London Black Cab Tour: Westminster, Big Ben & Iconic Landmarks

Summary

Glide past Big Ben in a black cab with stories echoing from every corner

You’ll ride through central London in an iconic black cab with a local guide at the wheel—seeing Big Ben up close, catching moments like Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, pausing by the Thames or Trafalgar Square for photos and stories you won’t find in guidebooks. It’s lively, personal, and full of small surprises.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the cab door thunked shut—solid, heavier than I expected. Our driver, John (he’s been doing this for twenty years, apparently), grinned in the mirror and asked if we were ready to see “the real London.” We rolled out past Hyde Park, sunlight flickering through the trees, and I caught that faint mix of rain on old stone—London’s signature scent, or maybe just my imagination running wild already.

John had this habit of slowing down at just the right moment—like outside Buckingham Palace when he pointed out a little detail on the gates I’d never have spotted. We lucked out with the Changing of the Guard (the band was playing something suspiciously like ABBA). He told us about his dad seeing Churchill once near Downing Street; it felt like history wasn’t just in books here. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben looked even taller from street level. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just stared up while John kept chatting about how they clean the clock face (it’s not as easy as you’d think).

I didn’t expect Trafalgar Square to feel so lively—kids chasing pigeons, some guy sketching Nelson’s Column with chalk right on the pavement. At Piccadilly Circus, neon lights even in daylight made me squint. We stopped for five minutes by the Thames; it smelled briny and cold and somehow ancient. There was time for questions everywhere—John never rushed us. He even let me try saying “Royal Albert Hall” in my worst British accent (my partner is still laughing about that one).

By the time we reached Kensington Gardens and saw Diana Memorial Fountain glinting under grey clouds, I realized how much you can actually see in two hours with someone who knows all the shortcuts—and all the stories. The city felt less intimidating after that ride. Sometimes you need someone local to help you look up instead of just ahead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private London Highlights Tour

• See Buckingham Palace and Changing Guard
• Visit Westminster Abbey and learn history
• Watch Horse Guards Parade ceremony
• View Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• Drive past 10 Downing Street
• Stop at Clarence House
• Stop at St. James's Palace
• Stop at Kensington Palace
• Drive by Admiralty Arch and Whitehall Palace
• Drive by River Thames and London Eye
• Drive through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
• Drive by Royal Albert Hall and Albert Memorial
• Drive by Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column
• Drive by Piccadilly Circus and National Gallery
• Drive by Parliament Square and Westminster Cathedral
• Drive by Diana Memorial Fountain
• Drive by Lambeth Palace

Top questions

How long is this private London black cab tour?

You can choose between 2, 4, or 6 hours for your private tour.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you're staying in Central London.

What landmarks will we see on this tour?

You’ll pass Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament & Big Ben, Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park and more.

Is there a live guide during the tour?

Yes—a licensed driver-guide provides commentary throughout your journey.

Can we stop for photos during the tour?

Your guide will make stops along the way for photos or short walks as time allows.

Is this black cab tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes—the vehicles are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Infants can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What languages is this tour offered in?

The standard offering includes an English-speaking driver-guide.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Central London, a private sightseeing drive with a knowledgeable English-speaking driver-guide who shares stories along every route, plus plenty of chances to hop out for photos or quick walks at famous spots like Westminster Abbey or Kensington Gardens—all from inside an iconic London black cab.