British Empire Walking Tour in Westminster London UK


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From $14.80

18 reviews   (5.00)

Price varies by group size

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Pricing Info: Per Person

Duration:

Departs: London, London

Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

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Overview

The story of the rise and fall of the British Empire told through the statues and Monuments in Westminster.

Come along on a walking tour around Westminster - the beating heart of British politics, that was once the centre of a global empire. At its height, the phrase "the Empire on which the sun never sets" was used to describe the vastness of the British Empire. Today, symbols of decolonisation such as statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela occupy the same space as imperial heroes like Sir Winston Churchill. What does this tell us about post colonial Britain and the soft power of monuments?

Even though Britain’s imperial power is relegated to history, the long process of colonisation and decolonisation defines the world we live in today. We will discover how stories and ideas from history connect to our present by giving a fresh perspective on the statues and monuments.


What's Included

All Fees and Taxes


Traveler Information

  • YOUTH: Age: 10 - 15
  • ADULT: Age: 16 - 85

Additional Info

  • Entire experience is outdoors and therefore it is possible to maintain social distancing. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please follow the government’s stay at home guidance and get in touch for a full refund. Please be aware of traffic and adhere to the
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What To Expect

Parliament Square
Tour starting point - London's iconic space of power and protest. The square is surrounded by the Houses of Parliament, St Margaret's Church, the Supreme Court and HM Revenue and Customs. We will spend some time looking at the statues of historical figures that represent the history of colonisation and decolonisation.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Beautiful and imposing Victorian building that was once the Colonial Office. The systems of imperialism and the Victorian view of the world is on display through the statuary on its facade.

• Admission Ticket Free

Downing Street
The Prime Minister of Britain's official residence. We won't get very close but you will see where it is located.

• Admission Ticket Free

The lawns of the MOD have several monuments commemorating the British Armed Forces. We will look at the Chindit Memorial and the statue of Major General Charles Gordon.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
Our opportunity to see horses from the Household Cavalry standing guard. You may want to return to this spot at 4pm to see the 'Punishment Parade.'

• Admission Ticket Free

St. James's Park
The tour ends opposite the park. It is a great direction to head off in after the walk as it houses a cute cafe and several kiosks for refreshments. There are several varieties of birds including Pelicans. At the other end of the park is Buckingham Palace, Green Park and Hyde Park.

• Admission Ticket Free


Reviews

Unique experience
JoannaOyediran, 27-11-2022
I highly recommend Manasi’s tour. It offers a unique and important perspective on London as an imperial capital, highlighting statues and architecture that can tell us so much about Britain’s varied relationships with the countries it controlled.
Wonderfully informative walk into Britain's history
sg123098, 18-09-2022
Highly recommend this informative tour! Mansi is a warm, passionate and knowledgeable guide who will take you through the intricate passages of Britain's colonial past. The statues and buildings part of the tour will take on entirely new meanings after the experience of this tour, and you will definitely takeaway interesting bits of historical info that you'd never have otherwise known !
Highly recommended!
Neeti K, 18-08-2022
Mansi was an amazing guide! Loved how she shared various perspectives on art, spaces and history. It was quite unique and honestly unexpected in a very touristy Westminster location. I think I'll remember Churchill by his statue for a long time along with the interesting anecdotes;) I think the ideas and information will be particularly interesting for someone with interest in colonial history. Mansi doesn't rush, patiently answers questions and brings a very honest and original perspective. Highly recommended!
Worth the walk!
nandishkenia, 18-08-2022
This isn't like any normal walking tour. Lots of unheard history and a complete different perspective of the British Empire! Definitely worth taking the walk!
A great deep dive into an important part of London and England's history
830mathewf, 17-08-2022
I ended up being the only person to book a tour for a Tuesday morning, so I was fortunate enough to basically get my own private tour. The tour guide was great, incredibly knowledgeable, and you can tell she cares about the subject matter




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