London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour

4.6 (534 reviews) London, England
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Overview

Let us take you on a journey through the heart of London with our exclusive royal walking tour. Join our small group and embark on a captivating exploration led by our incredibly knowledgeable Blue Badge certified guide through Parliament Square, past Downing Street, and into the scenic paths of St. James's Park.

Your guide will lead you to a quieter vantage point to witness the iconic Changing of the Guards near Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards ceremony. The Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, you'll see the Horse Guards Parade instead.

Next, skip the long ticket lines at Westminster Abbey, Britain's most renowned church. As you tour the hallowed halls of this storied venue of royal weddings, funerals, and coronations spanning centuries, prepare to be awestruck by its beauty and significance. This is a truly royal experience, curated to provide you with a deep appreciation for London's illustrious heritage.

What's included

  • Changing of the Guard or Horse Guard Parade viewing
  • Guided walk through St. James Park
  • Expert English-speaking Blue Badge certified guide
  • Walking tour including exterior views of Big Ben
  • Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
  • Skip-the-line Westminster Abbey entry
  • Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
  • Entry into Buckingham Palace & Big Ben
  • Guide tips

What to expect

  1. Parliament Square
    10m
    Meet your Blue Badge certified guide at Parliament Square, surrounded by statues of world leaders alongside the Gothic facade of the Houses of Parliament. Your guide gives a brief overview of the day's royal highlights before the group sets off toward Westminster's historic center.
  2. Big Ben
    15m · Admission ticket not included
    Stand outside the Elizabeth Tower to hear how the 13-tonne bell inside has marked the hours over the Thames since 1859. Your guide explains that Big Ben is the name of the bell itself, not the tower, and shares the story of how this clock face became one of London's most photographed landmarks.
  3. 10 Downing Street
    10m · Admission ticket not included
    Walk past the famous black door at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister since 1735. Your guide shares stories of the decisions made at this address while armed police guard the entrance around the clock.
  4. St. James's Park
    20m
    Stroll through St. James's Park, London's oldest royal park, where pelicans glide across the lake and tree-lined paths lead toward Buckingham Palace. Your guide walks alongside the group and connects the park's royal heritage to the ceremony ahead.
  5. Changing of the Guard
    35m
    Your guide positions the group away from the thickest crowds to watch the Queen's Guard march in red tunics and bearskin hats in the Changing of the Guard. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, or when weather prevents the ceremony, the group visits the Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall instead.
  6. Westminster Abbey
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Step inside Westminster Abbey with timed entry, bypassing the main queue to reach the nave of Britain's coronation church, where monarchs have been crowned since 1066. Your Blue Badge guide leads you past the Coronation Chair, Queen Elizabeth I's tomb, and Poets' Corner, connecting centuries of royal coronations, weddings, and literary memorials to the Gothic stone around you.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please arrive 10 minutes early. Our friendly guide will meet you in Parliament Square in front of the statue of Abraham Lincoln. A representative from our company will be holding a sign with The Tour Guy on it.

End point

The tour concludes at Westminster Abbey

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the the Horse Guards Parade instead.
  • The Changing of the Guard schedule is subject to change or cancellation by British authorities, sometimes due to weather, with little notice. In case of cancellation, you'll enjoy a guided walking tour of Westminster instead.
  • Westminster Abbey is a place of worship; modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required for all guests. Guests not meeting this standard may be refused entry.
  • Guests with wheelchairs or walking impairments that require special assistance cannot be accommodated on group tours. The activity provider cannot accommodate strollers or baby carriages.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.6 (534)
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$68.15 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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Operated by The Tour Guy · Booked through Viator
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