London: Private Changing of the Guard & Westminster Abbey

Planning a trip to London and want to soak in some of the city’s most famous landmarks? This private tour promises a blend of history, architecture, and royal traditions packed into a manageable six-hour experience. It’s designed for travelers who appreciate personalized attention and a deep dive into London’s storied past.

What we really like about this tour is the intimacy of having a dedicated guide, which makes the experience more engaging and tailored to your interests. Plus, visiting Westminster Abbey after a thorough walking tour allows you to absorb the sights and stories at your own pace. That said, the price tag is on the higher side, which might be a consideration if you’re traveling on a budget.

This experience suits those who want a detailed, guided exploration of London’s most iconic sights without the hassle of navigating on their own. It’s especially attractive for visitors craving a personalized touch and a knowledgeable guide to bring history to life.

Key Points

Private and personalized: You get your own guide, making the experience more tailored and engaging.
Comprehensive itinerary: Over 20 sights in 3 hours plus a deep visit to Westminster Abbey.
Expert guidance: Guides are knowledgeable, making history and landmarks come alive.
Convenient meeting point: Starts outside The Ritz, central and easy to find.
Includes Westminster Abbey: Entrance with an audio guide, adding depth to the visit.
Time flexibility: Check availability for the start time that fits your schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect From This Tour

This experience packs a lot into just six hours, starting with a private walking tour that covers more than 20 of London’s most famous landmarks. The tour is designed to be both informative and engaging, with a friendly guide leading the way and sharing fascinating stories behind each site. Afterward, you’ll visit Westminster Abbey, one of the most historically significant religious buildings in the UK.

Here’s how the day is structured:

The Walking Tour – 3 Hours of London’s Highlights

Starting from outside The Ritz London, you’ll head into the heart of Westminster, exploring sights like Buckingham Palace, where you might catch the Changing of the Guard (depending on your tour schedule). The guide will point out key details, history, and anecdotes, making these well-known sites feel more alive.

Next, you’ll visit Trafalgar Square, a lively hub with Nelson’s Column and historic significance. Then, onto Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, where you can snap photos of the ceremonial guards. The tour continues down Whitehall, passing 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence, giving you a good dose of political London.

Moving on, you’ll explore Parliament Square, where the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben rise majestically. Throughout this walk, your guide will provide historical insights and answer questions, making the experience feel more like a friendly history lesson than a typical sightseeing run.

The Westminster Abbey Experience – Over 2 Hours

Following this whirlwind tour, you’ll step inside Westminster Abbey, where the British monarchy has held coronations since 1066. You’ll have roughly two hours to explore this stunning Gothic church with an included audio guide, which enriches your visit with stories of royal weddings, coronations, and notable figures buried there.

Walking through the Abbey, you’ll feel the weight of history in every stone and stained glass window. As one reviewer noted, “The Abbey is breathtaking, and the sense of royal tradition is palpable.” The audio guide helps you appreciate the significance of each area without feeling rushed.

The Changing of the Guard – A Special Addition (Limited Schedule)

If you’re on the 10 am tour on Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun, you’ll get to witness the Changing of the Guard, a colorful display of British pageantry. It’s a photo-worthy moment and offers a glimpse into royal customs. Keep in mind, this ceremony is dependent on British Army scheduling and weather conditions, so it might be canceled if the weather is extreme.

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Highlights and Details

The Landmarks Covered

• Buckingham Palace: The seat of the monarchy and a favorite photo stop.
• Trafalgar Square: Iconic square with Nelson’s Column.
• Horse Guards Parade: Watch the ceremonial guards in action.
• 10 Downing Street: The Prime Minister’s residence (photo stop).
• Parliament Square & Big Ben: Political heart of London with impressive architecture.
• Westminster Abbey: The crown jewel of the tour, steeped in history.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The combination of a private guide and a well-paced itinerary means you won’t feel rushed or lost in the crowd. The guide’s knowledge ensures you learn stories and facts that you might miss on your own, transforming a sightseeing walk into an engaging history lesson.

The visit to Westminster Abbey, with its 16 royal weddings and centuries of history, is a definite highlight. The inclusion of an audio guide allows you to absorb details at your own speed, making it suitable whether you’re interested in architecture, royal history, or both.

Price and Value

For $347.52 for two people, this tour is a bit of an investment. But considering the private guide, admission to Westminster Abbey, and the personalized experience, it offers good value—especially for those who prefer avoiding large group tours. You’re paying for quality time with an expert who can answer your specific questions and tailor the experience.

Some reviews highlight that guides are “knowledgeable” and make the whole experience much more enjoyable. If you’re someone who appreciates storytelling and context, this tour will likely be worth the extra cost.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll walk for about 3 hours.
• Bring an umbrella in case of unexpected rain.
• Capture the moments with your camera, especially at sites like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
• Plan ahead: check the schedule for the Changing of the Guard, as it only happens on specific days and times.
• Consider arriving early to meet your guide outside The Ritz, which is centrally located and easy to find.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a flexible, personalized way to see London’s highlights. It’s especially suited for history buffs, first-time visitors, or anyone interested in royal traditions and architecture. Since it’s private, it’s also a good choice for couples, couples, or small groups wanting a more intimate experience.

If you’re traveling with kids, the tour might appeal depending on their interests, but note that the Abbey visit is quite detailed and could be lengthy for younger children. The guide’s ability to adjust the pace and explain complex history can make it engaging for older kids or teens.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, but keep in mind the Abbey visit can be lengthy, so younger children might find it a bit tiring. The guide can help adapt the pacing if needed.

What is included in the price?
You’ll get a private 3-hour London walking tour, admission to Westminster Abbey with an audio guide, and your own guide to bring the sights and stories to life.

Are there any options for the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, but only on the 10 am tour on specific days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). This is subject to weather and schedule changes.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, ensuring more travelers can enjoy the experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside The Ritz London at 155 Piccadilly and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, an umbrella, a camera, and some snacks or drinks if you wish. Food isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a more personal, in-depth way to explore London’s most iconic sights, this private tour offers a solid balance of sightseeing, history, and royal tradition. The guides are praised for their knowledge, making the experience more than just a walk—it’s an educational journey.

While the cost isn’t low, the private aspect and inclusion of Westminster Abbey make it worthwhile for those who value quality over crowd-filled group tours. It’s especially suitable for history enthusiasts, first-time visitors wanting a rundown, or couples seeking a memorable, personalized experience.

Just remember, the schedule for the Changing of the Guard can be unpredictable, so check those details before booking if witnessing the ceremony is a priority. Overall, if you’re after a well-rounded, private introduction to London’s royal and historic heart, this tour should definitely be on your list.

You can check availability for your dates here: