How to Plan Your Westminster and Buckingham Tour in London

London is one of the most visited cities in the world, filled with history, cultural landmarks, and beautiful architecture. One of the best ways to experience it all is on a guided tour, and the Westminster and Buckingham Tour offered by Viator is an excellent option. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of planning your tour step-by-step so you can make the most of your visit to London.

Overview

The Westminster and Buckingham Tour is a small-group tour that takes you on a journey through some of London’s most iconic landmarks. The tour is available in English, French, and Italian, and lasts for two and a half hours. As you explore the city, your local guide will share intimate details of the attractions you see, providing you with a personalized and engaging experience.

Choosing Your Tour

Viator offers multiple departure times for this tour, making it easy to find one that fits your schedule. When selecting your tour time, be sure to consider rush hour traffic and other factors that may impact your commute time. Choose the language that is most comfortable for you and your group.

Getting There

The meeting point for the tour is at York House St James’s Palace. The address is 3 Cleveland Row, St. James’s, London SW1A 1DD, UK. You can easily get there by public transport or taxi. If you drive, be advised that parking in the area can be difficult, and it’s best to find a nearby car park.

What’s Included

The Westminster and Buckingham Tour includes a local guide who is knowledgeable about the area and its history. Food and drinks are not included, but your guide can recommend nearby restaurants or cafes to visit during your tour. Transportation to and from the attractions is also included, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Attractions

The tour takes you through several London attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, St. James’s Park, Churchill War Rooms, Horse Guards Parade, and Trafalgar Square. You’ll learn the history and significance of each attraction as you explore the area, immersing yourself in the culture and beauty of London.

What to Expect

The tour involves a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. The route taken by the tour is largely flat, but there may be some slight inclines or declines. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, and bring any necessary supplies such as umbrellas, sunscreen, or hats.

Additional Information

Confirmation of your tour booking will be received via email. Be sure to check the start time and meeting location in your confirmation, and arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure that you are ready to start on time.

Book Your Tour Now

The Westminster and Buckingham Tour is an excellent way to experience the best of London’s landmarks and attractions. With a knowledgeable local guide, language options, and comfortable transportation, you can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of this amazing city. Book the tour here for an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting London

London is one of the most vibrant and iconic cities in the world. Every year, millions of people flock to the city to explore its rich history, visit its famous landmarks, and experience its diverse culture. Whether you’re planning your first trip to London or you’re a seasoned visitor, you’re bound to have questions about how to make the most of your time in the UK’s capital city. Here are some commonly asked questions about visiting London.

1. What Are the Must-See Landmarks in London?

London is home to countless landmarks that are worth seeing, but some of the most iconic include:

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Few landmarks are as synonymous with London as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, which dominate the city’s skyline. Visitors can take a tour of the Houses of Parliament, including the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and learn about the history and workings of the UK government.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London has played a crucial role in the country’s history for nearly 1,000 years. Visitors can explore the castle and its grounds, including the Crown Jewels and the medieval White Tower, and see the famous Beefeaters who guard the palace.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the UK’s monarch and has been since Queen Victoria’s reign in the 19th century. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, tour the magnificent state rooms, and see the famous balcony where the Royal Family appears on special occasions.

The British Museum

The British Museum is one of the world’s greatest repositories of human history and culture, with a collection that spans over two million years. Visitors can see famous artifacts like the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Egyptian mummies.

The London Eye

For stunning views of the city, take a ride on the London Eye, a giant ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. On a clear day, you can see up to 25 miles in every direction and get a bird’s eye view of London’s famous landmarks.

2. What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit London?

London is a year-round destination, with something to offer visitors no matter what time of year they visit. However, the best time to visit depends on your interests and priorities. Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit if you want to see London’s parks and gardens in bloom, including the famous cherry blossoms in Greenwich Park. Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season with longer days, warmer weather, and lots of outdoor events like music festivals and street fairs. Autumn (September to November) is a great time to visit if you want to see the changing colors of the leaves in the city’s parks and enjoy the mild weather. Winter (December to February) can be chilly, but it’s also a magical time in London, with Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and the famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.

