Exploring the historic streets of Westminster is a must-do for any visitor to London. The Westminster Walking Tour offers an immersive experience, guiding participants through iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. But the adventure doesn’t end there – the tour also includes entry to the legendary Tower of London, where travelers can uncover centuries of royal history. With a knowledgeable guide and a small group size, this tour promises a personalized and unforgettable journey through the heart of the city. What secrets will the Tower of London reveal?

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Key Points

This three-hour walking tour covers at least 20 sights in Westminster, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Houses of Parliament.
Entry to the Tower of London is included for self-exploration, with an optional Beefeater Tour available at no extra cost.
The tour starts at The Ritz London and ends at the Tower of London, requiring approximately 20 minutes of public transportation.
Travelers should have a minimum of £5 on their Oyster Card or Travel Card and bring an umbrella in case of rain.
Feedback suggests the tour provides a good overview of the area, but some participants felt misled about entry to certain attractions.

Tour Overview

The three-hour walking tour in Westminster covers at least 20 sights, including iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.

The tour includes entry to the Tower of London, which visitors can explore at their own pace. Group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers.

Priced from $147.25 per person, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

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Meeting and Ending Points

The tour begins at The Ritz London, located at 150 Piccadilly near Green Park Underground Station, and ends at the Tower of London, EC3N 4AB. From Westminster to the Tower, the journey takes approximately 20 minutes by public transport, costing around £5.

Start Location	End Location
The Ritz London	Tower of London
150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR	London EC3N 4AB
Near Green Park Underground	–
–	–

Participants should bring an Oyster Card or Travel Card with at least £5 for two rides, and an umbrella if rain is expected.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes a local fun guide who leads the walking portion in Westminster, as well as entry tickets to the Tower of London.

Participants can join the official 60-minute Beefeater Tour at the Tower at no extra cost. This provides a deeper insight into the Tower’s history and the ceremonial Yeoman Warders.

While food and drinks aren’t provided, travelers should bring their own Oyster Card or Travel Card with at least £5 for two rides on public transport from Westminster to the Tower of London.

An umbrella is also recommended if rain is expected.

Accessibility and Requirements

Moderate fitness level is required for this walking tour, as it covers an extensive area around Westminster. The tour is best suited for active travelers due to the extensive walking involved.

However, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and strollers and service animals are allowed.

To be prepared, visitors should bring the following:

An Oyster Card or Travel Card with at least £5 for two rides on public transport.
An umbrella, in case of rain.
Comfortable walking shoes.
Any necessary medications or personal items.

This tour provides an immersive experience of the historical landmarks in Westminster.

Exploring the Tower of London

After the walking tour of Westminster, participants can explore the iconic Tower of London at their own pace.

The Tower offers a captivating journey through history, from the medieval palace to the infamous prison. Visitors can marvel at the stunning Crown Jewels, learn about the legendary Yeoman Warders, and uncover the dark tales of execution and imprisonment.

The tour includes the option to join the official Beefeater Tour, providing insights into the Tower’s fascinating past.

With self-guided exploration and the expert Beefeater commentary, the Tower of London adds depth and richness to the overall Westminster experience.

There's plenty more to explore in London

Highlights and Feedback

A distinguishing feature of the tour is its knowledgeable and personable guides, who keep travelers engaged with their entertaining commentary.

The tour provides a good overview of the Westminster area, hitting at least 20 sights. However, some participants felt misled, expecting entry to Westminster attractions. Plus, the large group size and lack of guidance to the Tower of London were cited as drawbacks.

To enhance the experience, consider these tips:

Allow extra time to reach the starting point.
Explore the Tower of London independently for a more personalized visit.
Bring an Oyster or Travel Card with at least £5 for transportation.
Check the weather and pack an umbrella if rain is likely.

Getting the Most Out of the Tour

How can travelers make the most of this Westminster walking tour and Tower of London experience?

First, arrive early at the starting point – The Ritz London. This allows time to explore the area and get oriented before the tour begins.

During the walking portion, be an active participant, engaging with the guide and asking questions.

When visiting the Tower of London, don’t feel rushed – take advantage of the self-guided exploration time to see the highlights at your own pace.

Finally, bring comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather to ensure you can fully enjoy the tour.

Common Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Walking Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the walking tour. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather, as the tour involves extensive walking. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is recommended.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour information notes that food and drinks are not provided, so attendees should plan to bring their own sustenance for the walking tour.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks Scheduled During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include scheduled restroom breaks, but participants can take short breaks as needed during the walking portion. There are restroom facilities available at the Tower of London, the endpoint of the tour.

Can I Leave the Group to Explore on My Own During the Tour?

Yes, participants can leave the group to explore on their own during the tour. The guide allows time for independent exploration, especially at the Tower of London, which can be visited at your own pace.

Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Tower of London Visit?

Unfortunately, there’s no audio guide provided for the Tower of London visit. Participants are free to explore the Tower at their own pace after the walking tour, but must rely on the Beefeater tour or their own research to learn about the attractions.

The Sum Up

The Westminster Walking Tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing iconic London landmarks. Coupled with skip-the-line access to the Tower of London, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of the city’s rich history. Suitable for those with moderate fitness, the tour ensures a personalized experience with a small group size. Prepare with an Oyster Card and comfortable attire to make the most of this memorable adventure.