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

4.97 (392) ·

Travel Flexibly

· 3.00h · England, United Kingdom

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard

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

A group of tourists in Parliament Square with Big Ben in the background speaking with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A tour group entering Westminster Abbey with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists inside Westminster Abbey with a guide from The Tour Guy.

An image of the inside of Westminster Abbey.

A man walking through St. James Park with his guide from The Tour Guy.

An image of the Changing of the Guard ceremony in St. James Park.

A group of tourists in front of Buckingham Palace with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists looking at 10 Downing Street while on tour with The Tour Guy.

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 Abbey tickets
Famous tombs
Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard
St. James Park
Max 20 people
Guide gratuity
Hotel pick-up
Food and drink

Tour Itinerary

1

Meet your guide at Parliament Square
Easily reachable by public transport and near the iconic Westminster Palace, Parliament Square is the perfect spot to begin your tour.
2

Westminster Abbey
Easily reachable by public transport and near the iconic Westminster Palace, Parliament Square is the perfect spot to begin your tour.
3

Coronation Chair
See for yourself the elegant Coronation Chair, used in the coronation of nearly every English and British monarch since the 14th century.
4

Famous tombs of UK Monarchs
Visit the final resting places of monarchs like Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, encapsulated within the abbey's historic walls.
5

Poet's corner
Meander over to the South Transept of the Abbey, where literary giants like Chaucer, Dickens, and Kipling rest.
6

Downing Street
Discover the famed hub of British governance, an architectural witness to centuries of political evolution and international diplomacy.
7

St. James Park
Pause your city adventures to stroll through London’s oldest park, meandering around a lovely lake and watching birds joyfully play in greenery.
8

Buckingham Palace
Admire the regal architecture and stately presence of the home to Britain’s sovereigns since 1837.
9

Changing of the Guard (or horse guard)
Observe the traditional Changing of the Guard, a spectacle of military precision, or the daily disciplined Horse Guards Parade.
10

Buckingham Palace
Observe the traditional Changing of the Guard, a spectacle of military precision, or the daily disciplined Horse Guards Parade.

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

Customer reviews

4.97 (392)

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Five Star Tour

01 November 2025

Reviewed by
Donna N Smith

Our guide was five star with such amazing historical color and commentary on Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. He was fabulous!

25 October 2025

Reviewed by
Leslie Lamitola

24 October 2025

Reviewed by
Effie Barkas

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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.

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