The best free self-guided walking tours of London:
Discover London’s key royal and governmental sites
Step into the heart of royal and political London on this fascinating walk through centuries of British history. From the magnificent Buckingham Palace to the iconic Houses of Parliament, this carefully crafted route takes you past the key sites that have shaped the monarchy and governance of the United Kingdom.
Covering approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) and taking 2-3 hours depending on stops, this walk allows you to explore the grandeur of royal London at a comfortable pace. Along the way, you’ll discover magnificent palaces, historic parks, ceremonial grounds, and the seat of British democracy, each with its own compelling stories and secrets.
Free self-guided walking tour of London: Royal London
Stop 1
Buckingham Palace
For access to the Royal Collection
What you will see
What You Will See:
The iconic façade of Buckingham Palace
The Victoria Memorial in front of the palace
The Changing of the Guard ceremony (if timed correctly)
Historical & cultural significance
Official London residence of the British monarch since 1837
Focal point for national celebrations and mourning
Symbol of the British monarchy and its continuity
Look out for…
Look for the Royal Standard flag flying when the monarch is in residence
Find the Buckingham Palace balcony where the Royal Family makes public appearances
Observe the intricate ironwork on the palace gates
Stop 2
St James’ Park
What you will see
Lush green spaces and flowerbeds
A lake with various waterfowl, including pelicans
Views of Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade
Historical & cultural significance
Oldest Royal Park in London, dating back to 1603
Originally a deer park and zoo for the monarchy
Now a public park enjoyed by millions each year
Look out for…
Look for the pelicans, descendants of a pair gifted by a Russian ambassador in 1664
Find the Blue Bridge for a perfect photo opportunity of Buckingham Palace
Observe the Tudor-style Duck Island Cottage, home to the park’s wildlife keeper
Stop 3
Horse Guards Parade
What you will see
The grand parade ground
Mounted sentries (Horse Guards)
The elegant façade of the Horse Guards building
Historical & cultural significance
Former tiltyard of Whitehall Palace
Site of the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony
Headquarters of the Household Cavalry
Look out for…
Look for the hourly changing of the Horse Guards
Find the mounting blocks used by Queen Victoria to mount her horse
Observe the different uniforms worn by the Life Guards and Blues and Royals regiments
Stop 4
10 Downing Street
(viewed from a distance)
What you will see
–
The famous black door of Number 10 (from the end of Downing Street)
Armed police officers guarding the entrance
Possible comings and goings of officials and staff
Historical & cultural significance
Official residence and office of the British Prime Minister since 1735
Symbol of British government and political power
Site of crucial decision-making affecting the UK and the world
Look out for…
Look for the iron gates installed in 1989 for security reasons
Find the ‘0’ in the number 10, which is slightly askew
Observe the sole remaining gas lamp in London, outside Number 10
Stop 5
Westminster Abbey
What you will see
The magnificent Gothic exterior of the Abbey
If entering, the intricate interior including tombs, memorials, and the Coronation Chair
The Chapter House and cloisters
Historical & cultural significance
Coronation church for British monarchs since 1066
Burial site for many monarchs and notable figures
Venue for royal weddings and other significant ceremonies
Look out for…
Poets’ Corner, where many famous writers are buried or commemorated
Find the Coronation Chair, used in every coronation since 1308
Observe the intricate fan-vaulted ceiling in the Henry VII Lady Chapel
Stop 6
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
What you will see
The neo-Gothic architecture of the Palace of Westminster
Big Ben (officially the Elizabeth Tower) and its famous clock face
Victoria Tower at the southern end of the building
Historical & cultural significance
Seat of the UK Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords)
Symbol of British democracy and governance
Big Ben is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world
Look out for…
The statue of Oliver Cromwell outside the Houses of Parliament
Find the gold leaf on Big Ben’s clock face
Observe the different coloured benches inside the Commons (green) and Lords (red) chambers