When you’re staying at the Georgian House Hotel in Westminster, you’re in the heart of London. And if you want to follow our local guide to Westminster and explore the area, you shouldn’t miss:
- Big Ben – the famous clock tower that chimes every hour
- The Houses of Parliament – where the UK’s laws are made
- Westminster Abbey – a grand church where kings and queens are crowned
- Buckingham Palace – home to the Royal Family
But there’s more to Westminster than these big names. Wandering down its streets reveals hidden gardens, cosy cafes, and beautiful old buildings.
Georgian House Hotel sits right in the middle of all this excitement. Our team is ready to help you make the most of your Westminster adventure. So, let’s start exploring!
Key Takeaways
- Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament are must-see landmarks but don’t miss quieter spots like St. James’s Park for a peaceful break.
- The Underground and iconic red buses make getting around easy. Victoria Station, near the Georgian House Hotel, connects you to the whole city.
- Look out for events like the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or seasonal markets in Covent Garden.
Discover the Heart of Westminster
Iconic Landmarks in Westminster
Westminster Abbey stands out with its tall towers and pointed arches. It’s a church where kings and queens have been crowned for almost 1000 years. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained-glass windows and tombs of famous people like Queen Elizabeth I or Mary Queen of Scots. Normally, you would need to buy an entry ticket for £29. But if you’re looking to attend a service or pray, you can enter for free.
Next door, the Houses of Parliament stretch along the River Thames. This is where the UK’s laws are made. Its most famous part is Big Ben, the giant clock tower that chimes every hour. If you’d like to go in, you can book a tour in advance. But plan your trip carefully as the tickets sell out quickly, especially for Big Ben. Fun fact: Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the tower, not the tower itself!
A short walk away, you’ll spot Buckingham Palace. This is where the King lives and works. If you see a flag flying above the palace, it means the King is home. In summer, parts of the palace are open for visitors to explore – typically from July until the end of September. If you’re looking to book a general admission ticket in advance, be ready to invest £32. But remember that the prices differ if you plan to buy the tickets on the day of your visit or want to see more parts of Buckingham Palace and its gardens.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, you can watch the changing of the guard from 11 am To make sure, you can always check specific dates and times along with the details of Regiments and Bands participating in advance.
All these landmarks sit within a 20-minute walk from the Georgian House Hotel. You can easily see them all in one day if you’re up for a bit of walking!
Cultural Experiences and Museums
Westminster bursts with places to soak up art and history. Tate Britain houses paintings from the 1500s to today, showing how art has changed over time. Visitors often spot famous works they’ve seen in books or online. And what makes it even better is that you can visit Tate Britain Monday-Sunday 10am-6pm for free.
Down the street, the Churchill War Rooms reveal a hidden piece of history. These underground rooms, used during World War II, still look like they did when Churchill worked there. It’s like stepping back in time. If you’d like to plan a visit to the Churchill War Rooms, they’re open daily from 9.30am until 5pm and a regular ticket for adults costs £32.
For a royal touch, the King’s Gallery displays treasures from the King’s art collection. The exhibition changes regularly, so there’s always something new to see. Make sure that you keep an eye on the opening days as these can change throughout the year. But normally, you can expect opening hours from 9.30am until 5.30pm with an admission of £19. And if you’d like to make your visit more active, look out for any creative lectures, talks and workshops they might have planned.
Georgian House Hotel puts you close to all these spots. You can easily walk to them in the range of 20-30 minutes and be back in time for tea.
Hidden Gems of Westminster
Explore Lesser-Known Attractions
Westminster holds secrets beyond its famous landmarks. These spots offer a quieter look at the area’s history and culture and are only a 15-30-minute walk from the Georgian House Hotel.
Westminster Cathedral stands out with its striped walls of red brick and white stone. Unlike Westminster Abbey, this newer church sees fewer crowds and is free to enter. Its tower offers great views over London for those willing to climb.
History buffs will find the Cenotaph interesting. This tall stone monument honours soldiers who died in wars. Every November, it becomes the centre of Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Parks and Green Spaces
St James’s Park is a peaceful oasis right in the city centre. It has a lake, lots of birds, and even some pelicans! On a sunny day, it’s great for a picnic or a relaxing walk.
Victoria Tower Gardens, a small park next to the Houses of Parliament, offers a quiet place to rest. It has great river views and makes a perfect spot to take a breather between attractions.
These hidden gems are all within a short walk from the Georgian House Hotel. They show a different side of Westminster that many visitors miss.
Dining and Shopping in Westminster
Culinary Delights Near Georgian House Hotel
Westminster serves up tasty treats for every hunger, and Georgian House Hotel adds its own special flavours to the mix. Here’s what you can enjoy:
- Hotel Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the Pimlico Pantry. We serve both classic British dishes and healthy options. Breakfast is available every day, with slightly later hours on weekends.
