Private Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard Tour
Dive deep into London's history at the famous church before seeing Buckingham Palace
Enjoy privileged access and the undivided attention of your private guide as you skip the line and uncover the Abbey’s secrets. Step inside to hear tales of royal power, betrayal, and the resting places of England’s most storied figures. Afterward, take a peaceful stroll through St. James’s Park to Buckingham Palace, arriving at the perfect spot for the Changing of the Guard.
- Meet your guide at Parliament Square
- Westminster Abbey
- Coronation Chair
- Poet's Corner
- St. James Park
- Buckingham Palace
- Changing of the Guard
- Trafalgar Square
- End at Buckingham Palace.
Start your private Westminster Abbey tour near Parliament Square where your guide is eagerly waiting to show you London's beloved church. You'll skip the line and enjoy talking with and learning from your private guide while exploring this historic church. Up next is a walk through London's streets and St. James Park to get to the famous mall. This road is the ceremonial route for all royal processions and the Changing of the Guard. You'll have lots of opportunities for photos here and of Buckingham Palace too.
Private Westminster Abbey Tour Description
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of Westminster Abbey
Visits to royal tombs
Walk through St. James Park
Changing of the Guard ceremony (certain days)
Views of Buckingham Palace
Licensed, private guide
Westminster Abbey
Follow your private guide with your skip-the-line entry into the 1,000-year-old church that has been the center of the English monarchy. The church is a place of worship and where history's famous Britons are interred from Newton and Livingstone to Kipling and Dickens. Your guide will know just where to find the most interesting tombs and effigies whether you're a science, music, or history buff.
Most notably, Westminster Abbey is also where all coronations occur for the English monarchy. And it's been the famous site of many royal weddings (Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton) and funerals (Princess Diana). Thanks to modern television, these events have allowed the public a glimpse of this abbey, but your private guide will bring it to life even more before your eyes.
Changing of the Guard
After your private tour of Westminster Abbey, it's time to walk towards Buckingham Palace. Your guide knows London's streets and how to take the best route for the prettiest views in St. James Park. You'll soon find yourself on the Mall, the famous road used by the royals during parades and by the King's Guard.
The Scots Guard walks this road in their iconic red-and-black uniforms as the band plays the ceremonial song. It may look like fun, but listen to your private guide talk about how important and sensible this event actually is. It's a time-honored tradition from 1660 that protects the ruling monarch day and night. The Old Guard gives up their morning post to the New Guard for the afternoon.
There's a lot to see here, so stick with your guide who will lead you to multiple vantage points to watch the Changing of the Guard. Best of all, you'll have a great view of Buckingham Palace too. Don't forget to take selfies!
The Changing of the Guard occurs every day during June and July, but only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the remainder of the year. If there is heavy rainfall, the Changing of the Guard will not happen.
What you get with this tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
We recommend bringing a bottle of water and wearing a pair of comfortable shoes since this is a walking tour. In case of rain, and umbrella is also recommended.
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 private guide will be at the meeting point listed on your confirmation voucher.
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.
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 and wearing a pair of comfortable shoes since this is a walking tour. In case of rain, and umbrella is also recommended.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
You will be walking or standing for the majority of the 3 hours with only a few steps to navigate.
Does this tour guarantee seeing the Changing of the Guard?
No. The Changing of the Guard occurs every day during June and July, but only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the remainder of the year. If there is heavy rainfall, the Changing of the Guard will not happen.
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