London: Westminster & Kensington Palace Private Tour

Five Hours Through Royal London: Westminster to Kensington Palace

You get a private guide for three hours through Westminster's major sights (Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey) plus entry to Kensington Palace to explore independently. The 10am departure catches the Changing of the Guard on certain days. You avoid the crowds of group tours and the confusion of navigating between these landmarks alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Westminster landmarks and Kensington Palace

• Stroll through Green Park
• See Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard
• Walk along the Royal Mall
• Visit Trafalgar Square
• Admire Horse Guards Parade arch and clock
• Explore Whitehall and Downing Street
• View Houses of Parliament and Big Ben at Parliament Square
• Visit Westminster Abbey
• Tour Kensington Palace (entry included)

The Experience

You're probably wondering if you'll actually see the Changing of the Guard or just miss it by twenty minutes. The 10am tour is the one that catches it (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), though the British Army sets the schedule and it shifts without warning. Your guide finds the spot anyway, and then you walk from Green Park through the heart of Westminster: Buckingham Palace first, then down the Royal Mall toward Trafalgar Square with its fountains and Nelson's Column rising above the crowd. The National Gallery sits there too, all those famous buildings your guide will name as you pass.

After Trafalgar, the route tightens. Horse Guards Parade comes next (that famous arch and the clock make a good photo), and then Whitehall, where the grand buildings cluster and Downing Street sits behind its gates. This is where British Prime Ministers have worked since 1735. The walking part of the tour runs three hours total, and by the time you reach Parliament Square you've seen the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben up close, views of the London Eye, and Churchill's statue. Westminster Abbey is right there too, over a thousand years old, where kings and queens get crowned. Your private guide tells the stories as you move through it all.

The second half is Kensington Palace. Entry is included, and you explore it on your own: the guide doesn't come inside with you. Two hours to walk through the official residence of Prince William, see the rooms, the history, the things that matter if you're into the royals. The whole thing lands at five hours, which is long enough to feel like you've actually covered London's royal landmarks without the rush of a big group tour.

What’s included

• Private guide for the Westminster walking tour.
• three-hour Westminster tour covering Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, Downing Street, Parliament Square, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
• Changing of the Guard viewing (10am tour on Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun, subject to British Army schedule).
• admission to Kensington Palace.
• two hours to explore Kensington Palace independently.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Top Sights Tours Group LLC

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main royal landmarks in one morning without arranging separate tickets or figuring out the walking route yourself: the private guide and fixed itinerary compress what would take a full day of planning into a single five-hour block.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What time does the tour start?

The 10am tour includes the Changing of the Guard ceremony (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). Other departure times are available. Check availability when booking.

Is the Changing of the Guard guaranteed?

The ceremony happens at 10am on those four days, but the British Army sets the schedule and may change it without notice. Your guide will find the best viewing spot if it's on.

Do I need to pay extra for Kensington Palace entry?

No, admission is included in the tour price.

Will the guide go inside Kensington Palace with me?

No, you explore Kensington Palace independently. The guide accompanies you for the three-hour Westminster walking tour only.

How long is the tour?

Five hours total: three hours walking through Westminster, two hours at Kensington Palace.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Prams and strollers are welcome, and service animals are allowed.

Can I use public transport to get to the start?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Is this suitable for families with young children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.