London Westminster Abbey Guided Tour with Changing of the Guards
5.0 / 5 · 15 traveler reviews
Discover the heart of royal London on a small group walking tour led by a certified Blue Badge guide. Stroll through Parliament Square, past Downing Street, and along the scenic paths of St. James’s Park, then watch the Changing of the Guard from a quieter vantage point near Buckingham Palace, or the Horse Guards Parade on alternate days. Finish by skipping the long ticket lines at Westminster Abbey, the historic setting for centuries of royal weddings, funerals, and coronations. - Small group walking tour led by a certified Blue Badge guide - Skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey, Britain’s most renowned church and site of royal coronations, weddings, and funerals - Watch the Changing of the Guard near Buckingham Palace (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays) or the Horse Guards Parade on other days - Scenic route through Parliament Square, past Downing Street, and into St. James’s Park
Your experience
Stop 1
Your tour starts in Parliament Square, the green space ringed by statues of world leaders and framed by the Houses of Parliament. Your Blue Badge certified guide introduces the morning’s royal and political highlights and points out the Gothic facade of the Palace of Westminster before you set off.
Stop 2
Pause beneath the Elizabeth Tower, home to the 13-tonne bell that has tolled over the Thames since 1859. Your guide explains that Big Ben is the name of the bell, not the tower itself. This is an exterior viewing only, as entry to Big Ben is not part of the tour.
Stop 3
Walk to the gates of Downing Street and look toward the famous black door of Number 10, home to Britain’s prime minister since 1735. Your guide shares stories of political power and the armed officers who guard the address around the clock. The street itself is closed to the public, so this is a viewing from the gates.
Stop 4
Cross into St. James’s Park, the oldest of London’s royal parks, where pelicans glide across the lake and tree-lined paths open onto views of the surrounding palaces. Your guide walks the group through the park toward Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch since 1837.
Stop 5
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.
Stop 6
Timed entry takes you past the ticket queue and into Britain’s coronation church, where monarchs have been crowned for nearly 1,000 years. Inside, your guide leads you past Queen Elizabeth I’s tomb, the Coronation Chair, and Poets’ Corner, the resting place of Chaucer and Dickens. Your tour finishes here, with recommendations for nearby cafes and pubs.
What’s included
- Changing of the Guard or Horse Guard Parade viewing
- Guided walk through St. James Park
- Walking tour including exterior views of Big Ben
- Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
- Skip-the-line Westminster Abbey entry
- Expert, English-speaking guide with Blue Badge certification
Not included
- Guide tips
- Entry into Buckingham Palace & Big Ben
Meeting and pickup
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.
Before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- All guests must pass through a security check before entering Westminster Abbey; some wait time may apply even with timed entry
- Small bags and backpacks up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm are permitted; please leave larger luggage at your accommodation
- Please carry a valid ID during the tour
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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