Royal London Walk 1 – Buckingham & The Mall

London , United Kingdom

Royal London Walk 1 – Buckingham & The Mall

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About this experience

Welcome to the heart of London’s royal and political heritage — a place where centuries of tradition, power, and quiet ritual still shape the rhythm of everyday life. This isn’t just central London — it’s Westminster, a city within a city, where monarchs were crowned, empires were ruled, and history left its mark in ways both grand and subtle.

As we wander through Westminster, you won’t just see the familiar — you’ll begin to sense the layers beneath. The quiet corners where footsteps echo a little differently. This is a place that invites you to look twice, to listen closely, and to feel your way into the past.
Throughout our time together, I’ll guide you toward the details most people miss and share stories that blur the line between memory and myth — the kind that stay with you, long after the city fades from view.

Whether you come with a love of history or simply a curious mind, Westminster reveals itself slowly — and always rewards those who take the time to look deeper.

Available options

Royal London Walk 1 – Buckingham & The Mall

What's included

Local, professional and fun English speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous and vibrant public spaces in London, known for its historical significance, cultural events, and iconic landmarks.

Trafalgar Square was named to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar, a decisive naval victory by the British Royal Navy against the combined fleets of France and Spain during the Napoleonic Wars.

The centrepiece of Trafalgar Square is Nelson's Column, a towering monument erected in honour of Admiral Lord Nelson.

Two large fountains, added in the 1840s and later redesigned in the 1930s, are prominent features of Trafalgar Square.

The National Gallery, located on the north side of Trafalgar Square, is one of the most renowned art museums in the world. It houses an extensive collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.

Admiralty Arch
is a prominent landmark in London that connects The Mall with Trafalgar Square.

Admiralty Arch was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria, and was designed by architect Sir Aston Webb.
The arch was completed in 1912 and forms part of a grand processional route from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace.

The structure is an example of Edwardian Baroque architecture.
Admiralty Arch consists of three arches: a large central arch for vehicles and two smaller pedestrian arches on either side. The building is adorned with classical sculptures and decorative elements.

The arch takes its name from the nearby Admiralty, the department of the British government responsible for the command of the Royal Navy.

Horse Guards Parade
is a historic parade ground located in central London, situated between Whitehall and St. James's Park.

It is known for its ceremonial functions and historical significance.

Horse Guards Parade has been a site of military parades and ceremonies since the 17th century.

The parade ground is best known for hosting the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, which marks the official birthday of the British sovereign. This grand military parade involves hundreds of soldiers, horses, and musicians and is attended by members of the royal family.

Horse Guards Parade is the site of the daily Changing of the Horse Guard ceremony. This ceremonial event involves the exchange of the guard at the Horse Guards building, performed by soldiers from the Household Cavalry. The ceremony is a popular attraction for visitors.

Horse Guards Parade is centrally located in London, near Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square.

Stop 4

St James's Palace
is one of the oldest and most significant royal residences in London.

St James's Palace was commissioned by King Henry VIII in the 1530s and completed in 1536. It was built on the site of the former St James's Hospital for lepers, which had been dedicated to St James the Less.

The palace is a fine example of Tudor architecture, characterized by its red-brick construction, mullioned windows, and distinctive gatehouse. The gatehouse features the royal coat of arms and a clock above its central archway.

3. **Royal Residence:** St James's Palace served as the principal residence of the English monarchs until the reign of Queen Victoria, who moved the official royal residence to Buckingham Palace. Despite this, St James's Palace remains an important ceremonial and administrative centre for the monarchy.

Stop 5

Buckingham Palace
is the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch.

Buckingham Palace was originally known as Buckingham House. It was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. King George III acquired it in 1761 for Queen Charlotte, and it became known as the Queen's House.

The palace underwent extensive remodelling and expansion in the 19th century.

Buckingham Palace became the official royal residence when Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837. It has since been the principal residence of every British monarch.

The palace boasts 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms.

The central balcony of Buckingham Palace is famous for royal appearances during significant events and celebrations.

During World War II, Buckingham Palace was bombed nine times. Despite the damage, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) remained in residence, becoming symbols of British resistance and resilience.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and Beverages

not stroller accessibility

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

We meet at Trafalgar Square next to a Statue of Charles 1.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour starts, get yourself a drink, some food and use toilet facilities before the tour, if needed.

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle

34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge

130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton

80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets