Westminster Abbey Tour: Explore Royal & Political History with Optional Parliament Visit

Immerse yourself in Britain’s royal and political history with a tour of Westminster Abbey and an optional visit to the Houses of Parliament. Discover the iconic Gothic abbey and explore the British political system for a complete experience.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Westminster Abbey - Meet your guide at the entrance to Westminster Abbey at 09:15 AM, and then look inside the historic monument to stand in the footsteps of kings and queens. Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, all coronations of English and British monarchs have been held in the abbey, as have many royal weddings, including that of Prince William to Kate Middleton in 2011.

  • Houses of Parliament - Then, take a panoramic tour of the Houses of Parliament and pass the Elizabeth Tower where the famous Big Ben bell chimes every quarter hour. Learn about the role of MPs who sit in the House of Commons and the function of the House of Lords.

  • Big Ben - ear how, and why, the Elizabeth Tower and its great clock and iconic bell were built. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Palace of Westminster (the official name of the Houses of Parliament) boasts an ostentatious façade with golden spires and statues of kings that reflect in the River Thames. Listen as your guide explains the history of the building, from the first medieval clock tower built in the old Palace of Westminster, to the design and construction of the present Elizabeth Tower.

What's Included
  • Optional ticket to the Parliament
  • Guided tour with a professional English-speaking guide in Westminster Abbey
  • Multilingual audio guide available inside the Parliament
  • Optional ticket to Westminster Abbey
  • Optional panoramic tour around the Parliament
What's Not Included
  • Live commentary inside the Parliament
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation
  • Souvenirs
Additional Information

Immerse yourself in the monarchy and governance history of Britain with this exploration of Westminster Abbey, and, if chosen, the Houses of Parliament. Witness the renowned Gothic abbey, host to all but one English coronation since William the Conqueror in 1066, and venue to other royal ceremonies, including Prince William and Kate Middleton’s nuptials. If chosen, you will delve into the UK’s political framework with a sweeping guided tour of the House of Lords and Houses of Commons. For a comprehensive experience, opt for the inclusion of entry to the Houses of Parliament.

  • Please note that there are three differents options with different inclusions (check which one you have choosen)
  • Kindly remind that Westminster Abbey can close due to private events and giving short notice
Location
Westminster Abbey Shop
Dean's Yard
The guide will be waiting outside the entrance of Abbey shop at Westminster Abbey. Please do not look for the guide inside the shop.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(478 Ratings)
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Karen_t
Aug 4, 2024
An awesome tour - We throughly enjoyed this tour with our very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide Jane! She provided us with both practical and interesting information and was happy to answer any questions we had.
Review provided by Viator
Adgiggles
Aug 2, 2024
Amazing! Recommended! - Sue was amazing! So patient with accommodations needed by my parents and incredibly knowledgeable! Thank you so much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joyce_s
Jul 31, 2024
A wonderful guide for Westminster Abbey - Nick was our tour guide for Westminster Abbey on July 12, 2024. He was one of the best tour guides I have ever experienced. Nick was very knowledgeable and willing to answer all of our questions. He was patient and conscientious and made my day. He was a 10 out of 10 and would choose him again for other tours. Thank you Nick for a marvelous experience
Review provided by Viator
Adventure571560
Jul 29, 2024
I love the Abbey - I really enjoyed the westmister abbey tour. Too bad when I went, you couldn't visit parliament, they had something there that day, and they promised us they'll reimburse us what we paid for the visit to parliament. It was a tour in English, interesting, some not of the threads does not understand English well and got bored, but everyone else loved it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
445sanjeevg
Jul 29, 2024
Excellent food and service - Palpasha was excellent in her service Food was very delicious thoroughly enjoyed Lunch with Family at House of Ming in London
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stevecf4575eg
Jul 28, 2024
Democracy at its best - Tour of the Houses of Parliament - The Houses of Parliament are steeped in history and our Guide, Phil, was brilliant. He brought everything to life in a very creative way. Thanks to Phil, I have a much clearer idea of how our democracy works. I will watch Prime Minister's Question Time with a greater understanding of the historical context of the Houses of Parliament. Very informative afternoon. Once again, enormous thanks to Phil.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ellen_b
Jul 28, 2024
Magnificent Westminster Abbey - Nick was such an excellent guide that I feel we saw the most possible within our allotted time! The Abbey is magnificent. And it is a must see!
Review provided by Viator
Cara_h
Jul 13, 2024
Great time - Jane was a witty, personable and intelligent tour guide. There was a lot of information to take in, but she presented it well.
Review provided by Viator
Robert_v
Jul 24, 2024
Great Guide - Richard was an outstanding guide with his knowledge and charisma! I would suggest making the description a in the listing more clear on dates the public are allowed tour the Houses of Parliament or make it a separate booking; myself and another traveler in my group were under the impression we did book it, but it was only for the outside grounds. Richard suggested we show up at a certain time and sit in the public gallery which was an amazing experience.
Review provided by Viator
Marilyn_b
Jul 15, 2024
Very disappointed at cancellation and the fact my money has been taken with no sign of a refund. - We did not do this as it was cancelled at the last minute. Please refund the money you have taken from my account as soon as possible. It should never have been taken when it was not going to happen.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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