As one of London’s most popular attractions, it is worth arriving at the palace early to beat the crowds.
More commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Westminster is one of London’s most recognisable and visited attractions. Marked by Big Ben at its northern edge, and sitting across the water from the London Eye, the palace sits at the epicentre of London’s sightseeing scene, but also has a more profound importance for the nation as a whole, and is often referred to as “the heart of British politics”.
Medieval Beginnings
The Palace of Westminster has been the seat of the English government since the middle of the 11th century. When the two-house parliament was created in 1265, it was at first only the House of Lords which sat in the palace, and it was not until 1547 that the House of Commons moved here permanently, thus cementing the palace’s importance to the national government.
Out of the Ashes
A devastating 1834 fire destroyed most of the palace, and Sir Charles Barry was commissioned to draw up its replacement. The new structure took almost thirty years to complete, but Barry’s neo-Gothic design was widely admired, with his new clock tower, now known as Big Ben, being a particular favourite. The sharply-fluted formal structure particularly impressed Claude Monet, who painted a series of canvases of the palace in different lighting conditions.
If you’re interested in the Palace’s interior, there are several intriguing areas inside which are open to the public. Besides the debating chambers of the Lords and the Commons, you can explore the wonderfully historic Westminster Hall, one of the few parts of the palace to survive the fire, which has a stunning vaulted ceiling.
Explore the home of the British Monarchy in the heart of the city and discover some of Royal London’s most popular landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), including a visit to the Tower of London and seeing the exquisite Crown Jewels.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Your tour will begin at the Tower of London where you will explore this 900-year-old castle and learn about the kings and queens who lived and died in the Tower and its role as a fortress, prison, zoo, and observatory.
Before entering the Jewel House to see the famous Crown Jewels collection, your guide will tell you all about their religious and cultural significance and the many attempts to steal these beautiful diamonds! Important: Your guide will be accompanying you through the visit but is not allowed to give live commentary while inside the collection.
After visiting the Tower of London, you will commute like a true Londoner to Westminster where you will see some of the most popular sights from the water along the way, including Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
Once in Westminster, you will see the Houses of Parliament - the home of the British government, and the magnificent Elizabeth Tower known as "Big Ben". A short walk on, you will come to the exterior of the beautiful Westminster Abbey, where every English king and queen for the last 1000 years has received their coronation, and where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married.
Walk along the Mall and learn curious facts about British kings and queens, who turned the British Empire into the most dominant power on Earth.
Your tour finishes in Trafalgar Square, where your guide will show you the best places to spend the rest of your time exploring, dining, and shopping.
This full-day tour is the perfect way to see London's most iconic attractions in a day, making the most of your time in the English capital by the hand of a professional tour guide who will share local stories and the history of the city.
On your full-day walking tour, you will:
Meet your guide at the Tower of London and explore one of the oldest buildings in the city where some of the greatest events in English history occurred. You will have the opportunity to admire the unmissable and stunning Crown Jewels which are kept here behind extensive security in the aptly-named Jewel House.
On leaving the Tower, enjoy a lunch break before travelling to Westminster by River Bus for a guided visit to Westminster Abbey, London’s royal church, the site of 39 coronations and the venue for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. You will learn about the Coronation ceremony and enjoy the beauty of this 800-year-old treasure.
Your full-day tour will continue with a walking tour past some of London’s most famous buildings including St James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards, the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben.
After a day in London filled with history, culture and visits to the most iconic landmarks, it's time for a relaxing ride on the London Eye, one of the world's biggest Ferris Wheels for spectacular views across London that you will enjoy with your group.
Please Note: timing of the itinerary, including lunch and Westminster Abbey, are subject to change.
Explore London’s most popular sites on this Royal London half-day tour, including spectacular parks and royal sites in Westminster.
On your private tour, you will:
Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall.
You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html
On your tour, your guide will reveal the secrets of the power and politics of Westminster, while seeing some of the most popular landmarks. Learn all about the Houses of Parliament, the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom, and be inspired by its mighty history.
Amble through the fabulous gardens and sights of St James's Park and have the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard in front of magnificent Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837.
This ceremony, seen by millions every year, is a must-see attraction in London. It takes place every other day between Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks, and is the perfect reminder of the tight relationship between the armed forces and HM the Queen.
