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London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour

4.5 Great 519 reviews
|
3h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
519 reviews
5
408
4
41
3
34
2
16
1
20
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended by 87% of travellers: 449 four- and five-star reviews

Overview

Guidekin summary

Combine a guided Westminster Abbey visit with exterior views of Big Ben and a walk through St. James's Park. Abbey entry and guard ceremony viewing are included, but ceremonies can change or be cancelled, and shoulders and knees must be covered for the Abbey. 4.54 from 519 reviews at €61 per person for 3h.

From the guide

Let us take you on a journey through the heart of London with our exclusive royal walking tour. Join our small group and embark on a captivating exploration led by our incredibly knowledgeable Blue Badge certified guide through Parliament Square, past Downing Street, and into the scenic paths of St. James's Park.

Your guide will lead you to a quieter vantage point to witness the iconic Changing of the Guards near Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards ceremony. The Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, you'll see the Horse Guards Parade instead.

Next, skip the long ticket lines at Westminster Abbey, Britain's most renowned church. As you tour the hallowed halls of this storied venue of royal weddings, funerals, and coronations spanning centuries, prepare to be awestruck by its beauty and significance. This is a truly royal experience, curated to provide you with a deep appreciation for London's illustrious heritage.

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departures: 09:00, 09:30, 10:00
Scheduled through November 2027

This tour runs daily, departing at 09:00, 09:30, 10:00. Scheduled through November 2027. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked October 1, 2026.

What's Included

Changing of the Guard or Horse Guard Parade viewing
Guided walk through St. James Park
Expert English-speaking Blue Badge certified guide
Walking tour including exterior views of Big Ben
Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
Skip-the-line Westminster Abbey entry

What's Not Included

Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
Entry into Buckingham Palace & Big Ben
Guide tips

Itinerary

Parliament Square Stop 1
Meet your Blue Badge certified guide at Parliament Square, surrounded by statues of world leaders alongside the Gothic facade of the Houses of Parliament. Your guide gives a brief overview of the day's royal highlights before the group sets off toward Westminster's historic center.
10 min
Big Ben Stop 2
Stand outside the Elizabeth Tower to hear how the 13-tonne bell inside has marked the hours over the Thames since 1859. Your guide explains that Big Ben is the name of the bell itself, not the tower, and shares the story of how this clock face became one of London's most photographed landmarks.
15 min
10 Downing Street Stop 3
Walk past the famous black door at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister since 1735. Your guide shares stories of the decisions made at this address while armed police guard the entrance around the clock.
10 min
St. James's Park Stop 4
Stroll through St. James's Park, London's oldest royal park, where pelicans glide across the lake and tree-lined paths lead toward Buckingham Palace. Your guide walks alongside the group and connects the park's royal heritage to the ceremony ahead.
20 min
Changing of the Guard Stop 5
Your guide positions the group away from the thickest crowds to watch the Queen's Guard march in red tunics and bearskin hats in the Changing of the Guard. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, or when weather prevents the ceremony, the group visits the Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall instead.
35 min
Westminster Abbey Stop 6
Step inside Westminster Abbey with timed entry, bypassing the main queue to reach the nave of Britain's coronation church, where monarchs have been crowned since 1066. Your Blue Badge guide leads you past the Coronation Chair, Queen Elizabeth I's tomb, and Poets' Corner, connecting centuries of royal coronations, weddings, and literary memorials to the Gothic stone around you.
1h
Admission included

Departure & Return

Start point

Please arrive 10 minutes early. Our friendly guide will meet you in Parliament Square in front of the statue of Abraham Lincoln. A representative from our company will be holding a sign with The Tour Guy on it.

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End point

The tour concludes at Westminster Abbey

Additional Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the the Horse Guards Parade instead.
  • The Changing of the Guard schedule is subject to change or cancellation by British authorities, sometimes due to weather, with little notice. In case of cancellation, you'll enjoy a guided walking tour of Westminster instead.
  • Westminster Abbey is a place of worship; modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required for all guests. Guests not meeting this standard may be refused entry.
  • Guests with wheelchairs or walking impairments that require special assistance cannot be accommodated on group tours. The activity provider cannot accommodate strollers or baby carriages.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund

Compared with other Pub Tours & Pub Crawls

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #46 of 47€613h4.54 (519)shared
Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour€382h 30m4.99 (2355)shared
London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs€423h 30m4.98 (11782)shared
Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour in London€382h4.99 (995)shared

Ranked #46 of 47 in Pub Tours & Pub Crawls by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €17 to €407, median €38; typical length 2h 30m. 5 of 47 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 47 Pub Tours & Pub Crawls

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