London: Westminster Walking Tour and Kensington Palace Visit

A 5-hour adventure in London that combines the best of Westminster’s landmarks with a regal peek inside Kensington Palace. Starting outside the iconic Ritz London, you’ll wander through green parks, snap photos of Buckingham Palace, watch the Changing of the Guard, and marvel at Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The tour concludes with entry to Kensington Palace, where you can explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria and see where modern Royals still reside.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see major sights with a knowledgeable guide who offers insights beyond the typical guidebook. Plus, you get a chance to visit Kensington Palace, which isn’t always included in standard city tours. However, keep in mind that the tour does not include transportation, so walking or public transport is on you to get between some sites, especially the palace.

If you’re a history lover, a royal enthusiast, or simply want a well-rounded overview of Westminster’s highlights in a manageable timeframe, this tour could be just right. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy learning from friendly guides and want a taste of London’s royal and political heart.

Key Points

Comprehensive sightseeing: Covers major landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament Square.
Expert guide: Guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging style.
Includes Kensington Palace entry: Offers a unique glimpse into royal history and current residence of Prince William.
Flexible tour options: The tour includes a 3-hour walk plus 2 hours at Kensington Palace, with options for private groups.
Realistic expectations: You’ll need to walk quite a bit, and the palace visit is self-guided after the initial tour.
Weather dependence: The Changing of the Guard ceremony is only on certain days and weather-dependent, so it might be canceled.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

If you're drawn to exploring London on foot, we've looked into these other walking experiences

Starting Point outside The Ritz London

The tour begins outside the elegant Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly, a landmark in itself. Meeting here provides an immediate sense of London’s grand style. From this central location, your guide — often someone like Ashley or Tim, praised for their friendliness and knowledge — will set the tone for the day ahead.

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard

One of the tour’s highlights is the photo stop at Buckingham Palace. Depending on the day, you might catch the Changing of the Guard, an iconic display of British pageantry. Do note that this ceremony is only available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10am. If your visit falls on one of these days, you’ll witness soldiers in traditional dress march in precise formations, a spectacle that’s both colorful and steeped in tradition.

Several reviews mention guides like Greg and Daniel who have been praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Greg noted, “We enjoyed learning about all the major tourist sites and seeing them in person.” Such guides help turn what could be a hurried walk into an engaging story about Britain’s royal and political history.

Westminster’s Iconic Sights

From Buckingham Palace, the tour moves through Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade — both perfect spots for photos. The guide points out historical details, like the significance of these landmarks and stories behind them.

Next, you’ll visit Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister, and then proceed to Parliament Square. Standing on this square, you’ll see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, two of London’s most recognizable symbols. Your guide will likely share stories about the political history embedded here, making the sights more meaningful.

More Great Tours Nearby

Westminster Abbey and Its Stories

The walk then brings you to Westminster Abbey, a site that’s seen every coronation since 1066 and countless royal weddings. Even with limited time, a 20-minute guided tour allows you to appreciate its Gothic grandeur and significance. The guide’s commentary helps fill in the stories behind the stained glass, statues, and royal tombs.

While you're exploring London, here are other experiences we've looked into

Ending in Kensington

The final segment involves a walk or a short journey to Kensington Palace, the current royal residence of Prince William and Kate Middleton. You’ll spend about 2 hours exploring the palace’s gardens and public rooms, learning about royal history and current royal life. The entrance ticket is included, which adds value compared to separate ticket purchases.

Reviews highlight that although Kensington Palace is beautiful and impressive, it’s somewhat distant from the other central sights. One reviewer noted, “Kensington Palace was a bit far from our ending spot and we got there on our own,” suggesting travelers might want to plan their own transportation or extend their visit.

Practical Tips

While the tour itself is quite comprehensive, there are some practical considerations. The total duration is 5 hours, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to walk between some sites or use public transit, especially to reach Kensington Palace after the guided portion.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal. You meet outside the Ritz, and the tour ends at the same point, simplifying logistics. The small group size (implied by the private tour option) helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Authenticity and Value

What makes this experience stand out is the balance between sightseeing and storytelling. The guides’ ability to share anecdotes makes the heritage come alive. The entry to Kensington Palace adds a layer of depth, offering insight into royal life and history that you can’t get just from photos or reading.

At a price of $87.55 per person, including the entrance fee, it’s a good value for a half-day guided experience in London’s heart. You’re not just passive spectators; you get to walk, learn, and see some of the most iconic sights in a manner that’s both relaxed and rich in stories.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those who want a well-rounded introduction to Westminster’s highlights combined with a peek inside Kensington Palace. It’s perfect if you appreciate guided explanations, historic storytelling, and iconic sights like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

It suits first-time visitors who want to maximize their time and see the key landmarks with a friendly guide, rather than wandering alone. Royal enthusiasts, history buffs, and photo lovers will find plenty to enjoy. Just remember, it involves quite a bit of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation is not included. You will walk between sites, and you might need to use public transit to reach Kensington Palace after the tour.

Can I see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, but only on the 10am tour days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday). The ceremony is weather-dependent and might be canceled in extreme conditions.

How long does the Kensington Palace visit last?
You will have around 2 hours at Kensington Palace after the walking tour, giving you time to explore the gardens, exhibits, and royal rooms at your own pace.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a good choice for travelers with mobility needs.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential because of the walking involved. Plus, check the weather forecast — London’s weather can be unpredictable.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise guides for their friendly and insightful commentary, making the experience more engaging.

Final Thoughts

For travelers looking to get a solid overview of London’s iconic landmarks with a friendly guide, this Westminster walking tour combined with Kensington Palace visit offers great value. You’ll enjoy insightful stories, stunning views, and the chance to see both political and royal symbols in a single day.

While it does involve some walking and planning around weather, the experience is well-organized and flexible enough to suit most visitors. Whether you’re new to London or wanting a comprehensive yet manageable sightseeing day, this tour hits many highlights with lively guides and authentic charm.