London: Westminster, Parliament and Palaces Tour

Brimming with captivating historical tales, the Westminster, Parliament and Palaces Tour in London promises an unforgettable exploration of the city's rich past.

London’s iconic landmarks come alive on the Westminster, Parliament and Palaces Tour. Guests embark on a captivating 2-hour journey, exploring the heart of British history. From Buckingham Palace to the imposing Westminster Abbey, knowledgeable guides unravel the rich tapestry of influential figures and the evolution of the monarchy. With stunning views of Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, this tour promises an unforgettable experience – one that leaves visitors eager to delve deeper into the city’s captivating past.

Key Points

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  • Comprehensive 2-hour guided walking tour of London’s iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Parliament Square.
  • Guided tours of Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace, as well as an in-depth exploration of Whitehall and 10 Downing Street.
  • Insights into influential figures of the British monarchy, such as Charles I, Charles II, Queen Victoria, and King Charles III.
  • Opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony on select days.
  • Suitable for those interested in London’s rich history and the legacy of its royal palaces.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

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The Westminster, Parliament and Palaces Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of London’s iconic landmarks and historical significance. Priced from $25.87 per person, this 2-hour guided walking tour starts at the Constance Fund fountain of Diana in Green Park.

Highlights include Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Trafalgar Square, and 10 Downing Street. The tour culminates at Parliament Square, allowing guests to see Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

With English-language commentary, the experience provides insights into influential British monarchs and the history of the Palace of Whitehall and St. James Palace. Guests are advised to dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes.

Itinerary Highlights

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The tour’s Itinerary Highlights include Buckingham Palace, where guests enjoy a 20-minute guided tour.

They’ll then visit St James’s Palace for another 20-minute guided tour.

Next, they’ll explore Trafalgar Square for 20 minutes with their guide.

Guests will explore the iconic Trafalgar Square for 20 minutes, guided by their knowledgeable tour leader.

The tour continues through Whitehall, London, for 45.75 minutes of guided exploration.

Guests will also see 10 Downing Street for 15.25 minutes before finishing at Parliament Square.

Throughout the tour, they’ll see iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

The Guided Experience

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This guided walking tour showcases the heart of London, allowing visitors to discover the city’s iconic landmarks and learn about the influential figures of the British monarchy.

The knowledgeable guide shares insider information and captivating stories, ensuring an engaging and informative experience.

The tour includes:

  1. A 20-minute guided tour of Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace, providing insights into the history and significance of these royal residences.

  2. A 45.75-minute guided exploration of Whitehall, the administrative heart of the British government, including a stop at 10 Downing Street.

  3. The opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony on select days.

Influential Figures of British Monarchy

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Although the guided tour focuses on the iconic landmarks of London, it also provides insight into the influential figures of the British monarchy.

Guests learn about Charles I, the ill-fated king executed in 1649, and his son Charles II, who later restored the monarchy. The tour also covers Queen Victoria, whose long reign witnessed the expansion of the British Empire.

Visitors discover the history of the Palace of Whitehall, the primary residence of English monarchs until it was destroyed by fire in 1698.

The tour culminates with a look at the current monarch, King Charles III, and his role in modern British history.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Palace of Whitehall and St. James Palace

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As the tour explores London’s iconic landmarks, it also delves into the history of the Palace of Whitehall and St. James Palace.

The Palace of Whitehall was once the largest palace in Europe, serving as the primary residence of English monarchs. St. James Palace, meanwhile, has been the official residence of the British monarch since the 16th century.

The tour highlights:

  1. The dramatic events that unfolded at the Palace of Whitehall, including the execution of King Charles I.

  2. The architectural grandeur and significance of St. James Palace, which has witnessed many royal weddings and coronations.

  3. The enduring legacy of these historic palaces and their impact on the British monarchy.

Changing of the Guard

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One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place at 11:00 AM on select days.

Visitors can observe the elaborate ritual as the Old Guard hands over responsibility to the New Guard. This time-honored tradition involves precise military drills, accompanied by the music of a marching band.

The ceremony showcases the disciplined pageantry of the British monarchy. While the tour doesn’t include access to the palace interiors, guests can admire the iconic sentries standing guard outside Buckingham Palace during this captivating display of British heritage and culture.

Tour Conditions and Recommendations

The outdoor tour requires guests to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

Plus, travelers should bring weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour explores various outdoor locations.

Travelers should bring weather-appropriate clothing as the tour explores various outdoor locations.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as there’s no entrance to the venues, and all sights are viewed from the exterior.

The tour provides an engaging and informative experience, allowing guests to explore the heart of London’s iconic landmarks.

Customer Reviews

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Reviewers have praised the Westminster, Parliament and Palaces Tour, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews. Travelers highlight the informative and engaging guide, who shares insider knowledge and entertaining storytelling. The tour experience is described as enjoyable, with opportunities to interact and learn about influential figures of the British monarchy.

| Positive Feedback Highlights |

| — | — |

| Informative and engaging guide | Insider knowledge |

| Entertaining storytelling | Enjoyable experience |

The reviews emphasize the value of the tour, showcasing the heart of London and its iconic landmarks.

The Sum Up

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The London: Westminster, Parliament and Palaces Tour provides an immersive exploration of Britain’s rich history. Guests can discover iconic landmarks, uncover captivating stories of influential figures, and witness the Changing of the Guard, all while enjoying the guidance of knowledgeable tour leaders. This 2-hour walking experience offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the heart of British heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: