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What to do in Westminster

by insidrdev June 5, 2019
written by insidrdev June 5, 2019
Westminister London

If you are asking yourself what to do in Westminster when you visit London, then I’ve got to tell you that it’s not only home to the British government, but it’s also a fantastic base from which to explore the capital. It’s home to the most concentrated number of attractions in the city, which makes this area incredibly popular with tourists but completely avoided by Londoners. If you are either politically inclined or a fan of magnificent architecture then you won’t have think too hard about what to do in Westminster; within just a short walk you’ll find Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Downing Street and also Buckingham Palace. If you don’t have much time to spend in London, read the perfect day trip plan and get more tips!

Big Ben London

London has a fantastically generous amount of green space, in which you can muse about what to do in Westminster. St James’ park lies out front of Buckingham Palace and is a wonderful green space in the centre of London. In summer, the park fills up with people basking in the sun on their deck chairs and enjoying the weather. It’s also a popular park for runners, with views across the lakes and over to the Palace. A walk through St James’ Park will also take you to London’s biggest central park – Hyde Park.

Hyde Park London

If you walk along the River Thames you’ll see the spectacular views of the Big Ben clock tower and also the Houses of Parliament. Although a lot of the area has restricted access for government officials only, there’s still plenty to see and do in Westminster. Most of all, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in London!

River Thames near Westminister

What to do in Westminster: Prepare your visit

When to visit

With all the lovely green space in St James’ Park, visiting in the warmer months has its obvious advantages. However, due to the popularity of the area, it can get incredibly crowded and so early mornings or the colder months are advised if you want to avoid the big crowds.

How long is needed to visit

As there’s so much to see, it could take at least half a day to explore Westminster. While you can get around on buses and the tube, it’s nicer to walk on foot and take it all in (weather permitting). Allow a little additional time for walking.

What should I wear

You’ll be doing a lot of walking so it’s recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Be sure to wear layers to allow for the change of weather, and always take an umbrella!

What to do in Westminster: Things to see

The Changing the Guard ceremony

The famous Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace is not to be missed. It occurs every other day when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard outside the Palace. Starting from 10:45am, Changing the Guard lasts about 45 minutes with the actual handover taking place at 11am. It’s free to watch and currently takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, weather permitting.

Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a 700 year-old church steeped in some of London’s greatest history. From Royal Coronations and weddings, to the resting place of world-famous writers, it’s one of the UK’s most notable religious buildings. In more recent history, Westminster Abbey was where Princess Diana’s funeral was held in 1997, as was the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. Westminster Abbey is normally open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year.

Westminister London

Buckingham Palace

The magnificent State Rooms of Buckingham Palace open up to visitors for just 10 weeks of the year, every summer. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience what it’s like inside the Palace itself. The Palace’s State Rooms are the public rooms where The Queen receives and entertains her guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions. There are 19 of them in total and can be viewed by booking tickets in advance.

Man laughing outside Buckingham Palace

Where to stay in Westminster London

Corinthia Hotel London

Corinthia Hotel London

Corinthia Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in London. Found in London’s most prestigeous area, this elegant hotel with subterranean pools and a colossal Baccarat chandelier is the perfect stay for a glamorous London experience.

Practical info
5-star hotel
Amenities: Free wifi, 2 restaurants and 4 bars/lounges, Full-service spa, Indoor pool, Childcare, 24-hour fitness center, Valet parking, 24-hour business center, Limo/town car service
Recommended for: Couples, business travelers, families
Address: Whitehall Place, London, SW1A 2BD
Reserve at: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com

Sofitel London St. James

Sofitel London St. James

In the heart of London’s West End and an easy stroll to everything Westminster has to offer, Sofitel London St. James is found in a beautifully preserved Victorian building. The spacious rooms are complemented by the on-site spa and a popular brasserie restaurant.

Practical info
5-star hotel
Amenities: Restaurant and bar/lounge, Full-service spa, Breakfast available, 24-hour fitness center, Valet parking, Business center, Limo/town car service In-room childcare, 24-hour front desk, Air conditioning, Free Wifi
Recommended for: Couples, business travelers, families
Address: 6 Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 4AN
Reserve at: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com

The Nadler Victoria

The Nadler Victoria

The Nadler offers modern and reasonably priced rooms with the added bonus of a kitchenette. With a focus on value for money, The Nadler favours in-room Nespresso machines and nearby restaurant food deliveries (as no extra mark up) over the usual in-house bars and restaurants.

Practical info

5-star hotel
Amenities: In-room childcare, Computer station, Free WiFi
Recommended for: Couples, business travelers
Address: 10 Palace Place, London SW1E 5BW
Reserve at: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com

Things to do in Westminster London

Half-Day London Tour: Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament

Half-Day London Tour- Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament

If you want to squeeze as much of Westminster as possible into three hours, then this tour is for you. Learn all about the famous Westminster Abbey and its rich history, then enjoy an audio tour of the Houses of Parliament while you learn about British politics.

Practical info
Recommended for: Couples, solo travelers
Address: Westminster Abbey
Reserve at: Viator

Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard

Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard

Your opportunity to see the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace – one of the finest working stables in existence, with an audio-guided visit. You’ll also get to explore St James’s Park and watch the famous Changing the Guard.

Practical info
Recommended for: Families, couples, solo travelers
Address: London Central
Reserve at: Viator

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey

Take an audio guided tour of the world-famous Westminster Abbey. See where Prince William married Kate in 2011 and also the coronation site of England’s kings and queens – past and present. Learn about the Abbey’s amazing history at your own pace.

Practical info

Recommended for: Families, couples, budget travelers, solo travelers
Address: Westminster Abbey
Reserve at: Viator

How to get to Westminster London

Access Westminster London by air

access by air

Westminster is easily accessible from London’s biggest airport – Heathrow, which you can reach by taxi in around 45 minutes, or on the tube in approximately 50 minutes.

Practical info
London’s other airports including Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and City airport also connect to Westminster via trains, buses or taxis.
Reserve at: Kayak

Access Westminster London by car

access by car

Street parking aronud Westminster is limited to permit holders, however, there are some paid car parks in the vicinity. Try Abingdon Street Car Park, ParkBee Westminster or Q-Park Trafalgar.

Practical info
Be mindful of the Congestion Charge that’s applicable to some parts of the area on weekdays between 07:00-18:00.
Reserve at: Auto Europe | Europcar

Access Westminster London by Train & Bus

access by train and bus london

Westminster is easily reached by London’s Underground Network (the Tube). Westminster station on the Jubilee, Circle and District lines will take you right into the centre of Westminster, or St James’s Park station is just a short walk through the park, on the same lines.

Practical info
The area can also be reached from Embankment, which is on the Northern line (Charring Cross branch), Bakerloo, Circle and District lines.
Reserve at: Trainline | Website

What to eat in Westminster London

Cinnamon Club

Cinnamon Club

You’ll find the Cinnamon Club inside a beautiful Grade II-listed Victorian building in Westminster. Enjoy a magnificent fine dining menu of pan-Indian dishes in this grand space.

Practical info
Recommended for: Couples, business travelers
Address: Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU
Reserve at: Website

Regency Café

regencycafe

Experience a classic London caff at the Refency Café. This art-deco space has been serving classic British dishes like the English breakfast, baked potatoes and bangers and mash since 1946.

Practical info
Recommended for: Budget travelers, couples, business travelers
Address: 17-19 Regency St, London SW1P 4BY
Reserve at: Website
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