Whitehall Place, London

Horse Guards Parade, Westminster & Tower of London: Full-Day Tour

Experience a full-day private tour of London's spectacular Royal landmarks with a private and knowledgeable Blue Badge guide and discover the most popular sites including the Tower of London, the best of Westminster and the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard.

On your private full-day tour, you will:

Visit Parliament Square and see the famous Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey (from the outside only);
Walk through St James’s Park, see the giant marble memorial to Queen Victoria in front of Buckingham Palace and follow the famous Changing of the Guard parade;
See St James's Palace and Horse Guards Parade;
Walk along Whitehall to see number 10 Downing Street and through Trafalgar Square;
Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Thames with views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Globe Theatre;
Explore the Tower of London, a former royal castle turned traitor's prison;
Go round the White Tower, the armoury and mint;
Step inside the dungeons and torture chambers, walk the battlements and visit the Chapel Royal;
Learn about the Princes in the Tower, Henry VIII and the fate of his wives Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, the young Lady Jane Grey, Sir Walter Raleigh, and many others;
Meet the ravens and the Beefeaters or Yeoman Warders who guard the Tower;
Admire the dazzling Crown Jewels;
End outside the Jewel House where you are free to explore more at your own leisure or exit the Tower with your guide.

Please note:

that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

Enjoy Royal London on this fantastic day tour that begins in the heart of Westminster, follows the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and ends with the sight of the dazzling Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

Meet your guide at Westminster for a tour outside the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Learn about the political history of Parliament Square and its relationship to The Crown. Westminster Abbey has been the site of 38 coronations since 1066, and numerous royal weddings and funerals, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Her Majesty The Queen's state funeral.

From Westminster, wander up Birdcage Walk where you will follow the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Follow the Guardsmen and military band, with their famous red coats and black bearskin hats to Buckingham Palace. Head into Trafalgar Square, via Horseguards Parade, and along Whitehall - the political nerve centre of the UK and the address of 10 Downing Street - home to the British Prime Minister.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Thames to Tower Bridge. You'll get to see London and Waterloo Bridges, the London Eye, the Globe, the skyscrapers, and St Paul’s Cathedral from the boat.

Your guide will then accompany you to St. Katherine's Docks for lunch (not included), after which you will enjoy an exclusive private tour of the infamous Tower of London, with reserved tickets included.

Then it's time to enter the Tower of London! Walk past Traitor's Gate and discover the many stories and scandals hidden within the walls of this ancient building. It was formerly a moated royal palace, that became an armoury, a royal mint, a zoo... and most famously the traitor's prison! You'll meet the Beefeaters and the ravens who guard the Tower and discover the stories behind some of the Tower's most famous prisoners from the young Princes in the Tower to Queen Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey whose graffiti you can still see in her prison cell.

Explore the White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress, walk the battlements, enter the torture chambers (if you dare!) and visit the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, where some very famous queens are buried.

Best of all, you will be able to admire the dazzling Crown Jewels which are kept behind extensive security in the aptly-named Jewel House.

PLEASE NOTE:

Due to the strict security measures in place and the moving viewing platform, your guide cannot accompany you but will wait for you at the exit.

End your tour inside the Tower to explore more at your leisure - or return to modern life with your guide!

City of Spies: Espionage in London & Churchill War Rooms Private Tour

This exciting City of Spies private tour has been created exclusively to take you on a fascinating journey through London's espionage history during the Cold War, the origins of MI5 and MI6, and to learn about Churchill's role in bringing down the Nazi regime.

On your private city of spies tour of London, you will:

Learn London's rich history of espionage at St Ermin's Hotel, where Winston Churchill's meeting known as 'Setting Europe Ablaze’ occurred in 1940, and walk past the Caxton bar located inside this famous spy hotel used by intelligence service officials to meet up;
Discover the stories of double agents known as the Cambridge Five: Kim Philby, Donald Maclean, Guy Burgess, John Cairncross, and Sir Anthony Blunt;
Hear the plots to overthrow the government at some of the most powerful institutions in Westminster, including Downing Street, Whitehall, and Westminster Palace;
Learn about the extraordinary life of Sir Mansfield Cumming, the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) first director, known as MI6;
Explore the Churchill War Rooms with your private guide and get up close to the Cabinet Room;
See the Map Room, the beating heart of the war rooms;
And discover the Telephone Room that allowed direct communication between the US and the UK government.

