London's Palaces & Parliament: 20 Sights Walking Tour

Twenty London landmarks in one morning walk, from the Palace to Parliament.

A 3-hour walking tour of London's most recognizable sights, led by a live guide through Westminster and the Royal Parks. You'll see Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square in a small group of 10–15 people. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is included on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday departures at 10am, though the British Army sets the schedule and it may shift without notice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Historic walking tour of London sights

• See Buckingham Palace
• Walk through the Royal Parks
• Learn history of Westminster
• Visit Parliament Square
• View London Eye and Big Ben
• See Trafalgar Square
• Observe Changing of the Guard (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun)

The experience

The tour covers 20 of London's top sights in three hours, moving at a pace that lets you stand in front of each one instead of rushing past. You'll walk through the Royal Parks, see Buckingham Palace from the outside, and spend time sitting in Parliament Square to take in the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The guide fills the route with the history behind each stop (stories of the monarchy, the government, Westminster's past), so the walk stays educational without feeling like a lecture.

The Changing of the Guard happens only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 10am, and only the 10am departure includes it. The British Army controls the schedule, so timing can shift, but when it's on, you'll watch the ceremony from a position the guide has arranged. The rest of the sights (Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye) are there every day. You'll sit down in Parliament Square partway through, which gives your feet a break and your eyes a chance to settle on the view.

The group stays small at 10–15 people, which means the guide can actually be heard and you're not herding through a crowd of fifty. You'll need to bring your own snacks and water, the tour doesn't include them, and wear shoes you can walk in for three hours. The route is wheelchair accessible, and strollers work for infants and small children. Public transport stops are nearby if you need to get there or leave early.

What’s included

• A live English-speaking guide leading the group through Westminster and the Royal Parks.
• entry to sit in Parliament Square.
• the Changing of the Guard ceremony on the 10am departure Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (schedule set by the British Army and subject to change).
• a small group of 10–15 people.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 13:00 and 15:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Top Sights Tours Group LLC

Is this one for you?This tour moves for three hours straight with one sit-down break, so it suits someone who walks comfortably and wants to see the major sights without stopping to go inside buildings. If you'd rather spend longer at one or two places, or need more frequent breaks, a self-guided walk or a longer tour with museum entries would fit better.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Changing of the Guard and when do I see it on this tour?

The Changing of the Guard is the ceremonial handover at Buckingham Palace, and you'll watch it on the 10am departure on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday only. The British Army sets the exact time, so it may vary, but the guide will position the group where you can see it happen.

How many stops are there and what do I actually do at each one?

The tour covers 20 sights across three hours, so you're moving through Westminster and the Royal Parks the whole time. At most stops you'll stand and look while the guide talks (at Parliament Square you'll sit down for a while), and you'll walk past the exteriors of buildings like Westminster Abbey, Downing Street and Buckingham Palace rather than going inside them.

Do I need to book the 10am time to see the Changing of the Guard?

Yes, the Changing of the Guard ceremony is only included on the 10am departure, and only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Other departure times on those days, and any time on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, will not include it.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit or I walk slowly?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and lasts three hours at a walking pace that includes a sit-down break in Parliament Square. If you need mobility support, the route is wheelchair accessible and strollers work for children.

What should I bring and what's included?

Bring water and snacks: the tour doesn't include them. The guide, the route through all 20 sights, and entry to Parliament Square are included. You don't need to arrange transport to the start or book tickets separately for the sights you see from outside.

Can I see inside Westminster Abbey or the Houses of Parliament on this tour?

No, this tour is a walking route past the exteriors of these buildings. You'll see them from outside and learn their history from the guide, but you won't go inside them. The tour keeps moving to cover all 20 sights in three hours.