3. How Do I Get Around in London?

London has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and the famous underground or “Tube”. The city is divided into zones, and the fare you pay depends on how many zones you travel through. You can buy tickets at ticket machines in Tube stations, or you can save money by using an Oyster card, a reusable ticket that you can top up as needed. London also has a famous black taxi service, but they can be expensive. Many visitors opt for ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft instead. If you’re traveling light, you can also rent a bike from one of the many “Boris bikes” or Santander Cycles locations around the city.

4. What Are Some Affordable Things to Do in London?

While London can be an expensive city, there are plenty of affordable things to do, including:

Visit Free Museums and Galleries

Many of London’s best museums and galleries are free, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern. You can see world-class art and artifacts without spending a penny.

Explore London’s Markets

London is known for its vibrant street markets, where you can find everything from vintage clothing to artisanal food. Some popular markets include Camden Market, Brick Lane Market, and Borough Market.

Take a Walk

London is a city made for walking, with plenty of parks, gardens, and historic neighborhoods to explore. You can take a guided walking tour or strike out on your own and discover hidden gems.

Visit Harry Potter Filming Locations

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you can visit many of the filming locations around the city, including Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station, Diagon Alley, and the Hogwarts Great Hall at Gloucester Cathedral.

5. What Should I Know About Tipping in London?

Tipping in London is generally expected, but it’s not as common or generous as in other parts of the world. In restaurants, it’s customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the total bill, but check to see if a service charge has already been added. For other services like taxi rides or haircuts, rounding up to the nearest pound or leaving a few extra pounds as a tip is appreciated but not mandatory.

How to spend your time as a tourist in London

London, the capital of England, is one of the most visited cities in the world. As a tourist, there is a lot to see and discover in London. It can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary with so many options available. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in London.

Step 1: Visit the iconic landmarks

The first thing you should do as a tourist in London is to visit some of the iconic landmarks. Start with Buckingham Palace, which is the official residence of the British monarch. If you’re lucky, you might even see the changing of the guard ceremony. Next, visit the Tower of London, which is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It is famous for housing the Crown Jewels and for its role in English history. You should also visit the Tower Bridge, which is an iconic symbol of London. It’s a bascule bridge that spans the River Thames and connects the City of London with Southwark.

Step 2: Explore the museums

London has some of the best museums in the world, and most of them are free to enter. The British Museum is a must-visit, as it has a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world. If you’re interested in history, you can visit the National History Museum, where you can see dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and other exhibits. The Science Museum is another great option, with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. The Tate Modern is a contemporary art museum located in a former power station. It has a collection of international modern and contemporary art.

Step 3: Take a stroll in the parks

London has many parks that you can explore, and they are a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Hyde Park is one of the most famous parks, and it’s perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic. Greenwich Park is another great option, with stunning views of the River Thames and the city. Richmond Park is also worth a visit, with its open grasslands and deer herds.

Step 4: Shop till you drop

London is a shopper’s paradise and has many options for different budgets. Oxford Street is the most famous shopping street in London and has a variety of high street shops. If you’re looking for luxury shopping, head to Bond Street, where you can find designer brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. Covent Garden is another popular shopping destination, with many boutique shops and artisanal stores.

Step 5: Try the local cuisine

London has a diverse food scene and offers cuisines from around the world. You should try some traditional British cuisine, such as fish and chips, a full English breakfast, or a roast dinner. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some Indian food, as London has a large Indian community, and you can find some of the best Indian restaurants in the city. You should also try some street food, such as a falafel wrap or a pulled pork sandwich.

Step 6: Watch a show in the West End

If you’re a fan of theatre, the West End is a must-visit. It’s home to some of the most famous theatres in the world, such as the Royal Opera House and the National Theatre. You can watch a variety of shows, from classic plays to musicals. Some of the most popular shows include Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and The Lion King.

Step 7: Take a day trip outside of London

If you have some spare time, consider taking a day trip outside of London. You can visit Windsor Castle, which is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and is situated just outside London. Stonehenge is another popular day trip destination, where you can see the world-famous stone circle that has been standing for over 5,000 years. You can also visit the charming seaside town of Brighton, which is located just an hour away from London by train.

Book Your Tour Now

London has a lot to offer, and planning your itinerary can be overwhelming. Make sure to visit the iconic landmarks, explore the museums, take a stroll in the parks, shop till you drop, try the local cuisine, watch a show in the West End, and take a day trip outside of London. With this step-by-step guide, you can make the most of your time in London and have an unforgettable experience.