London: Walking Tour of 30 Sights with Changing of the Guard

Summary

Walk from Buckingham Palace to Borough Market seeing Big Ben & Tower Bridge

You’ll wander London with a small group and local guide, catching sights like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben’s chimes up close, lively Borough Market snacks, and views from London Bridge to Tower Bridge. Expect spontaneous stories, real city sounds, and moments where London feels both huge and unexpectedly personal.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the mix of accents in our little group, all huddled near Green Park. Our guide — I think her name was Ellie — waved us over with this bright red umbrella, like she knew half of London personally. We set off towards Buckingham Palace, and honestly, I didn’t expect to get that close. The gates looked almost gold in the morning light, and Ellie started telling us about royal scandals (she whispered some bits so the guards wouldn’t hear). On Mondays you can see the Changing of the Guard — we caught it, and it’s louder than you’d think. Brass bands echoing off stone, horses clopping past. Some kid nearby tried to salute back at a guard and his mum nearly melted from embarrassment.

We drifted down The Mall afterwards — there’s something about those wide red roads that makes you feel like you’re in a movie. Trafalgar Square was packed but still felt open somehow; pigeons everywhere, people snapping photos under Nelson’s Column. At Whitehall, Ellie pointed out Downing Street (honestly smaller than it looks on TV), and then we found ourselves standing right beneath Big Ben just as it chimed. It’s a sound that sort of vibrates through your chest if you’re close enough. Westminster Abbey loomed nearby — centuries of stories in those stones. I tried to picture all the coronations and funerals inside but got distracted by a street musician playing something mournful on violin.

The Underground ride was quick — bit sweaty but everyone just shrugged it off (Londoners don’t seem to notice crowds). Southbank felt brighter somehow; you could smell coffee drifting out from somewhere near Tate Modern. We crossed Millennium Bridge (Ellie called it “the wobbly one” — not wrong) and suddenly St Paul’s Cathedral was right there across the river, dome shining even though clouds were rolling in. Someone asked about Harry Potter filming spots at Borough Market and Ellie grinned, leading us through food stalls where I grabbed a sausage roll that left buttery flakes on my jacket for hours.

By the time we hit London Bridge, my feet were protesting but I didn’t care much. The view from there — Tower Bridge stretching over the Thames, The Shard stabbing up into grey sky — made me stop talking for once. There’s something grounding about seeing so many layers of history stacked together like that. Anyway, I still think about that first clang of Big Ben or how everyone went quiet for just a second crossing Tower Bridge. You know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore London's major landmarks

• Walk through Green Park
• Visit Buckingham Palace
• Watch Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Stroll along the Royal Mall
• See Trafalgar Square and National Gallery
• Admire Horse Guards Parade arch and clock
• Walk to Whitehall and Downing Street
• Visit Parliament Square and Big Ben
• Explore Westminster Abbey
• Take London Underground to Southbank
• See Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe
• Cross Millennium Bridge for St Paul’s view
• Visit Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral
• View Tower Bridge and Tower of London from London Bridge

Top questions

How many sights are included on this London walking tour?

The tour covers over 30 top sights throughout central London.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at Green Park.

Will we see the Changing of the Guard ceremony?

The Changing of the Guard is included on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays during the 10am tour only.

Is this London walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it runs rain or shine; bring an umbrella if rain is forecasted.

Is public transportation used during the tour?

Yes, there is a short journey on the London Underground included.

Are food or drinks included at Borough Market?

No food or drinks are included; you can buy snacks at Borough Market during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour with a small group through more than 30 iconic London sights such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben; entry into lively Borough Market; all routes are wheelchair accessible; plus a short ride on public transport with your fun local guide leading every step along the way.