Located in the heart of the city, Westminster is the royal and political centre of London. It’s the best part of the city to experience the history and grandeur of Britain and a great place to base yourself while in London.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Comments & Questions
Westminster is home to some of London’s most iconic sites. Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square are all located within the bustling government area.
Covent Garden is just around the corner, as is London’s theatre district, the West End. Southbank is just over the river.
It’s a great place to stay in London with plenty of green spaces, the opportunity for a riverside stroll and a host of excellent tourist attractions.
Westminster is a great option for first-time visitors who want to see all the main attractions.
WHY STAY IN WESTMINSTER?
Westminster is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in London including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace.
There are excellent transport links and being right in the centre of London, you can easily walk to Soho, Southbank, Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Mayfair.
Westminster doesn’t have a neighbourhood feel like some of the other areas in London but there are plenty of hotels to choose from, and it’s even possible to find a few bargains.
TUBE STATIONS IN WESTMINSTER
St James’s Park | Victoria | Pimlico | Westminster
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN WESTMINSTER
- Downing Street: The official residence and office of the Prime Minister and a popular photo spot.
- Trafalgar Square: Iconic public square featuring the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.
- Piccadilly: An elegant road connecting Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, perfect for window shopping.
- St James’s Park: One of the prettiest royal parks in London with views of Buckingham Palace.
- Buckingham Palace: The slightly unattractive primary residence of the British monarch.
- Westminster Abbey: Historic church that hosts royal weddings and coronations, with the graves of several notable public figures.
- Churchill War Rooms: A fascinating museum preserving Britain’s wartime history.
WHERE TO STAY
LUNA & SIMONE HOTEL (£)
This family-run boutique hotel is clean and comfortable with plenty of light and a clean fresh feel. There is free WIFI and a full English Breakfast available. It’s mostly other hotels nearby, but it’s well located near the Victoria bus and tube station.
10 Minute Walk – Tate Britain, Victoria Station | 20 Minute Walk – Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Saachi Gallery.
THE GUARDSMAN (££)
The Guardsman is a boutique hotel that feels like a sophisticated private members club. It’s on the edge of St James’s Park, so the address couldn’t be better. The rooms are small but beautifully appointed, with handy high-tech functions.
10 Minute Walk – Buckingham Palace, The Mall, St James’s Palace | 20 Minute Walk – Fortnum & Mason, Savile Row, Leicester Square, Chinatown, Southbank.
PAGE 8 (£££)
Page 8 is a smart hotel just off Trafalgar Square with stylish rooms, comfortable beds and great showers. They have a communal lounge that’s also part of their coffeehouse which does an excellent coffee. The brunch menu is a modern take on a traditional Full English.
10 Minute Walk – Downing Street, Embankment, Covent Garden, China Town | 20 Minute Walk – Waterloo, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Fortnum & Mason, Oxford Street, Russel Square.
THE LONDONER (£££)
The Londoner is packed with facilities including 6 restaurants, a rooftop lounge and spa, a superfood clinic and a beauty salon. It’s a luxurious stay with staff who go above and beyond to ensure you have a comfortable stay.
10 Minute Walk – Downing Street, Embankment, Covent Garden, China Town, Royal Opera House | 20 Minute Walk – Waterloo, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Fortnum & Mason, Oxford Street, Russel Square.
THE GORING (££££) 700
The Goring is a classic English property with a large private garden, smartly decked doormen and a Michelin-star restaurant. It’s luxurious, but the friendly staff make it feel classy without being too pretentious.
10 Minute Walk – Buckingham Palace, Wellington Arch, St James’s Park | 20 Minute Walk – Fortnum & Mason, Savile Row, Royal Academy of the Arts, Churchill War Rooms, Whitehall, Tate Britain, Hyde Park.
MORE LONDON GUIDES
- For an overview of staying in the city read our guide about the best neighbourhoods in London.
- Stay in the heart of Royal London with our guide to staying in Westminster and St James’s.
- All our favourite things are covered in our guide, the best things to do in London.
- Get to know one of London’s most vibrant areas with our Notting Hill guide.
- Our guide to staying in Soho includes the best things to do in the area along with hotel recommendations.
- See more of the city on one of our self-guided London walks.
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- Paul & Mark.
