London: Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Skip-the-Line Entry

Exploring the heart of London has never been easier. This guided walking tour takes you on a captivating journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks, culminating in a skip-the-line entry to the grand Westminster Abbey. With expert insights and an immersive audio guide, you’ll uncover the rich history and cultural significance of each destination. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, this 5-hour experience promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the city’s enduring charm.

Contents show

Key Points

Guided walking tour of central London landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Parliament Square.
Skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey for a 2-hour self-guided exploration.
Engaging live commentary from expert tour guides providing insights on London’s history and culture.
Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Convenient meeting location outside The Ritz Hotel, easily accessible from Green Park Underground Station.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers a guided walking experience through the heart of London, culminating in a skip-the-line entry to the iconic Westminster Abbey.

Priced from $97 per person, the 5-hour tour provides access to over 20 of the city’s most famous sights.

This 5-hour tour provides access to over 20 of London’s most famous sights, priced from $97 per person.

With a live guide sharing insights on London’s history and culture, the experience also includes an audio guide in multiple languages.

Guests can expect to visit landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street.

Flexible booking options include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in London

Itinerary Highlights

The walking tour begins at The Ritz London, with the first stop being Buckingham Palace, where guests can spend an hour exploring the iconic royal residence.

Next, the tour moves on to Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade, each allotted 20 minutes.

Visitors then head to the famous 10 Downing Street and Parliament Square, spending 30 and 50 minutes respectively.

The tour culminates with a 2-hour self-guided exploration of the magnificent Westminster Abbey.

In total, the itinerary showcases over 20 of London’s most celebrated landmarks.

Buckingham Palace (1 hour)
Trafalgar Square (20 minutes)
Horse Guards Parade (20 minutes)
10 Downing Street (30 minutes)
Parliament Square (50 minutes)
Westminster Abbey (2 hours, self-guided)

Guided Experience

Live tour guides provide key insights on London’s life, culture, and history throughout the walking tour.

They offer opportunities to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

An audio guide is also included in multiple languages, allowing guests to explore landmarks at their own pace and convenience.

This guided experience delivers an engaging and informative journey, bringing London’s rich heritage to life through expert commentary and insider knowledge shared by the professional tour guides.

Meeting Point and Directions

Guests meet outside The Ritz Hotel (155 Piccadilly), near 2 red telephone boxes.

The nearest tube station is Green Park Underground Station. Visitors should follow the left exit and take the stairs to reach the meeting point.

This tour is conveniently located, making it easy for participants to find the starting location. The meeting point provides a recognizable landmark for everyone to gather.

The meeting point provides a recognizable landmark, making it easy for participants to find the starting location of this conveniently located tour.

Some key details:

Convenient meeting location outside iconic Ritz Hotel
Close proximity to Green Park Underground Station
Follow left exit and take stairs to find the starting point
Recognizable red telephone boxes mark the spot
Easy to find and access the beginning of the tour

More Great Tours Nearby

Additional Information

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for this walking tour.

Travelers should avoid bringing large bags or luggage, as they won’t be allowed on the tour.

The tour has received excellent customer reviews, with a 5/5 rating based on one review.

This guided experience provides insights into London’s life, culture, and history from a live tour guide.

An audio guide in multiple languages is also included, allowing participants to further enjoy the exploration of the city’s iconic sights, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the renowned Westminster Abbey.

Into exploring London on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

Why Choose This Tour

This comprehensive walking tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore London’s most iconic landmarks and attractions.

By skipping the line at Westminster Abbey, you’ll maximize your time and gain exclusive access to this architectural marvel. The live guide provides valuable insights into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, enhancing your overall experience.

Key benefits of this tour include:

Time-saving skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey
Guided walk through top sights like Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square
Opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony
Multilingual audio guide for a personalized experience
Flexible cancellation policy for peace of mind

Preparing for Your Tour

To make the most of your walking tour and Westminster Abbey experience, it’s important to prepare accordingly. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate shoes and clothing to ensure your day is enjoyable. Leave any large bags or luggage at your accommodation, as they are not permitted on the tour. Consider packing a lightweight jacket or umbrella, as London’s weather can be unpredictable.

| Recommended | Not Allowed |

| — | — |

| Comfortable shoes | Luggage or large bags |

| Weather-appropriate clothing | – |

| Lightweight jacket or umbrella | – |

Following these simple tips will help you fully learn about the rich history and iconic sights of London.

Visitor Tips

With the essentials taken care of, visitors can now focus on maximizing their experience. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire are a must for the walking tour.

Leaving large bags at the hotel is recommended, as they’re not allowed on the tour. To catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, join the tour on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays.

The audio guide in multiple languages enhances the self-guided portion at Westminster Abbey. Finally, be sure to arrive at the meeting point near the Ritz Hotel a few minutes early to ensure a prompt departure.

Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
Leave large bags at the hotel
Catch the Changing of the Guard on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays
Utilize the audio guide at Westminster Abbey
Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, guided walking tours often limit the number of participants to provide an intimate and personalized experience, typically ranging from 15 to 25 people.

Are Food and Drinks Provided During the Tour?

Food and drinks are not provided during the tour. Participants are responsible for bringing their own refreshments. The tour focuses on providing a guided walking experience and skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a significant amount of walking, with stops at over 20 iconic sights across London. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk for the majority of the 5-hour duration.

Can I Take Photos Inside Westminster Abbey?

Visitors can take photos inside Westminster Abbey, but flash photography is not allowed. Taking non-commercial photos for personal use is generally permitted, though visitors should be respectful of the sacred nature of the space.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour isn’t explicitly mentioned as wheelchair accessible. However, Westminster Abbey does offer accessibility for visitors with mobility issues. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any specific accommodations they can provide.

The Sum Up

This guided walking tour of London’s highlights, including skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey, provides an engaging and time-efficient way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks. With expert insights, an audio guide, and comfortable footwear recommended, visitors can expect a rich understanding of London’s history and culture throughout this 5-hour adventure starting at The Ritz London.