Westminster Walking Tour & London Eye Ticket

Explore Westminster’s Most Famous Landmarks with a Personal Touch

The Westminster Walking Tour & London Eye Ticket offers a balanced blend of guided exploration and breathtaking views of London. Priced at $161.77 per person, this tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is designed for those who want an immersive yet manageable glimpse of the city’s highlights. The tour departs from The Ritz London at Piccadilly and ends near the London Eye, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on Westminster’s most iconic landmarks, with small-group sizes limited to 15 travelers. This smaller setting ensures a more personal experience, where guides can share insightful stories about London’s royal, political, and architectural history. The London Eye ride at the end provides a spectacular aerial perspective, capping off the day with panoramic views of the city.

While the tour’s duration is around five hours, it offers a well-paced itinerary that combines walking, sightseeing, and a memorable ride, with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions. It’s ideal for visitors who want a rundown of Westminster’s top attractions without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Includes a guided walking tour of Westminster featuring 20 top landmarks
• End with a ride on the London Eye for stunning views of London
• Small-group experience for more personalized attention
• Highlights include Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square
• Tour departs from The Ritz London and ends near the London Eye
• Approximately 5 hours long, with flexible morning or afternoon options

Discovering Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mall

The tour begins at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British Monarch. After a leisurely walk through Green Park, the group reaches Buckingham Palace, where guides share stories about the royal residence. On certain days, visitors can watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony—your guide will help you find a great viewing spot.

Following this, the group strolls along the Royal Mews and the Royal Mall, both offering a glimpse into royal traditions and the grandeur of British monarchy. This segment lasts around one hour, giving ample time to admire the palace’s architecture and hear stories about its history.

The tour does not include admission to the palace itself, but the outside views and commentary provide plenty of context for royal London.

Exploring Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column

Next, the group reaches Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most recognizable public spaces. Here, Nelson’s Column, the fountains, and the National Gallery are key sights. The guide points out the significance of these landmarks, sharing background stories while allowing time for photos and street-level exploration. This stop lasts about 20 minutes and is free to enjoy.

Trafalgar Square’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for capturing lively images of London’s urban life and historical monuments.

Horse Guards Parade and the Iconic Whitehall

Walking along Whitehall, the group passes Horse Guards Parade, a historic military site famed for its grand arch and ceremonial changing of the guard. The guide highlights its military and royal significance, while the surrounding St. James’s Park adds a touch of greenery to the scene.

This stop offers a great opportunity for photos of the well-preserved Horse Guards building and a chance to appreciate the architecture of Whitehall, home to many significant government buildings and Downing Street.

Visiting the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey

The itinerary includes 40 minutes around the Houses of Parliament, where guides explain the building’s history and political importance. This iconic London landmark is a symbol of British democracy and features the famous Big Ben clock tower.

Shortly after, the group visits Westminster Abbey, one of London’s most beautiful and historic churches. Over 1,000 years of history are embedded in its stone, and it’s the site of British royal coronations. The guide shares stories of monarchs and significant events held within these walls. This stop lasts 20 minutes and provides a deep sense of London’s royal traditions.

The Highlight: The London Eye Experience

After a comprehensive walking tour, the group boards the London Eye for a 2-hour ride with included tickets. This giant Ferris wheel offers bird’s-eye views of London, revealing the city’s layout, landmarks, and river from above.

Pre-booked tickets and directions are provided at the tour’s conclusion, so there’s no need to wait in line. The London Eye is a perfect way to see London from a new perspective and capture expansive photos of the cityscape.

Practicalities and Group Size

This tour emphasizes a personalized experience through its small-group format, capped at 15 travelers. It departs from The Ritz London and concludes at the Riverside Building near the London Eye. The tour offers morning or afternoon options, providing flexibility to fit into various schedules.

Participants should meet at the designated starting point, as hotel pickup is not provided. The tour is accessible for most travelers, with service animals allowed. It is recommended to bring snacks and drinks, as these are not included, and to carry an umbrella if rain appears.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others in London

The combination of a guided walk of Westminster’s top 20 sights and a London Eye ride makes this tour stand out. The small-group format enhances interaction with guides who are praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills. Testimonies highlight guides like Matt, Jason, and Chris as passionate and engaging storytellers.

The tour’s pacing is well-balanced, allowing guests to see major landmarks without feeling rushed, while the inclusion of the London Eye provides a memorable ending. The $161.77 price is reasonable for a full day of sightseeing, especially considering the guided commentary, entry to the London Eye, and the small-group experience.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour covers many key sights, it does not include admission tickets to Buckingham Palace or interior visits to other landmarks. It’s focused on outdoor views and storytelling, so those wanting to go inside attractions may need additional tickets.

The duration of approximately five hours is suitable for most, but visitors should be prepared for walking and standing, and should bring comfortable shoes. The group size and pace are designed for a more intimate experience, but this may not be ideal for those seeking a very flexible schedule or a private tour.

Final Thoughts on the Westminster & London Eye Tour

This tour offers a rundown of Westminster, with expertly narrated stories that bring the city’s history to life. The combination of walking and a panoramic ride makes it engaging for first-time visitors who want a well-rounded experience.

The small-group size and expert guides like Matt, Jason, and Chris contribute significantly to its appeal, making it a memorable and educational outing. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate guided storytelling, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking views from the London Eye.

However, visitors should note that this tour does not include interior visits to landmarks like Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey. Still, for a balanced, guided introduction to London’s highlights, this tour provides excellent value and a satisfying overview of central London’s most famous sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most travelers and most activities are suitable for a wide age range. Be prepared for walking and standing.

Do I need to pre-book tickets for the London Eye?
Yes, tickets for the London Eye are included and are pre-booked at the tour’s conclusion, so there’s no need to wait in line.

What should I bring for the tour?
It’s recommended to bring snacks, drinks, comfortable shoes, and an umbrella if rain looks likely. The tour does not include food or drinks.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any additional costs not covered?
No, the tour includes the guided walk and London Eye tickets. Food, drinks, and personal souvenirs are not included.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately 5 hours, covering a walking tour of Westminster and a 2-hour ride on the London Eye.