Westminster Abbey Walking Tour: Unveil the Secrets of Royal London

Unveil the secrets of royal London on our exclusive Westminster Abbey walking tour. Skip the lines, gain unparalleled access, and immerse yourself in the rich history and grandeur of Britain’s most renowned church.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Westminster Abbey - Prepare to step into a realm where history and legend intertwine—the awe-inspiring Westminster Abbey. Nestled upon the very spot where a humble fisherman once glimpsed a celestial vision of St. Peter in the 10th century, this sacred sanctuary boasts over a millennium of religious significance. Although the remarkable structure you are about to behold dates back a mere 750 years, having been consecrated in 1269, its legacy reverberates through the ages.

Within these hallowed walls, monumental chapters of British history have unfurled like an epic saga. Witnessed by a staggering 2.5 billion people worldwide, nearly 40 royal coronations and the somber funeral of Princess Diana have unfolded amidst its majestic confines. Today, it continues to serve as the sacred stage for royal nuptials and the final farewells of esteemed figures from British society.

Brace yourself for an odyssey through time as you immerse yourself in the tapestry of its enthralling history.

  • Downing Street - Exterior Visit on Downing Street
    Downing Street, a place of intrigue and power, stands as an iconic symbol of British governance. Nestled amidst the bustling streets of London, this historic address is where the country’s leaders make crucial decisions that shape the nation’s destiny. Walk along its storied path, and you’ll feel the weight of history and the echoes of great leaders who have graced its threshold. Downing Street: where history is written and the future is forged.
  • St. James’s Park - Walk Through St James Park on Your Way to Buckingham Palace
    Nestled amidst the bustling cityscape of London, there exists an oasis of tranquility, a verdant sanctuary that invites weary souls to find solace in its embrace—St. James Park. A jewel in the crown of the capital, this enchanting park unfolds like a living masterpiece, offering respite from the urban rhythm and a symphony of natural wonders.

Step into a world where vibrant colors paint the landscape, where a kaleidoscope of flowers dances in the gentle breeze, and where the melodies of chirping birds serenade your senses. The park’s meticulously manicured lawns and lush foliage create a picturesque backdrop, inspiring awe and stirring the imagination.

  • Buckingham Palace - Marvel at the exterior of Buckingham Palace
    Buckingham Palace, an iconic symbol of British monarchy and culture, is the official residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Situated in the heart of London, this grand architectural marvel boasts a history dating back to the early 18th century.

Your guide will tell you all the ins and outs about this imposing estate.

  • Changing of the Guard - The Changing of the Guard is a ceremonial event where soldiers, entrusted with protecting Britain’s monarch, switch duties. The Old Guard, who have been on duty, hand over to the New Guard in a precise and choreographed ceremony.

You’ll see a grand procession of bands and soldiers in their iconic uniforms, to this day one of London’s most iconic traditions. Despite the pageantry, these guards are serious about their duty and remain focused on protecting the King, even amid attempts to distract them.

Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, & Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead.

Your tour will conclude near Buckingham Palace, from where our guide will be happy to make recommendations on local must see’s or eateries

What's Included
  • Small Group of Maximum 20
  • Guided Tour of Westminster Abbey
  • Witness the Changing of the Guard (or Horse Guard) Ceremony
  • Skip the Line Tickets to Westminster Abbey
  • Fun, English-Speaking Guide
What's Not Included
  • Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
  • Entry into Buckingham Palace
  • Food & Beverages
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a voyage through London’s heart with our unique tour of Westminster Abbey. Forget about lengthy queues and embrace unrivalled admittance and enlightening understandings. Our meticulously designed walking excursion pledges to engulf you in the opulent past and splendour of England’s most prestigious church.

Join our intimate group and commence an enthralling journey under the direction of our highly informed leader. Be prepared to marvel at the awe-inspiring elegance and importance as you penetrate the sacred corridors of Westminster Abbey, a historic location for royal nuptials, funerals, and coronations for hundreds of years.

Yet, your expedition doesn’t conclude here. On chosen days, you’ll behold the famed Changing of the Guards service from an ideal viewpoint handpicked by our specialists.

This is not just a tour, it is genuinely a majestic experience, fashioned to bestow you with lasting impressions and a profound affection for the illustrious tradition of London.

  • Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead.
  • Guests with wheelchairs or walking impairments that require special assistance cannot be accommodated on group tours. The activity provider cannot accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
Location
Abraham Lincoln Statue
Parliament Square
Please arrive 10 minutes early. Our friendly guide will meet you in Parliament Square in front of the statue of Abraham Lincoln. A representative from our company will be holding a sign with The Tour Guy on it.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.3
(135 Ratings)
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Rory_m
Aug 28, 2024
Janina was the BEST guide!!! - I highly recommend this tour!! Our tour guide Janina was absolutely fantastic! She had a wonderful personality that immediately made you like her. She constantly checked in with my teenagers to see they were enjoying themselves. Sometimes when you do these tours, the guide forgets to do that and you lose the group's interest. She was so great at checking in. Her information was fantastic and after the Westminster tour we hurried to get to the changing of the guard. We were in luck as the King was in residence so we had a little extra to watch. Janina knew all the best places to stand to get the best viewpoints. After our tour she overheard my daughter saying how she wanted to get her boyfriend a gift. She directed us to this store called Floris, which is a perfumery/cologne store that has been in operation since the 1700's. It was an absolute gem!! This store is where the King, Winston Churchill, Ian Flemming, David Bowie, the Queen, Marilyn Monroe and many more got their scents from. The store was amazing. Janina was the absolute best. Our trip was in June and my kids and I still talk about how great she was! Can't wait to go back!!
Review provided by Viator
Beth
Aug 24, 2024
Excellent tour with a thoughtful guide - Jane, our guide, was knowledgeable and patient, especially with families. The tour was well paced, allowing detailed exploration of the Abbey and the changing of the guards.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_m
Aug 23, 2024
Well worth the time. - Adrien was well informed and mad the trek very enjoyable. He made the guards trip and Westminster worthwhile.
Review provided by Viator
Betsy_m
Aug 22, 2024
Great tour of Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard! - I took the tour solo because my family decided to sleep late and not to join me. Our group was small (only 8 people) and Jane (our guide) was fantastic. She provided tons of great information about the Abbey and Changing of the Guard as well as about the royal family, local politics and the surrounding buildings. While we didn't see the main changing of the guard in front of Buckingham Palace, we did see the changing in several other locations. I highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Amandapd526av
Aug 8, 2024
Guide was walking encyclopedia - Marguerite was literally a walking encyclopedia. She very much enhanced the experience. I noticed other tourists edging in to listen to her. Glad we booked this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tessa_s
Aug 7, 2024
Great tour!! - Nicholas was an excellent guide, he was extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of the Abbey and showed us the best way around maneuvering around the crowds so we were able to get great pics and feel like we were there without the crowds. He was funny and really made the tour come to life! The walk from there to the palace was beautiful and he knew just where to stop to get great pictures for us to treasure! I would highly recommend this tour and Nicholas as your guide… we’ll worth the money spent!!
Review provided by Viator
Justine_l
Aug 3, 2024
Great Tour! - Fabrizio is a very knowledgable guide with a great sense of humor! We enjoyed the history very much. He also knew the perfect spot for the Changing of the Guard. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Judith_m
Aug 24, 2024
Westminster Abbey Tour - Tour of Westminster Abbey was very thorough but a little rushed. By time reached the palace, it was difficult to get a spot by the fence to view the changing of guard. Otherwise, it was a good tour.
Review provided by Viator
Pioneer19246308031
Aug 6, 2024
A bit disappointed- misleading - While our tour guide, Lana, was very knowledgeable, there was a lot of standing around and just listening. I don’t mind hearing all the interesting information, I just prefer to keep moving. Additionally, and the reason for the low rating, we felt mislead in regard to the Changing of the Guard. In no way was our experience what we thought we bought. We saw the beginning of the ceremony- at St. James Place- with the band but did not see the actual ceremony yet this was disappointing and misleading in the description.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Liv_n
Aug 4, 2024
Great Tour of Westminster Abby and the surroundiings - Nice Guide Knew a lot about English history. Since Tour was on a Saturday didn’t saw the Changing of the Guards. When the Changing of the Guards is not happening I personally wouldn’t call the Tour the given name.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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