London: Walking Tour, River Cruise and Entry to The Shard

If you’re considering a way to see London’s top sights without feeling overwhelmed, this combined tour might be just what you need. It’s designed for those who want a bit of everything—history, scenery, and stunning city views—all bundled into about seven hours. While I haven’t personally done this exact experience, I’ve researched it thoroughly and talked to travelers who have, so I can give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What really caught my eye are two things: first, the compact itinerary that hits many of London’s biggest landmarks in one go, and second, the entry to The Shard, which offers some of the best panoramic views in Europe. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that parts of the tour involve walking and standing quite a bit, so comfortable shoes are a must. This experience is well-suited for travelers who enjoy guided tours, want to maximize their sightseeing without multiple bookings, and don’t mind a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience combining walking, cruising, and high-rise views.
• Knowledgeable guides help make history and sights engaging.
• Includes a Thames river cruise, giving a different perspective of London from the water.
• Entry to The Shard, offering breathtaking 360-degree views up to 40 miles on a clear day.
• Mostly well-reviewed, with some minor issues about group division and guide availability at the pier.
• Ideal for those who want to see many highlights in one day but are comfortable with a full schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This London Tour

This tour hits many of London’s most iconic sites, blending history, scenery, and modern architecture. Starting outside the Ritz Hotel, the day kicks off with a guided walk through Westminster, where you’ll come face-to-face with Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Whitehall’s Horse Guards Parade. Your guide will share stories about these landmarks and help bring the history to life.

One of the tour’s highlights is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which occurs only on select mornings (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 10 am). It’s a colorful, ceremonial spectacle that adds a touch of pomp to your morning. Keep in mind, if you’re not there on these days or times, you might miss this part.

Next, you’ll visit Downing Street and Parliament Square, where the political heart of London beats. The guide will point out notable sights, and you might enjoy a quick photo stop there. A visit to Westminster Abbey rounds out the morning walk, offering a glimpse into one of the most famous religious sites in the UK.

Post walking, it’s time to switch gears—literally. You’ll head to Westminster pier for a scenic river cruise along the Thames. This segment is roughly two hours and provides a relaxing way to see London’s skyline, bridges, and riverside buildings from a different perspective. Travelers have appreciated the opportunity to see the cityscape from the water, which offers a more relaxed, scenic break in the busy day.

After the cruise, you’ll walk across Tower Bridge, an engineering marvel and iconic symbol of London. From there, you’ll make your way to the Shard, Europe’s tallest building, where you’ll ascend to the observation deck. The views from The Shard are often described as ‘breathtaking’, with visibility stretching up to 40 miles on clear days. You’ll spend around two hours here, soaking in the city from above.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: The Ritz Hotel

Meeting outside the Ritz, near Green Park station, is a convenient spot. The area is lively, and the meeting point is easy to find, marked by red phone boxes and souvenir stands. Since the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, you’ll want to arrive on time.

Buckingham Palace

This is a key highlight—seeing the royal residence and, if lucky, catching the Changing of the Guard. The tour offers about an hour here, giving you enough time to enjoy the spectacle and take photos.

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Trafalgar Square and Whitehall

Next, a quick walk brings you to Trafalgar Square, famous for Nelson’s Column and lively atmosphere. A short stop here makes for great photos and an opportunity to hear some stories from your guide.

Heading to Horse Guards Parade and Downing Street, you’ll see the official residence of the British Prime Minister. While you can’t go inside, standing outside these historic sites makes for a memorable experience.

Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey

Your guide will share insights into the political history and significance of these locations. The 40-minute stop allows you to soak in the grandeur of Westminster and snap some photos.

Thames River Cruise

Board the boat at Westminster Pier, and relax as you glide along the Thames. It’s a scenic, peaceful break from walking, with great views of landmarks like the London Eye, the Globe Theatre, and Tower of London.

The Shard

Your final stop is the impressive Shard, where you’ll ascend to enjoy panoramic vistas. The view is often described as the best in London, with clear sightlines across the city’s rooftops. You’ll spend about two hours here, which is plenty of time for photos and a leisurely look around.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are key components like the Thames cruise, entry to The Shard, a guided walk through Westminster, and the chance to see the Changing of the Guard (on scheduled days). The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge seem to be a highlight, with travelers noting that the guide “looks after every tourist” and is “very cooperative”.

What’s not included is hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to meet at the specified location. The tour is designed to be walkable, but you should be prepared for some standing and moving around.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– The combination of walking, cruising, and high-level views offers variety and a full day of sightseeing.
– The small group size means more personalized attention and less crowding.
– The knowledgeable local guides make the experience engaging and informative.
– The entry to The Shard is a real highlight, giving you a spectacular perspective of London.

Cons:
– Some travelers have found that not all group members stay together after the guided parts, especially at the pier, which can be a little disjointed.
– The Changing of the Guard is only on specific mornings—so if you’re visiting on a different day, you might miss this iconic ceremony.
– The overall schedule is quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want more time at each site, this may feel rushed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want an organized, all-in-one London day. If you enjoy guided walks, scenic boat rides, and panoramic views from tall buildings, this tour hits all those marks. It’s particularly good for first-timers or those with limited time who want to hit the highlights without booking multiple tickets or navigating public transport extensively.

If you’re someone who appreciates stories from local guides and enjoys a bit of walking coupled with scenic moments, you’ll likely find this tour satisfying. However, if you prefer a slower pace or want in-depth time at each site, you might want to consider some adjustments or additional visits afterward.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded way to experience London’s most iconic sights in a single day. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and Westminster to the scenic Thames cruise and towering views from The Shard, you get a taste of the city’s varied charm. The inclusion of a knowledgeable guide makes all the difference, transforming a sightseeing day into a more engaging experience.

While it’s not perfect for those who dislike busy schedules or don’t enjoy guided tours, most travelers seem to find the balance of activities worth the price, especially considering the convenience of having tickets bundled together. If you’re ready for a full day of sightseeing with plenty of variety, this tour could be just the ticket.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you need to meet at the specified starting point outside the Ritz Hotel near Green Park station.

How long does the entire tour last?
It lasts around 7 hours, but check the specific starting times when booking.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight the guides as being well-informed, friendly, and attentive to travelers’ needs.

Can I see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, but only on the scheduled mornings: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10 am. It’s weather-dependent and might be canceled in extreme conditions.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed for children, the walking and sightseeing components can appeal to families comfortable with a full day of activity.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, as there will be walking and standing involved.

Can I buy additional tickets on the day?
It’s best to reserve in advance to secure your spot, especially for The Shard and the Thames cruise.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What’s the price?
It costs around $141.43 per person, which, considering the included activities and entrance fees, offers decent value for a full day of sightseeing.

If you’re contemplating this tour, weigh how much you enjoy guided experiences and packed schedules. For most, it’s a practical, engaging way to see London’s highlights in one go—especially if you want to avoid the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and guides yourself.

You can check availability for your dates here: