Go Up The Shard & London Landmark Walking Tour

If you’re visiting London for the first time and want to get your bearings while ticking off a long list of iconic sights, this full-day walking tour offers a practical way to do just that. Starting at The Ritz London and ending at The Shard, you’ll explore over 20 major landmarks with an experienced guide, all while enjoying the thrill of skip-the-line access to The View from the Shard. For a price of about $116.34 per person, this six-hour adventure combines sightseeing, history, and panoramic views to give you a solid introduction to London’s most famous neighborhoods.

Two things we love about this experience are the expert guidance—your guide is recognized for their knowledge and friendly approach—and the priority admission to The Shard, which cuts down what could be a frustrating wait in line. Plus, the mix of walking and easy underground travel keeps the pace lively but manageable. A possible drawback? The tour covers so much ground that it can feel a bit rushed, especially the stops at some of London’s more expansive landmarks.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of central London in one day, especially those who appreciate guided commentary and authentic neighborhood experiences. Families, first-timers, and those with limited time will find it particularly valuable.

Key Points

• Convenient full-day itinerary covering over 20 major London sights in one go
• Skip-the-line ticket to The Shard’s observation deck, saving time and adding an unforgettable view
• Expert guides provide engaging stories and local insights, enhancing every stop
• Family-friendly—kids only pay for The Shard, making it a good value for families
• Efficient transportation with underground travel between sights
• Small group size (up to 20) for a more personalized experience

Exploring London’s Landmarks in Depth

Starting at The Ritz and Buckingham Palace

Your day begins at The Ritz London at 10:00 am, a classic starting point in the heart of Mayfair. From here, we walk through Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace—the official residence of the monarch. We loved the way our guide shared entertaining stories about British royal traditions and history, adding context to the impressive façade. On certain days, you might witness the Changing of the Guard, a spectacle that many travelers find captivating, and your guide will help you find the best spot to see it.

While the admission to the Palace isn’t included, the nearby Royal Mall offers stunning views of the palace and the iconic Victoria Memorial, perfect for photos. We appreciated that the tour offers a balance of walking and commentary, making it accessible for a wide range of visitors.

Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade

Next, we moved to Trafalgar Square, a lively hub with Nelson’s Column and beautiful fountains. This spot embodies London’s cultural heart, with the National Gallery nearby. Your guide points out notable buildings and shares stories behind this historic square.

From there, it’s a short walk to Horse Guards Parade, where we paused at the ornate Horse Guards Arch and snapped pictures of the famous clock. This area is a favorite for photos, especially with the historic St. James’s Park just behind.

The Political Heart of London

We then explored Whitehall, home to government buildings and Downing Street, where the Prime Minister resides. The guide shared insider tidbits about British politics and the significance of this area. The monuments and grand architecture here remind visitors of London’s long-standing political history.

Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey

A highlight was standing in Parliament Square, gazing up at the Palace of Westminster and the Big Ben clock tower. Though the interior isn’t part of this tour, the exterior views are breathtaking. Our guide pointed out the Churchill Statue and the London Eye across the river, giving us a sense of the city’s layout.

Next, we visited Westminster Abbey, an 800-year-old site of coronations and royal weddings. It’s a short walk, and despite the internal visit not being included, the outside views and stories about its history add depth to your understanding of British monarchy and religion.

Southbank and Millennium Bridge

After a quick underground ride, we arrived at the vibrant Southbank, home to Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre. We loved how this area combines culture, entertainment, and stunning river views, perfect for soaking in London’s creative vibe.

Crossing the Millennium Bridge (widely known as “Wobbly Bridge,” thanks to its slight sway), you get a fantastic view of St. Paul’s Cathedral. We appreciated the chance to see the iconic dome from a new perspective, standing on this modern pedestrian bridge.

Borough Market and London Bridge

A visit to Borough Market offers a sensory feast of local foods, with bustling stalls and some secret Harry Potter filming locations—our guide’s stories made this stop memorable. Inside, you can sample everything from artisanal cheeses to freshly baked bread. Nearby, Southwark Cathedral offers a peaceful moment amid the busy market.

