London: Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Visit

London’s iconic landmarks come alive on the Westminster Walking Tour. Travelers embark on a captivating journey through the city’s heart, exploring renowned sites like Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. The tour’s highlight is a deep dive into the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey, a coronation venue steeped in British history. As the two-hour exploration unfolds, visitors uncover the abbey’s hidden treasures and gain insights into its enduring significance. With the perfect balance of guided narration and free time for photography, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to enjoy London’s rich cultural heritage.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 5-hour walking tour of London’s top landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the iconic Westminster Abbey.
• Tour starts at the Ritz London and includes guided tours, photo opportunities, and sightseeing at each location.
• Two-hour immersion in the rich history of Westminster Abbey, a national icon and the coronation site for British monarchs.
• Opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, showcasing the precision and pageantry of the British military.
• Flexible cancellation policy and private group option available for a tailored experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Westminster Walking Tour offers a comprehensive 5-hour exploration of London’s top 20 landmarks.

Explore 20 of London’s top landmarks in a comprehensive 5-hour walking tour through the city’s historic heart.

Starting from the iconic Ritz London, the tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s historic heart, including must-see sights like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben.

Priced from $87.95 per person, the tour provides a flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds available up to 24 hours in advance.

For those seeking a more tailored experience, the tour also offers a private group option.

Itinerary Details

As visitors embark on the Westminster Walking Tour, they’ll begin their journey at the iconic Ritz London.

The tour then takes them to:

• Buckingham Palace for a photo stop, guided tour, and sightseeing (1 hour)

• Trafalgar Square for a photo stop, guided tour, and sightseeing (20 minutes)

• Horse Guards Parade for a photo stop, guided tour, sightseeing, and shopping (20 minutes)

• Whitehall for a photo stop and sightseeing (30 minutes)

• Parliament Square for a photo stop, guided tour, and sightseeing (50 minutes)

The tour culminates with a 2-hour visit to the historic Westminster Abbey.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors on the Westminster Walking Tour are treated to an unparalleled experience, exploring an array of London’s most iconic landmarks.

The tour’s highlights include stops at Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, and Parliament Square. At each location, guests enjoy guided tours and photo opportunities.

The centerpiece of the tour is the remarkable Westminster Abbey, where travelers spend two hours immersed in the abbey’s rich history as the coronation site for British monarchs since 1066.

With a wealth of information provided by knowledgeable guides, guests leave the tour with a deeper appreciation for London’s storied past.

Changing of the Guard

Notably, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on specific days during the Westminster Walking Tour, providing visitors a chance to witness this iconic British tradition.

The ceremony involves a formal military exercise where the Old Guard is relieved by the New Guard, accompanied by a military band.

This captivating ritual showcases:

• Impeccable coordination and precision of the soldiers

• Iconic bearskin caps and red tunics of the guards

• Traditional military music and drumming

• Strict protocols and procedures dating back centuries

• A fascinating display of British pomp and pageantry

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Westminster Abbey Significance

Westminster Abbey’s enduring historical significance captivates countless visitors. As the coronation site since 1066 and burial ground for British monarchs until 1760, this hallowed structure bears witness to the nation’s storied past.

| Landmark Feature | Historical Significance |

| — | — |

| Coronation Site | Coronations of British monarchs since 1066 |

| Royal Weddings | 16 royal weddings since 1100 |

| Monarchs’ Burial | Burial site for most sovereigns until 1760 |

| National Icon | Embodies Britain’s rich heritage and cultural identity |

This architectural gem continues to inspire awe and reverence, standing as a symbol of the United Kingdom’s enduring legacy.

Customer Reviews

Travelers from around the world have lauded the Westminster Walking Tour, underscoring its exceptional value and insightful guidance.

With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 300 reviews, the tour has earned praise for its experienced guides and immersive experience.

The Westminster Walking Tour has earned high praise for its experienced guides and immersive experience, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 300 reviews.

Highlights from the reviews include:

• "Nathaniel was awesome!! A bevy of information with a twist of humor!!"

• "Christopher was the best guide. Funny, knew a lot, and we even got to see the King!"

• "Impressed with guide Mark’s knowledge and ability to engage the group."

• "Great value for money, learned so much about the history of Westminster Abbey."

• "Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting London."

Getting to the Meeting Point

The Ritz London, the meeting point for the Westminster Walking Tour, is conveniently located near several tube stations. The nearest is Green Park Underground, just a short walk away.

Travelers can also reach the meeting point by taking the Jubilee, Piccadilly, or Victoria lines. Once at the Ritz, look for the red telephone boxes and souvenir stands outside, where the tour guide will be waiting.

Visitors are advised to arrive a few minutes early to ensure they don’t miss the start of the tour. With clear directions and easy access, getting to the meeting point is a breeze.

Tour Recommendations

Though the Westminster Walking Tour covers many of London’s top landmarks, there are a few recommendations to consider for an optimal experience.

First, bring an umbrella as the weather can be unpredictable. Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves extensive walking. Carry drinks and snacks to keep energized throughout the day.

Plus, travelers should arrive at the meeting point outside the Ritz Hotel a few minutes early to ensure a timely start.

Finally, note that the tour guide will accompany the group to Westminster Abbey but won’t enter the historic site with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside Westminster Abbey?

Photography is generally allowed inside Westminster Abbey, but visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash. Some specific areas or events may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the staff upon arrival.

How Long Does the Walking Portion of the Tour Last?

The walking portion of the tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. It includes stops at top landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Parliament Square before the 2-hour visit to Westminster Abbey.

Is There a Restroom Break During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention a scheduled restroom break, but there’s likely time for guests to use the facilities during the 2-hour Westminster Abbey visit or the shorter stops along the way. The guides generally aim to accommodate participants’ needs.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting Westminster Abbey?

There’s no strict dress code for visiting Westminster Abbey, but visitors should dress respectfully. Casual attire is fine, but it’s best to avoid overly revealing or casual clothing like shorts, tank tops, or beachwear.

Can I Purchase Tickets to Enter Buckingham Palace on This Tour?

No, you can’t purchase tickets to enter Buckingham Palace on this tour. The tour only includes a photo stop and guided tour of the exterior. To visit the interior of Buckingham Palace, you’ll need to book a separate ticket.

The Sum Up

The Westminster Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of London’s iconic landmarks, culminating in a captivating two-hour visit to the historic Westminster Abbey. Visitors can enjoy Britain’s rich cultural heritage, capturing stunning photos and witnessing the Changing of the Guard. This comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the grandeur of London’s most renowned sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: