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!
A day in London can quickly turn into a battle with crowds, long lines, and missed highlights. Our tour eliminates the stress, starting with skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey, where you’ll uncover royal history without the wait. Next, breeze past the crowds at the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels up close. With an expert guide bringing each stop to life, you’ll experience London’s top sites with ease. Afterward, you’re free to explore more, making this the ultimate London day out.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert, English-speaking guide
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Skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey
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Ticket to the Tower of London
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Access to the Crown Jewels
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Thames River cruise
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Changing of the Guard ceremony (certain days)
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Guide tips
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Lunch and drinks
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at Parliament Square
Look for your guide and group members near the statue of Abraham Lincoln. Here, you'll learn the full day's itinerary and get oriented for your seven-hour deep dive into London’s most essential landmarks and royal history. -
2
Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
With your skip-the-line ticket, you'll bypass the main queues and step inside this magnificent church. Your guide will illuminate the Abbey’s thousand-year history as a religious center and the venue for nearly every coronation since 1066. You’ll see the famous Coronation Chair and the tombs of acclaimed figures in Poet’s Corner, like Charles Dickens and Geoffrey Chaucer. -
3
Stroll through St. James Park to Buckingham Palace
Next, you'll take a pleasant stroll through St. James Park, one of London's beautiful Royal Parks, en route to Buckingham Palace. You'll behold the grandeur of the palace from its gates, a centerpiece of national life and a symbol of the British monarchy. -
4
Changing of the Guard or Horse Guards Parade
Arrive at Buckingham Palace just in time to observe the traditional Changing of the Guard. This spectacle showcases military precision and centuries of tradition. On days when the ceremony does not take place (or due to bad weather), you'll instead enjoy the disciplined display of the Horse Guards Parade. -
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Free time for lunch near Trafalgar Square and Downing Street
After the ceremony, your guide will lead you toward Trafalgar Square for a break. You’ll have time to grab lunch (not included in the tour price) while in the area, and you’ll also see the exterior of 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister, where momentous decisions are made. -
6
Thames River cruise
Following lunch, you'll board a comfortable local clipper for a relaxing journey along the River Thames. This scenic ride offers a new perspective of the city, and your guide will point out famous sights like the London Bridge, Tower Bridge, City Hall, and the towering Shard skyscraper. -
7
Guided tour of the Tower of London
Dock beneath the formidable walls of the Tower of London, a site that has been a fortress, royal palace, and infamous prison since its founding by William the Conqueror in 1066. Your expert guide will share the Tower's bloody past, from the days of Guy Fawkes to Henry VIII's ill-fated wives, as you explore key areas like Traitor's Gate and meet the legendary Beefeaters. -
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Crown Jewels
Follow your guide into the secure Jewel House to witness the exquisite collection of Crown Jewels. You’ll see the stunning coronation regalia, adorned with thousands of stones, which symbolize the enduring power of the English Monarchy. Your guide will ensure your waiting time is kept to a minimum to see these treasures. -
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Your tour finishes at the Tower of London
Your seven-hour adventure concludes inside the grounds of the Tower of London, near the historic White Tower. You are welcome to continue exploring the castle grounds and the White Tower at your own pace, or your guide can offer tips on how to spend your evening in this incredible city.
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.
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.
Please Note: Guides are not allowed inside the White Tower or the Jewel House, but they will accompany you to each location and share everything you need to know. They will escort you to the Beefeater's Quarters, Traitor's Gate, and several other key areas in the fortress.
Accessibility: Unfortunately this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven surfaces and old stone stairways.
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 entry and guided tour of Westminster Abbey
Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace (certain days, weather permitting)
Free time for lunch near Trafalgar Square (not included)
Boat ride down the River Thames by clipper
Guided tour of the Tower of London
Access to the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and more
Maximum group size of 20
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Camera
Weather-appropriate clothing
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Customer Reviews
Jeremy was our group’s guide (there were 4 of us). He was so full of knowledge. There was so much we saw and learned over the course of the day. It was a very long day and a lot of walking so I’d keep that in mind if you are reading reviews. But if mobility isn’t an issue - I highly recommend this tour!
Our guide, Dan, was fantastic! He was welcoming and extremely knowledgeable. He moved the tour at a convertible pace for all the participants and was able to answer historical and informational questions. I would highly recommend taking this tour with Dan.
Excellent tour! Warren was funny and engaging. He made London history come alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for the majority of this tour. There is a lot of walking, so we also recommend a water bottle and perhaps some snacks too.
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 at your hotel?
There is no hotel pick up for this tour. You'll meet your guide at the meeting point listed on your confirmation voucher (Parliament Square).
Can I bring a backpack?
Small backpacks and bags are allowed, but they will be searched at Westminster and the Tower of London.
What to bring?
Please wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for the majority of this tour. There is a lot of walking, so we also recommend a water bottle and perhaps some snacks too.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but you'll have time to grab lunch at one of several restaurants near Trafalgar Square. Your guide will point out several places to eat.
Where does this tour end?
This tour ends inside the Tower of London where you are free to explore more areas. You can then exit and walk across Tower Bridge on your own, grab a taxi, or head to the nearest Underground station called Tower Hill.
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.
Does this tour guarantee seeing the Changing of the Guard?
No. The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens every day during June/July, but only Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sundays throughout the year. If there is heavy rainfall, the ceremony does not happen. Your guide will watch the time to help you get to the ceremony from Westminster Abbey in time.
Does this tour include entry to Buckingham Palace?
No, this tour does not include entry to Buckingham Palace! We recommend checking out our Buckingham Palace tour that runs during the months of July, August, and September.
Does this tour include entry to Tower Bridge?
No, this tour does not include Tower Bridge entry tickets.
