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History of London - City Center Westminster Guided Walking Tour

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Group Size

Max 12

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Tour Duration

2.5 Hours

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100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

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Free Cancellation up to 24 hrs

Highlights of the tour

Highlights generally include: 

• Big Ben – one of London's most enduring symbols, Big Ben is actually the nickname for the Great Bell housed within Elizabeth Tower, which rises above the Palace of Westminster. 

• 10 Downing Street – the official residence of the British Prime Minister, at the heart of UK politics for over 300 years. While gated, visitors can glimpse the iconic black door where history is made. 

• Trafalgar Square – London's most famous public square, home to Nelson's Column, grand fountains, and The National Gallery, making it a focal point of culture and history. 

• St. James's Park– one of London's most picturesque parks, known for its vibrant flower beds, serene lake, and royal connections, including the annual Trooping the Color ceremony. 

• Westminster Abbey (Exterior Only)– a site of royal coronations for nearly 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey is one of Britain's most significant landmarks and the burial place of Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, and Charles Darwin.


Details

Discover London's royal and political heart on this 2.5-hour private walking tour through Westminster. 

From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the historic halls of Parliament, uncover the stories of monarchs, prime ministers, and revolutionaries as you walk through London's most iconic squares and landmarks. Explore the city's most famous sites, from the bustling Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square, named after Britain's greatest naval victory and home to Nelson's Column and the National Gallery. 

Follow the historic route through Whitehall, passing Britain's most important government buildings, and try to spot the Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street, their official residence for over 300 years. Discuss World War II outside the Churchill War Rooms and examine the turbulent relationship between the monarchy and Parliament as you pass royal palaces. Conclude at Westminster Abbey, the site of royal coronations, weddings, and the final resting place of Britain's most influential figures.

This tour offers a fascinating look at Westminster's evolution, from medieval kings and Tudor courts to modern democracy and Britain's global influence. Whether you're drawn to royal traditions, political intrigue, or the legacy of Britain's greatest leaders, this experience provides an immersive introduction to one of London's most historic districts.


Itinerary

  • Stops include but are not limited to:
  • Covent Garden — begin your tour in Covent Garden, a vibrant district known for its historic market, street performances, and cultural charm. 10 minutes
  • Trafalgar Square — Stand in London's most famous public square, home to iconic fountains, grand statues, and the towering Nelson's Column. 10 minutes
  • Nelson's Column — Admire the monument dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson, a tribute to his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. 10 minutes
  • Admiralty Arch — Pass beneath the imposing Admiralty Arch, a gateway between The Mall and Trafalgar Square, built in honor of Queen Victoria. 10 minutes
  • Whitehall — walk along Whitehall, the heart of British political power, lined with government buildings and historic landmarks. 10 minutes
  • 10 Downing Street — see the famous black door of No. 10, the official residence of the British Prime Minister for over 300 years. 10 minutes
  • St. James's Palace — pause outside St. James's Palace, a Tudor-era royal residence that remains a key ceremonial landmark. 10 minutes
  • Buckingham Palace — (VIEWS ONLY), Gaze upon Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, and witness the grandeur of the royal gates. 10 minutes
  • Churchill War Rooms — (EXTERIOR ONLY), Pass by the entrance to the underground bunker where Winston Churchill directed Britain's WWII efforts, now a fascinating museum. 10 minutes
  • Big Ben — (Admission excluded), Take in the iconic clock tower, a symbol of London's skyline and home to the Great Bell known as "Big Ben." 10 minutes
  • Houses of Parliament — Stand before the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the UK government, with its magnificent Gothic architecture. 10 minutes
  • Westminster Abbey — (EXTERIOR ONLY), End your tour at Westminster Abbey, the historic church of royal coronations, weddings, and burials. 10 minutes

Inclusion

• PRIVATE WALKING TOUR

• PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDE

• DURATION 2.5 HOURS

• TOUR WILL RUN, RAIN OR SHINE


Semi-Private Tour

Enjoy an intimate small-group experience
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What Our Customers Say

A great tour for an overview of Westminster
Sstagnit 25 contributions

A great tour for an overview of Westminster

We enjoyed our tour very much. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and told us a lot of things that we didn’t know about London. We had not been to London in a number of years, so we chose this tour to give us a good overview.

19 May 2023

Excellent! 5/5 stars
David Y 1 contributions

Excellent! 5/5 stars

Luis was an excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable and could answer all of our questions. We had a great time! We saw all the sights of Westminster, Trafalgar, and Covent gardens.

26 May 2023

Nothing but good things to say!
Rebecca R 2 contributions

Nothing but good things to say!

Wesley was a fabulous tour guide. We never felt rushed and he answered all our questions. If you want to see all the good sites in Westminster, this is the tour to take!

28 June 2023

ivo was exceptional!
Robin C 1 contributions

ivo was exceptional!

ivo was wonderful. not only was he knowledgeable, but his calm, comfortable style made us relaxed & it made it easy to ask questions.we'd recommend him ANYTIME!

25 June 2024

Colin was a fantastic tour guide to explore London!
Ana N 1 contributions

Colin was a fantastic tour guide to explore London!

Colin was an amazing story teller!! He made everything super easy to understand and enjoyable. We asked a lot of questions and he was always happy to answer them. Super easy to talk to and knew some amazing stops to take nice photos. I highly recommend him as a tour guide.

03 September 2024

Exceptional Tour with Becky
Daniel G 1 contributions

Exceptional Tour with Becky

We had an incredible tour with Becky! She was very knowledgeable and exceptionally personable and friendly! We loved all the history she provided at the sites and throughout our walk! Even though Westminster Abby was not guided, Becky provided great recommendations and key areas to visit within! Would highly suggest the walking tour and asking for Becky!

