from

$96

London
A man inside the Tower of London speaking with his guide from The Tour Guy.

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guard London Tour

Free CancellationSkip the Line

Watch the British Army's iconic ceremony, then bask in royal history at London's famous church

Free CancellationSkip the Line

3 h


Max 20 Guests

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If this is your first time in London and you want the full royal experience with ceremonial marches, coronation chairs, and insider stories, this tour is for you. Stand before Big Ben, then walk through St. James's Park to watch the Changing of the Guard or Horse Guard near Buckingham Palace. Next, skip the long ticket lines at Westminster Abbey with a certified guide who reveals the intrigue behind Britain's monarchy. It's everything you came to London to see, wrapped into three magical hours.

What's included

Walk the path of kings and queens

Expert Blue Badge certified guide

Skip-the-line Westminster Abbey entry

Guided tour of Westminster Abbey

Changing of the Guard (or Horse Guard) viewing

Guided walk through St. James's Park

Admire Big Ben (exterior only)

Guide tips

Entry to Big Ben

Itinerary

Meet your guide in Central London

Your tour begins at a central London meeting point, where you'll meet your Blue Badge certified guide. After a quick introduction to the day's royal highlights, you'll set off toward Westminster's historic heart.

Walk through Parliament Square

Stroll through Parliament Square, surrounded by statues of world leaders, and see the exterior of the Houses of Parliament. Your guide sets the scene with stories of Britain's political and royal history.

View Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower (exterior only)

Pause in front of the Elizabeth Tower, home to the 13-tonne Big Ben bell that has tolled over the Thames since 1859. Your guide explains that it's actually the bell, not the tower, that carries the Big Ben name.

Pass by 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 around the clock.

Stroll through St. James's Park

Enter St. James's Park, 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.

Watch the Changing of the Guard or Horse Guard

Join your guide at a less crowded spot to watch the King's Guard in their iconic red uniforms and bearskin hats. The Changing of the Guard takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, weather permitting. On other days, you’ll see the Changing of the Horse Guard instead, with mounted guards carrying out the ceremony on horseback. See the Important Details below for more information.

Skip the long ticket lines at Westminster Abbey

Skip the long ticket lines and step into Britain's coronation church, where kings and queens have been crowned for nearly 1,000 years. Your guide brings vaulted ceilings, stained glass, and royal stories to life.

Explore royal tombs and Poets' Corner

Walk past Queen Elizabeth I's tomb, the Coronation Chair, and Poets' Corner, where literary legends rest. Your guide reveals hidden details about coronations, weddings, and centuries of British history in stone.

Conclude your tour at Westminster Abbey

After exploring the Abbey, your tour ends where you stand. Your guide offers recommendations for nearby cafes and pubs, leaving you perfectly positioned to continue exploring royal London on your own terms.

For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change

Select participants and date

Start times are in the product’s local time

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!

Mon, 07 Sep 2026

Meeting and drop-off point

You'll meet your guide in central London. The exact meeting point details will be provided on your booking voucher. Your tour ends back at Westminster Abbey.

Important Details

Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.

Good to know:

  • Dress Code: Westminster Abbey is a place of worship, so modest clothing is recommended.

  • Weather Advisory: The Changing of the Guard may be canceled without notice due to weather or decisions by local authorities, but an alternative experience will be provided.

  • Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible and will require walking or standing for the majority of the 3 hours.

  • Tour Changes: The Changing of the Guard takes place on select days, including Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and may also be canceled due to poor weather. On days when it doesn’t take place, you’ll instead see the Changing of the Horse Guard, arguably an even cooler ceremony as the guards make the change on horseback, followed by a walking tour of Westminster.

  • Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.

Your tour includes:

  • Expert English-speaking guide with Blue Badge certification

  • Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of Westminster Abbey

  • Viewing of the Changing of the Guard ceremony or Horse Guard Ceremony

  • Exterior view of Big Ben

  • Visit to Downing Street and St. James Park

What to bring:

  • Valid government-issued ID

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Weather-appropriate clothing

  • Camera

  • Water bottle

FAQs

Where to meet?

You'll meet your guide in central London. The exact meeting point details will be provided on your booking voucher. Your tour ends back at Westminster Abbey.

Is this tour family friendly?

Yes, this tour is family friendly. Children will enjoy exploring Westminster Abbey and watching the colorful ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The tour involves walking and standing for three hours, so comfortable shoes are essential for younger travelers.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible and will require walking or standing for the majority of the three hours. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.

What should I wear to Westminster Abbey?

Westminster Abbey is a place of worship, so modest clothing is recommended. While there's no strict dress code, respectful attire helps ensure a smooth entry.

What happens if the Changing of the Guard is canceled?

The ceremony may be canceled due to weather or official decisions. When this happens, you'll visit the Horse Guard Ceremony instead and enjoy a guided walking tour of the Westminster area. Your guide will ensure you still experience London's royal traditions.

How much walking is involved?

This is a three-hour walking tour with moderate walking between Westminster Abbey, St. James's Park, and Buckingham Palace. You'll also spend time standing inside the Abbey and while watching the ceremony. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.