Best of London Tour: Tower & Changing of the Guard
From£69
6 hours
London, United Kingdom
About this activity
Discover London's rich history with a guided tour of the Tower of London and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, all in a single day.
Highlights
- Explore the historic Tower of London
- Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony
- Learn about London's rich history
- Enjoy guided insights from a knowledgeable tour guide
- Experience London's top attractions in one day
Full description
Dive into London's captivating past with this comprehensive tour. Begin at the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you'll explore its storied halls and view the Crown Jewels. Then, head to Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a quintessential British tradition. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll gain insights into the city's rich history and culture, making this tour an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of the Tower of London
- Witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony
- Transportation between sites
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Begin your London adventure with a scenic coach ride through the City of London, seeing iconic streets, historic landmarks, and famous squares
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Step inside this famous London landmark with its breathtaking dome and rich history (Admission included)
Duration: 45 minAdmission: YES
3
Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Princess Kate were married, and snap photos of the iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NO
4
Watch the traditional Changing of the Guard, a display of British pageantry. Guards from the Household Division, in scarlet tunics and bearskin caps, perform a precise handover accompanied by a regimental marching band. These iconic soldiers are elite members of the British military (Selected dates)
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Explore the historic Tower of London, meet the Yeoman Warders, and view the Crown Jewels. Pass by the iconic Tower Bridge. (Admission included with full-day option)
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
6
Relax on a scenic cruise along the River Thames, taking in sights like Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard, and London’s skyline. (Admission included with full-day option)
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
7
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from Europe’s tallest observation wheel, the London Eye, overlooking the Thames and London landmarks. (Admission included with full-day upgrade option)
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
8
Finish your day with a quintessentially English cream tea at world-famous Harrods, complete with sparkling wine. (Admission included with full-day option)
Duration: 45 minAdmission: YES
Meeting point
Start Location
Victoria Coach Station, Buckingham Palace Road, London, UK
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress accordingly.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow the guide's instructions.
- The Changing of the Guard ceremony schedule can vary; check the official schedule in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking and standing for extended periods.
- Bring a camera to capture the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony and historic sites.
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the day's conditions.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: Sunday tours cannot include a guided tour due to weekly services. Entry is usually possible but cannot be guaranteed.
- Changing of the Guard: Takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and daily from May to July. Schedule may change last minute or be canceled during large city events. If the ceremony does not occur, we still stop for a photo outside or near the Palace.
- Tour Schedule: Itinerary may change depending on St. Paul’s and Tower of London opening times and the Changing of the Guard schedule.
- Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours for the full-day tour and 4 hours for the half-day morning tour (ends at Buckingham Palace).
- London Eye: Generally closed in January for annual maintenance. 2026 closure dates to be confirmed.
- Children: Travelers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Travellers who select the London Eye upgrade will have a short walk from Westminster Pier to the Eye after the cruise.
Traveler reviews
4.32,708 reviews
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Watch your booking advice
The only reason I gave this a poor rating was at the time I booked I specifically said it MUST include the changing of the guard. The live agent doubled checked & said it definitely would be !!! I still questioned it because I thought it never occurred on weekends . He said it does only in summer months. So I went ahead & booked. I was VERY disappointed it did not! And was told it never does. I felt mislead. Plus I had to upgrade to full day excursion to fill in time. Other than the booking error we did enjoy the guided bus trip, St.Paul’s cathedral, Tower of London& the cruise. Our guide Carol was excellent. Very knowledgeable & entertaining. Richard our driver did a great job driving in the chaos.
Penny_RJul 5, 2026VIATOR
Not all what it seems
You either get the Harrods or the Seine cruise but both even though your voucher states you participate in both. Very misleading. Also due to the extreme heat many of the activities either closed early or didn't operate
Wendy_KJul 2, 2026VIATOR
Wonderful experience...
Wonderful experience seeing London with a very fun and knowledgeable tour guide. Would recommend this experience.
Rebecca_NJul 1, 2026VIATOR
Highlights in lono
It was perfect. We visited exactly what we wanted to see. And the timing was perfect. A lot to do on your own.
Mary_RJun 30, 2026VIATOR
Had Peter as a guide and...
Had Peter as a guide and he was very knowledgeable and a great guide. Very enjoyable day. Highly recommend it
Hamish_SJun 30, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
Sunday tours cannot include a guided tour of St Paul's Cathedral due to the weekly service. Entry is usually possible on Sundays but cannot be guaranteed.
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and daily from May to July. This may change last minute and doesn’t happen on days with large city centre events. If there is no ceremony, we still stop for a photo outside or near the Palace.
On Wednesdays when St. Paul’s opens late (10am) the tour will not include the Changing of the Guard. Instead, there will be a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace first thing in the morning.
Tour itinerary may change subject to St. Paul's and Tower of London opening times as well as on the day that Changing of the Guard does not take place.
London Eye generally closes during January for annual maintenance work. 2026 closure dates: To be confirmed.
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult