Start at Charing Cross Station
Finish at Westminster Station on Parliament Street
THE EXPERIENCE
This route takes you on a visual journey through some of London’s most famous iconic sights, which are rich in history and have been the seat of power for over a thousand years. This area has seen many changes in the last 1000 years and today is home to the UK Government, but it was initially the home of two Royal Palaces.
Great for history, iconic sights, hotels, transport links, places of worship, art galleries, museums, government buildings, and theatres, with a few places to eat, drink and be merry
MUST SEE PLACES
PLACES TO EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
BEST TIME
Morning - The best time to do this route is on weekends in the early morning when it is quiet and free from crowds and heavy traffic.
Day - Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament are the busiest places during the day.
Evenings - Quiet
ROUTE OVERVIEW
Starting in the heart of London, the route goes toward Trafalgar Square via one of London’s oldest churches (St Martin-in-the-Fields) and passes the National and Portrait Galleries. From there, it travels through Admiralty Arch and The Mall before turning left toward Horse Guards Parade. The route continues onto Whitehall, with its historic government buildings, before turning down King Charles Street towards St James’s Park and the Churchill War Museum. The tour then heads off towards Westminster Abbey before finally culminating in Parliament Square, next to the Houses of Parliament,
Route at a Glance Video (2:26)
DESCRIPTIVE PHOTO GALLERY
This gallery provides a descriptive and visual reference to many sights along this route. Use the Google Map above to find their location. Double-click to see its full size.
INTERESTING FACTS
The Houses of Parliament's other name
You are not allowed to wear a suit of armour in Parliament
The King owns the House of Commons but needs permission to go in.
BIG Ben facts
Trafalgar Square facts
The Centre of London
How the MPS entertain themselves
The first traffic light
Westminster Abby
VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE AREA
Click on the link below to go on a virtual tour of the sightseeing area.
Use the blue route to explore this location by looking around in 360, taking in the sights and sounds, listening to an audio recording about the location and going on a virtual tour.
HISTORY & GUIDES VIDEO LIBRARY