London Westminster Abbey Guided Tour with Changing of the Guards

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Parliament Square

  Your tour starts in Parliament Square, the green space ringed by statues of world leaders and framed by the Houses of Parliament. Your Blue Badge certified guide introduces the morning’s royal and political highlights and points out the Gothic facade of the Palace of Westminster before you set off.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Big Ben

  Pause beneath the Elizabeth Tower, home to the 13-tonne bell that has tolled over the Thames since 1859. Your guide explains that Big Ben is the name of the bell, not the tower itself. This is an exterior viewing only, as entry to Big Ben is not part of the tour.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 3
  10 Downing Street

  Walk to the gates of Downing Street and look toward the famous black door of Number 10, home to Britain’s prime minister since 1735. Your guide shares stories of political power and the armed officers who guard the address around the clock. The street itself is closed to the public, so this is a viewing from the gates.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 4
  St. James's Park

  Cross into St. James’s Park, the oldest of London’s royal parks, where pelicans glide across the lake and tree-lined paths open onto views of the surrounding palaces. Your guide walks the group through the park toward Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch since 1837.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Changing of the Guard

  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 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Westminster Abbey

  Timed entry takes you past the ticket queue and into Britain’s coronation church, where monarchs have been crowned for nearly 1,000 years. Inside, your guide leads you past Queen Elizabeth I’s tomb, the Coronation Chair, and Poets’ Corner, the resting place of Chaucer and Dickens. Your tour finishes here, with recommendations for nearby cafes and pubs.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• 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.

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