Begin your journey at Buckingham Palace in the morning and witness the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, before heading up this regal road towards the bustling city centre for lunch.
The Mall is a royal road that has become a popular route for tourists visiting London: stretching from Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, there is lots to see along the way. Wide and tree-lined, it makes for a pleasurable promenade through the heart of historic London. Right in front of Buckingham Palace, you can find the Victoria Memorial. This huge and striking marble monument is topped with a golden winged victory, a Roman icon of power and namesake of the Queen; figures of Motherhood, Justice, and Truth are below, and enthroned in the middle is Queen Victoria herself, depicted as the mother of a nation. Its designer, Thomas Brock, aimed to emphasise the ‘qualities which made our Queen so great and so much beloved.’As you go along the Mall, you will find Horse Guards Parade just off to the east. The road then takes you to Admiralty Arch, a ceremonial gateway with five arches, built shortly after the construction of the Victoria Memorial by King Edward VII in honour of his late mother.
The road is closed to ordinary traffic on Sundays, and for royal celebrations such as the wedding of Prince William and Kate and the Queen’s Jubilee festivities. Indeed, the Mall was originally created as a ceremonial route to and from the Palace; it is also closed during state visits when the road is reserved for exclusive use by the Queen and the visiting diplomat, who will be chauffeured up the Mall, state flags waving, as a matter of ceremony.
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 is not allowed to give commentary 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, home to the Great Bell, famously known as 'Big Ben. A short walk on, you will come to the exterior of the beautiful Westminster Abbey, where most of the English kings and queens for the last 1000 years have 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.
Experience a full-day private tour of London's spectacular Royal landmarks with a private and knowledgeable Blue Badge guide and discover the most popular sites including the Tower of London, the best of Westminster and the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard.
On your private full-day tour, you will:
Enjoy Royal London on this fantastic day tour that begins in the heart of Westminster, follows the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and ends with the sight of the dazzling Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
Meet your guide at Westminster for a tour outside the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Learn about the political history of Parliament Square and its relationship to The Crown. Westminster Abbey has been the site of 38 coronations since 1066, and numerous royal weddings and funerals, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Her Majesty The Queen's state funeral.
From Westminster, wander up Birdcage Walk where you will follow the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Follow the Guardsmen and military band, with their famous red coats and black bearskin hats to Buckingham Palace. Head into Trafalgar Square, via Horseguards Parade, and along Whitehall - the political nerve centre of the UK and the address of 10 Downing Street - home to the British Prime Minister.
Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Thames to Tower Bridge. You'll get to see London and Waterloo Bridges, the London Eye, the Globe, the skyscrapers, and St Paul’s Cathedral from the boat.
Your guide will then accompany you to St. Katherine's Docks for lunch (not included), after which you will enjoy an exclusive private tour of the infamous Tower of London, with reserved tickets included.
Then it's time to enter the Tower of London! Walk past Traitor's Gate and discover the many stories and scandals hidden within the walls of this ancient building. It was formerly a moated royal palace, that became an armoury, a royal mint, a zoo... and most famously the traitor's prison! You'll meet the Beefeaters and the ravens who guard the Tower and discover the stories behind some of the Tower's most famous prisoners from the young Princes in the Tower to Queen Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey whose graffiti you can still see in her prison cell.
Explore the White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress, walk the battlements, enter the torture chambers (if you dare!) and visit the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, where some very famous queens are buried.
Best of all, you will be able to admire the dazzling Crown Jewels which are kept behind extensive security in the aptly-named Jewel House. Due to the strict security measures in place and the moving viewing platform, your guide cannot accompany you but will wait for you at the exit.
End your tour inside the Tower to explore more at your leisure - or return to modern life with your guide!
Please note: 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
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 His Majesty the King.
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.
Experience the perfect tour of Royal London in a day for families with teens and children, including the Changing of the Guard. Keep even the most easily distracted children entertained on this fabulous, fun, and fascinating tour of Royal London! We know how important it is to inspire all ages and work hard to ensure a perfect match with a family-friendly Blue Badge guide.
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
Learn all about London's incredible past on this fun, action-packed full-day tour of Royal London. From the Gunpowder Plot at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, a terrifying coronation at Westminster Abbey in 1066, to following the Changing of the Guard ceremony, you and the kids will be hooked all the way!
Hear about the secret underground tunnels below Buckingham Palace, and the times when thieves and madmen were able to break in - including a 14-year-old cat burglar who was caught stealing Queen Victoria's knickers!
Head up to Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, and learn about the legends of the lions, before a fantastic riverboat ride down the Thames to Tower Bridge. See if you can spot famous London Landmarks along the way - like Shakespeare's Globe, the Shard, and St Paul's Cathedral.
