Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour: An Ultimate Guide for Tourists

If you’re planning a trip to London, the capital of the United Kingdom, it is likely that you are interested in visiting some of its most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. One tour that offers visitors an opportunity to see many of these iconic sites is the Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour. In this comprehensive guide, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this tour, including what it involves, its highlights, how long it lasts, and how to book it.

What is the Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour?

The Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour is a guided walking tour of London’s most iconic sites. This tour offers you the opportunity to get up close and personal with London’s most famous and impressive sights. The tour covers many milestones, including Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard, Horse Guards Parade, Saint James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square, and many other nearby attractions.

What are the Highlights of the Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour?

The tour has many highlights that make it worth it for tourists to add it to their England itinerary. With the guidance of a local expert, you will visit Buckingham Palace and learn about its iconic history, watch the Changing of the Guard, and march to the beat with the Horse Guards. You’ll discover the famous parakeets and pelicans found in beautiful St James’ Park while taking in the beauty of the park. You’ll marvel at Westminster Abbey’s 1000 years of royal history and discover Parliament Square and its many historical statues.

How long is the Westminster and Changing of Guard Tour?

The tour may last for around two and a half hours, depending on the pace of the group. The total distance walked is about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers). This distance is relatively short and allows you to discover many attractions in a short walk. The tour itinerary is carefully created to provide you the maximum value for your time spent on the tour.

How to book the Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour?

You can easily book the tour online, saving yourself time and hassle when you arrive in London. Online booking is made easy through the official website of the tour operator. The tour operates every day during the year, except Christmas day. You will find many different price options, which provide you with a range of guided walking tour options.

What other London tours should I consider?

London is a city full of famous landmarks that provide fascinating insight into the city’s illustrious history. Consider taking the following tours as well:

1. The Tower of London – Learn about the history of the Tower of London, one of the United Kingdom’s most famous landmarks.

2. The British Museum – This museum houses numerous artifacts from around the globe, including the famous Rosetta Stone.

3. The London Eye – The giant Ferris wheel on the Thames River offers visitors amazing views of the city’s skyline.

What should I wear and bring for the tour?

The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers), so wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in for a couple of hours. Layers are recommended as weather in London can change quickly. Carrying a bottle of water and a snack for the journey is also advised.

Conclusion

The Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour is a great option for visitors to London who want to see the city’s most famous and impressive landmarks. This tour is well-organized, informative, and engaging, making it an ideal choice for people of all ages and backgrounds. The tour provides you with the chance to get up close and personal with the city’s rich royal history and admire many of its beautiful sights. With this guide, you now have all the necessary information to book the tour and fully enjoy your visit to London.

Insider’s Guide to Exploring London

If you’re looking for a truly authentic London experience, there’s more to explore than just the iconic tourist spots. Here are some insider tips on how to get the most out of your visit to this dynamic and vibrant city.

Local Attractions

While the usual spots like Big Ben, The London Eye, and The Tower of London are worth visiting, there are also some hidden gems only locals know about. Head over to Little Venice, a quaint area located in Maida Vale, and take a boat ride down Regent’s Canal. You’ll experience a charming, picturesque London that doesn’t get as much attention as its more famous counterparts.

If you’re a fan of street art, take a stroll through Shoreditch to marvel at its colorful murals. And finally, to experience London’s more laid-back vibe, check out Hampstead Heath, an enormous park with stunning views that will make you forget about the hustle and bustle of city life.

Dining Spots

To truly experience the flavors of London, you must venture beyond the typical fish and chips. Check out Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and most iconic markets, to taste a myriad of fresh produce and delicious street food. For a traditional British afternoon tea experience with a twist, try the creatively designed sandwiches and pastries at Sketch tea room.

London’s food culture is a mix of history and innovation, so pay a visit to Camberwell Church Street to try some traditional British sausages and pies, at Flock and Herd, a local butchery that caters to the city’s top restaurants.

Cultural Experiences

If you want to dive deep into London’s culture, you should visit the Southbank Centre, a renowned arts and cultural hub that features music, dance, and theatre performances. Or, for something a little different, head to Brick Lane, an area famous for its Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisines and pop-up galleries that showcase some of the city’s exciting emerging art scenes.

When in London, don’t miss out on pulsating live music performances at the 100 Club, which has welcomed top artists like Oasis, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie.

Local History

London’s history is rich and fascinating, from the Great Fire of 1666 to the impact of the World War II Blitz. For a more unusual sightseeing experience, visit Highgate Cemetery in North London where you can see the final resting place of famous people like Karl Marx, Douglas Adams, and George Eliot.

For more insight into how London has evolved over time, visit the Museum of London, which features exhibitions on the city’s history from pre-Roman times all the way to the present day.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a truly unique experience, venture out to God’s Own Junkyard, an incredible display of neon lights and vintage signs. Or, take a stroll through the historically significant Limehouse basin, a picturesque canal basin which gives a sense of the floating mansions of the wealthy imperialists.

Finally, if you’re a lover of literature, you should visit The American Bar at the Savoy Hotel, which is known as one of the most literary-music joints in the world. This is where famous writers like Hemingway, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Agatha Christie frequented.

With this insider’s guide to experiencing London, you’ll be sure to have a memorable visit filled with both famous landmarks and unexpected discoveries.