Changing of the Guard, Big Ben, Thames & Tower of London Tour

If you’re considering a comprehensive way to see London’s top attractions in one go, this tour might just be worth your attention. It combines some of the city’s most recognizable sights—like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Big Ben—with engaging experiences like a Thames River cruise and a guided walk through historic neighborhoods. The fact that it’s rated a perfect 5.0 based on 31 reviews speaks volumes about its popularity and overall quality.

What really catches our interest are the early access to the Tower of London—which means you can see the Crown Jewels before the crowds—and the expert guides who seem to make history come alive with stories and insights. We also love that it offers a mix of walking, sightseeing, and relaxation on the river. However, one thing to consider is that the tour can be quite fast-paced, which might be tiring for some. Still, if you’re eager to pack a lot into a day and enjoy guided storytelling, this could be a great fit.

This tour suits travelers who want a well-rounded intro to London’s royal and historic sights, aren’t afraid of a busy schedule, and appreciate having a knowledgeable guide to enrich the experience. It’s also ideal if you love combining walking with boat rides, and if seeing the Crown Jewels early in the day sounds appealing.

Key Points

• Full-Day Experience: Combines multiple top sights in one carefully curated tour.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability.
• Early Access to Tower: Get special entry into the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels before the crowds.
• Diverse Activities: Includes walking tours, river cruise, and viewing ceremonies like Changing of the Guard.
• Ideal for Sightseers: Perfect for those wanting a rundown in a single day.
• Pace and Duration: Around 4 hours, with a lot packed into a relatively short time, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This experience is designed to give you a full sense of London’s royal and political heritage, blended with some scenic relaxation. Starting early, you’ll be among the first inside the Tower of London—an opportunity most visitors won’t get if they go independently. This early access means you’ll have a better chance to see the Crown Jewels and explore the White Tower without the usual crowds, which many reviews highlight as a real plus.

The tour kicks off with the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. If you’re lucky with the timing, you’ll see this traditional display performed by the Household Cavalry or Queen’s Foot Guards. Just a heads-up: on Saturdays, the Guard change is replaced with a Westminster city walking tour, but you’ll still get to see London’s major monuments from outside—like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

Next, a boat cruise along the Thames takes you past some of London’s most famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge. This part of the tour offers a relaxing break from walking and provides fantastic photo opportunities. Reviewers often mention how enjoyable and scenic this cruise is, with guides providing commentary on the city’s history and architecture.

Once you step off the boat, the focus shifts to the Tower of London. Beyond just viewing the Crown Jewels, you get a personal encounter with a Beefeater—an official Yeoman Warder—who shares stories and secrets about the fortress’s long history. Many travelers have raved about this exclusive interaction, calling it a highlight of their trip.

The final part involves walking through historic neighborhoods like St. James Park, passing Buckingham Palace, and seeing sites like Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, and Westminster. This is where you’ll learn about the political landscape of Britain, see Downing Street, and snap photos of Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

The Itinerary in Detail

Changing of the Guard or Westminster Tour

Your day begins at the Duke of York Column at 10:15 am. If you’re lucky with the schedule, you’ll witness the iconic Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace—a colorful, ceremonial spectacle accompanied by a military band. This event is world-famous and often a highlight for visitors, providing a glimpse into British traditions.

If you’re there on a Saturday, instead of Guard change, you’ll explore Westminster City on foot, getting an overview of London’s political and royal landmarks like Parliament Square, Saint James’s Park, and possibly a view of the Horse Guards Parade.

Buckingham Palace

Although you won’t go inside, the tour gives a good vantage point to see the palace’s exterior and hear about its significance. Many reviews mention the brief stop and the explanations from guides about the Royal Family’s history and importance.

Westminster Abbey & Big Ben

Passing by Westminster Abbey, you’ll hear stories about the royal weddings and coronations held there, while Big Ben’s chimes and clock tower are among London’s most recognizable symbols. The tour allows about 10-15 minutes at each of these sites for photos and quick looks, giving you a sense of their grandeur.

Thames River Cruise

The cruise lasts about 30 minutes, offering a relaxing way to see the city’s sights from the water. You’ll enjoy views of the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Shard, while listening to commentary that highlights the architecture and history of each landmark. Many reviews say this part of the tour is both scenic and informative, giving a different perspective of London’s skyline.

