London: Buckingham Palace & Big Ben (& Westminster Abbey Entry)

Exploring the iconic sights of London has never been easier. This half-day walking tour takes you on a captivating journey through the city’s royal and political heart. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the striking silhouette of Big Ben, you’ll uncover the rich history that defines these must-see landmarks. But the adventure doesn’t end there – prepare to be immersed in the stunning architecture of Westminster Abbey, where the past and present seamlessly intertwine.

Key Points

• This half-day walking tour covers 20 of London’s top sights, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
• The tour includes entry to Westminster Abbey, the traditional coronation site, with engaging commentary from knowledgeable guides.
• The tour is family-friendly, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers for a personalized experience.
• The 5-hour tour is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, starting at The Ritz London and ending at Westminster Abbey.
• The tour has a 97% recommendation rate with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and efficient pacing.

Tour Overview

The tour covers 20 of London’s top sights on a half-day walking adventure.

You’ll visit iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey, the traditional coronation place for England’s monarchs.

Stroll along the Thames to see London Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the Tower of London.

Marvel at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary, making this a family-friendly experience.

At just 5 hours, it’s an efficient way to check off London’s must-see attractions.

With entry to Westminster Abbey included and a maximum of 15 travelers, this tour ensures an intimate and memorable experience.

Meeting Location and Logistics

The meeting point for this tour is outside The Ritz London, located at 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR, UK. The nearest tube station is Green Park, just a short walk away. The tour ends at the iconic Westminster Abbey, in Deans Yard, SW1P 3PA. This half-day adventure takes approximately 5 hours to complete, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers. The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.

Meeting Point	End Point
The Ritz London	Westminster Abbey
150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR	Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA

Nearest Tube	Tour Duration
Green Park	~5 hours

Tour Inclusions and Requirements

This tour includes a knowledgeable local guide to lead the way and provide engaging commentary throughout the experience.

Your entry ticket to Westminster Abbey is also included, allowing you to explore this historic coronation site.

While food and drinks aren’t provided, you’re welcome to bring your own packed lunch.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring it’s enjoyable for all.

With a maximum of 15 travelers, you’ll receive personalized attention.

And with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, you can book with confidence.

Everything you need for an unforgettable London adventure.

Highlights of the Tour

Spanning 20 of London’s most iconic sights, this walking tour offers an immersive experience for visitors.

Highlights include:

• Exploring the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, the traditional coronation site for English monarchs

• Marveling at the architecture of the iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

• Discovering the historic London Bridge and the renowned Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

• Gaining insights into the fascinating history of the Tower of London, a former royal residence and prison

This tour strikes a captivating balance between must-see attractions and engaging narratives, making it a truly memorable way to discover the heart of London.

Guided Walking Experience

Knowledgeable local guides lead this captivating walking tour, sharing their expert insights and entertaining anecdotes as they navigate visitors through 20 of London’s most iconic sights. The carefully curated route includes must-see attractions like Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the Houses of Parliament, offering a well-rounded introduction to the city’s rich history and architecture. Travelers can expect an engaging, family-friendly experience with ample opportunities for photos and exploration. With a maximum of 15 participants, the tour maintains an intimate, personalized feel throughout.

Tour Features	Meeting Details	Inclusions/Requirements
5-hour duration	Piccadilly meeting point	Local Fun Guide
20 top sights	Westminster Abbey end	Westminster Abbey entry
Knowledgeable guides	Wheelchair/stroller accessible	Bring your own lunch

Visiting Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a stunning 700-year-old Gothic cathedral and the traditional coronation site for English monarchs.

Tour you will be able to admire the intricate architecture, learn about the abbey’s rich history, and see the tombs of famous figures like Queen Elizabeth I and Charles Darwin.

The tour includes:

• Entry to the abbey, providing access to the main sanctuary, cloisters, and other areas.
• Insights from the knowledgeable guide on the abbey’s role in British history and culture.
• Opportunities to take photos and soak in the serene atmosphere of this iconic landmark.
• Free time to explore the abbey at your own pace after the guided portion.

Pacing and Structure of the Tour

The tour covers a substantial amount of ground, exploring over 20 of London’s top attractions within the span of approximately 5 hours. The pacing is efficient, with guides skillfully navigating the group between sites and providing engaging commentary along the way. Highlights include:

Site	Duration
Westminster Abbey	45 mins
Changing of the Guards	30 mins
Lunch Break	30 mins
Tower of London	60 mins
River Thames Cruise	30 mins

The tour is family-friendly, with guides catering to all age groups. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the experience remains intimate and allows for personalized attention.

Tour Reviews and Ratings

How do the reviews and ratings for this London walking tour stack up? Travelers seem quite impressed, with a 97% recommendation rate and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable and engaging guides, the efficient tour pacing, and the overall enjoyable experience. Some logistical challenges, like late arrivals and communication issues, are mentioned, but these appear to be minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Key highlights include:

• Guides’ storytelling ability, humor, and historical knowledge
• Special moments, such as witnessing the Changing of the Guards
• Family-friendly nature of the tour
• Convenience of the Westminster Abbey entry ticket

Frequently Asked Questions

Do We Get to Meet the Queen During the Tour?

No, the tour doesn’t include meeting the Queen. It covers top London sights like Westminster Abbey, but the Queen’s residence at Buckingham Palace isn’t part of the itinerary. The focus is on exploring the city’s historic landmarks with knowledgeable guides.

Can We Stop for a Full English Breakfast Along the Way?

This walking tour doesn’t include a full English breakfast stop, but you’re welcome to grab a bite on your own along the way. The guides keep the pace moving to cover all the top sights in around 5 hours.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour to Include a Thames River Cruise?

While the tour doesn’t include a Thames river cruise, you could extend your day by booking a separate cruise after the walking tour ends at Westminster Abbey. That’d let you see more of London from the river.

Will the Guides Provide Suggestions for the Best Pubs in the Area?

The guides may provide recommendations for nearby pubs, but the tour itself doesn’t include visits to local establishments. You’ll have to explore the area on your own after the tour if you’d like pub suggestions from the guides.

Can We Book Private Transportation to and From the Meeting Point?

While the tour doesn’t include private transportation, you can book your own private transfer to the meeting point. The tour company focuses on providing an engaging walking experience, so you’ll need to arrange your own travel to and from the tour.

The Sum Up

Experience London’s iconic landmarks on this engaging walking tour. Discover the rich history and architecture of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey with knowledgeable local guides. This family-friendly adventure offers personalized attention and allows you to marvel at the grandeur of the city’s royal and political heritage in just half a day. Don’t miss this chance to learn about the charm of London.