Private London Walking Tour: Westminster Secrets and Royal Tales

Embark on a Journey Through 400 Years of London’s History with our immersive Half-Day Walking Tour of Westminster, Piccadilly, and Mayfair.

Overview

Embark on a Journey Through 400 Years of London’s History with our immersive Half-Day Walking Tour of Westminster, Piccadilly, and Mayfair.

Over 4 unforgettable hours, you’ll uncover the stories that shaped this iconic city and the world beyond.

Led by our passionate and expert storyteller, you’ll experience the perfect blend of history, art, architecture, and pop culture.

Highlights

  • Engaging Storytelling: Our expert guide brings the city’s history to life with riveting anecdotes and tales.
  • Exclusive Insights: Discover the hidden stories and lesser-known details of London’s landmarks.
  • A perfect blend of major attractions and hidden gems, tailored for those who want more than just a sightseeing experience.
  • Book now to discover the stories behind London’s most famous streets, squares, and monuments.

Jump to…

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What to Expect

1. Regent Street

Famous for its sweeping Georgian architecture and luxury shops, Regent Street provides a glimpse into London’s elegant history as we discover how this marked the unofficial boundary of high society.

2. Carnaby Street

A symbol of 1960s counterculture, Carnaby Street is renowned for its vibrant boutiques, trendy cafés, and rich history in music and fashion. Less well known is its chequered past which your guide will also share with you.

3. Savile Row

The home of bespoke tailoring, discover the story of this iconic street and catch a glimpse at the master tailors at work as they dress everyone from British royalty to global celebrities in the finest suits.

4. Piccadilly Circus

Often called the “Times Square of London,” this bustling intersection is known for its bright billboards, energy, and as a meeting point of culture and commerce.

5. Leicester Square

Discover the treasonous stories behind the entertainment heart of London. Leicester Square is famous for its cinemas, theatres, and being the location of star-studded movie premieres.

6. Trafalgar Square

One of London’s most famous public squares and the literal heart of London, Trafalgar Square features Nelson’s Column and is a gathering spot for celebrations and protests alike.

7. Whitehall

This historic avenue has been the center of British government for over 500 years and is lined with imposing and architecturally significant buildings with impressive stories to match.

8. Horse Guards Parade

Parade at Whitehall Home of the King’s Life Guard, a ceremonial parade ground, and a place steeped in tradition, Horse Guards is a picture perfect stop – just don’t get too close to the cavalry.

9. 10 Downing Street

Best known as the residence of the Prime Minister at Number 10, Downing Street symbolises British political leadership.

10. Houses of Parliament

Otherwise known as the Palace of Westminster, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Gothic masterpiece is home to the UK Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower, home of the Big Ben bell.

11. Westminster Abbey

Steeped in over 1,000 years of history, this stunning church has been the site of royal coronations, weddings, and burials.

12. St. James's Park

A tranquil oasis in central London, this Royal Park offers picturesque views, resident pelicans, and a peaceful retreat near Buckingham Palace.

13. Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is synonymous with grandeur, the Changing of the Guard, and royal history.

14. Pall Mall

A historic area with a storied past, from Royal Palaces, to forgotten missions, wartime leaders and brilliant minds.

15. Mayfair

This upscale district is renowned for its high-end shops, fine dining, elegant streets, and association with London’s elite. See Burlington Arcade, the Regency shopping arcade still patrolled by top-hatted Beadles.

Make it your day

Every Tour Britannia tour is private, so the itinerary is a starting point, not a script.

This is the route most of our guests take, but you can change any of it. Your guide plans the day around you before you travel and stays flexible on the day itself. You can linger longer wherever you’re enjoying yourself, skip anything that doesn’t appeal, or stop wherever something catches your eye.

Ways to tailor this tour
  • Go inside Westminster Abbey
  • Time it for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
  • Finish with afternoon tea in Mayfair
  • Add a Thames river cruise from Westminster Pier
  • Shorten the route for young children, or extend it into Covent Garden
  • Add a private driver for the afternoon to see the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral

Tell us what you’d like when you book, or ask us first. We’ll confirm the plan, and any change to the price, before you pay.

“We were easily able to modify and customize the itinerary.”
JRS4140, Tripadvisor

Want something completely different? We design fully bespoke tours anywhere in the UK and Ireland, for a single day or several weeks. See bespoke tours we’ve created →

Questions about this tour

Per group. £449 covers your whole private group of up to 8 guests, including your own private guide. There’s no charge per person.

We meet you at your hotel or an agreed point in central London. The tour lasts about 4 hours, and we confirm the meeting time and place after you book.

No entrance tickets are needed for this walking tour. If you’d like to add an inside visit, ask us and we’ll arrange it.

Yes. It’s a private tour, so your guide can change stops, spend longer where you’re enjoying yourselves or skip somewhere. If you’d like something specific, tell us before the day and we’ll plan it in.

Yes, children are very welcome. Just tell us their ages when you book.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your tour and get a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours of the start time aren’t refundable.

What’s included

  • Your own private guide, just for your group
  • Westminster, St James’s and Mayfair highlights
  • A route tailored to your interests
  • Changing of the Guard on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday morning tours

Not included: food and drink.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour, with a full refund.

Not ready to book yet?

Tell us your dates and what you’d like to see, and we’ll send you a tailored plan for your day with a confirmed price, usually within 24 hours. There’s no payment and no obligation.

We’ll only use your details to reply to your enquiry. Prefer to talk? Call 0800 787 9757 (+44 800 787 9757 from overseas) or email bookings@tourbritannia.co.uk.

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