The great seminal London Walk. Miss it and you’ve missed London.
For Old Westminster is London at its grandest: the place where kings and queens are crowned, where they lived, and often were buried. It’s the forge of the national destiny, the beating heart of the Empire, the Mecca of politicians throughout the ages. The past here is cast in stone and we take it all in: ancient Westminster Hall, the Houses of Parliament, the Jewel Tower, and Westminster Abbey. And to see it with a great guide is to have that past suddenly rise to the surface, like seeing a photographic print come up in a darkroom.
And embarrass de richesse we’ll also explore the private face of Westminster. Unlike the tourist hordes we get to see the hidden and ever so picturesque 18th-century backstreets where all the political salons are. Totally off the beaten track, it’s the London equivalent of Georgetown. And then some. Because not only do we take in, for example, the house where the anti-appeasement movement got started – by way of a grace note you’ll also see a house where Marilyn Monroe spent the night! In short, welcome to one of those secret neighbourhoods that London excels in. And for that matter, there’s no better time to discover “Old Westminster” because the swarms of tourists are long gone. In short, we’ll have it to ourselves and so be able to see it properly. It just doesn’t get any better than this. But how could it, considering that we’ll also take in the most famous night-time view in Europe: the view over the water to the Houses of Parliament. All towers and spikes and serried windows and bathed in golden light. And Big Ben like a sentinel, booming out the hour. And garlands of Victorian lamps along the Embankment. And dark patches that suggest the old and mighty consequence of the place, well, you get the idea. Garnish with some fascinating nooks and crannies, a secret mediaeval palace and maybe a quick pit stop at a traditional old pub frequented by Members of Parliament – it’s an astonishingly rich walk, a great walk. One that’ll glow in the cockles of your memory for a long, long time.
And how’s this for a bonus: when Parliament is in session late night sittings are the norm on Monday nights – in short, on most Monday nights after the walk you’ll be able to go inside Parliament and watch the House of Commons (or if you prefer, the House of Lords) in action. And what’s more, you won’t have to queue to get in! Guided by Oliver, Peter or Delianne
OLD WESTMINSTER BY GASLIGHT – THE PRACTICALS
Old Westminster by Gaslight takes place everyMonday at 7 pm. Meet Oliver just outside exit 4 of WestminsterTube Stop. N.B. the walk ends at Westminster Tube.
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, Old Westminster by Gaslight it can always be booked as a private tour. If you go private you can have the Old Westminster by Gaslight walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a fab gift – be it a birthday or anniversary or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
The tour stroke the exact right balance of in-depth historical information, an atmospheric walk and touches of English humor brought by master storyteller Simon, who took us on a truly privileged insider’s view of Westminster, far from the usual crowds. Would highly recommend!
Rated 5 out of 5
K Ediger –
What a wonderful way to spend our first evening in London. Simon was a joy to listen to and kept us entertained and learning throughout the tour. He kept our kids (10-17) engaged as well. Good humour and history. Loved it.
Rated 5 out of 5
Margaret –
Thoroughly enjoyed Simon’s Old Westminster bu Gaslight tour tonight. The amount of information shared across a long history and his ability to include/compare systems with all nationalities with some entertaining impersonations pf historical figures was great
Rated 5 out of 5
Markus –
Very entertaining, full of history, Simon had us from the start. He reads his audience very well and adapts perfectly. Time was flying. Thank you!
Rated 5 out of 5
Clemens Repp –
Simon’s Old Westminster tour was truly unforgettable. His passion for history and expertise brought the grandeur of London’s past to life. We explored iconic landmarks, picturesque backstreets, and hidden gems, all while being entertained and educated. The breathtaking view of the Houses of Parliament was the cherry on top. Highly recommended for an amazing experience!
Rated 5 out of 5
Chris Norman –
Great tour last night (15 May). Delianne was a good storyteller, funny, entertaining and informative. Well worth it.
Rated 5 out of 5
Rachel Fielhauer –
Peter was so knowledgeable and interactive. He kept the tour moving and gave us little teases along the way as he told stories of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and other back alley gems. A fantastic start to our trip to London!
Rated 5 out of 5
Joanna Wang –
A very entertaining and informative historical tour around Westminster. Westminster Palace and the Abbey looked so beautiful in the moonlight. Going around the back streets and hearing about different politicians and discovering hidden buildings was great. Peter was very knowledgeable and I definitely can recommend this tour to people interested in history and political gossip around Westminster.
Rated 5 out of 5
D Earnshaw –
Attended Old Westminster By Gaslight with Adam last night on a rainy and misty evening. However, it added to the atmosphere that the historic backdrops create.
Adam, though, is the star of show. His energy, enthusiasm and, most importantly, knowledge is as infectious as it is impressive.
On our next visit to London, I will define checking to see which walks Adam is leading!!
Rated 5 out of 5
John A. Bennett –
Old Westminster By Gaslight with Adam was fantastic. Our guide (Yes, Adam!) with his amusing and erudite enthusiasm made the tour a fantastic way to start our visit. The misty night made it all the more memorable. Highest recommendation !
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isabel –
The tour stroke the exact right balance of in-depth historical information, an atmospheric walk and touches of English humor brought by master storyteller Simon, who took us on a truly privileged insider’s view of Westminster, far from the usual crowds. Would highly recommend!
K Ediger –
What a wonderful way to spend our first evening in London. Simon was a joy to listen to and kept us entertained and learning throughout the tour. He kept our kids (10-17) engaged as well. Good humour and history. Loved it.
Margaret –
Thoroughly enjoyed Simon’s Old Westminster bu Gaslight tour tonight. The amount of information shared across a long history and his ability to include/compare systems with all nationalities with some entertaining impersonations pf historical figures was great
Markus –
Very entertaining, full of history, Simon had us from the start. He reads his audience very well and adapts perfectly. Time was flying. Thank you!
Clemens Repp –
Simon’s Old Westminster tour was truly unforgettable. His passion for history and expertise brought the grandeur of London’s past to life. We explored iconic landmarks, picturesque backstreets, and hidden gems, all while being entertained and educated. The breathtaking view of the Houses of Parliament was the cherry on top. Highly recommended for an amazing experience!
Chris Norman –
Great tour last night (15 May). Delianne was a good storyteller, funny, entertaining and informative. Well worth it.
Rachel Fielhauer –
Peter was so knowledgeable and interactive. He kept the tour moving and gave us little teases along the way as he told stories of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and other back alley gems. A fantastic start to our trip to London!
Joanna Wang –
A very entertaining and informative historical tour around Westminster. Westminster Palace and the Abbey looked so beautiful in the moonlight. Going around the back streets and hearing about different politicians and discovering hidden buildings was great. Peter was very knowledgeable and I definitely can recommend this tour to people interested in history and political gossip around Westminster.
D Earnshaw –
Attended Old Westminster By Gaslight with Adam last night on a rainy and misty evening. However, it added to the atmosphere that the historic backdrops create.
Adam, though, is the star of show. His energy, enthusiasm and, most importantly, knowledge is as infectious as it is impressive.
On our next visit to London, I will define checking to see which walks Adam is leading!!
John A. Bennett –
Old Westminster By Gaslight with Adam was fantastic. Our guide (Yes, Adam!) with his amusing and erudite enthusiasm made the tour a fantastic way to start our visit. The misty night made it all the more memorable. Highest recommendation !