London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   Parliament Square

   Start your day in the heart of historic Westminster, surrounded by some of London’s most recognisable landmarks. Take in Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament as your Blue Badge guide introduces the people, power and events that have shaped Britain from this extraordinary corner of the capital. Please note: Guests selecting London in a Day starting from the Tower option will visit the same attractions and enjoy the same inclusions as the standard tour, but in the reverse order, starting at the Tower of London and ending at Westminster Abbey.

   30 minutes•Admission free•See on map

2. 2

   Westminster

   Step inside Westminster Abbey, the magnificent setting for royal coronations since 1066 and the final resting place of kings, queens, poets and some of Britain’s most famous figures. With pre-reserved entry, explore the Abbey with your expert Blue Badge guide and discover the stories behind royal weddings, state funerals and centuries of British history,from the Coronation Chair to the tombs of monarchs and Poet’s Corner.

   1h 30m•Admission included•See on map

3. 3

   Changing of the Guard

   Walk through St. James’s Park to Buckingham Palace, the world-famous London residence of the British monarch. Hear the stories behind royal life at the palace. Your guide will also bring you to Horse Guards Parade for a glimpse of Britain’s centuries-old royal traditions.

   30 minutes•Admission not included•See on map

4. 4

   Enter the ceremonial heart of royal London at Horse Guards Parade, home to the King’s Life Guard and one of the capital’s great military traditions. See the mounted guards on duty and discover the history behind the uniforms, rituals and pageantry that have protected the monarch for centuries.

   30 minutes•Admission free

5. 5

   Trafalgar Square

   Continue through the heart of central London to Trafalgar Square, dominated by Nelson’s Column and surrounded by landmarks that tell the story of Britain’s past. Along the way, your guide connects the royal, political and cultural history you’ve encountered throughout the morning before time to pause for lunch and recharge ahead of the afternoon’s adventures.

   2 hours•Admission free•See on map

6. 6

   Thames River

   Give your feet a rest as you take to the Thames for a sightseeing cruise through the heart of London. See the city from a completely different perspective as you pass landmarks including the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard, travelling east towards Tower Bridge and the final,and oldest, chapter of your day.

   30 minutes•Admission included•See on map

7. 7

   Tower of London

   Finish your day inside the formidable Tower of London, a royal palace, prison and fortress with nearly 1,000 years of extraordinary history behind its walls. Follow your Blue Badge guide through stories of kings and queens, prisoners, executions and intrigue -from Anne Boleyn to the mysterious Princes in the Tower. Explore the medieval fortress and come face-to-face with its greatest treasure: the spectacular Crown Jewels, still used in royal ceremonies today.

   2h 30m•Admission included•See on map

8. 8

   Tower Bridge

   Tower Bridge (exterior)

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

9. 9

   St. James's Palace

   St James Palace (exterior)

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

10. 10

    Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

    Houses of Parliament (exterior)

    Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

11. 11

    Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

    Big Ben (view)

    Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

12. 12

    London Eye

    London Eye (view)

    Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

13. 13

    St. Paul's Cathedral

    St Paul's Cathedral (view)

    Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

14. 14

    The Shard

    The Shard (view)

    Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. This tour meets at 5BT, Tower Place West, 50 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DT, UK. Meet your coordinator at the West Gate entrance, opposite the Starbucks and in front of the Tower of London giftshop.

The map shows London. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

Pickup

• Everyone meets at the start point

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
• This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
• Please Note: The 10 AM tour does not include entry to the Abbey. Instead, your guide will provide an introduction to the Abbey from the exterior.
• Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
• Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• • The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows. • We ask all guests (including children) bring ID on the day of their tour. • Please Note: The 10 AM tour does not include entry to the Abbey. Instead, your guide will provide an introduction to the Abbey from the exterior. • Please note that for security reasons bag searches will take place at Westminster Abbey and at the Tower of London. • All guests must pass through security. • Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time. • Photographs not permitted inside Westminster Abbey. • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers. • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated. • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Cancellation and refunds

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.