London: Walking Tour, River Cruise and Entry to The Shard

London: Walking Tour, River Cruise, and Entry to The Shard offers an engaging way to see the city’s best sights in a single day. Priced at around $141, this 7-hour experience combines a guided walk through Westminster, a scenic Thames river cruise, and a breathtaking ascent up Europe’s tallest building. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this tour aims to balance sightseeing, storytelling, and spectacular views.

What we particularly love about this experience is the carefully curated itinerary that hits many must-see landmarks — from Buckingham Palace to Parliament Square — all with insightful commentary. Plus, the chance to see London from both land and water gives a well-rounded perspective of the city’s layout and history. The ascent to the Shard’s observation deck is the perfect finale to take in a sweeping view that stretches up to 40 miles on a clear day.

One possible drawback is that the tour is designed as a small group activity, but some travelers have reported that portions of the tour, specifically the river cruise and Shard visit, may be unaccompanied by guides. This could matter if you’re hoping for continuous guidance throughout. Still, the overall value and authentic storytelling make it a good choice for those eager to experience London in a compact, well-organized way.

This tour is especially suited for first-time visitors who want a rundown without the hassle of planning each step. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate a mix of walking, scenic views, and iconic landmarks, all narrated by a fun and knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience combining walking, cruising, and high-rise views.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the storytelling, making landmarks come alive.
• Highlights include Buckingham Palace, Westminster, Thames cruise, and The Shard.
• Small group setting offers more personal attention but may result in some unaccompanied portions.
• Accessible and flexible: Wheelchair friendly and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Ideal for first-time visitors seeking a balanced mix of sights and stories.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring London: A Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point: The Ritz Hotel Near Green Park

The tour kicks off outside the iconic Ritz Hotel at Green Park, a central spot easily accessible via the Green Park Underground station. We found this location perfect for starting a day of sightseeing because it’s right in the heart of London’s most picturesque district. The meeting point’s familiarity and convenience set a relaxed tone for the day. You’ll see the familiar red phone boxes and souvenir stands that add a touch of classic London charm.

Walking Tour of Westminster’s Landmarks

From the Ritz, we begin with a guided walk through Westminster, arguably London’s most political and royal neighborhood. We loved the way our guide brought history alive with stories about Buckingham Palace, including a chance to see the Changing of the Guard (on specific days). This ceremony is a highlight, although it’s only scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10 am, so timing is key if you’re keen to catch it.

The walk continues past Trafalgar Square, where we paused for about 20 minutes to soak in the statues and fountains. Next, we visited Horse Guards Parade and 10 Downing Street — iconic symbols of British authority. The guide’s commentary made these familiar sights much more interesting, especially when she shared anecdotes about the royal and political histories embedded here.

We then strolled to Parliament Square, where we took a 40-minute break to photograph Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the statues of political figures. Our guide pointed out details like the statue of Churchill and explained the square’s significance. The visit to Westminster Abbey rounded out this segment, with a 20-minute walk providing a glimpse of Britain’s spiritual and royal history.

Scenic Thames River Cruise

Leaving Westminster, we crossed to Westminster Pier to board a boat for a cruise along the River Thames. This segment lasts about two hours and offers a different perspective of London’s skyline. We loved the ease of gliding past London Eye, Millennium Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral from the water. The cruise is scenic, informative, and low-impact — perfect for taking a break from walking while still absorbing the city’s sights.

The reviews highlighted some inconsistency here, with one traveler noting that the guide was absent at the pier. But generally, the cruise is an enjoyable way to see London from a different angle, with commentary available to enhance the experience.

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Ascending the Shard

After the cruise, we walked over Tower Bridge and headed directly to the Shard, which is about a 10-minute walk. The entry ticket included in the tour grants access to the observation deck, nearly twice as tall as other viewing platforms in London. The ascent takes about 30 minutes, and once at the top, you are rewarded with 360-degree views stretching up to 40 miles on clear days. It’s impressive to see how the city sprawls out beneath you, with landmarks like the Tower of London, Westminster, and Canary Wharf clearly visible.

We found the experience to be worth the cost, especially since it’s included in the package. The view makes it a memorable highlight, especially for those interested in geography, architecture, or simply wanting a panoramic photo of London.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits first-time visitors who want a balanced overview of London’s most famous sights without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets or transport. It’s also good for travelers who enjoy storytelling, as the guides are praised for their knowledge and attentiveness. However, if you prefer a continuous guided commentary, be aware that parts of the river cruise and Shard visit may be unaccompanied.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration and Timing: The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with starting times varying based on availability. Check in advance to align your schedule with your flight or accommodation plans.

Meeting Point: Outside the Ritz Hotel at Green Park — very central, with easy Tube access from Green Park station.

Inclusions: The package covers a river cruise, entry to The Shard, and a guided walking tour of Westminster’s top sights. The guide’s commentary is lively and informative, adding context to each landmark.

Not Included: Hotel pickup or drop-off — you’ll need to meet at the starting point.

Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for travelers with mobility needs.

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the day involves quite a bit of walking on uneven surfaces.

Weather Considerations: The Changing of the Guard is subject to weather conditions, so don’t count on seeing it if the weather is extreme.

Cancellation Policy: You can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, which adds flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

Absolutely, if you want to get a well-rounded, authentic London experience in one day, this tour hits many of the city’s highlights. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides make the experience more personal and informative, helping you understand the stories behind the sites. The combination of walking, cruising, and high-rise views provides variety that keeps the day engaging.

While the potential for some parts to be unaccompanied by guides might be a concern, most travelers find that the value delivered — both in sights and stories — makes up for it. The price includes some top-tier experiences, like the Shard visit, which would be costly to book separately, making this a good value overall.

This tour is especially suitable for those who enjoy seeing many sights in a structured way, appreciate storytelling, and want to maximize their limited time in London. It’s a practical choice for first-timers and those eager to experience the city from different perspectives — land, water, and sky.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour begins outside the Ritz Hotel at Green Park, easily accessible via the Green Park Underground station.

How long does the entire tour last?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, with checkable starting times based on availability.

Is there a guide for the whole tour?
The walking portion is guided, and the guide is praised for her knowledge. However, some parts, like the river cruise and Shard visit, may be unaccompanied.

What landmarks will I see on the walking tour?
Expect to see Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, 10 Downing Street, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, and more.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, the cruise along the Thames is included, and it’s an easy walk between sites, with no need for separate transport.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, and a camera or smartphone for photos.

Are there any restrictions on visiting the Shard?
The ticket includes access to the observation deck, with no specified restrictions. Expect some security checks.

Is the Changing of the Guard guaranteed?
No, it depends on the schedule and weather, but it’s usually on specific days and times.

In the end, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to see London’s most iconic sights while learning interesting stories from passionate guides. It balances the need for structured sightseeing with enough flexibility to enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re ticking off bucket-list landmarks or seeking a comprehensive introduction to London, this experience can be a highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: