London Landmark Walking Tour & Ride The London Eye

London Landmark Walking Tour & Ride The London Eye offers a well-rounded way to see some of London’s most famous sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. This tour combines a leisurely six-hour walk with the convenience of a guided experience, topped with a ride on the London Eye that promises sweeping views of the city. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or just want a relaxed way to tick off major landmarks, this tour aims to deliver a memorable day.

What really stands out is the personalized attention from the guide and the fact that your London Eye ticket is included—no waiting in long lines. On the flip side, some reviews suggest that the tour’s promotional claims can be a bit misleading about entry to landmarks. Overall, it’s a solid pick if you prefer guided experiences, especially with families or those who like having someone to explain the city’s stories along the way.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive yet manageable overview of London’s key sights in one day, without the stress of navigating on their own. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in a tour that combines walking with iconic views from above.

Key Points

• Personalized Guided Tour: Benefit from an expert guide who offers insider knowledge and takes care of logistics.
• Comprehensive Sightseeing: Cover over 30 top attractions in a manageable six-hour span.
• Included London Eye Ticket: Enjoy a scenic ride with breathtaking views of the city, included in the price.
• Convenient Transit: Save time and energy by traveling between dispersed sites on foot and underground.
• Family-Friendly: Kids only pay for the London Eye ticket, making it a good option for families.
• Weather-Resilient: Operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting at Buckingham Palace

The tour kicks off at The Ritz London, a convenient starting point in Piccadilly. After a brief walk through Green Park, you’ll arrive at Buckingham Palace. Here, your guide will regale you with stories of British royalty and history. The chance to see the Changing of the Guard—if it coincides with your visit—is a real highlight, though it’s only available on certain days. Your guide will find the best spot for viewing, making it easier to enjoy this iconic ceremony without the crowds.

One reviewer noted that the guide, Jason, was fantastic, but highlighted that the tour itself was somewhat misleading about access to landmarks, clarifying that many sights are only viewed from the outside. If you’re expecting to go inside historical buildings, that’s not part of this package.

Exploring Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade

Next, the tour takes you to Trafalgar Square, a lively hub with Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery. It’s a quick stop but offers great photo opportunities and a chance to soak in the city’s bustling atmosphere.

Following that, you’ll head to Horse Guards Parade and St. James Park. The iconic arch and clock here make for perfect snapshot moments. Your guide will point out notable features and share stories that bring the sights to life. Given the short stops, these moments are more about appreciating the ambiance than detailed touring.

Whitehall and Downing Street

Walking along Whitehall, you’ll see grand government buildings and the famous Downing Street. While you can’t enter these political landmarks, your guide will share anecdotes about their history. It’s a taste of the formal heart of British government, and some find this segment quite interesting, even if it’s just from the outside.

Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey

The next big stop is Parliament Square, where you get close views of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. The scenery here is unmistakably London—historic, grand, and bustling. You’ll also see the Churchill Statue and have time to appreciate the architecture.

Just nearby is Westminster Abbey, an architectural marvel and royal church. Though the tour doesn’t include inside visits, the guide’s commentary makes the exterior and surrounding history fascinating. Some travelers find this enough to appreciate the significance of the location.

Southbank and Cultural Highlights

After a quick underground ride, you’ll find yourself at the lively Southbank area. Here, the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre set a vibrant tone. The walk along the Thames offers a relaxed chance to people-watch and enjoy street performers—an area that often feels alive and creative.

St. Paul’s Cathedral and Millennium Bridge

Next, crossing the Millennium Bridge (the “Wobbly Bridge”), you’ll have a scenic view of St. Paul’s Cathedral’s dome. While you’re not entering, the site’s grandeur is still impressive from outside. The bridge itself is a fun and quirky crossing, and many find the view of St. Paul’s striking.

Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral

A highlight for food lovers, Borough Market is a lively spot filled with local vendors. Your guide will lead you inside the market, where you can sample or simply browse the extensive food stalls. The market’s lively atmosphere makes it a memorable stop, and some visitors enjoy discovering hidden filming locations used in Harry Potter movies.

