Walking Tour of Royal Westminster: Explore London's Iconic Landmarks
5.0
2 Ratings
Greater London
Embark on a private walking tour of Royal Westminster and explore London's iconic landmarks, from Nelson's Column to Westminster Abbey. Discover the rich history of the Royal family and uncover hidden gems along St James' Street.
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hungerford Bridge - London developed as two cities - the tour starts with splendid views of the modern city and the story of how two cities became one!

  • Trafalgar Square - Once a Royal Mews, that most extravagant of kings decided to let his favourite architect loose to develop London’s largest square. Not only famous for the column with Admiral Nelson perched on the top, the four lions round its base are equally well known but according to legend, what will happen to them if Big Ben ever strikes 13 times?!

  • Whitehall - We wander down Whitehall past Banqueting House, the only remaining part of Whitehall Palace, and No 10 Downing Street, home to the UK’s Prime Minister.

  • Parliament Square - One of the best known, and busiest, squares in London, it boasts Westminster Hall, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, three of London’s most iconic buildings. Each has a fantastic story to tell so turn up to hear more!

  • Westminster Abbey - Only a stone’s throw from one of London’s busiest squares, Deans Yard is an oasis of calm in the midst of all the madness! Enjoy the tranquility as you survey the Abbey from an unusual position!

  • St. James’s Park - One of the most beautiful of the eight Royal Parks with its abundance of wildlife on the ornamental lake, it has a fascinating history with four kings transforming this area from a once boggy ground to the magnificent park we see today.

  • Buckingham Palace - Home to the monarch since 1837, this is an opportunity to see the world famous balcony where special moments in the nation’s history have been celebrated. Looking at its grandeur today, it’s hard to imagine it started life as a small country house built for the Duke of Buckingham in the early 1700s.

  • St. James’s Palace - The scene of many important Royal events across the centuries including marriages, baptisms and imprisonments not to mention the pageantry of today’s Changing of the Guard.

  • St. James’s - Centuries old shops, Royal Warrants and Gentlemen’s Clubs - even modern day Royals are members! So many stories to tell!

  • Fortnum & Mason - Out tour ends with a wander around the ground floor of this most sophisticated of London’s department stores. A perfect place to go for a coffee!

What's Included
  • Accredited, local guide
  • Fun and experienced professional
What's Not Included
  • We can stop whenever you like for a drink or a bite to eat but it is at your own expense!
  • Gratuities - optional
  • Transportation to/from the start and end points of the walk
Additional Information

Experience the splendour of London’s most remarkable landmarks, ranging from Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square to three of the city’s most cherished architectural masterpieces: Westminster Hall, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament - whose original structures, if present, would be over 920 years old! Add a sprinkle of royal elegance with a visit to a Royal Park (St James’) and two sovereign lodgings (Buckingham and St James’), offering a grand regal banquet!

This exclusive bespoke walking tour oozes royalty at every turn and is perfect if you’re curious about the history and current affairs of the Royal family.

And if this weren’t adequate, the ancient shops across St James’ Street, which we traverse on our way to Piccadilly, were initially established for the gentlemen who patronised the Gentlemen’s Clubs of yesteryears. We encounter the world’s most ancient hat shop and gentlemen’s club during our journey, unveiling numerous unsuspected treasures along this path.

  • When your booking is confirmed, you will receive contact details for me (Sandy), your guide for this tour. My aim is to give you the best experience you could possibly have so if you have any special requests, be sure to let me know what they are!
  • Your comfort is my priority - if you need to stop for a coffee or a comfort break, just let me know.
  • The tour will last between 3 - 31/2 hours depending on the walking pace of the group and the number of questions asked.
  • The tour will cover a distance of 3 miles in total.
  • The tour will go ahead come rain or shine so please don’t be put off by the weather. Do wear comfortable shoes and clothing. If needs be, bring waterproofs and an umbrella!
  • This is a private tour meaning that I will be guiding your group only. I limit numbers to small groups of up to five family or friends so everyone can hear what I am saying above the usual street noises of a busy city. Also, everyone can ask as many questions as they like.
  • Unlike some other guides, I specialise in just five areas of London, Westminster being one of them. This means that I have detailed knowledge of the area which I pass on to my clients’ in a fun and interesting way.
  • 100% of my Trip Advisor/Viator reviews are graded ‘excellent’ and as I now have over 100 reviews in total, I must be doing something right!
  • I ALWAYS contact clients before the date of their tour so if you have not heard from me one week before the tour, please make contact with me.
  • I only accept bookings directly from customers. Any bookings made by a travel agent on behalf of a customer will be cancelled.
Location
Royal Festival Hall
Belvedere Road
The tour starts at the junction of Belvedere Road and Concert Hall Approach, easily reached from Waterloo mainline and underground stations.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
Kimsn2707xr
Aug 13, 2023
Sandy is special!!! - Sandy was a pleasure to spend several hours with during our stay. She was so knowledgeable of all the Royal lines and the history behind many of the shops on Duvall St. She was able to answer all of our questions and I was delighted to see many of the shops we’d visited while watching a documentary on London on the plane back to the States. Sandy is a super friendly, history buff & her experience in London made the trip easy to navigate as she took us through the least crowded areas to see some of the most important areas of London.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carla
Jul 6, 2022
Thrilled with our tour! - Sandy is as knowledgeable about British monarchy history, as she is charming and engaging! If she didn’t know an answer to one of our quirky questions, she found it and followed up with us. She even stumped us a few times! Her tours are thorough and very interesting! This made our walk through Westminster so much better than just aimlessly wondering on our own or following in some large group. We were so thankful for the recommendation to take a HobNob Tour! You will be too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 5 guests
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July 2024
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