Continuing to London Bridge, we took in sights like Tower Bridge, Tower of London, HMS Belfast, and—of course—the Shard itself. The guide provided excellent tips for exploring these sights on your own later, if you wish.

The Shard Experience

After a total of about five hours walking, we arrived at The Shard. Your guide will give you directions to the entrance, where a high-speed elevator whisks you up to the 68th floor. We loved the breathtaking panoramic views extending up to 40 miles—on clear days, you see across miles of London and beyond. For the adventurous, the level 72 open-air platform offers an even more spectacular experience.

This part of the tour is very well-organized, with priority access meaning no long lines, and the included ticket ensures you get ample time to take photos and soak in the scenery. The views from here are truly unforgettable and worth the price of the ticket.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour covers a full six hours of sightseeing, including walking, underground travel, and time at The Shard. Starting at 10:00 am and ending around 4:00 pm, it’s designed for those who want an energetic, rundown of Central London. The group is small, capped at 20 travelers, which fosters a friendly, intimate atmosphere—perfect for asking questions and getting personalized attention.

Transportation and Logistics

While most of the sightseeing is on foot, the tour includes underground travel between the Southbank and the final visit to The Shard. This keeps the pace brisk but manageable. The meeting point is at The Ritz London, so you should plan to get there via public transportation or taxi. The tour ends at The Shard, conveniently located near London Bridge station, making it easy to continue exploring or head back to your hotel.

Pricing and Value

At around $116.34, this tour offers good value considering the skip-the-line ticket to The Shard and the comprehensive nature of the walk. The guide’s local insights help you understand London’s history and culture beyond what a book or monument plaque can offer. It’s especially economical if you’re interested in seeing the sights with a knowledgeable guide without the hassle of planning each stop yourself.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers praise the knowledgable guides—one called the guide “amazing” and appreciated his storytelling and personal touches like taking photos. The stunning views from The Shard received particular mention, with travelers noting they loved the 360-degree panoramas.

However, some reviews point out that the tour involves a lot of walking and some stops require quick visits. It’s best suited for those in good physical condition who can keep up with the pace.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of London’s central sights. It’s also perfect for families, thanks to the kid-friendly pricing at The Shard. If you’re looking for a guided experience that combines outdoor exploration, cultural highlights, and stunning views, this tour fits the bill.

Travelers who enjoy storytelling and a personal touch from guides will find this especially rewarding. However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to focus on fewer sights in-depth, you might consider split or specialized tours instead.

Final Thoughts

This Go Up The Shard & London Landmark Walking Tour packs a lot into one day, making it a practical choice for those eager to see London’s highlights without the stress of planning each stop. The expert guidance and priority access to The Shard elevate the experience beyond just another sightseeing tour. It’s a solid, well-organized way to gain a meaningful overview of London’s diverse neighborhoods, from royal palaces to lively markets.

While it’s a somewhat fast-paced tour, it offers genuine value, especially for first-timers or those on a tight schedule who want an authentic, immersive introduction to London’s most famous sights. If you’re ready to walk, learn, and see from a breathtaking vantage point, this tour will give you a memorable start to your London adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and they only pay for the ticket to The Shard. The tour’s engaging storytelling and visual sightseeing make it suitable for families.

How long do we spend at The Shard?
You’ll spend about an hour on the observation deck, enjoying 360-degree views, and the option to go to the open-air platform for an even higher perspective.

Do I need to bring my own transport to the meeting point?
Yes, you should arrange your own transportation to The Ritz London, as the tour begins there.

Does the tour include entry to any of the landmarks like Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace?
No, the tour covers outside views and stories, but entry is not included for these sites.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, and dress for the weather—layers are best since parts of the tour are outdoors.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
Yes, expect to walk for several hours, with some standing and quick stops at various sights.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
Yes, it runs rain or shine, but be prepared for outdoor conditions at some stops.

Are there any food or drink included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for a meal later.

Is there any free time during the tour?
The itinerary is closely scheduled, with guided commentary at each stop; free time is limited but can be enjoyed after the tour ends at The Shard.

With its engaging itinerary, expert guides, and outstanding views, this tour offers a helpful introduction to London’s essence—perfect for first-timers eager to make the most of their visit.