Tower of London & Beefeater

The second highlight is the Tower of London. With your included ticket, you get to skip the lines and see important sights like the White Tower, Traitors Gate, and the Crown Jewels. The real bonus is the meeting with a Beefeater, who shares stories of royal prisoners, executions, and legendary legends tied to the fortress. Many reviewers appreciate this personal touch, describing it as a memorable experience.

Walking Tour of Historic London

After the Tower, the guide leads a walk through nearby areas including Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. You’ll learn about the political history that shaped Britain, passing government buildings, and seeing notable landmarks like Nelson’s Column and Downing Street. Stops for photos are frequent, and the guides are praised for their storytelling.

End of Tour

The tour usually concludes at the Tower of London, giving you the freedom to explore further at your own pace. Many travelers spend additional time inside, especially considering the positive reviews about the knowledgeable guides and the well-organized schedule that allows enough time to absorb each site.

The Value for Money

At approximately $130.21 per person, this tour offers quite a bit. Entrance to the Tower of London, the Thames cruise, and a guided tour with a Beefeater are included, which are usually pricey on their own. The early access to the Tower is a real perk, giving you a head start over regular visitors. Many reviewers mention that the tour is “well worth it” and that guides make the experience engaging and informative.

The inclusion of a high-quality guide, headsets for clear communication, and the convenience of a structured itinerary make this a reasonable choice for travelers wanting a rundown. It’s especially appealing if you prefer organized, guided experiences over wandering solo, as it reduces the stress of navigation and waiting in lines.

Practical Considerations

This tour is designed to last around four hours, so it’s best for those comfortable with a fair amount of walking and standing. The group size is limited to 25 people, which helps keep things personal, and most reviews highlight the guides’ attentiveness.

Note that there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you should plan to meet at the Duke of York Column. The tour starts at 10:15 am, so arriving on time is ideal. Also, be prepared for variable weather — the tour operates rain or shine, and the schedule for the Changing of the Guard can change at the discretion of British authorities, especially due to weather or security issues.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you want a packed, well-organized day that covers London’s royal, political, and scenic highlights, this tour is a solid choice. The combination of walking, boat rides, and guided storytelling makes it engaging and informative without feeling overwhelming. It’s particularly suited for history lovers, photography enthusiasts, and first-time visitors eager to see as much as possible in one go.

However, if you prefer a slower pace, or are traveling with very young children or seniors who may struggle with the itinerary’s pace, this might feel a bit rushed. The tour does involve a fair amount of walking and some standing, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, since it’s quite full, it might be less ideal if you want to explore any one site in depth — this is more about seeing many highlights quickly.

Overall, based on glowing reviews and a well-rounded itinerary, this experience offers great value and a memorable way to get your bearings in London. Just be ready for a lively, busy, and enriching day that leaves no major sight unchecked.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, it involves a fair amount of walking and standing, so young children or those with mobility issues might find it tiring. The focus on historical sites and the pace might not suit very young kids, but older children who enjoy history should be fine.

What if I want to see the Changing of the Guard?
You have a good chance to see the ceremony outside Buckingham Palace if you book on a non-Saturday. Keep in mind that on Saturdays, the Guard change is replaced with the Westminster city walking tour. The tour guides do their best to inform you of any changes.

How long do I have at the Tower of London?
After the special early access and Beefeater encounter, you can stay as long as you like inside the Tower. Many reviews suggest that the time allotted during the guided part is enough, but if you’re a history buff, you might want extra time to explore further.

Does the tour include tickets?
Yes, the tour includes tickets to the Tower of London, the Thames cruise, and the Beefeater visit. Entrance to sites like Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey is not included, just the outside view and commentary.

Is this tour really four hours?
Yes, the journey typically lasts around 4 hours, but it’s a full schedule with lots of sights, so be prepared for a busy but rewarding day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.

If you’re after an efficient, engaging way to see London’s core sights with an informed guide and a bit of exclusivity at the Tower, this tour offers a nice mix of history, scenery, and royal tradition—all packed into a manageable day.