from

$540

London

Private Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard Tour

Free CancellationPrivate Tour

See the coronation chair and royal tombs plus walk through St. James Park to see Buckingham palace

Free CancellationPrivate Tour

3 h

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Step inside the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey to uncover tales of power and betrayal that shaped the United Kingdom. Your private guide brings the Gothic architecture to life and shows the final resting places of legendary figures like Sir Isaac Newton. Afterwards, follow the ceremonial route through St. James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in London, to Buckingham Palace. Arrive at the perfect viewpoint to spot the vibrant red uniforms of your tour finale, the Changing of the Guard.

What's included

Stand where royalty is crowned

Timed entry Westminster Abbey tickets

Guided tour of Westminster Abbey

Expert English-speaking guide

St. James’s Park walk

Changing of the Guard

Private group experience

Guide tips

Changing of the Guard (on off days)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Private Tour

Meet your guide at Parliament Square

Meet your guide at Parliament Square

Your tour begins at the statue of Abraham Lincoln. Your private guide introduces you to the Parliament area and its historic houses of power before heading to the Abbey entrance.

Step inside Westminster Abbey

Use pre-reserved tickets and enter the 1,000-year-old church where every British coronation has occurred. Walk the central aisle, stare at the intricately designed floors, and learn about the centuries of royal weddings and state funerals this church has held.

Visit the Coronation Chair and Poet's Corner

Discover the historic Coronation Chair, used for royal ceremonies since the Middle Ages. Then, visit Poet's Corner to see the resting places of literary giants like Charles Dickens and Geoffrey Chaucer.

Stroll through St. James’s Park

Exit the Abbey to follow your guide through St. James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in London, filled with wildlife and palace views. Learn about its evolution from a royal hunting ground into a public treasure.

Witness the Changing of the Guard

Arrive on the Mall near Buckingham palace to watch the iconic and ceremonial Changing of the Guard. See the Old Guard hand over responsibility to the New Guard from a perfect vantage point. Watch the striking red tunics and bearskin hats of the soldiers marching to military music.

Your tour finishes at Buckingham Palace

Your tour ends outside the gates of Buckingham Palace, the world’s most famous royal residence. Your guide will highlight the famous balcony before offering suggestions for how you can continue your London adventure.

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 7 days in advance!

Sun, 27 Sep 2026

Meeting and drop-off point

Meet your private guide on the far side of Parliament Square in front of the statue of Abraham Lincoln. They'll be holding a "The Tour Guy" sign. Your tour will end outside Buckingham Palace after the Changing of the Guard.

Important Details

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

Good to know:

  • ID Requirement: Please bring a valid government-issued ID as it may be requested during site entry.

  • Dress Code: Westminster Abbey is a place of worship, so modest dress is appreciated. Please avoid wearing hats inside the church.

  • Accessibility: As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be accommodated to be wheelchair or mobility accessible. Please contact us, after making the booking, to make the proper arrangements.

  • Weather Advisory: The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to weather conditions and will not occur during heavy rainfall.

  • Tour Changes: The Changing of the Guard occurs daily in June and July, but only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the remainder of the year. If your tour falls on an off-day or during heavy rainfall, the ceremony will not occur, and your guide will focus on more in-depth storytelling around the Palace and St. James's Park.

  • 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

  • Timed entry Westminster Abbey entry

  • Guided tour of Westminster Abby

  • Guided walking tour of St. James’s Park

  • Changing of the Guard ceremony viewing

  • Exterior visit to Buckingham Palace

  • Private group experience

What to bring:

  • Government-issued ID

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Camera

  • Water bottle

See what people are saying

4.89

162 Ratings

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150

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1

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Fantastic

Martine I.

Verified Review

August 22, 2026

We had the most knowledgeable person BEN give us the most fantastic tour. We Were able to see the changing of the guards which we didn’t think we would be able too. The Tour Guy is the way to go. We have been using the for fifteen years 2 trips to Italy, 1 trip to Greece, and now London. They are definitely the way to go for tours. They are in constant communications to make sure you have a successful trip.