05 November 2024

Colin was amazing.
Matthew S 1 contributions

Colin was amazing.

Colin was amazing. Very knowledgeable. We learned, laughed and had a wonderful experience. Highly recommend. Would love to do another trip.

27 November 2024

Loved this tour!
Amy M 1 contributions

Loved this tour!

Jamie was great! Very knowledgeable with his historical facts and dates. Took the time to answer all our questions. Loved the small private group too! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

12 February 2025

Would do it again it was that good.
kurtmussina 3 contributions

Would do it again it was that good.

Jamie was awesome. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Not rushed at all. The guy is an encyclopedia. Very well done indeed.

12 February 2025

Cozy and very engaging
Charlie O 4 contributions

Cozy and very engaging

Our guide Jamie was great. It was another cloudy day in London and it was cold too, but Jamie's comments kept our small group very engaged during the walk

12 February 2025

A lovely way to see London's past
Hugh B 5 contributions

A lovely way to see London's past

Going through sites and paths in London we'd not seen before. The history the guide gave us was top.

22 August 2021

Wonderful walking tour for beginning of your London stay
Ariane N 2 contributions

Wonderful walking tour for beginning of your London stay

We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour of London with Toni. He brought the rich history of London to life with anecdotes and humor. Recommend that you do this at the front end of a London visit to orient you to the city.

15 April 2022

Great history and local knowledge based walking tour
sunnysandiegan2011 37 contributions

Great history and local knowledge based walking tour

Sheldon was a great guide, very knowledgeable and personable, and genuinely interested in folks learning more about the history of London.

09 June 2022

Amazing Guide
Surya K 1 contributions

Amazing Guide

Luis was amazing guide. Very patient and calm guy. We really enjoyed the tour. It was a great experience.

12 November 2022

Excellent experience, our tour guide Becky was fantastic. 5 stars, I’d give 10 stars if I could.
Anthony P 3 contributions

Excellent experience, our tour guide Becky was fantastic. 5 stars, I’d give 10 stars if I could.

Becky was a superb guide, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Due to a strike outside of anyone’s control we were unable to visit the British Museum as originally planned, regardless Becky devised a plan for a full walking tour of multiple neighborhoods rich in history and interesting things to see. I would gladly work with her and Babylon Tours again.

17 February 2023

Incredible/must do tour
Shannon C 1 contributions

Incredible/must do tour

Wesley was an incredible guide!! He was so knowledgeable about the area and made it a fun experience!! He checked in with us regularly and made sure we got all the pictures we wanted! This was a must do tour!!!

29 September 2023

London City Walk
Hunter R 1 contributions

London City Walk

Jaime was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about the history. He answered our questions with very informing insight and was extremely helpful with everything.

21 May 2024

Great Experience!
Luwana H 1 contributions

Great Experience!

Jake was wonderful and so knowledgeable about the area and the history. He gave us the story behind several common sayings woven unto thr history of people and events on our tour. He was eager to answer our questions and walked at a comfortable pace for the group but made sure to get us to Westminter Abbey at our appointed time. Great experience!

25 July 2024

Excellent tour
msalmar 12 contributions

Excellent tour

Great tour, excellent guide. Jamie was super knowledgeable and gave us lots of history at each site. We really enjoyed it.

22 March 2025

A first rate experience
Amy L 1 contributions

A first rate experience

Andi was excellent! He navigated very well around all of the Ve Day obstructions. He gave us so many historical facts and stories. He pointed out little things on the buildings we would have never spotted. Phenomenal couple of hours spent learning about England. Would highly recommend!!!

05 May 2025

FAQ's

Your guide will have your tickets. As long as you bring proof of ID, the guide's name and number, and arrive at the meeting point on time, the guide will assist you with entry.

Yes, you are welcome to stay in the museum until it closes.

No, as the museum is large, locating the guide inside is challenging. The guide will meet you at the designated meeting point and accompany the group inside. However, you are welcome to stay in the museum after the tour ends!

Please let us know immediately by email to babylontoursinfo@gmail.com or by texting or calling +1 917 999 0380 . Our refund policy does not cover transportation issues within 24 hours of the tour's start. In such cases, please contact your travel insurance provider. We can provide a document confirming you were unable to attend.

Please let us know immediately by email to babylontoursinfo@gmail.com or by texting or calling +1 917 999 0380. Our refund policy does not cover medical issues that arise within 24 hours of the tour's start. In such cases, please contact your travel insurance provider. We can provide a document confirming you were unable to attend.

Please inform your guide as soon as possible. As this is a semi-private tour, it must start on time. If your tour is ticketed, the guide will reply to your message with the tickets so you can enter the museum or monument on your own and try to join the guide inside if possible. Please note that once the tour begins, the guide will not be able to regularly check their phone.

Yes! You can reschedule free of charge if you notify us at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. For rescheduling within 24 hours, a fee applies to cover guide payments, unused tickets, and company costs (no profit is made on this fee). If you booked through a booking platform like Viator or GetYourGuide, you must reschedule directly with them.

Your guide will reach out to you the morning of the tour by text and email. Please ensure you have provided your correct telephone number (including country code) and email beforehand. Please be sure to check your SPAM folder if you don't see the email in your inbox.

No, Viator is a booking platform and Online Travel Agent. They sell our tours, but we are Babylon Tours, a Tour Operator currently offering tours in 12 major cities worldwide!

Yes! All tickets for the permanent collection are included and organized by Babylon Tours.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Your guide will be wearing a Babylon badge on a Babylon lanyard. They will also reach out to you on the morning of the tour to confirm the meeting point.

Yes, our tours run rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately. Tours will only be canceled in the event of a dangerous weather alert from local authorities.

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