The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour
Description
Ever wondered what London looks like from 244m above sea level? Almost double the height of any other viewing platform in London, The Shard offers an unbeatable view of the capital. It’s the perfect way to see the city after exploring the iconic sights of Westminster close-up! First, you’ll meet your friendly local guide in Green Park to begin a fun 3-hour tour of Westminster. You’ll see many of London’s iconic sights, including Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Parliament Square. You can even see the Changing of the Guard (daily in June & July, otherwise only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays)! Afterwards, your guide will direct you how to get to The Shard, where a high-speed elevator will take you to floor 68. Once here, enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view stretching out across the city for up to 40 miles! If you’re feeling brave, you can even head up to the open air viewing platform on level 72!
Tour Options
Itinerary
After a stroll through lovely Green Park, we reach Buckingham Palace - official home of the King! Your guide will tell stories of British Royal history as you admire this beautiful Palace. On certain days you can watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, and your guide will find the perfect viewing spot! Afterward, walk along the Royal Mall.
Reaching this iconic public square, you’ll see Nelson’s Column, the stunning fountains, and famous buildings including The National Gallery.
Continue to Horse Guards Parade, on the edge of stunning St. James Park. We’ll stop to admire its famous arch and iconic clock - a great photo opportunity!
Next, your guide will lead you to nearby Whitehall. This is home to many grand buildings and monuments, as well as Downing Street where British Prime Ministers have lived and worked since 1735!
At Parliament Square, you’ll see the incredible Palace of Westminster (home to the Houses of Parliament) and the iconic Big Ben clock up close, as well as views of the London Eye and Churchill Statue.
Continue to nearby Westminster Abbey - one of London’s most beautiful buildings with over 1000 years of history. This is where British Kings and Queens are crowned!
After the walking tour, your guide will provide directions to The Shard, where a high-speed elevator takes you to the 68th floor. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views stretching up to 40 miles, and if you’re feeling adventurous, head up to the open-air viewing platform on level 72!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(12)
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour with Brandon, he was well informed of the places we visited, getting us front view places at the King’s Horse guards changing duties. He was pleasantly entertaining the whole group enjoyed the tour with Brandon as our guide!
The Westminster walking tour with Tanya was wonderful. Her knowledge combined with her sense of humor made the walk quite enjoyable. However, The Shard was a bit underwhelming for my family. I wish I would've chosen another add on to the walking tour.
Absolutely excellent tour! Lots of behind-the-scenes information and history from a retired teacher. Greg made everything interesting and relevant. We saw every highlight listed and had such a lovely walk in Green Park. We were even able to see the entrance to the palatial home where the king and queen live. We (college student and grandparents) highly recommend this tour! Did not realize when we booked that we would be on our own to get to the Shard and the viewing gallery. Ended up not to be any trouble at all and the incredible views from the Shard are not to be missed!
The guided tour went very well. The guide was always very attentive and diligent in explaining everything to us in detail. I can't comment on the visit to the Shard since they canceled it at the last minute because it was closed (it's true that they refunded our money).
The Shard was shut on the day of my viewing and had been shut for weeks . Viator had taken my money whilst knowing that the Shard was closed. The Westminster walking tour was very good by Sandra. John Dawson
Hi John 100% : refund coming your way for the Shard portion of the tour. A big sorry from us for the closure : we werent aware until the last minute. Apologies !
Overall it was a great tour because the tour guides took us to different palaces and give us a brief history about it, and he also give us a nice walk at the beautiful park. but it would be flexible if we can go to the shard together since that’s is the only place we haven’t gone together, just myself and 1 of the other person who was also part of this tour.
Absolutely loved this tour. Christopher is a truly excellent tour guide. It amazes me how he remembers everything that he told us however, it was not a simple case of providing us with information Christopher has a brilliant personality mingle that with his humour and you have yourself a brilliant tour where you learn a lot, see a lot and have an absolutely fantastic time. The 3 hours flew by I am not a great walker however the pace is great nice and east with plenty of stops for Christopher to give us facts etc.The Shard was good too 😊
Hezron served us, he made my first trip to London one to remember. Customer service skills were 10/10 and he was very welcoming and friendly. Very well mannered and had good banter. Definitely a trip to remember, also his cocktails were amazing !!!
Amazing view and lovely staff however, as London sky gardens is free £30 looks a touch steep for the experience.
Chris did a very good storytelling we liked it. the view was also amazing everything perfect! easy to find the group and they bring you printed tickets