Private Tour Westminster Abbey, Buckingham palace and sorrounding

LUIS S.

Verified Review

May 30, 2026

Awesome Tour & Amazing Tour Guide!

Darren G.

Verified Review

January 17, 2026

Greatly enjoyed our time strolling, learning, and strolling some more...it was a wonderful 3 hours! What made the tour so much more enriching was our tour guide Isobel, who was personable, humourous, and VERY knowledgeable about our surroundings...perfectly timing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace! Request to have Isobel as you guide, a wise choice!

Great tour

FIONA B.

Verified Review

December 28, 2025

Thank you Andrew for such a great tour of not only the Abbey but of parts of London. My first trip to London and I learnt so much about this city that I did not know. So enjoyable.

Wilbur U.

Verified Review

September 29, 2025

Wilbur U.

Verified Review

September 29, 2025

Vivian T.

Verified Review

September 27, 2025

Vivian T.

Verified Review

September 27, 2025

Essential London Tour

Dennis R.

Verified Review

September 26, 2025

What an incredible experience! Our private guide brought Westminster and its landmarks to life & shared fascinating stories about Parliament and Buckingham Palace! The Changing of the Guard was perfect we witnessed the grandeur without the usual crowds!! Entirely 10/10 experience

Ulysses S.

Verified Review

September 23, 2025

Ulysses S.

Verified Review

September 23, 2025

Seamless

Celia W.

Verified Review

September 19, 2025

We covered so much without feeling rushed! The private tour allowed us to focus on the landmarks most interesting to us!! Our guide’s commentary during the Guard ceremony was excellent.

Tamara Q.

Verified Review

September 17, 2025

Tamara Q.

Verified Review

September 17, 2025

Sidney P.

Verified Review

September 15, 2025

Sidney P.

Verified Review

September 15, 2025

Expert Insight

Barry S.

Verified Review

September 15, 2025

William, made our tour unforgettable! So knowledgeable, fun, and full of great stories—he showed us all the hidden gems. Highly recommend!

Ruth O.

Verified Review

September 14, 2025

Ruth O.

Verified Review

September 14, 2025

Worth Every Penny

Alan S.

Verified Review

September 12, 2025

The private tour made the entire experience relaxing & rewarding. Joshua, our guide was brilliant and the Abbey was overwhelming in its beauty!!I would definitely recommend this tour- worth the money.

Rex N.

Verified Review

September 11, 2025

Rex N.

Verified Review

September 11, 2025

Well Guided

Nicole N.

Verified Review

September 09, 2025

We felt close to history. Watching the Guard Change completed the royal London picture!! Our guide’s passion was contagious! From Abbey legends to royal rituals- everything was fascinating and unique!

Royal Charm

Yvonne F.

Verified Review

September 06, 2025

I thoroughly enjoyed this tour exploring Westminster Abbey without the rush of crowds felt intimate and the Changing of the Guard ceremony was simply unforgettable!

Truly Immersive

Maya D.

Verified Review

September 02, 2025

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard privately was magical!! The pace was perfect from begining to end!!Entirely Recommended

FAQs

Where to meet?

Meet your private guide on the far side of Parliament Square in front of the statue of Abraham Lincoln. They'll be holding a "The Tour Guy" sign. Your tour will end outside Buckingham Palace after the Changing of the Guard.

Can I take pictures in Westminster Abbey?

Yes! You are now allowed to take non-commercial photography inside Westminster Abbey. Videos and flash photography are not allowed, nor is any kind of photography allowed during a service.

Can I bring a backpack?

Small bags and backpacks are allowed, but they will be searched upon entry to Westminster.

Does this tour guarantee seeing the Changing of the Guard?

No. The Changing of the Guard occurs every day during June and July, but only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the remainder of the year. If there is heavy rainfall, the Changing of the Guard will not happen.

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

As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be accommodated to be wheelchair or mobility accessible. Please contact us, after making the booking, to make the proper arrangements.