Visit Kensington Palace & 3 Hour Westminster Walking Tour

Visiting London and want to make the most of your day? This tour combines a comprehensive 3-hour walk through Westminster’s iconic landmarks with an independent visit to Kensington Palace, offering a balanced mix of guided sightseeing and free exploration. It’s a popular choice for travelers who are pressed for time but still want an authentic glimpse of London’s royal and historic highlights.

What we love most about this experience is the fact that it hits all the essential spots—think Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey—while also including tickets to Kensington Palace, home of Prince William and his family. The guides are praised for their knowledge and humor, helping to turn a sightseeing walk into a fun, educational adventure.

One consideration is the walking pace and timing: the tour is packed, and some reviews mention the need to plan your day carefully, especially if you want to visit Kensington Palace afterward. The tour is best suited for those who enjoy outdoor walks, historical stories, and a good dose of British charm—all within about five hours.

This tour is perfect for travelers eager for a quick yet authentic London experience, especially those wanting a guided overview of Westminster’s highlights and the flexibility to explore Kensington Palace on their own.

Key Points

• Concise but comprehensive: A 3-hour guided walk covers London’s most famous landmarks.
• Inclusion of ticket: Your entry to Kensington Palace is covered, adding value.
• Expert guides: Guides like Benedict receive praise for their humor and knowledge.
• Timing considerations: Changing of the Guard is only on specific days, so check schedules.
• Self-guided finale: Post-tour, you’ll navigate to Kensington Palace independently.
• Group size: Small groups (max 15) ensure a more personal experience.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Overview

The tour kicks off at The Ritz London, perched on Piccadilly, a location that screams luxury and history. Meeting at 10:00 am, you’re immediately immersed in the city’s elegant ambiance. From the outset, the small-group setting (restricted to 15 travelers) promises a more intimate atmosphere, ideal for asking questions and getting personalized insights.

The Westminster Walk

Your guide—who could be someone like Benedict—leads you through Westminster’s iconic streets, weaving stories about each landmark. The level of detail shared is what makes this stand out. Reviewers highlight guides like Benedict and Will for their humor, friendliness, and deep knowledge, which keeps the walk engaging even during prolonged periods of outdoor exploration.

Buckingham Palace: After strolling through Green Park, you arrive at the Queen’s official residence. On certain days, your guide will find optimal spots to watch the Changing of the Guard. Reviewers like Mylee and Kim appreciated this, noting their guides’ knack for pinpointing the best vantage points. However, timing is everything; since the Guard change only happens three days a week, some participants might miss it if their schedule doesn’t align.

Trafalgar Square: A quick stop grants views of Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery. This spot is a favorite for capturing photos, and the fountains provide a perfect backdrop for those classic London shots.

Horse Guards Parade & St. James Park: Onward, you’ll reach the iconic Horse Guards arch and the adjacent park, which offers fantastic photo ops. Reviewers frequently praise the guides’ storytelling here, turning what could be just another landmark into a memorable moment.

Whitehall & Downing Street: As you walk along Whitehall, your guide will share amusing anecdotes about Prime Minister’s residence and the British government’s history. The official residence of the Prime Minister, Downing Street, is a photo-worthy spot—although public access is limited, the tour offers a chance to view it from outside.

The Houses of Parliament & Big Ben: The tour’s highlight is probably this impressive complex, with its intricate Gothic architecture. From Parliament Square, you get a close-up look at Big Ben, and the views of the London Eye nearby add to the sense of place. Reviewers like Melissa and Megan mention the walk’s pace as lively but manageable, with plenty of opportunities to take photos.

Westminster Abbey

A quick visit to Westminster Abbey lets you marvel at a building that’s over 1,000 years old. While the tour doesn’t include inside access, the guide’s commentary enhances the experience, adding stories about coronations, royal weddings, and historical figures buried there. Reviewers like Holly G appreciated the depth of knowledge, noting that the guide’s insights made the external visit feel very meaningful.

The Transition to Kensington Palace

After completing the Westminster highlights, the group disbands for the afternoon at around 1:00 pm. The included tickets to Kensington Palace are a major perk, giving you the chance to explore at your own pace. The Palace, home to William and Kate, is about a 30-minute journey via public transport, costing roughly £5.

A common theme in reviews is that the tour doesn’t include guidance inside Kensington Palace but provides tickets and directions. Some travelers, like Laura, wished for more detailed directions beforehand, as navigating the tube can be daunting if you’re unfamiliar with London.

The Kensington Palace Visit

With your ticket, you can enjoy the gardens and the palace’s exhibitions independently. Reviewers such as Mirna and Nancy found the palace somewhat underwhelming inside but enjoyed the surrounding park and gardens for free. Others, like Louise, appreciated having the access to explore this royal residence after the walking tour.

The Value of This Tour

Priced at around $116.51 per person, the experience offers good value considering the guided sightseeing, insider commentary, and included Kensington Palace tickets. The small-group format means more personalized attention, and the tour’s duration—about five hours—strikes a balance between seeing major sights and not overloading your day.

The walk is intensive, with multiple stops and a fair amount of outdoor time. If you’re a fan of walking and want a rundown of Westminster and royal London, this tour covers all the essentials in a lively, engaging way. Though some reviews mention feeling rushed or wishing for more detailed directions to Kensington, most agree that guides like Benedict and Will make the experience worthwhile.

One standout aspect is the guides’ ability to blend humor with historical facts, making the sightseeing both educational and fun. The inclusion of tickets to Kensington Palace allows you to extend your visit without extra cost, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for visitors who want a compact, guided overview of central London’s most famous sites with the convenience of included entrance to Kensington Palace. It suits those who enjoy walking, storytelling, and taking photographs without feeling overwhelmed. It’s perfect for travelers on a tight schedule, families, or first-time visitors eager to get a broad sense of London’s royal and political history.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely or private experience inside Kensington Palace, or are uncomfortable navigating London’s public transport, you might want to consider alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of London’s grandeur, combining the majesty of Westminster with a taste of royal life at Kensington Palace. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge turn a simple walk into a memorable journey. While the pace is brisk and some logistical considerations around directions and timing exist, most travelers find the experience to be a fantastic value and a highlight of their London trip.

It’s best suited for those who love walking, historic sights, and a guided narrative that brings the city’s stories to life. If you’re after a practical, engaging, and authentic introduction to London’s most beloved landmarks, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all age groups?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and children who enjoy walking and sightseeing will find it engaging.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, at 10:00 am.

Does the guide accompany me inside Kensington Palace?
No, your guide will not join you inside. You will receive tickets and directions to explore Kensington Palace independently.

Are the changing of the guard ceremonies included?
Yes, on specific days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), your guide will find the best spots to watch the Changing of the Guard.

How long do I have at Kensington Palace?
The tour ends around 1 pm, giving you about two hours to explore the palace and gardens on your own.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to Kensington Palace is not included. You should plan about £5 for a one-way ticket on public transport.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat or umbrella depending on the weather, and some snacks or water for the walk.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves walking and outdoor stops, so mobility considerations should be taken into account.

In short, this combined Westminster and Kensington experience is a practical, engaging way to see London’s highlights in a manageable day. Well-loved for its knowledgeable guides and inclusive tickets, it’s an excellent pick for first-timers and those eager to get a genuine sense of the city’s royal and historic pulse.