Walk along the Mall and learn curious facts about British kings and queens, who turned the British Empire into the most dominant power on Earth.
Your tour finishes with a walk through Trafalgar Square, where your guide will show you the best places to grab a bite to eat in the area or direct you to some of the world's most famous artwork, located only metres away in the National Gallery.
Discover the most popular sites in Royal London on this family-friendly half-day tour, where you will see London’s unmissable attractions, parks, and finest Royal sites with an expert tour guide while keeping your family entertained.
On this family-friendly private tour, you will:
This tour is ideal for those families who would like a taste of London in half a day and want to see London’s unmissable attractions and finest Royal sites in an exciting four hours.
Whether your family is interested in history, nature, experiencing iconic British traditions or marvelling at beautiful Royal Palaces and Parks, this tour has something for everyone.
Get a peppering of tales, fun facts and stories about London, British Culture and tradition. Hear of the Secret tunnels which lie beneath Buckingham Palace, and the many attempts to steal the Crown Jewels. And the infamous 14-year-old cat burglar caught stealing the late Queen Victoria’s underwear. See London’s famous palace guards, the household cavalry mounted on their famous black horses, and maybe even members of the royal family, if you are lucky!
On this half-day tour, you will also avoid the rush and busyness of a group tour, and enjoy a more intimate, flexible experience. Your tour ends with an adventurous ride on the London Eye.
Your personal guide will help you quickly navigate London and ensure you have the smoothest, most enjoyable day possible creating great memories with your family.
Discover the best of Westminster, and see some of London's unmissable attractions in a half-day tour including spectacular parks and royal sites with a Blue Badge tour guide.
On your private tour, you will:
Reveal the secrets of power and politics on your exciting tour of Westminster, seeing some of the most recognisable landmarks. Learn all about the Houses of Parliament, the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom, and be inspired by its mighty history.
Then, gain insight into the centuries-old Westminster Abbey (with entrance tickets included), the setting for every coronation since 1066, many royal weddings and the final resting place of 17 monarchs.
Amble through the fabulous gardens and sights of St James's Park and admire the magnificent Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. Walk along the Mall and learn curious facts about British kings and queens, who turned the British Empire into the most dominant power on Earth.
Your tour finishes with a walk through Trafalgar Square, onto Covent Garden, where your guide will show you the best places to spend the rest of your time dining and shopping.
Westminster is one of the most historic and well-known areas located in the heart of London. It has been home to many kings and queens, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I and on this 2-hour private tour, you will have the chance to explore Westminster in all its glory.
On your private tour, you will:
If you want to discover the heart of London, come with us on this private tour!
This 2-hour trip will take you through some of the most famous and beautiful locations in Westminster, including Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, where all the British government happens. We'll also take you to the Houses of Parliament, the supreme legislative body of Great Britain, Somerset House and Big Ben for the perfect photo opportunity!
You'll hear stories about fascinating English history, British tradition and London's incredible past—from the plague and great fire of London to the Blitz, and the secrets of power and politics on our exciting tour of Westminster while you visit some of the most recognisable landmarks in London.
You will also take a stroll down St James's Park through its fabulous gardens and sights before heading over to Buckingham Palace.
Your tour will end with a walk through Trafalgar Square to see Nelson's column onto Covent Garden, where your guide will show you the best places to spend your time dining and shopping!
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of privat tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.
This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.
We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!
Please note
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.
This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.
We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!
Please note
Explore the hub of British politics, power, and royalty on this two-hour private driving tour of Westminster and Central London in an iconic London Black Cab. With your expert private driver-guide, you will pass by all of Westminster’s historic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, and Westminster Abbey.
On your private tour, you will:
Discover the real history of power, politics, and monarchy in London on this express two-hour private tour of iconic London landmarks with an expert Cabbie who not only knows London like the back of their hand but is also a historian... with many royal and historical secrets to share with you!
Whether you are interested in the British monarchy's royal palaces or the historic UK Parliament based at Westminster for over 1000 years, your expert guide is more than happy to spill all the gossip, alongside the history of any topic which may interest you.
