One day in Westminster: a walking itinerary from the station

Westminster is perfect for a day on foot. The great sights are close together, and you never need to take the Tube once you arrive. This route starts and ends at Westminster Station and covers about six kilometres at an easy pace, with time inside the Abbey and a ride on the London Eye.

The plan at a glance

• 9:00: Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
• 9:30: Westminster Abbey
• 10:15: St James’s Park and the Changing of the Guard
• 12:30: The Mall, Trafalgar Square and lunch
• 14:00: Whitehall and the Churchill War Rooms
• 17:00: Westminster Bridge and the London Eye

Morning: Parliament and the Abbey

Come up the steps from Westminster Station and the Elizabeth Tower is right above you. Walk onto Westminster Bridge for the classic view of the Houses of Parliament, then cross Parliament Square, with its statues of Churchill, Gandhi and Mandela.

Westminster Abbey opens at 9:30 on most days, and it is quietest first thing. Allow about an hour for the Coronation Chair, the Lady Chapel, Poets’ Corner and the cloisters. Remember it is closed to sightseers on Sundays.

Late morning: the Changing of the Guard

Walk west along Birdcage Walk or through St James’s Park, and you will reach Buckingham Palace in about 15 minutes. On days when the Changing of the Guard takes place, the ceremony usually starts at 11:00, so arrive by about 10:15 for a good spot. Our Changing of the Guard guide has the details.

Lunchtime: The Mall and Trafalgar Square

After the ceremony, walk up The Mall, the broad red road from the palace to Admiralty Arch, and on to Trafalgar Square. Have lunch at the café in the crypt of St Martin-in-the-Fields, or pick up a sandwich and sit by the fountains.

If you love art, spend an hour in the National Gallery, which is free. Head straight for the Van Goghs, Turners and Constables if you are short of time.

Afternoon: Whitehall and the War Rooms

Walk back towards Parliament down Whitehall. You will pass the mounted sentries at Horse Guards, the gates of Downing Street and the Cenotaph, the national war memorial. Then go underground at the Churchill War Rooms, the bunker where Churchill and his government directed the Second World War. Allow about an hour and a half, and book ahead in summer.

Evening: the London Eye at sunset

Finish by crossing Westminster Bridge to the London Eye. A ride around sunset, with Parliament glowing below, is a perfect end to the day. Book a timed ticket for the slot you want. Afterwards, walk along the South Bank for dinner with a view of the river.

Tips for the day

• Book two things ahead: Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. Everything else on this route is free or easy to visit on the day.
• Wear comfortable shoes: you will be on your feet most of the day.
• Check the guard schedule: if there is no ceremony on your day, swap the morning around and visit the War Rooms earlier.
• Want a guide? A Westminster walking tour covers much of this route and finds you a good spot for the guard.