Visit Kensington Palace & 3 Hour Westminster Walking Tour

Explore London’s Most Famous Sights in Half a Day

This Visit Kensington Palace & 3 Hour Westminster Walking Tour offers a compact yet comprehensive look at London’s iconic landmarks. Priced at $116.51 per person, the tour spans approximately 5 hours, making it ideal for travelers with limited time but a desire to see the essentials. Departing from The Ritz London at 10:00 am, the experience combines a lively walking tour through Westminster with a visit to Kensington Palace, the residence of Prince William and his family.

What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of tickets to Kensington Palace, allowing for independent exploration after the guided portion. While the tour covers key sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and more, it’s important to note that transport to Kensington Palace is not included. The small group size (max 15 travelers) enhances the personal experience, and the guides’ storytelling is frequently praised for being engaging and informative.

Key Points

• Comprehensive half-day experience covering Westminster landmarks and Buckingham Palace
• Includes tickets to Kensington Palace, allowing for personal exploration afterward
• Guide-led walking tour with commentary on London’s history and sights
• Changing of the Guard observed on certain days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
• Start at The Ritz London at 10:00 am and finish with independent access to Kensington Palace
• Price of $116.51 per person offers good value for a guided London experience

Starting Point Near The Ritz London

The tour begins promptly at The Ritz London, located at 150 Piccadilly. This central spot is easy to reach via public transportation and provides a luxurious and recognizable meeting point. The guide greets the group here at 10:00 am, setting the tone for a well-organized and engaging morning.

From this convenient location, the guide leads you through the heart of Westminster, with easy access to many of London’s most celebrated sights. The tour’s schedule is designed for efficiency, making it perfect for visitors who want a thorough overview without spending a full day exploring.

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

The first major stop is Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the monarch. After walking through Green Park, the group arrives at the Palace, where the guide shares stories about British royal history. On specific days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), visitors can watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony from the best vantage points the guide finds for optimal views.

While the admission to Buckingham Palace isn’t included, the outside view and the narration about royal traditions make this a highlight. The walk along Royal Mews afterward connects visitors to the royal estate’s grandeur and history. This segment lasts about 1 hour, providing a rich introduction to London’s monarchy.

Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column

Next, the tour moves to Trafalgar Square, a lively hub of London life. Here, you see Nelson’s Column, fountains, and The National Gallery, which surrounds the square. The stop lasts around 20 minutes, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to absorb the bustling atmosphere of central London. The admission to Trafalgar Square is free, and guides often share anecdotes about the square’s significance and history.

This spot acts as a central point connecting various landmarks and is a favorite for many visitors due to its lively environment and iconic statues.

Horse Guards Parade and St. James Park

From Trafalgar Square, the group proceeds to Horse Guards Parade, located on Whitehall. This famous parade ground provides a perfect photo opportunity, with the arch and clock prominent features. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, featuring views of St. James Park, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces.

The guide discusses the significance of the Horse Guards and the traditions associated with the Royal Household. Nearby, Whitehall reveals impressive government buildings, including Downing Street, where British Prime Ministers reside and work since 1735, adding a political dimension to the walk.

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

Continuing to Parliament Square, the tour offers a close-up view of the Palace of Westminster and the Big Ben clock tower. This iconic location provides a 40-minute stop during which the guide shares details about the UK’s legislative process and the history of these structures.

Visitors can enjoy views of the London Eye and Churchill Statue, which add to the grandeur of this administrative heart of London. The free-standing nature of this stop allows for quick photos and a chance to appreciate the scale and architecture of these parliamentary buildings.

Westminster Abbey: A Historic Religious Site

The next key location is Westminster Abbey, a beautiful Gothic church with over 1,000 years of history. This stop lasts about 20 minutes, during which the guide explains why it’s considered a crown jewel of London’s architecture and a site for royal coronations.

While admission to Westminster Abbey is not included, the outside view and narrated stories about royal ceremonies and historic events provide ample context for its significance in British history. Its location near Parliament makes it a natural part of this Westminster-focused tour.

Kensington Palace: The Royal Residence and Independent Exploration

After completing the guided walking tour, visitors head to Kensington Palace. The tickets are included in the tour price, but the guide does not accompany guests inside. The approximate 30-minute transport from the tour meeting point involves public transit, costing about £5.

Once there, travelers can spend about 2 hours exploring the palace independently. The palace is home to Prince William and his family, and its stunning architecture and garden grounds are well worth a visit. The surrounding Kensington Gardens are also a highlight, praised for being a peaceful green retreat in London.

Practical Details for the Tour

The tour’s small group size with a maximum of 15 travelers enhances the experience, allowing for better interaction and personalized commentary. The guides are known for their knowledgeable storytelling and ability to make the tour engaging, with some guides praised for their humor and clarity.

Notably, the Changing of the Guard is only viewed on certain days, and timing is crucial to catch it. The tour ends at Kensington Palace, where visitors are responsible for their own onward journey. The tour does not include lunch or drinks, so it’s advisable to bring some snacks or plan to eat afterward.

Accessibility and Timing Considerations

The tour starts at 10:00 am at The Ritz London and lasts about 5 hours. It involves a fair amount of walking outdoors, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Transport to Kensington Palace is not included, and visitors should budget approximately £5 for this part.

The guides are praised for their friendly demeanor and ability to explain complex details simply, making this suitable for most travelers. However, punctuality is important; arriving late may result in missing parts of the experience, as noted in some reviews.

Final Thoughts on the Tour’s Value and Suitability

This London highlights tour delivers a well-organized snapshot of the city’s most recognizable sights, making it perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time. The ticket to Kensington Palace adds a nice bonus, giving guests a chance for independent exploration.

Strengths include expert guides, concise itinerary, and included palace tickets, while the main limitation is the need for guests to manage their own transport to Kensington Palace. The pacing is generally praised, though some reviews mention it can feel a little rushed, especially if you want to spend more time at each stop.

This tour offers great value for those wanting a guided overview of Westminster combined with the freedom to explore Kensington Palace on their own. It suits history buffs, first-time visitors, and anyone eager to see London’s top landmarks efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include entrance to Buckingham Palace?
No, the tour only allows outside viewing and narration about the royal residence.

Can I see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10 am, your guide will find the best spot to watch the ceremony if it’s scheduled that day.

Are tickets to Kensington Palace included?
Yes, the ticket cost is included, but guide accompaniment inside the palace is not.

How do I get from the tour endpoint to Kensington Palace?
Your guide provides directions, and it’s around 30 minutes by public transport, costing approx £5.

What’s the tour group size?
A maximum of 15 travelers ensures a more personal experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
While most travelers can participate, the walking involves outdoor terrain and some distances, so mobility considerations should be taken into account.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, some snacks, and water are recommended, as lunch and drinks are not included.

What if I am late or need to cancel?
Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours prior. Arriving late may result in missing parts of the tour, with no refund.

Can I customize this tour?
The tour schedule and stops are fixed; personalized modifications are not offered.

Is this tour available year-round?
Yes, with the schedule subject to change based on the Changing of the Guard timing and weather conditions.

This Visit Kensington Palace & Westminster Walking Tour provides a practical and engaging way to experience London’s most iconic sights, blending guided commentary with the freedom to explore one of its most treasured royal residences.