Your tour guide will take you on a journey through the streets of London to uncover the main characters and buildings that shaped the history of the world while telling you stories that seem more like Le Carré novels than real life.

After your walking tour, you will visit the Churchill War Rooms, located below the streets of Westminster. An underground network of bunkers that functioned as British wartime offices, planning, and map rooms.

It was here that much of Allied intelligence and strategy was discussed and planned in WWII, as well as serving as a place of refuge and shelter for the government during the blitz. Your guide will give a detailed and fascinating tour of this place that has been left exactly as it was since 1944.

Royal London: Private Half-Day Tour with Horse Guards Parade

Explore London’s most popular sites on this Royal London half-day tour, including spectacular parks and royal sites in Westminster.

On your private tour, you will:

Experience the Changing of the Guard, one of the most popular attractions in the city;
Discover Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, the UK Prime Minister's office;
Walk by the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, an iconic symbol of London;
Hear fascinating British history and London's incredible past;
Walk around the Mall, St. James's Palace, and Horse Guards Parade;
Explore St James's Park, the oldest Royal Park created for sport-loving Henry VIII and a once-famous duelling venue;
See Buckingham Palace from the outside as you learn more about Royal History;
Finish your tour at Trafalgar Square, home to the iconic Nelson's Column, the National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Please note:

that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

On your tour, your guide will reveal the secrets of the power and politics of Westminster, while seeing some of the most popular landmarks. Learn all about the Houses of Parliament, the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom, and be inspired by its mighty history.

Amble through the fabulous gardens and sights of St James's Park and have the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard in front of magnificent Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837.

This ceremony, seen by millions every year, is a must-see attraction in London. It takes place every other day between Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks, and is the perfect reminder of the tight relationship between the armed forces and HM the Queen.

Walk along the Mall and learn curious facts about British kings and queens, who turned the British Empire into the most dominant power on Earth.

Your tour finishes with a walk through Trafalgar Square, where your guide will show you the best places to grab a bite to eat in the area or direct you to some of the world's most famous artwork, located only metres away in the National Gallery.

Family-Friendly Royal London: Private Half-Day Tour & London Eye

Discover the most popular sites in Royal London on this family-friendly half-day tour, where you will see London’s unmissable attractions, parks, and finest Royal sites with an expert tour guide while keeping your family entertained.

On this family-friendly private tour, you will:

Explore London with a tour guide handpicked for leading family-friendly tours;
Pass by the Statue Of The Duke Of Wellington and walk under the famous Wellington Arch;
Admire the grandiosity of Buckingham Palace from the outside and discover the Victoria Memorial;
Visit St. James's Park and see the Pelicans donated to King Charles II by a Russian ambassador during a visit in 1664;
Walk past Whitehall and 10 Downing St, UK's Prime Minister's office;
Enjoy a walking tour of Westminster, where you’ll see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey;
Finish your time enjoying panoramic views of the city from the London Eye, a family favourite!

This tour is ideal for those families who would like a taste of London in half a day and want to see London’s unmissable attractions and finest Royal sites in an exciting four hours.

Whether your family is interested in history, nature, experiencing iconic British traditions or marvelling at beautiful Royal Palaces and Parks, this tour has something for everyone.

Get a peppering of tales, fun facts and stories about London, British Culture and tradition. Hear of the Secret tunnels which lie beneath Buckingham Palace, and the many attempts to steal the Crown Jewels. And the infamous 14-year-old cat burglar caught stealing the late Queen Victoria’s underwear. See London’s famous palace guards, the household cavalry mounted on their famous black horses, and maybe even members of the royal family, if you are lucky!

On this half-day tour, you will also avoid the rush and busyness of a group tour, and enjoy a more intimate, flexible experience. Your tour ends with an adventurous ride on the London Eye.

