Bobbies, Corgis and the 7 Lions

If you’re looking for a way to introduce children to London’s iconic sights without the usual museum monotony, the “Bobbies, Corgis and the 7 Lions” tour offers a lively, storytelling approach perfect for families. This two-hour walking adventure promises a fun, engaging way for kids (and their grown-ups) to discover Westminster while hearing tales that make history come alive. Led by a knowledgeable German-speaking guide from Julia City Guide, it’s a well-balanced mix of sightseeing and fascinating stories, specially tailored for children aged 6 to 12.

What we really love about this tour is how it blends education with entertainment. The stories are crafted to keep children interested, making familiar sights like Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square feel fresh and exciting. Plus, the route is designed with safety and practicality in mind, traveling on wide sidewalks suitable for strollers and small legs alike. However, a potential consideration is that the tour is only offered in German, which might limit accessibility for some travelers unless they understand the language or bring a translation.

This experience is ideal for families eager to explore London with young children who enjoy stories, animals, and royal mysteries. If you’re after a casual, child-friendly way to see Westminster’s highlights without the long queues or stuffy museums, this tour definitely fits the bill.

Key Points

• Child-focused storytelling makes history lively and relatable.
• Two-hour walking tour covers key Westminster sights comfortably.
• Small group (max 8 children) ensures personalized attention.
• German-speaking guide adds a cultural twist to the experience.
• Designed for kids aged 6-12, with free participation for under-4s.
• Accessible route suitable for strollers and easy walking.

What to Expect from This Westminster Tour

This tour is designed to be a hands-on, engaging experience that takes you through central Westminster, but unlike typical sightseeing trips, it’s heavily geared toward making history and politics appeal to children. Think of it as a lively story session combined with sightseeing—perfect for young minds curious about what makes London tick.

The tour begins at Green Park Underground Station, right by the fountain, which is a convenient and recognizable meeting point. From there, your guide will lead your little explorers on a walk that covers landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Horse Guards Parade. Throughout the route, your guide will share stories about the royal residence, the famous Corgis, and the Bobbies (police officers) patrolling the streets, making each stop a mini adventure.

A standout feature of the tour is the chance to glimpse where the King lives—though you’ll need a bit of luck to see him at home—and to learn why Lord Nelson was traveling in a brandy barrel. These quirky stories are part of the fun, giving children memorable snippets that stick long after the tour ends. And with the possibility of spotting corgis or even Larry the Cat, the resident feline of 10 Downing Street, the tour feels more like a treasure hunt than a history lesson.

The guide’s approach is described as very child-friendly, turning what could be dry facts into lively tales. As one reviewer noted, the guide is very well-trained and engaging, making history accessible and fun. The route is chosen carefully to ensure wide sidewalks and safe areas for stroller use, which is especially helpful if you’re visiting with younger children.

The Highlights: Sights and Stories

Buckingham Palace and the Royal Family

While you won’t necessarily get a royal audience, the tour takes you close enough to see the palace gates and learn about the royal family’s life. Kids will enjoy hearing about Larry the Cat, the official resident cat of 10 Downing Street who’s become a national celebrity. The story of Larry is told with affection and humor, adding a playful touch to the royal visit.

Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Legacy

The guide shares tales about Lord Nelson and why he’s celebrated in London, with amusing anecdotes about his last voyage in a brandy barrel—a story that captures children’s imaginations. The square itself, with its fountains and statues, makes for a scenic stop, and the lively atmosphere keeps the kids engaged.

Horse Guards Parade and the Changing of the Guard

Kids love watching the ceremonial guards and imagining themselves as part of a royal procession. The guide explains the traditions behind the changing of the guard in a way that’s accessible and entertaining, helping children understand the pageantry of British customs.

Westminster Abbey and Big Ben

While the tour isn’t a deep dive into the history of Westminster Abbey, your guide will point out the famous church and the clock tower, with stories about Big Ben chiming. If you’re lucky, the sound of the clock might even mark a special moment during your walk.

Spotting Policemen, Corgis, and Possibly the King

The tour emphasizes police presence—the bobbies—and how they keep London safe. There’s also the fun possibility of seeing corgis or catching a glimpse of the King’s residence, adding a touch of royal intrigue.

Practicalities and Value

The tour costs approximately $87.55 per person, which might seem a bit steep for just two hours, but when you consider the tailored storytelling, the small group setting (limited to 10 participants), and the personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide, the value becomes clearer. Kids are especially responsive to stories and visuals, and this approach makes the experience feel special and memorable.

The small group size enhances safety, keeps the pace manageable for children, and allows for more interaction with the guide. Plus, the wheelchair accessibility makes it inclusive for families with mobility concerns.

Booking is flexible—you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can secure a spot without paying upfront thanks to the “reserve now & pay later” option. This flexibility is handy given London’s unpredictable weather or changing plans.

Review Insights and Authentic Feedback

One parent shared that the tour was “very well adapted for children” and appreciated that it was suitable for both kids and adults. Another noted that the guide’s stories kept the children engaged, making sightseeing feel less like a chore and more like a fun adventure. The storytelling approach means less focus on facts and more on creating an experience that children will remember, which is a big plus for families.

Several reviews highlighted the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guide as a key strength, with some mentioning that the guide’s storytelling made the landmarks much more interesting than just passing by.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour fits best for families with children aged 6-12 who want an engaging, child-centric way to see Westminster’s highlights. It’s ideal for parents seeking to combine sightseeing with fun stories that will keep little ones attentive. The small group format ensures personalized attention, making it a suitable choice for families who value a more intimate experience.

It’s also a good option for German-speaking visitors or those interested in a German-language tour, as the guide delivers the stories in German.

However, since the tour is only in German and has a maximum of 8 children, non-German speakers or larger groups might need to consider alternative options. Plus, if your kids have special needs, the accessible route and stroller-friendly design are helpful, but you’ll want to ensure they’re comfortable with walking for two hours.

The Sum Up

Overall, “Bobbies, Corgis and the 7 Lions” offers a charming, family-friendly way to explore Westminster that’s more than just sightseeing—it’s storytelling that brings history to life for children. The knowledgeable guide, engaging stories, and well-chosen route combine to create an experience that feels personal and memorable.

This tour is best suited for families wanting a relaxed, fun educational activity that doesn’t involve long museum lines or crowded attractions. The small group setting and focus on children’s interests make it a great choice for those seeking a more intimate, interactive adventure.

For families traveling to London who want to combine sightseeing with engaging stories about the royal family, police, and iconic landmarks, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable option. Just keep in mind the language factor and consider your children’s attention span—two hours of lively storytelling often work wonders for keeping young minds engaged.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children under 4?
Children under 4 can join for free, but most activities are geared toward kids aged 6-12. Supervision by an adult is required at all times.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is only offered in German, delivered by an Austrian guide. It’s perfect for German speakers or those willing to listen to a guided story in that language.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable activity for young children without tiring them out.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Green Park Underground Station, by the fountain, and finishes back at the same meeting point.

Is the route stroller-friendly?
Yes, the route uses wide sidewalks suitable for strollers and easy walking, making it accessible for families with young children.

How many participants are in each group?
The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a small, intimate experience and more attention from the guide.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the price, and is it good value?
At $87.55 per person, the value lies in the personalized storytelling, small group size, and suitability for children. It’s a quality experience that combines sightseeing with fun, educational stories tailored for young audiences.