London Westminster Walking Tour & Churchill War Rooms Entry

Summary

Walk past Buckingham Palace to Parliament Square and go underground at Churchill War Rooms

You’ll walk London’s royal streets from Buckingham Palace through bustling Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square with a local guide sharing stories along the way. Then head underground into the Churchill War Rooms — hear real wartime voices and touch history itself. This day leaves you thinking about what these walls have seen.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the guards’ boots sounded on the pavement outside Buckingham Palace — sharp, almost echoing in the morning air. Our guide, Tom, pointed out a spot where we could actually see the Changing of the Guard (he called it “the best view if you’re not seven feet tall”). I tried to get a photo but mostly ended up with blurry hats. Didn’t really matter though — just being there felt surreal. The smell of coffee from a nearby cart mixed with that damp London air, you know?

We wandered through Green Park and then down The Mall, passing people jogging and a few tourists who looked as lost as I usually feel in big cities. Trafalgar Square was busier than I expected — street performers, kids chasing pigeons, and someone selling little Union Jack flags. Tom told us about Nelson’s Column while a group of school kids shouted over him, which made me laugh. It all felt very alive and messy in a good way.

When we got to Parliament Square, Big Ben looked even taller than in photos. There’s something about seeing it up close — maybe it’s the sound of buses rumbling by or how everyone stops to look up at once. We passed Downing Street (couldn’t see much except gates and security), then walked toward Westminster Abbey. The stone felt cold when I touched it — over a thousand years old, apparently. That kind of history is hard to wrap your head around.

The last part was what stuck with me most: descending into the Churchill War Rooms. It smelled faintly musty, like old paper and metal — not unpleasant, just… timeworn. The audio guide played Churchill’s voice; I caught myself standing still for ages listening to him talk about courage. I didn’t expect to feel so moved by a basement full of maps and phones, but here we are.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Historic London walking tour and visit

• Stroll through Green Park
• See Buckingham Palace and hear royal stories
• Watch Changing of the Guard ceremony (on select days)
• Walk along the Royal Mall
• Visit Trafalgar Square and see Nelson’s Column
• Admire Horse Guards Parade and take photos
• Explore Whitehall and Downing Street
• View Palace of Westminster and Big Ben at Parliament Square
• See London Eye and Churchill Statue
• Visit Westminster Abbey
• Tour Churchill War Rooms with audio guide

Top questions

How long is the Westminster walking tour?

The walking tour lasts 3 hours before entering the Churchill War Rooms.

Is entry to Churchill War Rooms included?

Yes, entry tickets for Churchill War Rooms are included after the walking tour.

What sights do you see on this London tour?

You’ll see Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Downing Street, Whitehall, Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square, and more.

Can you watch Changing of the Guard on this tour?

You can watch Changing of the Guard on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays during 10am tours.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are guides local experts?

Your walking tour is led by a local fun guide knowledgeable about London history.

Does this include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet at the starting point near Green Park.

What’s included

Your day includes a 3-hour walking tour past 20 iconic Westminster sights led by a local guide plus entry tickets for Churchill’s War Rooms after the walk—so you get both street-level stories and an immersive underground museum experience before heading out on your own again.