London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower of London & Cruise
At a glance
London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower of London & Cruise is a 7h small-group experience in London, United Kingdom, operated by The Tour Guy. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 362 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $124.45 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Changing of the Guard or Horse Guards ceremony viewing (certain days, weather permitting), Expert, English-speaking guide, Timed-entry ticket and guided tour of Westminster Abbey.
Highlights
- Rated 4.9/5 by 362 travellers
- Small group of up to 20 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 7 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 7h
- Group
- Small group, up to 20 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
This full-day tour connects London's royal west end with its medieval east, and an expert English-speaking guide stays with you from the first landmark to the last. Timed entry gets you into Westminster Abbey ahead of the main queues, where a thousand years of coronations sit under one roof, from the Coronation Chair to the tombs in Poets' Corner. From there you walk past Big Ben and through St James's Park to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard, or the Horse Guards ceremony on days when the guard does not change. After free time for lunch near Trafalgar Square, you board a Thames clipper and watch Tower Bridge, City Hall, and the Shard pass from the water. The day finishes inside the Tower of London, where your guide covers Traitor's Gate, the Beefeaters, and nine centuries of royal history before you step into the Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels. Groups are capped at 20 guests.
What's included
What's included
- Changing of the Guard or Horse Guards ceremony viewing (certain days, weather permitting)
- Expert, English-speaking guide
- Timed-entry ticket and guided tour of Westminster Abbey
- Guided tour of the Tower of London
- Boat ride along the River Thames by clipper
- Access to the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and more
- Free time for lunch near Trafalgar Square
Not included
- Hotel pick up / drop off
- Lunch (at own expense) & Gratuities (optional)
- Changing of the Guard on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays or due to poor weather
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 15m
Your guide meets you in central London and runs through the full day ahead, from Westminster to the Tower. This is the moment to get oriented before the walking starts.
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Stop 2 · 1h 15m
Timed entry lets you bypass the main queues and step straight into the church that has hosted nearly every English coronation since 1066. Your guide walks you past the Coronation Chair and into Poets' Corner, where Charles Dickens and Geoffrey Chaucer are buried.
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Stop 3 · 20m
Parliament Square opens up beyond the abbey, with Big Ben marking the corner of the Houses of Parliament. This is a photo stop from the outside, with time to take in Westminster before you cut through toward the palace.
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Stop 4 · 1h
Walk through St James's Park to reach the gates of Buckingham Palace, the working home of the monarchy. Here you watch the Changing of the Guard, a display of military precision that has run for centuries. On days when the ceremony does not take place, you see the Horse Guards Parade instead.
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Stop 5 · 1h
Your guide leads you to Trafalgar Square for a break, passing the exterior of 10 Downing Street on the way. Lunch is at your own expense, with plenty of options in the surrounding streets.
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Stop 6 · 30m
Board a local clipper for a relaxed cruise east along the Thames. From the water, your guide points out London Bridge, Tower Bridge, City Hall, and the Shard as the city shifts from Westminster to the old port.
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Stop 7 · 2h
Dock beneath the walls of a fortress, royal palace, and prison founded by William the Conqueror in 1066. Follow your guide inside and learn about Traitor's Gate, the Beefeaters, and the stories of Guy Fawkes and Henry VIII's wives. Then, head into the Jewel House on your own to see the Crown Jewels and coronation regalia.
Meeting point
Meeting point for the morning part of the tour:
Please meet our friendly guide at the Statue of Abraham Lincoln. With Big Ben behind you, go across Parliament Square and cross the street to the statue of Abraham Lincoln. A representative will be there holding a sign with ''The Tour Guy'' on it.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- The Changing of the Guard does not take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, or in poor weather. On those days you see the Horse Guards ceremony instead.
- The Changing of the Guard may be canceled without notice due to weather or decisions by local authorities, and an alternative experience will be provided.
- The tour covers roughly seven hours on foot across London, from Westminster to the Tower, so a good level of fitness and comfortable shoes are needed.
- Westminster Abbey is a place of worship, so modest clothing is recommended.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower of London & Cruise take?
The experience lasts about 7h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $124.45 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Changing of the Guard or Horse Guards ceremony viewing (certain days, weather permitting); Expert, English-speaking guide; Timed-entry ticket and guided tour of Westminster Abbey; Guided tour of the Tower of London; Boat ride along the River Thames by clipper; Access to the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and more.
Where does it start?
Meeting point for the morning part of the tour: Please meet our friendly guide at the Statue of Abraham Lincoln. With Big Ben behind you, go across Parliament Square and cross the street to the statue of Abraham Lincoln. A representative will be there holding a sign with ''The…
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 362 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in London.
