Moving between Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London via the River Thames, this private, half-day tour lets you chart the history of kings and queens, traders and traitors, and monks and soldiers at two of the capital’s most venerable sites.
The tour starts in Parliament Square, under the gaze of the Palace of Westminster, or the Houses of Parliament as it’s universally known. Likewise, the building’s clock tower, Elizabeth Tower, is known more for the bell that lives inside, Big Ben.
Here, you can uncover the history of the palace and pass the statues of national and international statesmen, including Sir Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln, as you walk across to Westminster Abbey.
Steeped in history, the abbey was founded by Benedictine monks over 1,000 years ago, before being expanded in the 11th century and rebuilt in its current Gothic architectural style 200 years later. During your time there, you can visit the medieval cloisters where the monks lived and studied, and walk through the soaring nave beneath its vaulted ceiling. Within this lofty space, you’ll find the Coronation Chair, which has been used in coronations since 1308, as well as Poets’ Corner and the grave of the Unknown Warrior.
You next walk to the pier to board a boat for an unhurried journey down the Thames to the Tower of London. From the water, you have the chance to view London and some of its historic buildings, such as Saint Paul's Cathedral, from an unusual perspective before disembarking in front of Tower Bridge near the Tower of London.
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the Tower of London, one of the most instantly identifiable landmarks in London. Built in 1066 AD, it was originally a fortress and royal palace before being used as a prison. Over the centuries, it has also housed the Royal Mint as well as the Royal Menagerie, which kept a number of exotic animals, including lions, elephants, and even a polar bear that would fish in the River Thames, up until the 1800s.
As well as witnessing many notorious events, the Tower is also home to the Crown Jewels, a collection of priceless crowns, tiaras and diamonds that are still used by the Royal Family. The collection features the Koh-i-Noor Diamond, set within the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, as well as a 12th-century silver spoon that is one of the few items from the original crown jewel collection not destroyed by Oliver Cromwell.
At the end of the tour, your guide will either accompany you back to your hotel or you could continue exploring London.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our England specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Borough Market with a food writer
Explore vibrant and cosmopolitan Borough Market in the company of an acclaimed chef and food writer who can take you through the historic, stall-lined lanes, introduce you to traders and fill you in on the market's history.
Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle
Get a glimpse into the lives of the British monarchy on this full-day tour that takes in the austere Buckingham Palace in London and then tours the fascinating State Apartments of imposing Windsor Castle, the preferred royal home.
Greenwich walking tour
Explore delightful Greenwich, a leafy borough renowned for its magnificent architecture and strong connections to the maritime and scientific world. Stroll through the Royal Observatory, stand straddling two hemispheres, and learn about the race to reach China aboard the Cutty Sark.
Literary tour of London
Discover some of the secrets behind London's most famous literary figures on this fascinating half-day walking tour around Bloomsbury, one of the city's most creative corners. Wander through historic streets with an expert guide and finish up at the British Library.
Mini Cooper tour
Buckle up and sit back for the ride of a lifetime as you whizz around London's backstreets in a classic Mini Cooper, ticking off the sights as you go and discovering some of the city's hidden charms with a local expert.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Discover the history behind St Paul's Cathedral on a private guided tour with a local expert. Learn about its design and construction, the craftsmen who worked on it and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views over central London.
Theater performance at Shakespeare's Globe
Immerse yourself into the world of William Shakespeare with a trip to the Globe Theatre. This replica faithfully reproduces the original's thatched roof, open-air performance area and actors who encourage the audience to get involved in the production.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
