Westminster Tours and Tickets

Most London sightseeing tours include Westminster on their itineraries as the neighborhood is home to classic capital sights like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. To go inside the abbey, though, look for a tour that specifically includes a ticket, as many tours only offer a pass-by glance.

This central London nook is home to a cluster of historical landmarks. Classic sights for photos include Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower, the River Thames, and Westminster Abbey, while top Westminster visitor attractions include the Churchill War Rooms and, of course, Buckingham Palace, the King’s official London residence.

Many state, royal, and military ceremonies occur in Westminster Abbey, such as Commonwealth Day services, state funerals, royal weddings, and coronations of the new kings and queens. Aside from events at the abbey, the City of Westminster also features on the route of the popular London New Year’s Day Parade.

Westminster is within walking distance of many top London attractions. On the same side of the river, sites within a 15-minute stroll include Tate Britain, Mayfair’s Ritz Hotel, the National Gallery, and Trafalgar Square, while across Westminster Bridge lies the Lastminute.com London Eye, the London Aquarium, and the bustling Southbank.

Visitors can take House of Parliament tours or attend debates by sitting in the public galleries of the House of Commons or the House of Lords. Those eager to see the UK’s democracy in action can ask about entry at the Cromwell Street entrance or check an official parliamentary website to plan visits.

Unless your kids are interested in British politics, they might be inclined to drag their feet around Westminster. While the neighborhood isn’t known as a hotbed of family-friendly fun, the London Aquarium and Hyde Park are both nearby and hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses offer memorable Westminster sightseeing for adults and kids alike.