London Landmarks: Iconic Sights Tour

26 Ratings

Greater London

Save

View All (25)

Explore London’s iconic landmarks with a captivating tour featuring the Changing of the Guard, Thames cruise, and Tower of London insights.

Duration: 4 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

learn more

Highlights

Changing of the Guard - Start your day with the renowned Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Witness the royal guards in their red uniforms as they perform a ceremonial handover, accompanied by a military band. Please be aware that if your tour is scheduled for a Saturday, the Changing of the Guards will be substituted with a…

Changing of the Guard - Start your day with the renowned Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Witness the royal guards in their red uniforms as they perform a ceremonial handover, accompanied by a military band. Please be aware that if your tour is scheduled for a Saturday, the Changing of the Guards will be substituted with a Royal Walking Tour of Westminster City. This tour includes views of London’s most iconic landmarks from the outside, such as Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.
St. James’s Park - Passed by during the walking tour
Buckingham Palace - Stop by to observe the Changing of the Guards, with your guide explaining the significance of Buckingham Palace
Westminster Abbey - As you explore this lively area of London, learn about the royals and politicians of Great Britain who have left their mark on the capital. Pass by Whitehall, the seat of the government, and Downing Street, where the Prime Minister resides. Enjoy photo opportunities at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and see Big Ben, London’s iconic clock tower.
Big Ben - Big Ben, the iconic clock tower at the Houses of Parliament, is a symbol of London and British culture. Renowned for its precise timekeeping and resonant chimes, it embodies the UK’s history, democracy, and resilience. Featured in numerous films and events, Big Ben is a cherished landmark and a timeless emblem of British heritage.
Parliament Square - Passed by during the walking tour
Houses of Parliament - The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, are the center of UK democracy and a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Home to the House of Commons and House of Lords, it’s where laws are debated and formed. Iconic and rich in history, it symbolizes Britain’s governance and heritage.
Thames River - Your cruise from Embankment to Tower Bridge offers a relaxing journey along the Thames, showcasing iconic London landmarks. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Shard, all while gliding through the city’s historic heart. Your guide’s commentary will highlight the rich history and architectural wonders of the city, culminating with the majestic sight of Tower Bridge. It’s a perfect blend of sightseeing and tranquility.
Tower of London - The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. It houses the Crown Jewels and centuries of fascinating stories. Your private audience with a Beefeater adds a unique touch, offering insider tales, exclusive insights, and a personal connection to the Tower’s rich history, making the experience truly unforgettable.

What's Included

Expert, English-Speaking Tour Guide
Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
Entrance Ticket to the Tower of London
Changing of the Guard Tour / Westminster Walking Tour [depending on the day]
Boat ride on the River Thames
Tower of London Meet & Greet with a Beefeater

What's Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Additional Information

Explore London’s Iconic Landmarks: A Must-See Tour!
Discover the essence of London with a tour that blends history, tradition, and stunning sights. Start with the renowned Changing of the Guards near Buckingham Palace, or opt for a Royal Walking Tour on Saturdays, showcasing landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament….

Explore London’s Iconic Landmarks: A Must-See Tour!

Discover the essence of London with a tour that blends history, tradition, and stunning sights. Start with the renowned Changing of the Guards near Buckingham Palace, or opt for a Royal Walking Tour on Saturdays, showcasing landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.

Unwind on a picturesque Thames River cruise, offering breathtaking views of Tower Bridge and other renowned landmarks from the water.

The tour’s highlight is a visit to the Tower of London, which boasts over 1,000 years of history and the Crown Jewels. Enjoy an exclusive Beefeater Meet & Greet—a private 15-minute session with a Yeoman Warder who will share fascinating stories and provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at this iconic fortress.

Ideal for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through London’s rich heritage and charm.

There is no Changing of the Foot Guards on Saturday so you’ll be provided with a Walking Tour of Westminster City if you book on a Saturday. You may be able to see the Changing of the Horse Guards at Horse Guards parade but that’s not guaranteed.
The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead. No refund will be provided as this is not under our control.
We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
This service ends at the Tower of London after the Beefeater Audience. You are free to explore as long as you wish the Tower of London at your pace.
Please note that photography is not permitted inside the Crown Jewels exhibition.

Location

Duke of York Monument

Meet your guide by the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. This is the tall column with a statue on top. Arriving by tube: Take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St James.