Your personal guide will help you quickly navigate London and ensure you have the smoothest, most enjoyable day possible creating great memories with your family.

The Best of Westminster: Private Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey

Discover the best of Westminster, and see some of London's unmissable attractions in a half-day tour including spectacular parks and royal sites with a Blue Badge tour guide.

On your private tour, you will:

See Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben;
Enjoy a privately guided tour of Westminster Abbey, where 38 coronations have taken place;
Learn about fascinating English history, British tradition and London's incredible past—from the plague and the great fire of London to the Blitz;
Hear stories as you visit the outside of Buckingham Palace, via the beautiful St James's Park and Trafalgar Square.

Reveal the secrets of power and politics on your exciting tour of Westminster, seeing some of the most recognisable landmarks. Learn all about the Houses of Parliament, the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom, and be inspired by its mighty history.

Then, gain insight into the centuries-old Westminster Abbey (with entrance tickets included), the setting for every coronation since 1066, many royal weddings and the final resting place of 17 monarchs.

Amble through the fabulous gardens and sights of St James's Park and admire the magnificent Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. Walk along the Mall and learn curious facts about British kings and queens, who turned the British Empire into the most dominant power on Earth.

Your tour finishes with a walk through Trafalgar Square, onto Covent Garden, where your guide will show you the best places to spend the rest of your time dining and shopping.

The Heart of London: Classic Westminster Private 2-Hour Tour

Westminster is one of the most historic and well-known areas located in the heart of London. It has been home to many kings and queens, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I and on this 2-hour private tour, you will have the chance to explore Westminster in all its glory.

On your private tour, you will:

Walk past Westminster Abbey, where every British monarch since William the Conqueror has been crowned;
See Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, where the prime minister lives and works;
Pass by the Houses of Parliament also known as the Palace of Westminster and the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom so that you can see Big Ben up close;
See Buckingham Palace, home to the British monarchy since 1837 and hear about British kings and queens who turned the British Empire into one of the most dominant powers in history;
Take a stroll via the beautiful St James's Park, the oldest Royal Park at the heart of ceremonial London, and see St James's Palace;
Explore Trafalgar Square, where Nelson’s Column can be found in honour of Admiral Nelson, after his victory in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
End your tour at Covent Garden, a shopping and dining hub in London's West End.

If you want to discover the heart of London, come with us on this private tour!

This 2-hour trip will take you through some of the most famous and beautiful locations in Westminster, including Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, where all the British government happens. We'll also take you to the Houses of Parliament, the supreme legislative body of Great Britain, Somerset House and Big Ben for the perfect photo opportunity!

You'll hear stories about fascinating English history, British tradition and London's incredible past—from the plague and great fire of London to the Blitz, and the secrets of power and politics on our exciting tour of Westminster while you visit some of the most recognisable landmarks in London.

You will also take a stroll down St James's Park through its fabulous gardens and sights before heading over to Buckingham Palace.

Your tour will end with a walk through Trafalgar Square to see Nelson's column onto Covent Garden, where your guide will show you the best places to spend your time dining and shopping!

James Bond Filming Locations in London: Private Driving Tour

Delve into the world of espionage with Bond, James Bond on a private tour of London to uncover many filming locations in the city of London that you have seen in your favourite movies for over 40 years.

On your James Bond filming locations tour, you will:

Travel in the comfort of a private and iconic London Taxi;
Relive your favourite spy flicks and their lead characters with an accredited London Driver Guide who's a 007 aficionado;
Become a special agent of "His Majesty’s Secret Service" and explore the haunts throughout London where Connery, Lazenby, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan and Craig each brought Bond to life;
Explore the places behind the stories in Ian Fleming’s iconic novels and the subsequent films;
Learn about the real-life world of the Secret Service as you tour Westminster, Whitehall, Downing St, and the National Gallery.

London is a city unlike no other in respect of its long associations with the world of espionage - the spies, double agents, traitors, heroes and villains from every continent played out their cloak-and-dagger games of cunning, deceit and treachery on the mean streets that we shall traverse.

