London: Westminster Walking Tour, River Cruise & The Shard

Walk Westminster, Float the Thames, Rise Above London in One Day

You walk past Buckingham Palace, Parliament and Westminster Abbey with a local guide over three hours, then cruise the Thames from Westminster toward Tower Bridge, and finish at the top of the Shard with 360-degree views of London. Entry to all three is included, the Changing of the Guard is timed for 10am on Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun, and small groups mean you can actually hear what's being said.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Walk through Green Park
• Visit Buckingham Palace and watch Changing of the Guard
• Walk along the Royal Mall
• See Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column
• Stop at Horse Guards Parade for photos
• Explore Whitehall and Downing Street
• Visit Parliament Square and see Big Ben
• Tour Westminster Abbey
• Take River Thames cruise to Bankside Pier
• Ride elevator to The Shard’s viewing platform

The Experience

"How do you fit Big Ben, a boat ride and the best view in London into a single afternoon?" That's the question this combo ticket answers. You start in Green Park, walk through three hours of Westminster's main streets—Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey—and catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony if you're there on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday at 10am. The guide points out the details: where Prime Ministers have lived since 1735, the 1000-year history of the Abbey, the stories behind the statues and fountains. It's the kind of walking tour where you're not just passing landmarks; you're standing in front of them and actually learning why they matter.

After the walk wraps, you head to Westminster Pier and board a river cruise that takes you along the Thames toward Bankside. You're gliding under Blackfriars and Millennium Bridges, watching the London Eye and Tate Modern slide past, seeing Shakespeare's Globe Theatre from the water. The boat moves slowly enough that you can actually photograph things and process what you're looking at, which is rare in London. The whole cruise runs from Westminster to Bankside Pier—not rushed, not crammed with stops, just you on the water with the city on both sides.

Then comes the finale: the elevator ride up the Shard. Europe's tallest building, 72 storeys, and you're going to the top. The 360-degree views hit differently when you've just walked the streets and floated the river—you can actually point down and say "I was just there." On a clear day you see all the way to the edges of London. On a grey day (which is most days) the city disappears into cloud and it's oddly beautiful anyway. You're up there as long as you want; there's no time limit once you're in.

The whole thing is small groups, which matters when you're trying to hear a guide and move through crowded Westminster streets. You're not herded; you're led. And because everything is included—the walk, the cruise, the Shard entry—you're not stopping to buy tickets or figure out logistics. You just show up and move through London in the order it's meant to happen.

What’s included

Your day includes a three-hour guided walking tour of Westminster starting in Green Park, entry to the Changing of the Guard ceremony (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun), a river cruise along the Thames from Westminster to Bankside Pier, and entry to the Shard observation deck at the top of Europe's tallest building. You're in a small group with a local guide throughout.

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 London's main sights—the Palace, Parliament, the Abbey, the river and the skyline—all in one day without arranging separate tickets, transport or timing; the combo format is what makes it possible to see all three in a single afternoon.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What days does the Changing of the Guard happen on this tour?

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 10am. The ceremony schedule is set by the British Army and can change without notice.

How long is the walking part?

Three hours, covering 20+ sights through Westminster including Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, Parliament Square, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

Is the river cruise included?

Yes. It runs from Westminster Pier to Bankside Pier along the Thames, passing the London Eye, Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

Can I spend as long as I want at the top of the Shard?

Yes. Once you're in, there's no time limit. You can stay as long as you like to enjoy the views.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can use a pram or stroller.

What's the group size?

Small groups. The exact number isn't specified, but it's designed to keep groups manageable for walking and hearing the guide.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour runs in all weather. The walking and cruise happen regardless. Views from the Shard may be limited on very cloudy days, but the building stays open.

Do I need to book the Changing of the Guard in advance?

No. The 10am tour is timed to catch the ceremony, and your guide will find the best viewing spot. Just be aware the ceremony schedule can change.