London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 1,052 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise worth booking?
London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise is a 6-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $129 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 1,052 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (1,052)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $129 per person
See London’s biggest landmarks in one unforgettable day, with pre-reserved entry to Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, a Thames River cruise, and an expert Blue Badge guide leading the way. From Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to the Crown Jewels, this carefully planned tour takes care of the logistics so you can experience more of London in less time. Step inside historic Westminster Abbey, see Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Parade, then cruise along the Thames towards the Tower of London. Finish inside the 1,000-year-old fortress, where you’ll discover its extraordinary history and see the dazzling Crown Jewels up close.
What you get
About this experience
See London’s biggest landmarks in one unforgettable day, with pre-reserved entry to Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, a Thames River cruise, and an expert Blue Badge guide leading the way. From Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to the Crown Jewels, this carefully planned tour takes care of the logistics so you can experience more of London in less time. Step inside historic Westminster Abbey, see Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Parade, then cruise along the Thames towards the Tower of London. Finish inside the 1,000-year-old fortress, where you’ll discover its extraordinary history and see the dazzling Crown Jewels up close.
What's included
Included
- St James Palace (exterior)
- Blue Badge guide
- Buckingham Palace (exterior)
- Tower of London & Crown Jewels
- Skip the line ticket for Westminster Abbey (8:45 AM & 9:00 AM tours only)
- Big Ben (view)
- Tower Bridge (exterior)
- St Paul's Cathedral (view)
- Trafalgar Square
- Houses of Parliament (exterior)
- Thames River Cruise
- Skip the line ticket for Tower of London
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
What you'll see and do
Parliament Square
Start your day in the heart of historic Westminster, surrounded by some of London’s most recognisable landmarks. Take in Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament as your Blue Badge guide introduces the people, power and events that have shaped Britain from this extraordinary corner of the capital. Please note: Guests selecting London in a Day starting from the Tower option will visit the same attractions and enjoy the same inclusions as the standard tour, but in the reverse order, starting at the Tower of London and ending at Westminster Abbey.
30 minutes here
Westminster Abbey
Step inside Westminster Abbey, the magnificent setting for royal coronations since 1066 and the final resting place of kings, queens, poets and some of Britain’s most famous figures. With pre-reserved entry, explore the Abbey with your expert Blue Badge guide and discover the stories behind royal weddings, state funerals and centuries of British history,from the Coronation Chair to the tombs of monarchs and Poet’s Corner.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Buckingham Palace
Walk through St. James’s Park to Buckingham Palace, the world-famous London residence of the British monarch. Hear the stories behind royal life at the palace. Your guide will also bring you to Horse Guards Parade for a glimpse of Britain’s centuries-old royal traditions.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
Enter the ceremonial heart of royal London at Horse Guards Parade, home to the King’s Life Guard and one of the capital’s great military traditions. See the mounted guards on duty and discover the history behind the uniforms, rituals and pageantry that have protected the monarch for centuries.
30 minutes here
Trafalgar Square
Continue through the heart of central London to Trafalgar Square, dominated by Nelson’s Column and surrounded by landmarks that tell the story of Britain’s past. Along the way, your guide connects the royal, political and cultural history you’ve encountered throughout the morning before time to pause for lunch and recharge ahead of the afternoon’s adventures.
120 minutes here
Thames River
Give your feet a rest as you take to the Thames for a sightseeing cruise through the heart of London. See the city from a completely different perspective as you pass landmarks including the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard, travelling east towards Tower Bridge and the final,and oldest, chapter of your day.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Tower of London
Finish your day inside the formidable Tower of London, a royal palace, prison and fortress with nearly 1,000 years of extraordinary history behind its walls. Follow your Blue Badge guide through stories of kings and queens, prisoners, executions and intrigue -from Anne Boleyn to the mysterious Princes in the Tower. Explore the medieval fortress and come face-to-face with its greatest treasure: the spectacular Crown Jewels, still used in royal ceremonies today.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge (exterior)
Pass by without stopping
St. James's Palace
St James Palace (exterior)
Pass by without stopping
Houses of Parliament
Houses of Parliament (exterior)
Pass by without stopping
Big Ben
Big Ben (view)
Pass by without stopping
London Eye
London Eye (view)
Pass by without stopping
St. Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral (view)
Pass by without stopping
The Shard
The Shard (view)
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. This tour meets at 5BT, Tower Place West, 50 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DT, UK. Meet your coordinator at the West Gate entrance, opposite the Starbucks and in front of the Tower of London giftshop.
Meeting point
London
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at the Viscount Palmerston Statue in Parliament Square.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
END POINT for London in a Day from the Tower option: Inside Westminster Abbey
Ends at
Inside Tower of London
Options you can book
London in a Day from the Tower
Starting from Tower of London: Visit the Tower of London first, then explore central London before ending at Westminster Abbey. Starting point: Tower of London Shop, 5BT, Tower Place West, 50 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DT, UK
London in a Day
Starting from Parliament Sq.: Begin with Westminster Abbey (9:00 AM tour) before exploring royal London and ending at the Tower of London. Please Note: The 10:00 AM tour does not include an entry to the Abbey, it will only be visited from the exterior. Starting point: Viscount Palmerston Statue, Parliament Sq, London SW1P 3JX, UK
Private - London in a Day
Private Full Day Tour: Can't miss London's most popular attractions. Visit the London Tower, Westminster Abbey, cruise the Thames and so much more. Starting point: Viscount Palmerston Statue, Parliament Sq, London SW1P 3JX, UK
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Walks - UK
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Please Note: The 10 AM tour does not include entry to the Abbey. Instead, your guide will provide an introduction to the Abbey from the exterior.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
- Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,048 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
1,048 verified traveler reviews for London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We really enjoyed this...
We really enjoyed this tour. Amber was a perfect tour guide and filled us full of historical facts. Just know it is all walking (several miles), except for a short trip down the Thames River, so wear your good walking shoes. The weather was beautiful. Just wish there were more rest stops along the way.
via Viator
Great Tour of the Highlights of London
It was a great tour! Lots of walking but very informative! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable! Would definitely recommend!
via Viator
Put on your walking shoes and enjoy!
We had an amazing walk through the London rain with our guide Kim. He was a wonderful guide, down to earth, and passionate about the city and its history.
via Viator
Even in the rain, a great experience
We four senior citizens were able to endure a rainy day, experience the best of London, enjoy a pub meal, and learn a great deal about the history of many parts of London. Our guide was extraordinary in that he was able to share history without being boring or condescending, throw in a mix of current and recent events, and still be sensitive and encouraging in less than perfect conditions with uhm, less than athletic participants. He made the tour, without doubt.
via Viator
James was very...
James was very informative of English history and answered everyone’s questions. Lots of walking. Very interesting!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $129 to $939
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 368
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Walks - UK, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.8.
See everything Walks - UK runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $129 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 1,052 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise?
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Around 368 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise?
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Included: St James Palace (exterior); Blue Badge guide; Buckingham Palace (exterior); Tower of London & Crown Jewels; and Skip the line ticket for Westminster Abbey (8:45 AM & 9:00 AM tours only). Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise?
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Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. This tour meets at 5BT, Tower Place West, 50 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DT, UK. Meet your coordinator at the West Gate entrance. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility i. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise?
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Across 1,052 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including London in a Day from the Tower, London in a Day, Private - London in a Day. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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