After a well-earned lunch break at St Katharine's Docks, reconvene with your guide outside Traitor's Gate! Yes, it's time for your tour of the Tower of London. An ancient fortress built by William the Conqueror, it used to have polar bears in the moat - neither the moat nor the bears have survived!
Explore the White Tower and the Armoury, the Chapel Royal, and the prison cells... learn about the mystery of the Princes in the Tower and the gruesome executions that took place here. See the burial place of three Queens: Anne Boleyn, Catharine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey. Meet the Beefeaters and the ravens who guard the Tower, and learn about medieval torture in the dungeons!
Finally, hear all about the Crown Jewels, before heading into the Jewel House and be dazzled by the priceless collection of royal jewellery and regalia, including the legendary Kohinoor Diamond and King Edward's Crown.
End your tour inside the Tower to explore more of the cells, dungeons, and medieval torture chambers at your leisure - or return to modern life with your guide!
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.
This tour can only take place within the city of London due to the tour duration.
We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!
Please note
The Premier Classic London Experience is the perfect way to discover the marvellous city of London for first-time visitors and for those who have a short time in the city.
On your private driving 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
During the Premier Classic London Tour, your knowledgeable guide will warmly greet you at your central London hotel or chosen location.
Throughout the 4-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the history behind at least 6 popular London landmarks, all while comfortably riding in an iconic London Taxi.
This tour has been designed for those who want to take their time to appreciate the rich and fascinating stories that surround these iconic attractions, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, and our fully customisable to suit your needs and interests.
Your guide will ensure that you have plenty of chances to snap memorable photos and can even recommend the best spots for dining, shopping, or any other of your interests for the rest of your trip.
It's important to note that this tour doesn't include entry to any attractions or requires tickets.
At the end of the tour, you'll have the option to be dropped off at your hotel or any other central location of your choice.
London’s streets, landmarks, and lively neighbourhoods have served as the backdrop for countless films, from classic black-and-white masterpieces to modern blockbusters. They’ve also provided inspiration for scores of talented musicians who have called the city home over the years. Based on some of the most requested stops on our Premier Classic London tour, our jam-packed movies, magic and music route offers an exhilarating ride through London with a charismatic cabbie-guide that knows the streets like the back of their hand, showing you intriguing corners of the city related to the Beatles, Harry Potter, and other great British icons.
On this half-day private taxi tour, you will:
Set out on a dazzling journey through the sights, sounds and spellbinding stories of London on this private half-day adventure in an iconic London Cab. With a licensed cabbie as your personal guide, a local who knows every shortcut, side street and star-studded secret of the city, you’ll be collected straight from your central London hotel and whisked into a world where legendary music, blockbuster cinema and British magic come vividly to life.
While the exact order of your itinerary can vary depending on your driver and the location of your hotel, you'll soon find yourself in the place every music lover dreams of: Abbey Road in St John’s Wood. You’ll have the opportunity to stand on the famous zebra crossing where the Beatles made history and soak up the atmosphere of the studios where the band recorded their greatest hits. Nearby, you’ll pass the former London homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, glimpsing the quiet neighbourhood streets that once echoed with the footsteps of rock ’n’ roll royalty. You will also spend time in the heart of the capital, where some of London’s most renowned streets unfold before you. You’ll glide along posh Pall Mall, soak in the pomp and circumstance of the Mall (with views of Buckingham Palace), and roll through the grand avenues of Westminster, places that have starred in countless films and remain at the centre of British pageantry. You'll pause at Savile Row, the elegant home of bespoke tailoring, where your guide will reveal yet another chapter of Beatles lore: the site of the group’s final public performance.
Heading into the buzzing West End, you’ll pass through Leicester Square, the glamorous gateway to London’s cinema district. This is where film premieres light up the night, crowds gather to spot stars on the red carpet, and movie history is made again and again. Then it is time to step into another realm entirely, the world of Harry Potter. Visit real London locations that have transformed into some of the wizarding world’s most recognisable settings, from the grand Australia House (Gringotts Bank), to the sleek curves of the Millennium Bridge, to the atmospheric arcades of Leadenhall Market, which inspired Diagon Alley. Fans young and old will feel the magic in every moment.
Throughout the journey, your cabbie-guide brings the stories to life with an infectious passion for London’s cultural tapestry, mixing insider knowledge, film trivia, musical legends and a few delightful surprises tailored to your interests. Combining must-see landmarks, unforgettable movie moments and musical milestones, this exhilarating taxi tour is a fun and immersive way to experience London at its finest.
Please note that the sites listed are the main highlights typically included on this route; however, the exact stops may vary depending on traffic conditions, road closures, and events taking place in the city on the day of your tour. Distances between locations can be considerable, which may affect the order, inclusions and duration of each stop. If you have any specific preferences or requirements, please inform your driver at the start of the tour—they will do their best to tailor the experience accordingly.
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