Westminster Abbey Tour with Guard Change & Big Ben
At a glance
Westminster Abbey Tour with Guard Change & Big Ben is a 3h small-group experience in London, United Kingdom, operated by Walks - UK. Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 67 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $119.78 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: The Mall, Parliament Square, Big Ben (view).
Highlights
- Small group of up to 20 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 4 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 3h
- 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
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.
What's included
What's included
- The Mall
- Parliament Square
- Big Ben (view)
- Expert Blue Badge Guide
- Skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey
Not included
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities/Tips
Itinerary
-
Stop 1 · 30m
Meet your guide and small group outside Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament to get a brief introduction into the history of this important area.
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Stop 2
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.
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Stop 3 · 1h
If the group tour option selected, 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: The 'Changing of the Guard' can be cancelled last minute due to bad weather, and does not take place every day. On days this ceremony does not take place, 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. -
Stop 4 · 1h 30m
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.
Meeting point
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Viscount Palmerston Statue, Parliament Sq, London SW1P 3JX
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- 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.
- Please note: The Changing of the Guard occurs only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays we will bring you to the Horse Guard Ceremony and a walking tour of Westminster area. There are also times where the changing of the Guard will not go ahead without prior notice and this is due to last minute decision made by the palace, local authorities or bad weather.
- Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Westminster Abbey Tour with Guard Change & Big Ben take?
The experience lasts about 3h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $119.78 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?
The Mall; Parliament Square; Big Ben (view); Expert Blue Badge Guide; Skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey.
Where does it start?
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Viscount Palmerston Statue, Parliament Sq, London SW1P 3JX
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 4.8 out of 5 across 67 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in London.