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.9

(26 Ratings)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Journey06339847894

Jul 1, 2019

Highly recommend - Phil and Danielle were both excellent guides. They shared a lot of history and stories. They pointed out many interesting places. They both had a lot of enthusiasm for the tour.

Review provided by Viator

Katomike

Jun 4, 2019

Worth the Money! - First our guide was Gavin! I truly believe a guide can make or break your tour. Gavin was fabulous! He knew exactly where to be at the right time and we always had fantastic views. You truly do get to go in first and see the opening ceremony at Tower of London, we had the best seats on the Thames boat ride, and we could have reached out and touched the Guards practicing for Her Majesty the Queen's birthday. Gavin was informative, humorous, and a delight. This is a walking tour and you need to keep up. The description mentions this and you need to take it seriously. Thank you Gavin for a wonderful tour!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Michaelt_k

May 16, 2019

Wonderful Tour! - This tour was amazing and our Tour Guide Gavin was exceptional. He was knowledgeable, interesting and fun! We were the only group allowed in for the opening ceremony of the Tower of London which gives you a head start to view the Crown Jewels before the crowd. Throughout the tour Gavin's timing was impeccable and he knew just where to be at the right time for the best viewing. We were there for the Guards Parade. We were so close we could have reached out and touched them. Gavin also had wonderful little "family stories" which he included with the historical accounts that made the tour even more interesting. We included the London Highlights and were glad we did as it added even more depth to the tour. Thank you for a fabulous tour Gavin!

Review provided by Viator

625bernadettea

Apr 12, 2019

Brady’s med school graduation trip - We had Nathan for the full tour and he was absolutely excellent. Highly knowledgeable! Would definitely recommend the tour and Nathan in particular!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Monideepa

Oct 27, 2018

Royal Walking Tour of Palaces, Changing of Guard, Horse Guards Parade - We were quite excited about taking the Golden Travels Royal Walking Tour on our second day in London... The departure point of the 2-hour walking tour from Leicester Square and it was to start off at 10am. Therefore, after an early breakfast at our hostel, we took the tube train from the Tower Bridge Underground Station to Leicester Square Underground Station and thereafter, proceeded to the Golden Tour Visitor Centre. It was a cloudy morning and our group was taken charge of by a young, chubby and delightfully chirpy girl guide still not out of her teens. She forewarned us that it was the second tour as guide; her freshness was very endearing indeed. To start off, we all trooped to Trafalgar Square. Although I have been to this famous public square earlier, this time, Stella pointed out a thing or two about the place. The first thing that catches the eye is the Nelson’s column which we learnt is a monument built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson who died in the Battle of Trafalgar. Stella went on to add that the column is 169ft tall from the bottom of the pedestal to the top of Nelson’s hat. Statues of four stately lion in bronze sit at the base of the column. There are four plinths in the square, three of which house and commemorative statues and sculptures, such as the bronze statues of Henry Havelock and Charles James Napier. The northeast plinth houses the statue of George IV. The Fourth plinth which had remained vacant due to paucity of funds, later on, in 1999, it was decided that it would be host to contemporary art since 1999. The square also houses the statue of James Outram who had staged his role as military general in India. Trafalgar square has been used for community gatherings and festivities such as Christmas and New Year Eve celebrations, apart from staging theatrical shows and political demonstrations. Since over seventy years, a Christmas tree has been donated to the square by Norway. Apparently, the tree is selected from Oslo’s Municipal Forest and is and is shipped across the North Sea. The decorated and lit up Christmas tree is kept for twelve days before and after Christmas Day. Earlier, Trafalgar Square was well known for its huge number of feral pigeons but due to the heavy expense that had to be incurred while renovating the Nelson’s Column which was covered by pigeon droppings, they are no longer allowed near the square. We then walked towards the St. James Palace. At 10:30am a detachment of the Old Guard forms up in Friary Court, St James’s Palace, Marlborough Road. Before the guards come out, the road is cleared by the guards riding tall stallions. The Captain of The Queen’s Guard inspects the troop of guards and thereafter, the contingent marches down ‘The Mall’ towards Buckingham Palace preceded by a Band or Corps of Drums. Standing in front of the main entrance of the Tudor style St. James Palace at Pall Mall, Stella told us that it is the most senior royal palace in the United Kingdom and that it now serves as the London residence of several minor members of the royal family. Right outside the beautiful tainted windows of the Chapel Royal, our guide, Stella told us that the body of Diana, Princess of Wales had first been brought to the St. James Palace and was kept there for five days before being taken to the Kensington Palace. Stella also elaborated that, ahead of her wedding ceremony, Meghan Markle had been baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual head of the Church of England in the Chapel Royal at St. James Palace, following which, she became a member of Anglican Church of England. Enlightened with all these informations, we then headed towards the official residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, the Clarence House, situated on The Mall. Continuing our Royal Walking Tour we next headed to the Buckingham Palace. We reached The Mall which is a road between Buckingham Palace at its western end and Trafalgar Square/Admiralty Arch to the east. Near the east end at Trafalgar Square/Whitehall, the road is met by Horse Guards Road and Spring Gardens. The Mall remains closed to traffic on Sundays, public holidays and on ceremonial occasions The surface of The Mall facing the Buckingham Palace and leading up to it, is coloured red to give the effect of a giant red carpet. As we had reserved tickets for the Buckingham Palace Tour the following day, we headed towards the Horse Guards Road to the Admiralty House and Whitehall, The Panorama of Horse Guards Parade, off Whitehall, from the northwest corner. North: Admiralty Citadel, Admiralty Extension Building ; East: Admiralty House (under scaffolding), Household Cavalry Museum, Horse Guards, Dover House ; South: Cabinet Office, Garden of 10 Downing Street ; West: St. James Park and the Guards Memorial. It is not only the venue of the Changing of The Queen's Life Guard, but it is also the location for Trooping the Colour, which commemorates the Queen's Birthday, and Beating Retreat. Out Royal Walking Tour came to its end at the Whitehall after the parade and we then took the Golden Travels Hop On-Hop Off bus to continue the sightseeing.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Howard