Learn about the ancient coronation rituals that have been taking place at Westminster Abbey since William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066 up to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 and King Charles III. Admire the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture of the Abbey that has stood the test of time for over 1000 years.
Your guide is ready to discuss anything you throw their way - including filming locations for Harry Potter, James Bond, and Downton Abbey, among many others. In short, for any curiosity, you may have about London today and British history as a whole, you're in great hands!
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.
This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.
These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!
Please note
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.
This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.
These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.
We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!
Please note
Explore the city of London like a lord or a lady and follow the footsteps of your favourite characters on this Downton Abbey Filming Locations half-day tour.
Even though Yorkshire and Highclere Castle are the main Downton Abbey filming sites for the earlier episodes, central London started to hog the limelight as the show clocked its later innings, and on this tour, you will flashback to the popular scenes set in the city’s iconic landmarks.
Play guessing games to jog your memory as you see:
Be bowled over by a few secret filming locations, including Lord Grantham’s London stately home shared by your Professional Private Driver Guide who happens to be a Downton Abbey fanatic as well. Brace for non-stop peppy conversation, not crisp commentary.
DISCLAIMER: This tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites featured in the television series ‘Downton Abbey’ produced by Carnival Film and Television and NBCUniversal International Limited. Travel Curious Ltd. and this tour does not have any association with, or connection to, the television series ‘Downton Abbey’, Carnival Film and Television or NBC Universal International Limited.
London is one of the most haunted capital cities in the world and on this Ghastly Ghost Tour, you will get your nerves tingling on a goosebumpy ride with our ‘gruesome’ guide.
On this spooky tour, you will:
Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Macabre of the Murdered Actor, Fred the Poltergeist, Casper the Cat or Scratching Fanny? Out with it. Which happy, sad, mad or bad ghosts made your heart slip, or skip a beat?
"Darkest Hour" is a 2017 British war drama film with Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill in the early days of World War II when he became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom leading the country through "its darkest hour". The movie received 6 nominations for Academy Awards and an Oscar for Best Leading Actor, and on this tour, your driver-guide will take you to movie spots that will repeat the experience offscreen.
On this half-day tour, you will:
Step into an iconic London black cab and immerse yourself in the history of the capital with a half-day tour of "Darkest Hour" filming locations. With an expert driver-guide at the wheel, you will visit some of the most iconic sites of the movie, from the Houses of Parliament to the Cabinet War Rooms.
Pass by the places where Churchill stood and spoke to the people of Britain during the country's darkest hour and get a feel for the resilience and determination that helped shape the course of history.
With a knowledgeable guide to provide historical context and entertaining anecdotes, this tour is a must-do for history buffs and movie lovers alike.
Sit back and relax as you travel back in time in one of London's most iconic vehicles, taking in the sights and sounds of the city that Churchill called home during this pivotal moment in history.
If you are in transit at Heathrow only for a few hours and you don’t know what to do, this London Layover tour will take you to the most popular landmarks and famous highlights in the time that you have.
Departing from Heathrow airport (approximately 25km away from the city), your professional driver guide will pick you up from your terminal to start your stopover experience in an iconic London Black Cab.
This fast-paced layover tour includes 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 2 Tudor Palaces and all the must-see attractions in the heart of London including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Bridge, River Thames, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and many more!
All our tours are fully customisable, and the itinerary can be adjusted on the day of the tour according to your interests and you will have plenty of time for photos and new memories.
You can choose from:
Your driver guide will make sure you are back in time at Heathrow for your next flight.
As the sun sets, the city of London transforms into an enchanting display of lights with London's spectacular Illuminated River, a long-term art installation transforming that span nine bridges in the heart of London.
On your evening journey through the illuminated heart of the city, you will:
Experience the captivating allure of London by night on our Black Cab Heritage Tours Night Tour in a classic black cab.
Showcasing the Illuminated River Project, this tour will take you through the city's magnificent landmarks for a mesmerising spectacle you won't want to miss.
From the iconic Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge, the River Thames and its bridges become the stars of the show as our knowledgeable cabbies share fascinating insights into the architectural marvels and social history along the riverbank.
With your camera in hand, you’ll capture the brilliance of the city as it shines in the darkness, ensuring that this private tour remains etched in your heart and photographs for years to come.
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