London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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 the perfect vantage point to witness the iconic Changing of the Guards or Horse Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Watch as the Queen's Guard march in their red uniforms and bearskin hats.
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 more than just a tour; it's a truly royal experience, curated to provide you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for London's illustrious heritage.
Available options
London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour
What's included
Skip the Line Entry Tickets to Westminster Abbey
Small Group of Maximum 20!
Guided Tour of Westminster Abbey
Witness the Changing of the Guard (or Horse Guard) Ceremony
Fun, English-Speaking Guide
Headsets (10+ people)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Exterior Visit on Downing Street
Walk past the famous black door of Number 10 Downing Street, home to Britain's Prime Minister since 1735. Your guide shares stories of political power and the armed guards who protect this iconic address.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Walk Through St James Park on Your Way to Buckingham Palace
Enter London's oldest royal park, where pelicans glide across the lake. Follow tree-lined paths as you make your way toward Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch since 1837.
3
Stop 3
Marvel at the exterior of Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, an iconic symbol of British monarchy and culture, is the official residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Your guide will tell you all the ins and outs about this imposing estate.
4
Stop 4
Secure a prime spot as the Queen's Guard march in iconic red uniforms and bearskin hats. Your guide explains the precision, tradition, and military history behind this world-famous ceremony that draws crowds daily.
Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, & Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead.
5
Stop 5
Skip the long ticket lines and step into Britain's coronation church, where kings and queens have been crowned for nearly 1,000 years. Walk past Queen Elizabeth I's tomb, the Coronation Chair, and Poets' Corner, where literary legends rest.
What's not included
Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
Entry into Buckingham Palace & Big Ben
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.4
217 reviews
5★
155
4★
19
3★
22
2★
8
1★
13
Tripadvisor
4.5
91 reviews
5★
73
4★
5
3★
5
2★
2
1★
6
Important 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 Changing of the Guard at 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.
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.
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.
Important notes
• Large bags, backpacks, luggage, tripods, and glass bottles cannot be brought inside. There is no coat check or space on-site to leave your belongings, therefore, we encourage you to leave such items and anything similar at your accommodation.
• Please read our meeting point directions thoroughly in advance. It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 10 - 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
• Mandatory: All participants are required to carry a valid government-issued picture ID on them during our tours.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
• We will be subject to a security check at the entrance to all sites. Depending on the volume of visitors, we may have a short wait in the security line.
• The museums, sites and monuments we visit on our tours are among the most popular in the world. Careful planning helps limit crowd exposure, but please be aware that some locations may be unavoidably busy during standard hours/high season.
• TTG reserves the right to alter itineraries for reasons of safety, restoration, maintenance, adverse weather conditions or occasional events.
• Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the Changing of the Guard at 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.
About London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.
Top Attractions
Tower of London
A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.
Historical
2-3 hours
£28 (adult ticket)
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.
Historical
1-2 hours
£27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)
The British Museum
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)
The London Eye
A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.
Entertainment
30 minutes
£27-£33 (adult ticket)
Westminster Abbey
A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.
Religious
1-2 hours
£27 (adult ticket)
Tower Bridge
An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Architecture
1-2 hours
£11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish and Chips
A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).
Dinner
Contains gluten and fish
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.
Breakfast
Contains meat and gluten
Afternoon Tea
A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.
Snack
Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Popular Activities
Rock climbing
Kayaking on the Thames
Cycling tours
Afternoon tea
Spas and wellness centers
Punting on the River Cam
Museum visits
Theater performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
- Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
London Waterloo, London King's Cross
By bus
Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon
Getting around
Public transport
The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Westminster
Camden Town
Soho
Notting Hill
Shoreditch
Greenwich
Day trips
Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.
Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.
Brighton
80 km from London • Full day
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August
London Film Festival • October
New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31
Pro tips
- Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
- Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
- Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
- Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
$86
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
