funny, informative, and skilled at managing group flow—especially during busy moments like the Changing of the Guard or navigating crowded streets. Some guides are noted for their ability to answer questions and provide interesting tidbits about London’s royal and political history.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour is excellent for visitors who want a rundown of London’s key sights in a single day. It suits those interested in royal history, British politics, and iconic architecture, with a focus on interactive storytelling and photo opportunities. The inclusion of Westminster Abbey offers a deeper understanding of royal ceremonies, making it ideal for history buffs and royal enthusiasts alike.

The tour’s pace is lively but manageable, making it suitable for most mobility levels, though some walking is involved. Given the high praise for guides and the well-curated stops, it’s a great choice for first-time visitors who want a structured, insightful exploration of central London.

Final Thoughts on the Westminster Walking Tour & Abbey Visit

This highly rated tour combines the best of London’s historic, political, and royal landmarks into a single, engaging experience. The $91.60 price covers a guided route, multiple photo stops, and entrance to Westminster Abbey—delivering solid value for such a rundown.

Visitors who appreciate knowledgeable guides with lively storytelling, want to see 20 sights in just five hours, and enjoy visiting Westminster Abbey will find this tour rewarding. The only potential limitation is the schedule for the Changing of the Guard, which only occurs on specific days at 10 am.

This tour offers a balanced and enjoyable way to experience London’s core attractions, with enough flexibility and expert guidance to make it memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? No, the tour starts outside The Ritz London and does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

How long is the Westminster Abbey visit? The visit inside Westminster Abbey lasts approximately 2 hours.

Does the guide accompany visitors inside Westminster Abbey? No, the guide does not accompany guests inside, but provides detailed commentary beforehand.

When does the Changing of the Guard take place? It occurs only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10 am, subject to schedule changes.

What landmarks will I see outside? You will see Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, and Downing Street.

Are there any food or drink options included? No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, it is suitable for most ages, especially since many stops are photo opportunities with minimal strenuous activity.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear? Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and check the weather forecast for London on the day.

Is there a private group option? Yes, private groups are available for this tour.

Where does the tour end? The tour concludes back at The Ritz London, where it started.

This guide offers a detailed, trustworthy look at what to expect from the London: Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Visit, helping travelers plan a memorable day exploring the heart of London.

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