Private London in a Day Tour
Explore Westminster Abbey with pre-reserved tickets then see the crown jewels at the Tower of London
Experience the royal grandeur of the English capital on a comprehensive, full day tour tailored specifically to your interests and pace. Your day begins with skip-the-line tickets and a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, then witness the precise pageantry of the Changing of the Guard. After a scenic Thames river cruise past the London Eye, explore the Tower of London and glittering crown jewels. This is the best tour to see London’s legendary landmarks with an expert in a single day.
What You Get With This Tour
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Walk through 1,000 years of royal history
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Skip-the-line Westminster Abbey tickets
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Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
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Tower of London entry
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Guided tour of the Tower of London
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Thames River cruise tickets
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Crown jewels viewing
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Private group experience
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Guide tips
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Food and drink
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at Parliament Square
Your tour begins in the heart of political London at the statue of Abraham Lincoln. Meet your private guide to discuss the day's flexible schedule while standing in the shadow of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. -
2
Explore Westminster Abbey
Next, use skip-the-line access to enter this 1,000-year-old church where English monarchs are crowned. See the final resting places of Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin while learning about the abbey’s role in royal weddings and funerals. -
3
Witness the Changing of the Guard
Follow your guide to the Mall to see the Scots Guard in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats. From a strategic viewpoint, watch the precision of the military exchange as the New Guard replaces the Old Guard at Buckingham Palace. -
4
See the gates of Downing Street
Then, walk past the heavily guarded entrance of Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister. Your guide will share stories of the political history shaped behind these famous black doors before you head toward Trafalgar Square for a lunch break. -
5
Cruise down the River Thames
After lunch, board a river boat for a relaxing journey down the Thames. As you sail, you will see the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater from a unique perspective on the water. -
6
Discover the Tower of London
Disembark at the Tower of London, the fortress built by William the Conqueror in 1066. You will explore the Bloody Tower and the White Tower while hearing tales of the famous prisoners and colorful Beefeaters who have called this ancient palace home. -
7
Marvel at the crown jewels
Inside the Jewel House, you will see the world’s most famous collection of royal regalia. View over 20,000 precious stones, including the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond. Before entering the jewel house, your guide will explain the ceremonial significance of these priceless artifacts. -
8
Your tour finishes at Tower Hill
Your tour concludes outside the Tower of London with a view of the magnificent Tower Bridge. Leave feeling like a London insider, ready to explore the nearby bridge or find a local pub for an evening pint.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what’s included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
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.
Guiding Restrictions: Per official Tower of London regulations, your private guide is not permitted to speak or lead tours inside the Jewel House or the White Tower. To maximize your experience, your guide will provide a full historical briefing and highlight what to look for before you enter these buildings to explore at your own pace.
Changing of the Guard: The full ceremony at Buckingham Palace typically occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and daily in June and July. On other days, a smaller "Captain’s Inspection" takes place at 3pm; your guide will adjust the walking route to ensure you see the best available military display.
Please note: The itinerary of a private tour can be adjusted to your needs. Please reach out if you do not see a start time that fits for your party. We would be happy to check with our ticketing team to see if we can accommodate you.
Dress Code: Comfortable attire and flat walking shoes are recommended as this tour covers significant distances on foot.
ID Requirement: Please bring a valid government-issued ID for potential security checks at major landmarks.
Weather Advisory: The Changing of the Guard is subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled by the military during heavy rain.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 7-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line Westminster Abbey tickets
Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
Tower of London entry tickets
Guided tour of the Tower of London
Thames River cruise tickets
Changing of the Guard viewing
See the crown jewels
Private group experience
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Water bottle
Light jacket
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tour guarantee seeing the Changing of the Guard?
No. The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens every day during June and July, but only Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sundays throughout the year. If there is heavy rainfall, the ceremony does not happen.
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.
How much of this tour is guided?
The entire day is spent with your guide except for your free time at lunch. There are certain areas within the Tower of London where no guides are allowed, but you'll have plenty of time with them otherwise.
How gentle or rocky is the boat ride?
It's a really gentle ride since the River Thames is wide and slow. The boat is also quite large so it's not prone to rocking much at all.
Can I bring a backpack?
Small backpacks and bags are allowed, but they will be searched at Westminster and the Tower of London.
