London in a Day: Tower of London Tour, Westminster Abbey & River Cruise
About this activity
Highlights
- Check all of London's top sights off your list in one day.
- Explore Westminster Abbey with a knowledgeable guide (9AM tour only).
- Marvel at the breathtaking Crown Jewels.
- Sit back and relax on a Thames river cruise.
- Skip the line at the Tower of London.
Full description
Your morning starts near Westminster Abbey, where you'll catch a glimpse of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, before entering the Abbey at opening time to go directly to the Coronation Chair. Learn about the history of the building—England’s most important church—and visit the final resting places of a few of the countless monarchs and luminaries buried inside, from kings and queens to great writers and scientists.
It’s a short dash from there to Buckingham Palace, where you'll catch the Changing of the Guard if it's taking place on the day of your tour. As the crowds gather in front of the palace, your guide will take you to a great alternative viewpoint to witness this historic ceremony. You’ll also swing by the Horse Guards Parade—home to the lesser-known but arguably more impressive King's Life Guard—before visiting Trafalgar Square.
After a break for lunch, you’ll board a Thames sightseeing cruise complete with lively and entertaining commentary from the crew. It's a fun and relaxing way to journey to your last visit of the day, one that's sure to be a highlight: the Tower of London. With pre-reserved tickets, you’ll get inside quickly to enjoy a tour of its fascinating (and sometimes gruesome) history.
Your full-day London tour comes to an end at the Jewel House inside the Tower. While your guide can't accompany you inside to see the Crown Jewels, they'll give you a primer on the top pieces to look out for and their significance so you can check them out on your own.
Please Note: Only the 9AM tour will include skip-the-line entry and a guided tour of Westminster Abbey. The 10AM tour does not include entry, but your guide will give an introduction to the Abbey from the exterior.
Included / Excluded
- Skip the line ticket for Westminster Abbey (9AM tour only)
- Skip the line ticket for Tower of London
- Thames River Cruise
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Headset
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Meeting point
Start Location
Parliament Square, Viscount Palmerston Statue, London, GB
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at the Viscount Palmerston Statue in Parliament Square.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is in English.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The Changing of the Guard ceremony is dependent on good weather and does not take place every day. Should the ceremony take place during your tour, we will view it. On alternative days, we will view the Queen's Life Guard Change/Horse Guards Parade. Guard Change does not happen on Tuesdays.
- Please Note: The 10 AM tour does not include entry to the Abbey. Instead, your guide will provide an introduction to the Abbey from the exterior.
Know before you go
- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- We ask that all guests (including children) bring ID on the day of their tour.
- All guests must pass through security.
- 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.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- The Changing of the Guard ceremony is dependent on good weather and does not take place every day. Should the ceremony take place during your tour, we will view it. On alternative days, we will view the Queen's Life Guard Change/Horse Guards Parade. Guard Change does not happen on Tuesdays.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- Please note that for security reasons bag searches will take place at Westminster Abbey and at the Tower of London.
- Photography is not permitted inside Westminster Abbey.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Reviews
The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent
If you’re reading this, book it now! You’ll be one of the first on the boat and get the best spot before anyone else. Daniela (aka “Daniel”) treated us exceptionally well from start to finish. Her knowledge of the falls and the stories behind them was the perfect balance of informative and entertaining. She keeps you laughing throughout the tour and enjoys the experience right alongside you as if it were her first time seeing it. 10/10 — I would recommend this tour to anyone. As an added bonus, our group had only four people, which made the experience absolutely incredible and much more personal. Thanks again, Daniel! 😉
The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
Adult (18+)
Child (6-17)
Infant (0-5)
