London Walking Tour: Top Sights with Local Guide & Kids Free

Summary

Walk through london’s icons from buckingham palace to borough market with stories and laughter along the way

You’ll wander London’s famous streets with a local guide who knows all the shortcuts and stories — from watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to tasting snacks at Borough Market. Expect laughs, unexpected details, and plenty of photo stops along this small-group day trip through London’s top sights… plus moments you’ll remember long after your feet recover.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide just outside Green Park station, and right away I could tell this wasn’t going to be one of those stiff history lectures. There were only about eight of us — a couple of families, some solo travelers, and me. Our guide, Sam, waved us over with a grin and started chatting about the squirrels in the park (apparently they’re not native — who knew?). We wandered under these big leafy trees toward Buckingham Palace, and I could smell fresh grass mixed with that city scent you get after it rains. The Changing of the Guard was happening that morning — Sam found us a spot where my view wasn’t blocked by someone’s phone for once. The guards’ boots actually made this hollow sound on the pavement that I didn’t expect. Kids in our group tried to mimic their march, which cracked everyone up.

After Buckingham Palace we strolled down The Mall — honestly, it felt like walking through a movie set. Sam pointed out little things I’d never have noticed: statues tucked behind hedges, the way Londoners avoid eye contact but still nod politely if you smile first. Trafalgar Square was buzzing with people feeding pigeons (even though there are signs everywhere saying not to). We stopped for photos by Nelson’s Column and then wandered past Downing Street — you can’t get close, but Sam told us stories about past prime ministers that made it feel more real than just another street sign.

I think my favorite part was when we reached Westminster Abbey and Big Ben (well, mostly covered in scaffolding right now). There was this moment where everything got quiet for a second — just bells ringing somewhere far off and the faint smell of roasted nuts from a nearby cart. It’s weird how sometimes you remember tiny details like that more than the big sights themselves.

We hopped on the Tube (Sam handled tickets so nobody got lost) and popped out near Borough Market. That place is wild — smells of curry, coffee, bread all mixing together. We tried samples from a cheese stall while Sam pointed out spots from Harry Potter films (the kids went nuts for that). By the time we crossed London Bridge for views of Tower Bridge and The Shard, my feet were tired but I didn’t really care anymore. It felt like we’d seen so many sides of London in just one day trip from central London.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — London's Iconic Landmarks Tour

• Walk through Green Park to Buckingham Palace
• Visit Trafalgar Square
• See Horse Guards Parade
• Explore Whitehall and Downing Street
• View Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• Tour Westminster Abbey
• Visit Southbank: Tate Modern and Globe Theatre
• Walk across Millennium Bridge
• Explore Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral
• See London Bridge and nearby sights

Top questions

How long is this London walking tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours, starting at 10am and finishing around 3pm.

Is there a local guide included?

Yes, your small group will be led by a knowledgeable local guide throughout.

Does this tour include watching Changing of the Guard?

You can see Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace on Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun during 10am tours.

Are kids allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, kids can join free on this London walking tour experience.

What are some main sights visited during the tour?

Sights include Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Borough Market, London Bridge and more.

Is public transportation used during the tour?

Yes, there is a short journey on the London Underground included in your day trip.

Is lunch or food included?

No lunch is included but you’ll have time to try food at Borough Market during your visit.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; prams/strollers are welcome too.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through central London’s top sights with a friendly local guide leading your small group; entry fees aren’t needed as you’ll explore exteriors and public spaces; travel on public transport is covered; kids join free; plus there’s time to sample food at Borough Market before finishing near Tower Bridge in the afternoon.