London Private Guided Taxi Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch. Originally built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, the palace became an official royal palace with the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. Today, it stands as a symbol of the British monarchy, hosting state occasions and royal hospitality, with its State Rooms open to the public during the summer months. Look for the guards outside in their famous bear-skin hats. Find out about the man who broke into the palace and found the Queen's bedroom.

   5 min

2. St. James’s is the oldest of the Royal Parks in London. The landscape includes a lake that serves as a wildlife sanctuary for ducks, geese, swans, and even pelicans. One king kept two pet crocodiles here! The park’s history dates back to the reign of King Henry VIII and has been shaped by several monarchs, making it a serene retreat with a regal backdrop.

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3. The Victoria Memorial, located at the end of The Mall in London, is a grand monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, designed by the sculptor Sir Thomas Brock. Unveiled in 1911, it features a central pylon of Pentelic marble and statues in Lasa marble and gilt bronze, symbolizing the virtues of the late queen. The memorial, which weighs 2,300 tonnes and stands 25 meters high, was part of an ambitious urban planning scheme that included the creation of the Queen’s Gardens.

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4. There are many stories about Green Park, including a haunted tree and a jealous queen. Developed by Charles the second over 350 years ago the park is a serene haven of mature trees and grasslands, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

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5. Whitehall is known for housing numerous government departments and being synonymous with the British Government itself. Whitehall has been the site of many historical events, including the execution of King Charles I. Look for the "Cavalry Blacks", horses standing guard mounted by soldiers dressed in their splendid ceremonial uniforms.

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6. Downing Street is renowned for housing the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Built in the 1680s by Sir George Downing, it has been at the heart of British political power for over three centuries. The street is also a symbol of the British Government, with Number 10 serving as the Prime Minister’s home.

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7. The Old Admiralty Building is over 300 years old. The wires on the top of the building were once used to send messages down to the fleet in Portsmouth. It was here that Admiral Nelson's body was retrieved from a barrel of brandy following his death at the battle of Trafalgar. Suspiciously about a third of the brandy was missing. Find out why on the tour.

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8. Designed by the architect Inigo Jones and completed in 1622 Banqueting House is renowned for its stunning ceiling painted by Peter Paul Rubens and is the only remaining part of the Palace of Whitehall. It was through this room that Charles the first passed on his way to his execution in 1649. The Banqueting House was also home to Henry the eighth's wine-cellar.

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9. Great Scotland Yard was originally the site of buildings used by Scottish royalty and diplomatic representatives when visiting the English court1. It became famous as the original headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service of London, leading to the name “Scotland Yard” becoming synonymous with the police service. The street has a rich history, having housed notable figures such as architects Inigo Jones and Christopher Wren, and poet John Milton.

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10. Officially called the Elizabeth tower after the late Queen, Big Ben refers to the 13 1/2 ton bell inside made in Whitechapel bell foundry, the same foundry which cast the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Half way up the tower there's a prison and a light inside indicates that the House of Commons is in session.

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11. The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is the seat of two parliamentary houses, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The current Gothic Revival palace, designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, was constructed in the mid-19th century after a great fire destroyed much of the original building. Westminster hall, however, remains. This was the site of many dramatic events in English history including the trial of Guy Fawkes, the man who tried to blow up Parliament and the trial of Charles the first.

    5 min

12. Statues of all the major political figures from all over the world adorn the square. Abraham Lincoln, Gandi, and Nelson Mandela are honoured here. The most famous of all is Winston Churchill, Britain's wartime leader.

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Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in London

• Its from-price is 121% above the median of the 4793 experiences we list in London.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 2369 of 4793.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About London

London mixes royal ceremony, world-class museums and riverside landmarks with distinct neighbourhoods, markets and parks to explore on foot.

The Thames threads the city together. On its banks stand the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels, Tower Bridge and the long South Bank walk past the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe and Tate Modern. St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey anchor the older skyline, while glass towers crowd the financial district.

Top-ranked sights in London: St. Paul's Cathedral, Stonehenge, Tower of London.

See all 4793 experiences in London