Westminster Abbey Tour with Guard Change & Big Ben

3 hours
Max 20 people
London, United Kingdom

About this activity

Skip the line into Westminster Abbey and witness the world-famous Changing of the Guard perform their centuries-old ceremony.

Full description

Immerse yourself in two iconic London experiences in one morning on this unforgettable tour. Begin your day with an up close view of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. 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 the ceremony from two different angles as your guide regales you with the unbelievable history of the iconic tradition. Then, while others stand in line, you’ll head straight into Westminster Abbey, where more than 10 centuries of history await. Hear tales of coronations, royal weddings, monarchs, soldiers, heroes, villains, and more as you explore England’s most important Gothic building with an expert guide.

Stop At: Parliament Square  
Description: Meet your guide and small group in Parliament Square, to see the buildings of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament and get a brief introduction into the history of this important area. 
Admission: Free  
Duration: 30 minutes  

Stop At: Big Ben
Description: Get your camera ready and enjoy a view of this famous tower before your guided tour of Westminster Abbey. Your guide will share an overview of its history and how it became a symbol of London.
Admission: Not included
Duration: Pass by without stopping

Stop At: Wellington Barracks
Description: Catch the soldiers preparing for the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. While you wait, your expert guide will share what the guards' duties entail and the symbolism behind their eccentric uniforms. You'll march alongside the soldiers and head to a special vantage point that lets you get as close as possible to the action. Please Note: During inclement weather conditions, it is the decision of the Palace as to whether the Guard Change takes place or is cancelled. We will only know this on the day of the visit. If the Changing of the Guard is cancelled last minute by the Palace due to bad weather, guests will see the King's Life Guard Change, Horse Guards Parade.

Please also note that access to the panoramic viewpoint may be limited due to local events.
Admission: Free
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Westminster Abbey  
Description: Discover the most important Gothic building in the country, with a rich history and an equally interesting present. Skip the line and head straight inside to hear stories of the significant historical events that have taken place here, along with details of the decor that can be hard to decipher on your own. See the Coronation Chair, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the High Altar, where many royal weddings have taken place. You’ll also visit the tombs of some of the most important figures in history, including Charles Darwin, Edward V, and Sir Isaac Newton.
Admission: Included
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.

Reviews

⁨Kiara M.⁩
Aug 2026
5.0

Amazing Tour!!

Jolynn
Jul 2026
5.0

A highly recommended experience.

Lisa
Jun 2026
5.0

The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent

Additional information

Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.