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

Experience the Heart of London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guard Tour

This 3-hour walking tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into London’s royal and historical landmarks, including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony. Priced at $69.95 per person, it’s a popular choice, often booked around 49 days in advance, which shows how much travelers value this experience.

What we love most about this tour is the skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey, saving you precious time and allowing you to focus on the incredible stories within its walls. The guide’s storytelling makes the history come alive—whether it’s tales of royal weddings, coronations, or notable funerals. Plus, the vantage point to watch the Changing of the Guard adds a touch of that classic London magic.

A potential consideration is the walking distance and crowds, especially when trying to get good views of the ceremony. The tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness who want an efficient, informative overview of London’s top sights. It’s ideal for history buffs, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a balanced mix of culture and ceremony.

Key Points

• Skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey saves valuable time.
• Knowledgeable guides bring history and traditions to life.
• The tour includes walking through St. James Park for a scenic break.
• Changing of the Guard viewing spot offers iconic photo opportunities.
• The tour ends near Buckingham Palace, perfect for further exploration.
• Group size is limited to 20 travelers, enhancing personal attention.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Westminster Abbey

The tour kicks off at Westminster Abbey, a site layered with over 750 years of history. Its origins trace back to a 10th-century vision where a fisherman saw a vision of St. Peter. Today, it’s a place where royal coronations, weddings, and funerals have taken place, making it a must-see for anyone wanting a glimpse into Britain’s monarchy.

Inside, you’ll find the tombs of monarchs, notable figures, and stunning Gothic architecture. The skip-the-line tickets mean we bypass the long queues, allowing us more time to absorb the stories from our guide. Expect to spend about an hour here, with plenty of fascinating facts about the Abbey’s role in British life.

Exterior Visit on Downing Street

Next, we walk past Downing Street, home to the Prime Minister, a symbol of British political power. It’s a quick exterior visit, but one that sparks the imagination—standing outside the guarded gates, you’re in the very neighborhood where decisions shape the nation.

Walk Through St. James’s Park

A highlight is strolling through St. James’s Park, an open green space that provides a peaceful pause amidst the busy city. Here, you’ll see vibrant flowerbeds, lush lawns, and the famous pelican pond. Many reviews praise this walk as a visual treat—it’s a great way to breathe in the city’s natural beauty and observe local life, especially as we make our way toward Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

We then arrive at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the monarch. While the tour doesn’t include entry inside, we admire the façade and hear stories about royal traditions. The guide shares fun facts, such as the palace’s history dating back to the 18th century and its role in national ceremonies.

The Changing of the Guard is the grand finale. Depending on the schedule, we watch the ceremony from a good vantage point, often within walking distance. The guards in full dress uniform, the military band, and the precise choreography create an unmistakably regal scene. Most reviews note this as a “London icon,” although some mention it can be crowded and challenging to get close.

Please note, the Guard change occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On alternate days, the ceremony takes place at Horse Guards Parade. Sometimes weather or scheduling can affect the ceremony, so actual experiences may vary.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides excellent value with skip-the-line tickets to Westminster Abbey, a guided commentary, and a chance to see the Changing of the Guard. The use of headsets ensures everyone can hear the guide clearly, even in noisy crowds.

However, note that entry into Buckingham Palace and Big Ben is not included. The tour ends outside Buckingham Palace, so you’re free to explore further on your own. The small group size (maximum 20 people) enhances interaction, and the mobile ticket makes booking straightforward.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is designed for a good balance of sights, some reviews mention the walking distances can be tiring, especially for older travelers. The crowds, particularly during busy times like spring break or special events, can make viewing the Changing of the Guard a challenge. In fact, some people were disappointed that they didn’t get as close as hoped or couldn’t see the ceremony clearly.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights

Multiple reviews echo that guides like Tracy, Isabel, and Padder elevate the experience with their knowledge and humor. Travelers consistently praise guides who keep everyone engaged, regardless of age or pace.

One reviewer mentions, “Our guide ran into once in a lifetime issues—we happened to be on the tour on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. He did an amazing job of working around the crowds.” This shows the flexibility and professionalism of guides, even under unpredictable circumstances.

Others highlight the scenic walk through St. James’s Park as a highlight, describing it as “a living masterpiece” and a peaceful escape from London’s hustle. The combination of cultural sights and natural beauty keeps the experience varied and enjoyable.

The Real Value of This Tour

At $69.95, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. You gain skip-the-line access, expert storytelling, and front-row views of iconic ceremonies, all within a manageable 3-hour window. For first-time visitors or those with limited time, it’s an efficient way to see key royal landmarks without feeling rushed.

The small group setting enhances the experience, allowing for more personal interaction with guides who are praised for their knowledge and humor. While some reviews mention the crowds and walking distances, overall, most travelers feel it’s a very good value—especially considering the convenience of organized logistics and insider insights.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates history, royal traditions, and scenic strolls, this tour is ideal. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and the Changing of the Guard. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer guided experiences that avoid long lines and crowded streets.

However, if you’re especially eager to get close to Big Ben or see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace itself, you might want to consider other options or plan for additional visits. The tour’s focus is on providing a good overview, not an up-close, behind-the-scenes experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include inside visits to Buckingham Palace or Big Ben?
No, entry into Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are not included. The tour focuses on Westminster Abbey and the outside views of the palace.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Is the Changing of the Guard guaranteed to be seen?
It depends on the schedule; the ceremony occurs on specific days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday). Weather or official changes may also affect the schedule, and sometimes the best view might be at Horse Guards Parade instead.

Are tickets provided in advance?
Yes, the ticketing is digital, and skip-the-line entry is included, helping you avoid long queues.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most reviews don’t specify age restrictions, but since the tour involves walking and listening to detailed commentary, it’s best for kids 7 or older who are interested in history.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since there’s a fair amount of walking involved.

Are there any physical activity considerations?
Yes, travelers should have moderate physical fitness, as there is walking and standing during the tour.

Does the tour operate year-round?
Yes, but the Changing of the Guard schedule may vary or be canceled due to weather or official events.

Is transportation included?
No, the tour starts and ends at designated meeting points, with no hotel pickup or drop-off.

What do I do if the ceremony is canceled?
If the Changing of the Guard is unavailable, the guide will opt for an alternative sightseeing experience, like a walk through Westminster.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced, engaging way to see London’s royal landmarks with expert guides, skip-the-line access, and scenic highlights. It’s especially suited for first-timers eager to get a taste of Westminster’s grandeur without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

While crowds and walking distances can present challenges, the overall experience is enriching and typically appreciated for its storytelling and convenience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a first-time visitor, or someone wanting a snapshot of London’s royal traditions, this tour delivers solid value and memorable sights.

For those who want a compact but meaningful introduction to London’s core royal sights, this tour hits the spot. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, keep your expectations flexible about close-up views of the guard ceremonies, and enjoy the tales that bring these historic sites to life.