Go Up The Shard & London Landmark Walking Tour

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to get your bearings while ticking off some of the city’s most famous sights, this combined walking tour and Shard experience could be just what you need. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it offers a well-rounded way to see London without the hassle of navigation or long lines.

What really appeals to me is how it balances a guided tour of iconic landmarks with a prestige visit to The Shard—London’s tallest building. Plus, the fact that kids only pay for The Shard ticket makes it accessible for families looking to explore without breaking the bank.

On the flip side, a key consideration is that the tour ends at The Shard, and you’ll need to navigate there yourself afterward. So, if you prefer a fully guided experience from start to finish, you might find this a little less seamless. Still, overall, it seems ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a comprehensive, efficient overview of London in one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive London Overview: Cover more than 20 landmarks in roughly 6 hours, making it perfect for first-timers.
• Skip-the-Line Access: Priority tickets to The Shard save significant waiting time and enhance the experience.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides help bring history and stories to life.
• Family-Friendly Pricing: Kids pay only for The Shard, making it a better deal for families.
• Balanced Itinerary: A mix of walking, some underground travel, and stunning views.
• End at The Shard: Your guide provides directions to the tower, but you’ll explore it on your own afterward.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: The Ritz London

The tour kicks off at the elegant Ritz on Piccadilly at 10:00 am, a location that sets a luxurious tone. From there, your guide will lead you through London’s core sights, giving you context and stories along the way. The initial part of the walk focuses on historic and royal landmarks, which is perfect if you want a sense of the city’s regal past.

Buckingham Palace & Green Park

Walking through Green Park, you’ll arrive at Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official home. Here, your guide will share stories of British royalty and traditions. If the timing’s right, you might catch the Changing of the Guard—a highlight for many visitors. This creates a real sense of the pomp and ceremony that define London’s monarchy. It’s worth noting that Palace admission isn’t included, so this is more about viewing from outside.

Trafalgar Square & Whitehall

Next, the tour takes you to Trafalgar Square, with Nelson’s Column and the impressive fountains, giving you a classic London photo op. From here, you’ll stroll along the Royal Mall—an impressive stretch lined with historic buildings leading toward Parliament Square.

On Whitehall, you’ll see the historic Horse Guards Parade and the iconic clock, perfect for snapping a few memorable photos. The guide will also point out Downing Street, where British Prime Ministers have officeed for centuries.

Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey

A highlight for many is the close-up view of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. You’ll get a good sense of London’s political heart, with views of the London Eye and Churchill Statue nearby. The guide’s commentary will add layers of context you might miss on your own.

Just a short walk away, Westminster Abbey welcomes you with its centuries of history as a coronation site and royal burial ground. This Gothic masterpiece is often admired from the outside in many tours, but its significance is undeniable.

Southbank & St. Paul’s Cathedral

After a quick underground ride, you’ll reach the lively Southbank, home to Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The atmosphere here is bustling and artsy, perfect for a quick stroll and some photos.

Crossing Millennium Bridge, known locally as Wobbly Bridge, offers a fantastic view of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The guide will highlight the cathedral’s impressive dome—one of London’s most recognizable landmarks.

Borough Market & Southwark Cathedral

A visit inside Borough Market is a treat, especially for food lovers. It’s lively, full of local vendors and hidden film locations, including some from Harry Potter. This place really captures London’s vibrant food scene and historic charm. The guide’s tips might include some secret spots, making it a memorable part of the tour.

London Bridge & The Shard

Next, you’ll walk along London Bridge, offering the perfect vantage point for sights like Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, and the impressive UK’s tallest building, The Shard. It’s a busy, bustling area, but full of iconic London sights.

Finally, your guide will give you directions to The Shard, where you’ll ascend to the 68th floor for breathtaking views. The ticket included in your package grants you about an hour to soak in 360-degree vistas, with the option to venture up to the open-air platform at level 72 if you’re feeling brave.

The View from The Shard

The Shard experience is a real highlight. The high-speed elevator whisks you up quickly, and once on top, you’ll see London sprawling beneath you—up to 40 miles on a clear day. The views are quite spectacular and provide a perfect photo opportunity to cap off your day.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At about $116 per person, including skip-the-line access to The Shard, it’s a fair deal considering the cost of individual attraction tickets. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, and the knowledgeable guide can make history and landmarks come alive.

The tour’s value is boosted by the convenience of having a well-planned route to maximize seeing major sights without the hassle of navigation. Plus, the guide’s insights and storytelling add depth to what you’re seeing.

However, it’s important to remember that you’re walking and traveling on your own from The Shard onward, so plan accordingly if you want to explore further or need transportation options.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of London’s most iconic sights in a single day. It’s also great for families, especially because kids only pay for The Shard ticket—making it a cost-effective way to introduce children to the city’s landmarks.

If you enjoy guided tours with a good balance of walking and sightseeing, and value insider knowledge, you’ll appreciate the small-group setting. It’s perfect for those who prefer a structured day without sacrificing the chance to ask questions and learn as they go.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid snapshot of London, blending the city’s historic sites with the modern marvel of The Shard. With an experienced guide, you’ll get a narrative that makes the sights more meaningful and memorable. The skip-the-line ticket to The Shard adds real value, saving you time and making your visit more relaxed.

While it’s not a fully guided experience from start to finish—since you’ll need to find your way to The Shard afterward—the overall package is well-suited for newcomers who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

And remember, with the tour ending at The Shard, you’ll have the chance to enjoy London from above at your own pace, soaking in those incredible views and taking plenty of photos.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially since children only pay for The Shard admission. Just keep in mind that children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is included in the price?
You get a local guide, a walking tour of London’s top 30 sights, skip-the-line tickets to The Shard, and a small group setting.

How long does the tour last?
The full walking tour runs for approximately 5 hours, with an additional hour at The Shard, making it around 6 hours total.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at The Ritz London on Piccadilly at 10:00 am. It ends at The Shard, where you’ll receive directions to explore on your own afterward.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring a contactless bank card or Oyster card for underground travel. Food, drinks, and personal items are up to you.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

Is there transportation involved during the tour?
Yes, there’s a short underground ride between some sights, but most of the tour is on foot.

What if I get lost after the tour ends?
The guide provides directions to The Shard, but after that, you’re on your own to explore or get back to your accommodation.

How crowded does it get?
As a small group tour, it’s more intimate, but popular sights like Buckingham Palace and Borough Market can be busy, especially during peak times.

Would this tour work if I only have a partial day?
It’s designed as a full-day experience, but if you only have a few hours, you might want to focus on specific parts, like the landmarks or the Shard itself.

This tour strikes a nice balance between structured sightseeing and personal exploration, making it a practical choice for anyone wanting a broad yet manageable introduction to London.