Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey & Tower of London Tour

4.8
(112 reviews)

7 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Limited time on your hands whilst visiting London? Join us and see London's Best in One Day!

Your day starts with a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, skip-the-line entry included.

Strolling through St James Park, your next stop will be Buckingham Palace's exterior. Here you'll enjoy a crash course to the royal family & witness the *changing of the guard ceremony.

The last stop before lunch will be 10 Downing Street, where great minds like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher made crucial decisions that influenced the nation.

After a quick lunch break, you'll enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Thames Clipper service, where you can sit back and relax as your guide points out some of the famous sites along the waterside.

Last on the Itinerary is a guided tour of the Tower of London. your guide will teach you about the significance of this castle throughout the centuries, and have a chance to visit some of the Castle's rooms before proceeding to visit the British Crown Jewels.

What's Included

Knowledgeable, English-speaking guide
Skip the line & guided tour of Westminster Abbey
Admission to the British Crown Jewels
Enjoy best vantage point of the Changing of the Guard (or Horse Guard) ceremony
Scenic Thames River cruise
Guided tour of the Tower of London
Headsets (10+ people)
Hotel pick up / drop off
Lunch (at own expense) & Gratuities (optional)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Abraham Lincoln Statue

Meeting point for the morning part of the tour: Please meet our friendly guide at the Statue of Abraham Lincoln. With Big Ben behind you, go across Parliament Square and cross the street to the statue of Abraham Lincoln. A representative will be there holding a sign with ''The Tour Guy'' on it.

End point
Tower of London

Your tour will conclude following your guided tour inside of the Tower of London, where you're welcome to continue exploring at own ease.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Parliament Square

    Your day will begin around parliament square. From this prime location you can already catch a glimpse of London's iconic Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster before heading to your first stop of the day - Westminster Abbey.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Westminster Abbey

    Tour of Westminster Abbey - Skip the ticketing line alongside our expert guide and enter this majestic Abbey, nestled upon the very spot where a humble fisherman once glimpsed a celestial vision of St. Peter in the 10th century. Our guide will take you around this sacred sanctuary, which housed nearly 40 coronations as well as the funeral of Princess Diana.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 3
    10 Downing Street

    Exterior Visit on Downing Street Downing Street, a place of intrigue and power, stands as an iconic symbol of British governance. Nestled amidst the bustling streets of London, this historic address is where the country's leaders make crucial decisions that shape the nation's destiny.

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

    Walk Through St James Park - Following your visit to the Abbey, you'll pass through this charming park on your way to Buckingham Palace. A jewel in the crown of the capital, this enchanting park unfolds like a living masterpiece, offering a change of scenery from the bustling streets of London.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Buckingham Palace

    Marvel at the exterior of Buckingham Palace - Buckingham Palace, an iconic symbol of British monarchy and culture, is the official residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Your guide will tell you all the ins and outs of this imposing estate before heading on to the next stop of the day.

    10 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 6
    Changing of the Guard

    Witness the Changing of The Guard ** Entrusted with the sacred duty of protecting Britain's revered monarch these soldiers have become a symbol of the United Kingdom. This ceremony—a practical passing of the torch from the morning shift, known as the Old Guard, to the afternoon shift, the New Guard is a must see when visiting London. ** Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead. If there is heavy rainfall, the Changing of the Guard will not happen. Following the visit, you will have a short break for lunch, before meeting for the afternoon itinerary of the tour.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    London

    Enjoy some free time for a quick lunch in Trafalgar Square before continuing with the afternoon part of your tour. Your guide is more than happy to recommend some local eateries and café before reconvening at the same meeting point as this morning.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Thames River

    Thames River Cruise Prepare for an exciting adventure as you board the comfortable and air-conditioned local clipper service for a ride along the River Thames. Sit back and relax as your expert guide points out the famous sites that you'll pass along the way.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 9
    Tower of London

    Guided Tour of the Tower of London* - Step back in time and witness the incredible history of the Tower of London, which was established by none other than William the Conqueror in 1066 after his conquest of England. From famous prisoners to gruesome executions, this castle has seen it all. Led by your expert local guide, , you'll learn about the often bloody history of this magnificent structure. *There are certain areas within the Tower of London where no guides are allowed, but can be explored at own pace once the tour concludes.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 10
    The Crown Jewels

    The British Crown Jewels - Prepare to be dazzled as you enter the Jewel House of the Tower of London! The crown jewels, a collection of 140 regalia and symbols, have been protected here for centuries. Bedazzled with over 23,000 sparkling stones, these priceless items are the ultimate symbols of the British monarchy. As your tour nears its end, you'll have the opportunity to enter the famous White Tower on your own and continue your exploration of this iconic landmark. Your guide will also be happy to offer insider tips for the rest of your day in London, so you can make the most of your time in this vibrant city.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • 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 Changing of the Guard at 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.
Supplied by The Tour Guy

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Cancellation Policy

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

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4.8 Based on 112 112 reviews
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