Jul 31, 2018

Brilliant! - Ben was our guide and did an amazing job! The early entry into the tower of London is well worth the price of the tour. We were the very first people to see the crown jewels for the day! Ben did a great job positioning the group for the best views of the changing of the guard. We were also lucky enough to be the only group on the afternoon tour so we had a private tour. Interesting for all of us (family of 4 with 18 and 14 year old boys).

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Dora_r

Jun 25, 2018

great walking tour - We had a wonderful tour with Phil ! He took us on a walking tour full of history and ways to get to the attractions so we could have the best views . We ended our tour with a wonderful afternoon tea !I highly recommend this tour with Phil if you like history and to walk .

Review provided by Viator

Floirda-gigi

Jun 17, 2018

London Walking Tour with High Tea - I would highly recommend the London Royal Walking Tour including the afternoon tea. We thoroughly enjoyed the informative walking tour in the morning and after lunch. The tour guide, Robert, was extremely knowledgeable about the royal history, kings, queens, important buildings, theatres, statues, etc. We learned so many interesting and surprising facts about the people and places highlighted during this tour. Robert's timing was perfect...getting our group into the Tower of London, then to the boat tour, then to the changing of the guards, to Buckingham Palace, on and on. We were right on time for the special events to be seen. We also very much appreciate having the headsets during the tour so everyone in the group could hear Robert clearly during our walks and while on the boat. Be sure to participate in the afternoon tour ending with high tea. We learned a great deal in the afternoon, as we did in the morning. High tea was the perfect ending to a perfect tour.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Rhonda

Jun 13, 2018

While we didn't get to see the... - <p>While we didn't get to see the changing of the guard, we did get to see the dress rehearsal of the Trooping of the Color in preparation for the Queen's birthday. Lots of walking on this tour - be warned to wear comfortable shoes!</p>

Review provided by Viator

Caroladickinson

Oct 31, 2017

Excellent tour guide. Very... - <p>Excellent tour guide. Very accommodating and knowledgeable, especially appreciated by us older persons who are a little slower with the walking. Time allowed at the Tower of London was entirely too short. Needed another hour or two to really see the grounds and explore this historical site. Could have liked more time at the tower and less extensive walking tour. The tea was very nice and made up for us skipping our afternoon walking tour. Thanks to our wonderful guide!</p>

Review provided by Viator

From $116

Check Availability

From $116

Select Date and Tickets

up to 15 guests

1 Adult