London Bridge and Nearby Sights

Continuing along the river, London Bridge offers a great viewpoint for sights like Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and The Shard. The area has a distinct historic and modern mix, with plenty of photo opportunities and views that showcase London’s varied architecture.

The Iconic London Eye

The final scheduled stop is the London Eye. After the walking portion, you’ll enjoy a ticket included in your tour to ride this massive Ferris wheel. From the top, expect unparalleled views of the Thames, Big Ben, Parliament, and beyond. The ride lasts about an hour, giving you plenty of time to take in the city from above and snap some photos.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes your London Eye ticket, a fun local guide, access to over 30 sights, and a small group size, which enhances the experience. However, you’ll need to bring your own Oyster Card or Travel Card for underground travel, and food and drinks are not included—so packing a snack or drink might be wise.

Practical Considerations

Starting at 10 a.m., the tour lasts roughly six hours, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. The tour operates in all weather conditions, which is good news for those who don’t want weather to spoil the day.

The group size is limited to 15, making it easier to stay together and get personalized attention. The meeting point is at The Ritz, a central location, and you should plan for about 15 minutes of public transport to reach the London Eye afterward.

Balancing the Experience: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Based on reviews, the guiding quality truly shines—Brandon, another guide, was praised for being funny, knowledgeable, and helpful with logistics. Having a guide who can narrate the city’s stories makes a big difference.

However, some travelers felt misled by the promotional language claiming free access to landmarks—many sights are only enjoyed from the outside. This can be disappointing if you’re expecting to go inside buildings like Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace. Be aware that the tour is more about exterior views and storytelling rather than inside visits.

The price of about $130 per person is reasonable considering the inclusion of the London Eye ride and the guided service, especially if you want to maximize your sightseeing in a single day. The key is to weigh whether you’re okay with external views and guided commentary rather than full access to attractions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a manageable way to see central London’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers good value. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors or travelers who prefer a guided approach rather than navigating public transport and planning every stop themselves.

Families might find this appealing because kids under 16 only pay for the London Eye, but keep in mind the overall pace involves a lot of walking and some moving around on the underground.

Those with limited time who want to see as much as possible in one day will appreciate the efficiency of this tour—covering a broad swath of London’s top sights with ease. If your goal is an in-depth visit inside each attraction, you might want to look elsewhere, as this experience focuses more on exterior views and storytelling.

Final Thoughts

This walking tour combined with the London Eye offers a practical, engaging way to get a solid overview of London’s most iconic sights. The guided element ensures you get stories and context that make the sights come alive, and the included Eye ticket cuts down on waiting time and adds that wow factor from above.

For travelers who prefer guided tours, enjoy outdoor sightseeing, and are content with exterior views, this is a good choice. Just be aware that if you’re expecting inside access to landmarks, you might feel a little let down, as many attractions are only seen from the outside.

Overall, it’s a day that balances sightseeing, storytelling, and memorable views—all within a reasonable budget and timeframe.

FAQ

• Does the tour include inside visits to landmarks?
  No, many sights are viewed from the outside, and the tour focuses on exterior views and storytelling rather than inside access.

• How long is the walk?
  The entire walking part of the tour lasts around 6 hours, with plenty of stops and short walks in between.

• Is the London Eye ticket really included?
  Yes, your ticket for the London Eye is included and pre-booked, so you won’t have to wait in line.

• What should I bring?
  Bring a topped-up Oyster Card or Travel Card for underground travel; pack snacks and drinks if desired; dress appropriately for weather.

• Can children join this tour?
  Yes, children can participate, with only the London Eye ticket requiring payment for kids.

• What is the group size?
  The tour is capped at 15 travelers, offering a more personal experience.

• Where do I meet the guide?
  The meeting point is at The Ritz London, Piccadilly. Directions and details will be provided at booking.

If you’re after a straightforward, guided overview of London’s highlights with the bonus of a ride on the London Eye, this tour might just fit the bill. Just keep expectations in check about inside visits, and you’ll likely enjoy a fun, informative day discovering the city.