- Wizard Afternoon Tea: On weekends, the hotel transforms into a magical world. You can enjoy a special wizard-themed tea with sweet and savoury treats. There’s even a colour-changing drink!
- Wizard Potion Making: For a fun evening activity, try making your own “magic potion” (a fancy drink) under the guidance of the hotel’s “Head Wizard”.
Beyond the hotel, Westminster offers more tasty choices:
- Traditional British pubs: Try hearty meals like fish and chips or shepherd’s pie in these cosy spots.
- Quick-bite cafes: Perfect for a fast meal, these places serve sandwiches and salads, often with outdoor seating.
Georgian House Hotel takes pride in using local ingredients and supporting nearby businesses. This means you’re tasting the best of what Westminster has to offer, whether you’re dining in the hotel or exploring the neighbourhood.
Remember to book special experiences like the Wizard Afternoon Tea in advance. The hotel staff can help you with any questions about food options or dietary needs.
Shopping Destinations
Westminster also offers great places to shop. These include:
- Victoria Street: A short walk from the hotel, this street has many popular stores. You’ll find British brands alongside international favourites.
- Side street shops: These small stores often sell unique items you won’t find anywhere else. They’re great for finding special souvenirs.
- Cardinal Place: This modern shopping centre has a bit of everything under one roof, from groceries to electronics.
Most shops open around 9 or 10 in the morning and close by 6 or 7 in the evening. Some stay open later on Thursdays for evening shopping.
Exploring these dining and shopping spots is easy from the Georgian House Hotel. You’re never far from a good meal or an interesting shop!
Getting Around Westminster
Westminster is easy to explore from the Georgian House Hotel. Here are the best ways to get around:
- Walking: Many famous sights are close together. The hotel provides maps to help you find your way.
- Underground (Tube): London’s subway system. Victoria station is near the hotel and connects to many parts of the city.
- Buses: Red double-decker buses offer great city views. Look for bus stops with route maps.
- Taxis: Black cabs are easy to spot. They’re more expensive but very convenient.
- Bike Hire: Rent a bike from stations around the city. Remember to ride on the left!
- River Bus: Boats on the Thames River offer a unique way to see the city.
The hotel staff can help you choose the best way to reach your destination. They know the latest travel tips and can explain how to use any unfamiliar transport options.
Events and Activities in Westminster
Westminster buzzes with exciting events and activities all year round. You can look forward to:
- Changing of the Guard: Watch soldiers switch duties at Buckingham Palace. This free show happens most days at 11 am.
- Westminster Abbey Tours: Explore the church where kings and queens are crowned. The abbey offers special tours for young visitors, explaining its history in fun ways.
- River Thames Cruises: See Westminster from the water. These boat trips let you spot famous buildings from a different angle.
- Street Performances: Head to Covent Garden to watch jugglers, musicians, and other entertainers show off their skills for free.
- Seasonal Markets: During holidays like Christmas, colourful markets pop up selling food, crafts, and gifts. They’re great for finding unique souvenirs.
- Free Museum Days: Many Westminster museums offer free entry. The Churchill War Rooms and Tate Britain often host special events for young people.
Georgian House Hotel can help you find out what’s happening during your stay. We keep up-to-date with local events and can suggest activities that match your interests.
Keep in mind that some events might need booking in advance. Always check opening times and any age restrictions before you go.
Stay at Georgian House Hotel
Georgian House Hotel mixes old-world charm with modern comforts. Our rooms look different from each other, each with its own style that shows off British design, and we’re just down the road from Westminster, making it easy to visit all the famous sights.
Want the best deal? Book a room directly through our website. You might get nice extras like late check-out or discounts for food and drinks.
You’ll find us at St George’s Drive. This address puts you close to all the Westminster spots you’ve read about in this guide.
Need help or have questions? Just ask us. We’re here to make your stay great. Our team knows a lot about Westminster and can help you plan your visit.
Ready for your Westminster adventure? Get in touch with our team and book your room at Georgian House Hotel today!
FAQs
Is Westminster a good part of London?
Yes, Westminster is great! It’s the heart of London, full of famous sights and history. You’ll find beautiful old buildings, important government offices, and lovely parks all in one area. It’s safe for visitors and easy to get around. Plus, there’s always something exciting happening here.
What towns are in the City of Westminster?
The City of Westminster doesn’t have towns. Instead, it has neighbourhoods with different vibes. Places like Mayfair, Soho, Pimlico, Belgrave, and Covent Garden are parts of Westminster. As you explore, you’ll notice how each area looks and feels unique, but they’re all connected as one big city area.
What is the difference between the City of London and the City of Westminster?
The City of London and the City of Westminster are two separate areas in central London. The City of London is smaller and mostly full of offices and banks. It’s where London’s financial district is. The City of Westminster is larger and where you’ll find the most famous landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. It’s also where our hotel is. If you’re visiting London as a tourist, you’ll probably spend more time in Westminster.
