Can you go inside St. James's Palace?

No, St. James's Palace is not open to the general public as it is a working royal residence. However, you can view the exterior Tudor architecture and the guards from the public street.

What is the best time for a walking tour London route in Westminster?

Morning is best, specifically starting around 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM. This allows you to finish near Buckingham Palace just as the crowds gather for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Is this Westminster walking route accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, this route is very accessible as it follows major London sidewalks and park paths. The terrain is flat and there are no stairs required to see any of the main landmarks from the outside.

Is it free to see Big Ben and Buckingham Palace?

Yes, viewing the exterior of all these landmarks is completely free. You only need to pay if you choose to book a ticketed entry to go inside Westminster Abbey or the Buckingham Palace State Rooms.

Can I see the pelicans in St James's Park every day?

Yes, the pelicans are permanent residents of the park. They are most active during their feeding time, which usually takes place daily between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM near Duck Island Cottage.

Where is the best place to start a Westminster self-guided walk?

Starting at St James's Park Station is ideal. It places you right at the edge of the park and allows for a logical flow toward the palaces and then on to the Houses of Parliament.

Is Westminster Abbey worth visiting?

Absolutely, as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 1,000 years of history. Even if you don't go inside, the exterior architecture is a highlight of any London walking route.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Embark on a self-guided walk through the epicenter of British monarchy and political power. This walking route in Westminster connects the serene greenery of the Royal Parks with the architectural grandeur of the palaces and the seat of government. For centuries, this small pocket of London has been the stage for coronations, royal weddings, and the daily business of the British state. As you explore independently, you will witness the evolution of the city from its medieval religious roots to the height of the British Empire. The journey begins in St James's Park, the oldest of the capital's eight Royal Parks, offering a peaceful introduction to the area's rich history. From here, the route leads you past the red-brick Tudor walls of St. James's Palace, a site that remains the formal home of the Sovereign. You will encounter the residence of the King at Clarence House before reaching the world-famous facade of Buckingham Palace. This self-guided adventure then shifts toward the spiritual and political heart of the nation. You will see the intricate Gothic detail of Westminster Abbey, where monarchs have been crowned since 1066, and conclude at the foot of the Elizabeth Tower, more famously known as Big Ben. This walking tour London experience is designed for those who want to absorb the atmosphere of the city at their own pace. Unlike a standard guided tour London experience, this audio-led journey allows you to linger at the Victoria Memorial or pause for photos of the Horse Guards without being rushed. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a history enthusiast, this neighborhood stroll offers a deep dive into the stories of power that have shaped modern Britain. Discover the hidden details of these iconic landmarks, from the resident pelicans of the park to the symbolism carved into the stone of the Houses of Parliament.

Highlights

Spot the famous resident pelicans in St James's Park

View the Tudor-style architecture of St. James's Palace

Stand before the world-renowned balcony of Buckingham Palace

Admire the 1,000-year-old Gothic majesty of Westminster Abbey

Witness the newly restored golden details of Big Ben

Walk the Mall, London's ceremonial royal road

Tour Stops (6)

St James's Park

Welcome to the oldest Royal Park in London. Once a marshy wasteland, it was acquired by Henry VIII in 1532 as a deer hunting ground. Over the centuries, it was transformed into a formal French-style garden by Charles II and later into the romantic landscape you see today. Keep an eye out for the park's most unusual residents: the pelicans. They were first introduced in 1664 as a gift from the Russian Ambassador. The view from the Blue Bridge in the center of the park is often cited as one of the best in London, offering a stunning vista of Buckingham Palace in one direction and the fairy-tale turrets of Whitehall in the other.

St. James's Palace

While Buckingham Palace is more famous, St. James's Palace remains the official residence of the Sovereign and the most senior royal palace in the United Kingdom. Built by Henry VIII between 1531 and 1536, its distinctive red-brick Tudor architecture and gatehouse are rare survivors of that era. It was here that Elizabeth I spent the night while waiting for the Spanish Armada to arrive. Today, it still hosts royal receptions and is the location where the Accession Council meets to proclaim a new monarch. Notice the royal guards standing sentry at the entrance, maintaining a tradition that has lasted for centuries.

Clarence House

Tucked beside St. James's Palace is Clarence House, a four-story residence built between 1825 and 1827 by the renowned architect John Nash. It has been the home of several key members of the Royal Family, including the Queen Mother for over 50 years and, more recently, King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The house is known for its elegant white stucco exterior, typical of the Regency style. While the interior is often closed to the public, the building stands as a symbol of the more private, domestic side of royal life, nestled just a stone's throw from the grand ceremonial routes of the city.

Buckingham Palace

Standing before you is perhaps the most famous building in the world. Originally known as Buckingham House, it was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. It wasn't until the reign of Queen Victoria in 1837 that it became the official London residence of the British monarch. The East Front, which faces you now, contains the famous balcony where the Royal Family gathers during major national celebrations. Look at the flag flying above: if it is the Royal Standard, the King is in residence; if it is the Union Jack, he is away. The monument in front is the Victoria Memorial, carved from 2,300 tons of white Carrara marble.

Westminster Abbey

This masterpiece of Gothic architecture has been the coronation church of the British monarchy since 1066. Every English and British monarch since William the Conqueror has been crowned here, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII. The Abbey is not just a church; it is a 'Royal Peculiar,' meaning it is subject directly to the monarch rather than a bishop. Inside, it holds the remains of over 3,000 famous figures, including 17 monarchs, Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin. The North Door and the twin towers are iconic examples of medieval design, though the towers were actually completed in the 18th century by Nicholas Hawksmoor.

Big Ben

Concluding our route is the world's most famous clock. While everyone calls it Big Ben, that name actually refers to the 13-ton Great Bell inside. The tower itself was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Completed in 1859, the clock is famous for its reliability and its distinctive 'Westminster Quarters' chime. The tower stands 315 feet tall and is part of the Palace of Westminster, the meeting place of the Houses of Parliament. Look closely at the clock faces; they are made of opal glass and are lit from behind, a beacon of British democracy that has stood through world wars and social change.

Frequently Asked Questions