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

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Parliament Square

  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 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Big Ben

  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 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 3
  10 Downing Street

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

  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 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

  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.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• 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.

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