London Royal Palaces and History Walking Tour

This tour is fantastic! You will visit top sites, hear the best stories and have lots of fun along the way. You'll even be told secrets that no other tour guide knows. Groups are small, the guide’s knowledge is big, and laughs are guaranteed. In fact, this might turn out to be the best walking tour you've ever done. It will certainly be a highlight of your visit to London. You might even see a royal or two, or perhaps the Prime Minister. Failing that, there’ll be lots of pigeons and squirrels. So come along and have a great time on a great walk making great memories.

Meeting Point

Colicci Ritz Corner

Green Park (Stop H, London W1J 9DZ, UK

We will meet at the Diana of the Treetops Fountain, near the snack bar in Green Park (just outside the entrance to Green Park tube station). There are also loos/restrooms in the tube station.

What's included:

• Licensed English Tour Guide
• Laughter! Lots and lots of laughter

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Buckingham Palace

Spur Road, London, SW1A 1AA

The first stop on our walk is Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the King of England, and before him Queen Elizabeth, George V, Edward VIII, Edward VII and, most famously of all, Queen Victoria. Arguably, it is the most famous palace in the world, steeped in history, intrigue and scandal. You will also hear the story of Michael Fagan (the man who broke into the Palace) from someone who knew him personally.

20 minutes

Clarence House

St. James's Palace, , London, SW1A 2WH

Clarence House is the actual residence of the King. It's also the spot where we are most likely to see a royal (or two!). There are no guarantees, of course, but often we are lucky.

10 minutes

St. James's Palace

Marlborough Road, London, SW1A 1BQ

St James's Palace is the most senior royal palace. Built by Henry VIII for himself and his then wife, Anne Boleyn, it is the most historically significant palace in the country. It is also the place where new monarchs are officially proclaimed - I'll show you where this happens. I'll also tell who currently lives there, and it's not just royals (clue: Hollywood A-listers!).

20 minutes

St. James's Park

Horse Guards Road, The Storeyard, London, SW1A 2BJ

From royal weddings and jubilees to military parades and state celebrations, this is the park where history is made. It's also where spies are initiated into MI6 - I'll show you where (but keep it to yourself or else I'll be sent to the Tower of London!). The stop includes a toilet break.

25 minutes

Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall

Horse Guards Whitehall, , London, SW1A 2AX

This is one of the largest and grandest spaces in London and therefore another highlight on the walk. It is the site of the annual ceremonies of Trooping the Colour, which commemorates the monarch's official birthday, and Beating Retreat. Horse Guards is protected by two mounted troopers - it's a great selfie spot! - and I'll share the fascinating story of why they are there.

25 minutes

Whitehall

London, SW1A 2BX

Whitehall is known as 'The Corridor of Power'. It stretches from Trafalgar Square to the Houses of Parliament and we'll be visiting its most important sights, including 10 Downing Street, Banqueting House and the Cenotaph. If we are lucky we might even see an MP or two, perhaps even the Prime Minister himself. I'll also tell you about Larry the Cat!

25 minutes

Houses of Parliament

Parliament Square, London, SW1A 0AA

This is the end of the walk - but what a way to finish. You'll see the centre of political and religious power, respectively the Houses of Parliament (with its famous clock tower and world-renowned medieval hall) and Westminster Abbey. You’ll also be shown the location of the first-ever United Nations Council meeting, hear about a dog called Pickles, and see where Winston Churchill got married (and, no, it wasn’t in the Abbey). I’ll also show you both the official and secret entrances to the Ministry of Magic (it's a Harry Potter thing). And all of that will happen while Big Ben sounds its iconic chimes.

25 minutes