The Essential Westminster Sightseeing Tour

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English
Quality Verified Registered on January 17, 2023

London with a Local was created in 2018 out of a desire to bring something different to those visiting (or living in) this wonderful, hectic, ever-changing City. We wanted to provide the best quality tours at a price that works for everyone. London is expensive – believe us, we know. Our aim was to provide at least one part of your time here where you feel like you are truly getting your money's worth. London With A Local is made up of a mix of born and bred Londoners, who can give you a picture of how it feels to grow up in the midst of the chaos, and those who decided to become Londoners after visiting as a tourist and falling in love. They combine a knowledge of the secrets that have been passed down through generations, with the hunger and excitement that comes with embracing a new place as your home. Our tours, of course, visit the iconic architectural structures that London the most recognisable city on Earth, but also allow a peak behind the curtain, away from the glitz and glamour of the West End, to give you the opportunity to see the “real” London, far from the tourist trap souvenir shops, to where the true treats and treasures, so often hidden away from tourists, reside. In short, we want everyone who gets the opportunity to join us on a tour, to feel like they are getting to know the essence of this great city. As well as experience in guiding and a knowledge of the history and politics of Britain, our expert guides all come from a performance background. We are actors. We are musicians. We are comedians. We are dancers and directors. Above all, we are storytellers and our aim is not just to reel off a load of dates that will be forgotten in a split second, but to paint you a picture of the people and events that built the foundations that we tread upon.

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment
    This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Explore Westminster, one of the wealthiest Boroughs in the Western world, the political heart of Britain and the home of the Royal Family, as we take you to three palaces, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey (the resting place of Dickens, Darwin and hundreds more), a Royal Park, the world’s most famous clock and the changing of the Guard ceremony*. 

 

Travel through 1000 years of Britain’s past, learning the salacious history of the world’s most famous royal family, from William the Conqueror in 1066 to Queen Elizabeth II today. Hear tales of the monarchs who truly changed the world: the womanising Henry VIII, the regal Victoria, the People’s princess Diana and of course, Elizabeth II and the Windsors.

 

However, there’s more to Westminster than just the Royals. Parliament has been meeting here for 700 years and you will be regaled with tales of our greatest and most controversial leaders, from Winston Churchill to Lord Nelson and even those who fought against them, like wretched Guy Fawkes who tried to blow up Parliament.

 

This tour really is a must see for everyone new to London. Just try not to blink, because around every corner is yet another iconic landmark, that you won’t want to miss.

 

*We cannot guarantee the ceremony will be running every day. The schedule varies due to seasons and weather.  

Please note, groups larger than 6 and any educational groups will need to get in touch to arrange a private tour, as they will not be able to join the public tour

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  • Meeting point:
    Strand, London WC2N 5HX, UK
    Strand, London WC2N 5HX, UK
    Directions

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

69 ratings
5.0
By category
Professionalism
4.92
Fun
4.87
Expression
4.93
Quality
4.87
Route
4.84
Generic
5 stars
68
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
James 25 May 2023
Montreal

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - May 2023
One of our best tours ever !!! James was the best guide ever , interesting , entertaining and very professional . We have done a lot of these tours but James just took it to another level . If in London you must join James on a journey through Westminster Thanks James and Valérie
Sharon 20 May 2023
Georgetown

Verified booking
Travelled alone - May 2023
Very knowledgeable and friendly
Tamara 14 May 2023
Bonn

Verified booking
Travelled alone - May 2023
Tour was pretty fun, we saw many landmarks and heard many stories. Ben is hilarious, loved his sense of humor and professionalism.
Peter 03 May 2023
Ottawa

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Apr 2023
Nathan is an amazing tour guide. He’s an expressive and energetic storyteller who is also professional and considerate. We’ve been on dozens of walking tours, and Nathan is one of the best guides we’ve ever had.
Julian 30 Apr 2023

Informative and well explained.
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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