London: Central, Whitehall, and Westminster Walking Tour – London, United Kingdom

EXPERIENCE:

We love central London, especially Westminster and Whitehall with its unique and historic shops, royal palaces, and government buildings. Starting outside the Criterion Theatre, this tour snakes its way through central London, through Westminster and Whitehall, before finishing outside Parliament. Along the way, you will have time to explore London’s oldest bookshop, founded in 1797, the Cigar shop where Churchill bought his Cigars and the Wine Merchant which supplies Buckingham Palace with its wine. Each of these places has a unique and colourful history, which your passionate and knowledgeable guide will reveal to you.

As part of the tour, we will stop to view The Changing of the Guard ceremony (when available) and see the spectacle of the Queen’s Guards marching with their band – a sight not to be missed which even we get excited about! Whilst waiting for the guards to change, your guide will explain the history of the regiments who are taking part in this historic and magnificent ceremony, what is unique about their uniforms, and why the ceremony is as important today as it has ever been.

After stopping to see The Changing of the Guard, your guide will take you down the Mall, past monuments to previous Kings and Queens of Great Britain, and explain how some of these figures are much more interesting (and naughty) than they first appear!

Finally, your guide will lead you down Whitehall, where the British government is run from and where you never know who you are going to see – as previous tours have stopped to chat with MPs, Lords, and even the odd senior soldier! As you stroll down Whitehall, your guide will point out some of the most historic and important buildings in the area, including Downing Street – home of the Prime Minster and the Chancellor of the Exchequer – and will explain why they are so important to British Democracy.

Your tour will end outside of Parliament, where you will hear how this beautiful (and recently restored building) became known as the ‘Mother of all Parliaments’ and why British democracy is considered one of the most important, and equal, democracies in the world.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Explore Central London
See the Changing of the Guard
Visit some of the oldest, and most interesting shops in London
Take your picture outside Buckingham Palace
Visit London’s oldest bookshop

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