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

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to see some of the city’s most iconic sights, this Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Changing of the Guard tour might be just what you’re after. It’s a popular choice, especially for first-timers eager to get a quick, yet comprehensive glimpse of the city’s royal and political heart. From a skip-the-line visit inside Westminster Abbey to catching the ceremonial Changing of the Guard, this tour offers a neat mix of history, spectacle, and photo ops.

What really catches our eye about this experience is the inside look at Westminster Abbey—a place that’s hosted countless royal ceremonies—and the chance to see the Changing of the Guard from a good vantage point. Plus, passing by Downing Street and walking through St. James’s Park adds a nice touch of London charm. On the downside, the tour’s schedule and crowd levels can mean some logistical surprises, especially during busy times.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a structured, guided overview of London’s royal sites without the hassle of planning each stop themselves. It’s ideal for those on a tight schedule or visitors who prefer having insightful commentary along the way. If you’re comfortable with walking and big crowds, you’ll likely find this tour a valuable highlight of your London trip.

Key Points

• Skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey saves valuable sightseeing time.
• Insightful guides make the stories behind London’s landmarks come alive.
• Great views of the Changing of the Guard from designated spots, although specific locations can vary.
• Group size capped at 20 ensures a more personalized experience.
• Includes headsets for easy listening, especially in noisy or crowded areas.
• Not including entry to Buckingham Palace or Big Ben means those sights need separate planning if desired.

A Detailed Look at the Tour

If you’re considering this tour, knowing what to expect at each stop will help you decide if it fits your travel style. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

Westminster Abbey: A Walk Through History

The tour kicks off with skip-the-line entry into Westminster Abbey, which is a huge plus when visiting a site that’s often crowded. The guide will take you inside this 750-year-old church, where a lot of British history has unfolded. According to reviews, guides like Padder and Isabelle are praised for their knowledge and engaging style, making the long walk around the Abbey both educational and entertaining.

You’re in for stories about royal weddings, funerals, and coronations. The Abbey’s interior is stunning, with its towering ceilings, intricate stained glass, and historical tombs. Most guests find the guided commentary enhances the experience—expect to hear anecdotes about monarchs, celebrities, and the Abbey’s role in national ceremonies. One reviewer appreciated their guide’s humor and insights, making the visit more than just a static sightseeing stop.

However, keep in mind that Westminster Abbey is large and can get quite busy. The tour generally gives you about an hour to explore, which is enough to see the main highlights but not to linger in every corner.

Passing by Downing Street and St. James’s Park

Following Westminster, the tour leads you past Downing Street, the seat of UK government. While you can’t go inside, walking by its iconic gate is a moment for photos and a chance to soak in the political history of London. The guide’s commentary often includes interesting tidbits about the building’s significance.

From there, you’ll stroll through St. James’s Park, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. The reviews describe it as a tranquil oasis amid the urban buzz, full of flowers, trees, and birds. It’s a perfect spot for a quick breather before heading toward Buckingham Palace. Expect to walk a fair distance, so be prepared for some steps and walking.

Buckingham Palace Exterior and the Changing of the Guard

The tour stops outside Buckingham Palace—the Queen’s official residence—giving you about 10 minutes to admire the grand facade. While entry isn’t included, you’ll hear plenty of stories about the palace’s history and its role in royal ceremonies.

The Changing of the Guard is the highlight for many, and the guide will point out where to best view the process. The ceremony itself lasts about 30 minutes and involves a precise, choreographed swap of soldiers in iconic uniforms, often accompanied by bands. Reviewers have mixed experiences: some loved the vantage points provided and found the guards serious and impressive, while others felt they were too far away to see much detail. The schedule varies—on some days, it happens at Buckingham Palace, and on others, at Horse Guards Parade—so check the schedule before booking.

Final Stop: Near Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade

The tour wraps up near Buckingham Palace, giving you a moment to soak in the sights or continue exploring on your own. It’s a natural stopping point, especially if you want to linger to watch the palace or grab a coffee.

What We Love About This Tour

Guides with Local Knowledge: Many reviews praise the guides for their insights and humorous storytelling, making the experience engaging and informative. Guides like Tracey, Isabelle, and Arianna get special mentions for their professionalism and depth of knowledge.

Convenient Skip-the-line Access: Westminster Abbey is often crowded, so bypassing the lines is a big time-saver. This allows you to focus more on the tour content than on waiting.

Balanced Sightseeing and Spectacle: The combination of interior visits, outdoor sightseeing, and watching the Changing of the Guard makes for a well-rounded morning or afternoon.

Good for First-Timers: If you’re new to London and want a guided overview of the city’s royal landmarks, this tour covers the essentials efficiently.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the tour offers a lot, some potential drawbacks are worth noting.

Crowd and Schedule Dependence: The Changing of the Guard isn’t guaranteed every day, and schedules can change due to weather or special events. Some reviews mention missing the ceremony or feeling far from the action, especially during busy days or if the schedule shifts unexpectedly.

Distance and Walking: The tour involves quite a bit of walking, especially through parks and along streets. Some reviews suggest it might be tiring for older travelers or those with limited mobility, as the walks between sites can be long.

Limited Access to Some Iconic Sites: Entry into Buckingham Palace and Big Ben (the interior of the clock tower) is not included. If these are high on your list, you’ll need separate tickets or tours.

Timing and Pacing: Rushed experiences can happen if the guide is covering a lot in three hours. General consensus indicates that while guides are attentive, the pace can sometimes feel quick, particularly if the group is large or if you want to linger longer at certain spots.

Price and Value

At around $70 per person, this tour strikes a decent balance between cost and content. The inclusion of skip-the-line tickets for Westminster Abbey and a guided experience adds value, especially considering the high entry fees often associated with Westminster.

Getting expert commentary, a small group setting (max 20), and headsets for clear listening enhances the experience. For travelers who prefer a structured tour with insider stories and the chance to see multiple landmarks in a few hours, this offers good bang for your buck. However, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include entry to some of the most iconic interior sites like Buckingham Palace or Big Ben’s clock tower—those require separate arrangements.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a quick, guided overview of London’s royal sites without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It’s also suited for those who enjoy history and ceremonial traditions, and don’t mind walking and crowds. Families comfortable with the pace and outdoor sightseeing will find it manageable, but travelers with mobility concerns might want to prepare for some distance.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, in-depth exploration of the interiors of places like Buckingham Palace or Big Ben, this tour might not be enough. But if you want a well-organized intro to London’s royal and political landmarks, it’s a solid option.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves a good amount of walking and listening to guided commentary, so it’s better for older children or teens with an interest in history. It’s not specifically designed for young kids, but families with older children who enjoy sightseeing will find it engaging.

Does the tour include entrance to Buckingham Palace or Big Ben?
No, these are external views only. Entry into Buckingham Palace and Big Ben (inside the clock tower) is not included and requires separate tickets.

What if I want to see the Changing of the Guard?
The schedule is subject to change and is only on certain days (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays). Sometimes, you might see a different guard ceremony at Horse Guards Parade if the schedule shifts or if weather cancels the usual display.

Can I join the tour without booking in advance?
The tour is typically booked an average of 49 days in advance, so last-minute bookings might be challenging. It’s best to reserve ahead to secure your spot.

What’s included in the price?
Skip-the-line entry tickets for Westminster Abbey, guided commentary, headsets, and the chance to see the Changing of the Guard or Horse Guards Parade.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 3 hours, which makes it a manageable half-day activity.

Are transportation arrangements provided?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You meet at the designated starting point near the Parliament Square.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, insightful overview of London’s royal landmarks, this tour offers a good mix of history, ceremony, and sightseeing. The guides’ knowledge and the skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey are big pluses, especially during busy seasons. However, be prepared for the crowds, potential schedule changes, and the fact that some of London’s most iconic sites—like Buckingham Palace’s interior—are off-limits here.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate guided storytelling and want to maximize their time without the hassle of organizing each detail. It’s particularly good if you’re visiting London for a few days and want a snapshot that hits the highlights with a knowledgeable guide.

For those seeking a more leisurely or in-depth visit, or hoping to step inside certain landmarks, consider supplementing this tour with additional tickets or alternative plans. But overall, for its price and scope, it offers a practical, engaging way to tick off some of London’s most beloved sights.

Happy sightseeing, and enjoy your trip to London!