We took the Westminster by Gaslight Walking Tour in London. We originally needed something to do before waiting for our overnight train to Scotland, and this seemed to be perfect. It was on one the few nights that was chilly, but the walking helped keep us warm.
The tour guide had a portable speaker system that amplified her voice just enough to be heard in the back of the crowd. There is no need to reserve a spot for the tour; simply choose a tour and show up. And the London Pass even gives you a discount on the price.
For just over 2 hours, we walked around Westminster. We saw churches and some of the houses that were used as bomb shelters during the air raids of WWII. We walked over the Thames in order to see parliament from far away and heard how Big Ben is actually the bell inside the tower, not the clock, as many believe.
We also walked next to parliament and heard about the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and a little about how the House of Lords is currently changing its structure.
The tour was very informative, although more political than some of the others we went on in London. If you’re not up to walking a great distance, this tour is definitely not for you. But if you don’t mind the walking, then grab a cup of hot chocolate and put on your tennis shoes.