Like in real life, the city has played host to some incredible spy moments on the big screen, including in Bond film scenes over the past 55 years. Your 007 expert tour guide is here to take you undercover and whisk you through the film locations from ‘Dr. No’ through to ‘Spectre.’

James Bond fans will not only get to see those film scene sites - but also most of London's iconic landmarks, plus a special visit inside one of the world's most famous spaces, the National Gallery.

City of Spies: Discover London's Espionage History Private Tour

Immerse yourself in one of the world’s largest centres of international trade, finance, geopolitics, and espionage history. Journey through London's role in the Cold War, the origins of MI5, MI6 and Churchill's role in WWII bringing down the Nazi regime.

On your private City of Spies tour, you will:

Experience the worlds of fiction and reality, uncovering hidden places, bunkers, and luxury hotels.
Hear stories of double agents and plots to overthrow the government at some of the most powerful institutions in Westminster, including Downing Street, Whitehall, and Westminster Palace.
Follow in the footsteps of the key double agents in the Cold War, such as Kim Philby, Donald Maclean, and Guy Burgess - and ask if there was an unidentified "Fifth Man".
Learn about the extraordinary life of Sir Mansfield Cumming, the first director of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), known as MI6.
Finish your tour with a drink included at the Caxton Bar where, during WWII, MI5, SIS and Naval Intelligence Division officers such as 007 author Ian Fleming himself met their agents.

In this unique experience, you will walk by and learn about many of the protagonist buildings and sites where these world-changing events have taken place.

Your guide will mesmerise you with stories that seem more like Le Carré novels than real life. Of course, these stories are not confined to the Second World War and Cold War History, as foreign operatives in London continue to make splashes across global headlines.

Venture out onto the streets of Westminster and discover the area's colourful history of espionage, dirty politics and death. The toppling of regimes, battle against ideology and revolution have all been orchestrated and exercised along these streets. Revisit the setting of infamous covert operations, traitorous meetings involving double agents and murder plots.

Along your walking tour, you will retrace the steps of Britain's most famous spies, enjoy the remarkable tales that later inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels, and hear of the extraordinary success of the Cambridge Spy ring.

Come and enjoy this unique experience, but please be discreet, the information given on this tour is classified...

Build Your Own 7-hour Private London Tour in a Black Cab

At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note

No entrance fees are included
Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off is only included from Central London

"Darkest Hour" Filming Locations in London: Private Half-Day Tour

"Darkest Hour" is a 2017 British war drama film with Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill in the early days of World War II when he became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom leading the country through "its darkest hour". The movie received 6 nominations for Academy Awards and an Oscar for Best Leading Actor, and on this tour, your driver-guide will take you to movie spots that will repeat the experience offscreen.

On this half-day tour, you will:

Travel back to 1940 in one of our traditional London Black Cab time machines, which doubled up as fire engines in WWII, when the wartime leader was under pressure to make peace with Hitler as his armies advanced across Europe;
Storm through the violence of ‘The Blitz’ with your private guide;
Feel the jitters as you visualise Nazi Germany threatening Western Europe and Great Britain’s very existence;
See the Houses of Parliament, an iconic building where Churchill gave his famous speeches;
Discover Buckingham Palace, the residence of the British monarch is also featured in the film;
Pass by St. Paul's Cathedral, which plays a significant role in the film, as it was where Churchill attended a service to rally the British people during the war;
End your tour at the Cabinet War Rooms, the Imperial War Museum or Warship HMS Belfast. (Tickets not included)

Step into an iconic London black cab and immerse yourself in the history of the capital with a half-day tour of "Darkest Hour" filming locations. With an expert driver-guide at the wheel, you will visit some of the most iconic sites of the movie, from the Houses of Parliament to the Cabinet War Rooms.

Pass by the places where Churchill stood and spoke to the people of Britain during the country's darkest hour and get a feel for the resilience and determination that helped shape the course of history.

With a knowledgeable guide to provide historical context and entertaining anecdotes, this tour is a must-do for history buffs and movie lovers alike.

Sit back and relax as you travel back in time in one of London's most iconic vehicles, taking in the sights and sounds of the city that Churchill called home during this pivotal moment in history.

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