London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard
Explore royal history at London's famous church before seeing Buckingham Palace's iconic ceremony
Without a plan, visitors to London end up missing Westminster Abbey’s hidden stories and losing out on the best view of the Changing of the Guard. With us, skip the line and enter Britain’s most iconic church, led by an expert who reveals royal secrets from coronations to ancient tombs. Then, secure the ultimate spot to witness the Guard’s iconic march. Don’t settle for rushed glimpses—this tour is your key to experiencing London’s grandeur with nothing left unseen.
What You Get With This Tour
-
Expert, English-speaking guide
-
Skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey
-
Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
-
Changing of the Guard viewing
-
Guided walk through St. James Park
-
Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Meet your guide at Parliament Square
You’ll kick things off by the Abraham Lincoln statue, surrounded by Westminster’s buzzing energy. Your guide gives you a quick rundown of the day before you set off together. -
2
Westminster Abbey skip-the-line entry
Step inside one of Britain’s most storied buildings without waiting in line. As you explore soaring chapels and ancient cloisters, your guide reveals how this thousand-year-old church shaped royal history and national identity. -
3
Coronation Chair
Continue deeper into the abbey to see the famed Coronation Chair, used in nearly every royal coronation since the 1300s. You’ll hear how the seat became a symbol of royal power and the dramatic moments it has witnessed. -
4
Royal tombs and Poet’s Corner
Wander past the tombs of monarchs like Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots before arriving at Poet’s Corner. Here, you’ll stand among memorials to Chaucer, Dickens, and other literary greats who helped shape English culture. -
5
Downing Street
Leaving the abbey, follow your guide toward the nerve center of British government. You’ll learn the story behind this famous street and its role in political decision-making through the centuries. -
6
St. James’s Park
After that, enjoy a peaceful stroll through London’s oldest royal park. With lakeside views, playful birds, and manicured gardens, it’s a refreshing change of pace before the day’s grand finale. -
7
Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard
Arrive at Buckingham Palace just in time for the iconic ceremony. Your guide positions you at prime vantage points so you can watch the regimented march, gleaming uniforms, and military bands up close. -
8
Your tour finishes at Buckingham Palace
Your guide wraps things up outside the palace gates. From here, you can linger for photos, wander back into the park, or keep exploring this very royal corner of London at your own pace.
Additional Information
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: On days when the Changing of the Guard does not take place (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays or due to poor weather) you’ll instead visit the Horse Guard Ceremony and enjoy a walking tour of the Westminster area.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 3-hour 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 at Buckingham Palace (on select days)
Visit to Downing Street and St. James Park
Maximum group size of 20
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Camera
Water bottle
You May Also Like
Free Cancellation Private Tour
Private Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard Tour
Dive deep into London's history at the famous church before seeing Buckingham Palace
Free Cancellation New Tour
Changing of the Guard Small Group Walking Tour in London
Witness the world-famous ceremony while learning about the orgins of this iconic routine
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London
Explore Buckingham Palace, see the Crown Jewels, take a river cruise on the Thames, and more!
Guided Tour New Tour
Premium Westminster Abbey Tour with Breakfast and London Eye
Avoid lines and witness the storied sites of royal ceremonies, then soar above the London skyline
Private Tour Transportation Included
Private Black Cab Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London
See London’s landmarks in comfort with skip-the-line entry and a private black cab experience
Free Cancellation New Tour
Skip the Line Churchill's War Rooms and Westminster Small Group Tour
Explore the preserved Secret Bunkers in London, where D-Day and the fall of Hitler were planned
Free Cancellation New Tour
Soho Eats: A Delicious Evening Walking Tour
Uncover the history of rock-n-roll in London while sampling delicious local food
Free Cancellation New Tour
Exclusive Meet & Greet Tour with the Tower of London Beefeaters
Hear legends from the Guardians of the Tower of London before your full tour of the fortress
Free Cancellation Exclusive Access
Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters
Witness a centuries-old tradition before seeing the crown jewels with fewer crowds
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London
Dive into British history at London's famous fortress and enjoy a flexible ticket to a Thames cruise
Guided Tour New Tour
Express Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels Access
Walk through royalty, rebellion, and learn the Tower's most infamous secrets with pre-booked tickets
Exclusive Access Guided Tour
Tower of London Historic "Closing Ceremony" After Hours Tour
Join this exclusive tour after the crowds have left and witness the Tower's rare closing ceremony
Customer Reviews
Couldn't see changing of the Guards because of bad weather but Jill was great
Our guide was five star with such amazing historical color and commentary on Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. He was fabulous!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
We recommend bringing a bottle of water with you and wearing a pair of comfortable shoes since this is a walking tour.
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.
Does this tour include pick up from your hotel?
Transport isn't included with this tour, but it's very easy to get here on the tube or by taxi. Your guide will be at the meeting point listed on your confirmation voucher.
Can I bring a backpack?
Small bags and backpacks are allowed, but they will be searched upon entry to Westminster.
What to bring?
We recommend bringing a bottle of water with you and wearing a pair of comfortable shoes since this is a walking tour.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
Although this tour doesn't cover a large distance or any difficult terrain, you will walking or standing for the majority of the 3 hours.
Does this tour guarantee seeing the Changing of the Guard?
No. The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the year. There are also times where the changing of the Guard will not go ahead on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays without prior notice and this is due to last minute decision made by the palace, local authorities or bad weather.
