London: Royal Tour with Westminster Abbey & Afternoon Tea

London: Royal Tour with Westminster Abbey & Afternoon Tea offers a well-rounded and engaging experience that combines sightseeing, royal traditions, and a touch of British elegance. For $173.76 per person, you’ll spend about six hours exploring the city’s most iconic sites with an expert guide, then indulge in a classic afternoon tea at Westminster Abbey’s historic Cellarium Café.

What we love about this tour is the seamless blend of panoramic coach sightseeing with up-close visits to Westminster Abbey, where you get to see the site of every royal coronation since 1066. The highlight is watching the Changing of the Guard from a prime vantage point—an awe-inspiring display of tradition and pageantry that’s hard to beat. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy Afternoon Tea within a grand, historic setting adds a touch of luxury and authentic British culture.

A potential consideration is the independent visit to Westminster Abbey after the coach tour, which requires some walking and navigation on your own. If mobility is a concern or you prefer guided, door-to-door experiences, this might feel a bit rushed or disjointed. However, it’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate a mix of guided overview and personal exploration.

This experience clearly targets history enthusiasts, royal aficionados, and culture seekers who want a taste of London’s regal heart without the effort of planning multiple tickets and reservations. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, value-packed day that combines sightseeing with a traditional tea, this tour will suit you well.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary blending coach sightseeing with independent visits
• Expert Blue Badge Guide providing insightful commentary
• Iconic sites like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament
• A chance to witness the Changing of the Guard (subject to schedule)
• Historic Westminster Abbey tour, including the Coronation Chair and royal tombs
• Enjoy a full Afternoon Tea in the Abbey’s historic Cellarium Café & Terrace
• Modern amenities like Wi-Fi and USB charging on the coach for convenience
• No hotel pick-up, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting at Victoria Coach Station

The day begins at Victoria Coach Station, where you’ll meet your guides opposite Gate 1. This central London location makes it easy to access and convenient for most travelers staying in the city. The group usually boards a comfortable coach equipped with large panoramic windows, Wi-Fi, and USB ports—small touches that enhance the experience, especially during the longer coach segments.

Your guide, likely an enthusiastic Blue Badge professional, will set the tone with engaging stories about London’s royal roots and cityscape. As the coach pulls away, you’ll see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye. Traveling by coach allows you to soak in the sights without the fatigue of walking, and the commentary will keep you informed about the history and stories behind each location.

The Coach Tour and Sightseeing Highlights

Your 1.5-hour coach tour covers the Westminster area, which is packed with historic and political landmarks. You’ll get a good overview of the city’s layout and the significance of each site, from Parliament Square to No. 10 Downing Street.

One of the major highlights is witnessing the Changing of the Guard, a colorful and precise ceremony that takes place at Buckingham Palace. On days when this is scheduled, you’ll be able to watch from a specially selected vantage point—an important detail since not all tours offer good photo opportunities. Reviewers mention that they appreciated this aspect, as it’s a quintessential London experience, but it’s worth noting that the Guard Change isn’t daily, so check the schedule.

Westminster Abbey: An Iconic Royal Site

After the coach tour, you’ll disembark for the independent visit to Westminster Abbey. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Victoria Station through Dean’s Yard, leading you directly into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ticket includes a multimedia guide, allowing you to explore at your own pace, though the actual guided tour lasts around an hour.

Within Westminster Abbey, you can see the Coronation Chair, famously used since the 13th century, and learn about its history—originally designed to house the Stone of Destiny. The Abbey has been the site of every British coronation since William the Conqueror, making it a must-visit for royal fans. The Lady Chapel and Chapter House are also highlights, famed for their stunning fan-vaulted ceilings and ornate decorations. Reviewers often note that the Abbey’s atmosphere is both grand and contemplative, with many remarking on the tombs of monarchs like Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots.

More Great Tours Nearby

Afternoon Tea in the Cellarium Café & Terrace

Following your exploration, you’ll make your way to the Cellarium Café & Terrace, within Westminster Abbey. This historic setting offers a cozy and elegant spot to enjoy a full Afternoon Tea, served from noon to 5 pm. You can choose to have your tea before or after visiting the Abbey—whichever suits your schedule.

The tea experience includes traditional favorites such as finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes, all served with tea or coffee. Several reviews emphasize the “authentic British” feel of the experience, praising the high-quality food and the beautiful ambiance. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in the classic ritual, this part of the tour adds a memorable and indulgent touch.

Additional Notes and Practicalities

• The entire experience spans roughly six hours, with the coach tour taking about 1.5 hours and the Abbey visit around an hour.
• The tour includes Wi-Fi and USB charging, so you can stay connected and keep your devices powered during the day.
• There is no hotel pickup or drop-off; you’ll need to coordinate your transportation to Victoria Coach Station.
• The tour operates with live English-speaking guides, who are known for their engaging storytelling.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for history buffs, royal fans, and culture lovers who want a structured, hassle-free way to see London’s key royal sites. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate expert guides and enjoy a bit of storytelling alongside sightseeing. The mix of coach and independent exploration allows for a relaxed pace, making it accessible for different mobility levels—though some walking is involved.

Travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a quintessential British experience, like afternoon tea, will find this tour hits the sweet spot. If you’re after a rundown of Westminster’s most significant sites, complemented by a taste of royal tradition, this is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

The London: Royal Tour with Westminster Abbey & Afternoon Tea offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, history, and indulgence. The highlights include the expert guide, who enriches the experience with lively stories, and the stunning views from the coach that make the city’s landmarks come alive. The visit to Westminster Abbey, with its royal associations and historic tombs, gives you a real sense of Britain’s regal past. Adding the tradition of Afternoon Tea within the Abbey’s historic setting makes this tour feel both special and authentic.

While it’s not a fully guided walk-through of Westminster Abbey—since you explore independently—the flexibility allows you to focus on what interests you most. The price reflects the convenience of combining multiple experiences into one day without fuss, making it a great value for those eager to cover the highlights comfortably.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an engaging, well-paced day that balances guide-led commentary with personal exploration. If you’re eager to see the sights, learn their stories, and enjoy a classic British meal, this tour will serve you well.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this tour does not offer hotel pickup or drop-off. You will need to make your way to Victoria Coach Station independently.

How long is the coach tour?
The coach sightseeing segment lasts about 1.5 hours, covering Westminster and key landmarks.

Can I watch the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, if your tour day coincides with the Guard Change schedule, you’ll have a good vantage point to watch the ceremony from a special viewing spot.

Do I get to explore Westminster Abbey with a guide?
You explore Westminster Abbey independently using a multimedia guide, but the overall experience includes a guided coach tour and a detailed visit to the Abbey.

When can I enjoy Afternoon Tea?
You can have your Afternoon Tea either before or after visiting Westminster Abbey, as it’s served from 12 noon until 5 pm.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes a panoramic coach tour, independent entry to Westminster Abbey with a multimedia guide, Afternoon Tea at the Cellarium Café & Terrace, and Wi-Fi plus USB charging on the coach.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour’s mix of sightseeing and independent exploration caters well to families, provided children are comfortable with walking and sightseeing.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $173.76 per person, which includes all major elements of the experience.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, with specific timings depending on the day and availability.

In summary, whether you’re a devoted royal watcher or simply someone who loves historic architecture and a good cup of tea, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to spend a day in London. It balances guided commentary with personal exploration and adds a touch of British elegance with afternoon tea—an experience that leaves you feeling both informed and pampered.

You can check availability for your dates here: