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Skip the Line Westminster Abbey & Guard Change
4.2
38 Ratings
Greater London
Experience the excitement of the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace with this exclusive tour. Get up close to the action and discover the best vantage points for a close-up peek at London’s most popular spectacle.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Westminster Abbey - Your morning begins with skip-the-line access to one of the most storied buildings in the United Kingdom: Westminster Abbey. From royal weddings and funerals to coronations and more, this site has witnessed countless events that are immortalized in history books around the world. There’s a lot to see here—from the Coronation Chair and the stunning High Altar to the tombs of countless historical greats—and trying to navigate it on your own can feel overwhelming. Luckily, your guide will lead you straight to the can’t-miss spots so you can make the most of every second in this sacred space.
- Wellington Barracks - After leaving the Abbey, you’ll witness the guards preparing to make their famous march. These are real soldiers with real weapons carrying out their daily duty of protecting the Palace. Hear about what their duties include and the significance of their highly symbolic uniforms. March alongside the soldiers and head to a special vantage point near the Wellington Barracks, home to all the Foot Guard’s Bands, that lets you get as close as possible to the action.
- Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall - Stroll across St. James’s Park to learn the history of this royal green space and arrive at the Horse Guards Parade. Watch the equally impressive Changing of the King’s Life Guard, which features mounted, armor-clad soldiers and their immaculately groomed steeds.
What's Included
- Licensed Blue Badge guide
- Skip the line Westminster Abbey tickets
- Small group of 20 guests maximum
- Expertly guided walking tour
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Additional Information
Immerse yourself in two iconic London experiences in one morning on this unforgettable tour. Begin your day with skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey and explore one of England’s most legendary monuments with a guide who knows the site like the back of their hand. From there, you’re off to the Changing of the Guard. But you won’t just watch the ceremony—you’ll get as close as you can to the action. Your guide will lead you straight to the best vantage points and most secluded spots for a close-up peek at London’s most popular spectacle. Witness two different ceremonies from four different angles as your guide regales you with the unbelievable history of the iconic tradition.
- Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible/mobility friendly. Those with wheelchairs and mobility issues should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
- IMPORTANT NOTE - The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before 11am. When this occurs, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music or parade.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- Please contact Viator Customer Care in advance if you or a member of your party have any mobility issues or special needs to help us provide you with the best experience on your tour with us.
Location
Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue
This tour meets at the Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue Parliament Square at London SW1P 3JX. Your guide will be waiting for you holding a Walks sign.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.2
(38 Ratings)
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Kristenwn173wr
Aug 12, 2024
Totally worth the price!! - This was an awesome tour. Our tour guide was a retired BBC reporter and he was so knowledgeable but yet very relatable. The length of the tour was perfect and we got to see everything we wanted to see.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donna_k
Aug 5, 2024
Good tour,but a lot of walking - better be in good shape for this one. - Our guide, Emily, was interesting and her history knowledge and explanations were very good. Also, she knew the best locations for the changing of the guards. It got very hot and she took her time with the older people getting around.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_a
Jul 27, 2024
Mathew our tour guide was... - Mathew our tour guide was awesome. He got us to the best spots to see multiple Changing of the Guards and the Horse parade. Westminster was so interesting and it was really helpful to have someone explaining everything. 10/10
Review provided by Viator
Richard_a
Jul 27, 2024
In the presence of monarchs - Loved the history and presentation given by the tour guide. She hit all the high points without overwhelming you.
Review provided by Viator
Rhonda_c
Jul 7, 2024
Paul's tour of Westminster Abbey and more - In a morning of rain and wind and sunshine and fog, Paul led our group on an amazing journey through Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's parade (the changing of the guard was cancelled by the weather) and Hyde Park. We saw so much and Paul was very informative, attentive and knowledgeable. We had great wireless headsets that allowed us to wander about and still hear Paul’s narration. We can highly recommend this tour with Paul as your guide.
Review provided by Viator
W7319mrsamiras
Apr 9, 2024
Wonderful experience! - Marc was a phenomenal guide, knowledgeable, engaging, and funny! He made sure to engage the kids on our tour (ages 7-12) throughout which we and they very much appreciated. He went out of his way to find us the best changing of the guard experiences and was flexible to the needs and wishes of the group!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janet_a
Apr 6, 2024
Great historical tour of the Abbey - The in-depth history that Fia gave us during the visit to the Abbey. She explained who was buried at the Abbey and why.
Review provided by Viator
846sonyap
Oct 5, 2023
Exceptional morning ! - Sophi was a superb guide - filled with wonderful facts and tales to tie the whole experience together. Walking from site to site allowed us amazing views and photo ops!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikefromtorontor
Jul 14, 2024
Good if everything goes as planned - Tour guide was a 5+
Company running g this … uhhh 3ish.
Tour guide brought in off sick leave last minute otherwise tour would have been canceled last-minute without notice. Wasn’t given equipment (working Mike and receivers so we could all hear him). Support staff was MIA and as a result we started 30m late.
Tour guide was awesome… insightful… got us through the crowds, informative. Very enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barry_h
Sep 29, 2023
Did not deliver what was promised - We booked this following an email from TUI suggesting various London experiences. It said that we would see the Guards preparing for the changeover and then, as the title promises , follow them as they march to the change over. It actually comprised a long history lecture at the Victoria Memorial, a visit to the barracks with a distant view of the coming into the assembly yard and setting up, seeing them march past , a dash to see some other guards marching past and a final visit to Horse guards parade where we missed the action
This was not what we wanted or were promised and we would have been much better off saving £20 and going to these places ourselves
Review provided by Viator
