Private Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard Tour
See the coronation chair and royal tombs plus walk through St. James Park to see Buckingham palace
Step inside the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey to uncover tales of power and betrayal that shaped the United Kingdom. Your private guide brings the Gothic architecture to life and shows the final resting places of legendary figures like Isaac Newton. Afterwards, follow the ceremonial route through St. James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in London, to Buckingham Palace. Arrive at the perfect viewpoint to spot the vibrant red uniforms of your tour finale, the Changing of the Guard.
What You Get With This Tour
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Stand where royalty is crowned
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Skip-the-line Westminster Abbey tickets
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Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
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Expert English-speaking guide
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St. James’s Park walk
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Changing of the Guard
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Private group experience
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Guide tips
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Changing of the Guard (on off days)
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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 at the statue of Abraham Lincoln. Your private guide introduces you to the Parliament area and its historic houses of power before heading to the Abbey entrance. -
2
Step inside Westminster Abbey
Skip the line and enter the 1,000-year-old church where every British coronation has occurred. Walk the central aisle, stare at the intricately designed floors, and learn about the centuries of royal weddings and state funerals this church has held. -
3
Visit the Coronation Chair and Poet's Corner
Discover the historic Coronation Chair, used for royal ceremonies since the Middle Ages. Then, visit Poet's Corner to see the resting places of literary giants like Charles Dickens and Geoffrey Chaucer. -
4
Stroll through St. James’s Park
Exit the Abbey to follow your guide through St. James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in London, filled with wildlife and palace views. You will learn about its evolution from a royal hunting ground into a public treasure. -
5
Witness the Changing of the Guard
Arrive on the Mall near Buckingham palace to watch the iconic and ceremonial Changing of the Guard. See the Old Guard hand over responsibility to the New Guard from a perfect vantage point. Watch the striking red tunics and bearskin hats of the soldiers marching to military music. -
6
Your tour finishes at Buckingham Palace
Your tour ends outside the gates of Buckingham Palace, the world’s most famous royal residence. Your guide will highlight the famous balcony before offering suggestions for how you can continue your London adventure.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what’s included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
ID Requirement: Please bring a valid government-issued ID as it may be requested during site entry.
Dress Code: Westminster Abbey is a place of worship, so modest dress is appreciated. Please avoid wearing hats inside the church.
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.
Weather Advisory: The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to weather conditions and will not occur during heavy rainfall.
Tour Changes: The Changing of the Guard occurs daily in June and July, but only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the remainder of the year. If your tour falls on an off-day or during heavy rainfall, the ceremony will not occur, and your guide will focus on more in-depth storytelling around the Palace and St. James's Park.
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
Skip-the-line Westminster Abbey entry
Guided tour of Westminster Abby
Guided walking tour of St. James’s Park
Changing of the Guard ceremony viewing
Exterior visit to Buckingham Palace
Private group experience
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Water bottle
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Customer Reviews
Greatly enjoyed our time strolling, learning, and strolling some more...it was a wonderful 3 hours! What made the tour so much more enriching was our tour guide Isobel, who was personable, humourous, and VERY knowledgeable about our surroundings...perfectly timing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace! Request to have Isobel as you guide, a wise choice!
Thank you Andrew for such a great tour of not only the Abbey but of parts of London. My first trip to London and I learnt so much about this city that I did not know. So enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
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.
