Westminster Walking Tour & Visit The Tower of London

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to see some of its most iconic sights without the hassle of navigating on your own, a guided walking tour combined with independent exploration of the Tower of London might just be the way to go. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed plans give us a pretty good picture of what you can expect.

What we love about this experience? First, the detailed walking tour covers over 20 sights in Westminster, giving you a well-rounded overview of the area’s landmarks. Second, the tickets to the Tower of London included in the package mean you can explore this legendary fortress at your own pace afterward.

On the flip side, one consideration is the distance and walking involved. It’s a pretty active experience, so if you’re not comfortable on your feet or have mobility issues, it may require some extra planning.

This tour is particularly suited for those who want a rundown of Westminster’s major sights with the added thrill of exploring one of London’s most famous historic sites on their own afterward. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts, active travelers, and those who enjoy guided stories about a city’s past.

Key Points

• In-depth Westminster exploration: Over 20 sights covered in about 3 hours, providing a solid feel for the area.
• Live storytelling: Guides share engaging tales and insights that bring London’s history to life.
• Includes Tower of London tickets: Allows independent exploration for around 3 hours.
• Active experience: Expect lots of walking, so good footwear and stamina are key.
• Flexibility: You can choose to explore the Tower at your own pace after the tour.
• Not a full Westminster Abbey tour: The tour does not include entry to Westminster Abbey itself, just an external view.

The Walking Tour: What It Really Looks Like

Starting Point and Initial Impressions

The adventure kicks off at The Ritz London, a prime location in Piccadilly. From there, your guide will lead you into the heart of Westminster, and the pace is lively but manageable. You’ll be walking quite a bit—about 20 sights in total—and hearing stories that bring each location to life.

Buckingham Palace and Green Park

The first major landmark is Buckingham Palace, home of the British monarch. The walk through Green Park leads you right to the palace, where your guide will share tales of royal history and perhaps even point out the famous Changing of the Guard if you’re visiting on a suitable day. While the tour doesn’t include entry into the palace, standing outside and hearing about the royal routines adds a regal touch to your morning.

Trafalgar Square

Next comes Trafalgar Square, a lively hub filled with fountains, statues, and the towering Nelson’s Column. It’s a great spot for photos and people-watching. According to reviews, guides often share fun facts here that keep the atmosphere engaging, and the square’s vibrant energy certainly makes it a memorable stop.

Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall

Your walk continues past Horse Guards Parade, a sweeping open space with a striking arch and an iconic clock. Nearby, Whitehall offers a parade of grand government buildings and monuments, including the famous Downing Street, where British Prime Ministers have been based since 1735. This stretch is rich with political history and perfect for those interested in Britain’s governance.

Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey

The highlight for many is the area around Parliament Square. You’ll see the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben up close—truly impressive in person. From here, it’s a short stroll to Westminster Abbey. Although the tour doesn’t include inside visits, outside views and stories about the abbey where British monarchs are crowned add depth to your understanding of London’s traditions.

End of the Guided Walk and Entry to the Tower

The tour concludes around Westminster, but the experience doesn’t stop there. You’ll receive your Tower of London tickets and directions, and with around 3 hours to explore on your own, you can fully appreciate this historic fortress. The Tower is famous for its Beefeater guards, ravens, and centuries of royal history.

What Do Travelers Say?

Many reviews praise the knowledge and personality of the guides. Allison_L mentioned that Nicholas was “fun and personable,” while Erin_B noted that Mark “really knew his stuff” and made the tour entertaining. These guides seem to succeed in making history engaging and accessible.

However, not all experiences are perfect. Brittany_C pointed out that the tour’s title is misleading because it ends at Westminster and doesn’t include inside entry to Westminster Abbey. She also noted that the Tower is more than two miles away from where the walk finishes, which might be a bit far if you’re not prepared for more walking or public transport.

Group Size and Pacing

Reviews highlight that the group size is generally kept small (around 15-35 people), making it easier to hear and engage with your guide. One traveler, Pati_F, appreciated the “great tips in seeing the rest of London” from their guide, Tim, describing the tour as “amazing.”

Challenges and Tips

A common challenge shared by travelers is timing and transport. Douglas_T mentioned that with London traffic and limited time, getting to the tour start can be tight. The tour provider suggests allowing around 90 minutes to get from Spitalfields to the start point, but some recommend planning for two hours just to be safe.

Nancy_D had a less ideal experience, feeling “dumped” to navigate the subway on her own after the tour ended. The provider clarified that instructions were given, but this highlights how important it is to stay aware of your transportation plans, especially during busy events like the London Marathon.

Pricing and Value

For $157.98 per person, this package offers a mix of guided sightseeing and free exploration. You’re paying for the knowledgeable guide and the convenience of pre-booked tickets to the Tower of London, which on its own can be quite costly.

Considering the amount of ground covered and the insider stories shared, most would agree that the value is fair—particularly for visitors who want a balanced mix of guided info and personal discovery time. The tour is ideal for active travelers who enjoy walking and storytelling but might be less suited for those with mobility issues or limited stamina.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is best suited for visitors who want an immersive day of sightseeing in Westminster, coupled with the flexibility to explore the Tower independently. If you appreciate guided stories and historical context, you’ll love the guides’ engaging approach.

It’s also a good pick for families with teenagers, as many reviews mention their teens enjoyed the tour, and the pace is lively enough to keep everyone engaged. However, if you’re not comfortable with lots of walking or are traveling with very young children, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This combined walking tour and Tower of London visit offers a well-rounded snapshot of Westminster’s most famous sights. The inclusion of tickets to the Tower allows you to experience one of London’s most historic landmarks at your own pace, adding a nice balance of guided storytelling and individual exploration.

The quality of guides, the comprehensiveness of the route, and the opportunity to see London’s highlights up close make this a solid option for travelers who enjoy active days and engaging stories. The main consideration is the walking—be prepared for a fair bit of it—and ensure you’re comfortable navigating London’s busy streets.

If you’re eager to cover as much as possible and want expert insights without feeling rushed, this tour could be a real winner. Just keep in mind the logistics, especially if timing is tight or you prefer a more relaxed pace.

FAQ

Does this tour include entry to Westminster Abbey?
No, the tour does not include entry to Westminster Abbey itself; it covers external views and stories about the building.

How long is the walking portion?
The guided walking tour lasts approximately 3 hours and covers at least 20 sights in Westminster.

What is included in the price?
You get a local guide, a walking tour of Westminster, tickets to the Tower of London, and the option to join a Beefeater tour at no extra cost.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the start and end points is not included; travelers are responsible for their own travel, including the tube, which costs around £5.

How much walking should I expect?
Expect to walk quite a bit—up to 20 sights—so good shoes and stamina are recommended. The tour is best suited for active travelers.

What happens after the walk?
After the walking tour, you’ll be given your Tower of London tickets and directions. You’ll then have about 3 hours to explore the Tower at your own pace.

In the end, this tour offers a manageable way to see London’s top landmarks with engaging guides and the freedom to explore one of its most famous historic sites on your own. Whether you’re a history buff or simply want a structured yet flexible way to experience London’s core, it’s worth considering.