Explore the iconic landmarks of London with this comprehensive tour. Witness the captivating Changing of the Guard ceremony, step inside the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey, and uncover the mysteries of the Tower of London. With skip-the-line access and expert guides, this immersive experience offers a seamless way to explore the city’s rich history and culture. Capping off the adventure, a scenic River Thames cruise provides a unique perspective on London’s timeless charm.

Contents show

Key Points

This 7-hour guided tour covers major London attractions, including Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Travelers can enjoy skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey and a guided tour of the Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels.
The tour includes knowledgeable, English-speaking guides and provides headsets for groups of 10 or more for clear communication.
The tour starts at the Abraham Lincoln Statue in Parliament Square and ends at the Tower of London, allowing for further independent exploration.
While the tour generally receives positive feedback, some travelers have suggested improvements to pacing, organization, and "skip the line" details.

Tour Overview

The Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey & Tower of London Tour offers travelers an opportunity to experience London’s iconic landmarks in a single day.

This 7-hour tour covers major attractions like Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Led by knowledgeable, English-speaking guides, the tour includes skip-the-line access and admission to key sites.

With a maximum group size of 20 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience. Conveniently starting at the Abraham Lincoln Statue in Parliament Square, the tour ends at the Tower of London, allowing for easy exploration after the guided portion.

Looking for more options in London? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Highlights of the Itinerary

A highlight of the Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey & Tower of London Tour is the visit to Westminster Abbey.

Skip the line and explore this Gothic masterpiece with a guided tour. Marvel at the stunning interior architecture and learn about its rich history as a coronation site and the final resting place of monarchs.

Next, visit the Tower of London for a guided tour, where you’ll see the iconic Crown Jewels.

Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony or the Horse Guard Parade.

Cap off the day with a scenic cruise along the River Thames.

Included in the Tour

This Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey & Tower of London Tour includes a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide to lead the way. The tour also provides headsets for groups of 10 or more, allowing travelers to easily hear the guide’s commentary.

Plus, the tour includes:

Admission to Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
A scenic Thames River cruise.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Lunch, gratuities, and hotel pickup/drop-off aren’t included, but visitors can explore these options on their own.

The tour covers London’s top attractions in a comprehensive, efficient manner.

Meeting and End Points

Travelers will meet at the Abraham Lincoln Statue in Parliament Square, London SW1P 3AE.

From there, the guided tour will commence, taking them to the highlights of the day.

After exploring Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, the tour will conclude at the Tower of London, EC3N 4AB.

This convenient end point allows guests to further explore the Tower’s grounds, view the Crown Jewels, and continue their London adventure independently.

With the meeting and end points strategically located, guests can easily access public transportation to continue their city explorations before or after the tour.

Changing of the Guard Schedule

The Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at Buckingham Palace.

On alternate days, visitors will witness the Horse Guards Parade instead.

Here’s what you need to know:

Schedule: The Changing of the Guard occurs at 11:00 AM and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Accessibility: This event draws large crowds, so arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Alternatives: If the Changing of the Guard isn’t scheduled, the Horse Guards Parade takes place at 11:00 AM and provides a similar spectacle.

There's plenty more to explore in London

Accessibility and Confirmation

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, a moderate level of physical fitness is required. Participants should be able to navigate steps, cobblestones, and inclines throughout the tour.

The meeting point is located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for most visitors. Confirmation of the booking is received immediately upon completion, providing all necessary details for the tour.

Guests can rest assured that the experience is well-organized, with clear instructions and a knowledgeable guide to lead the way. The tour’s accessibility and confirmations ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Customer Experiences

Many travelers praised the knowledgeable guides, the amount of sights covered, and the enjoyable pace of the tour.

Specific guides like Toby and Steven received high marks for their engagement and information sharing.

However, some travelers reported issues with pacing, organization, and missed opportunities (e.g., Changing of the Guard).

Suggestions for improvement included:

Clearer details on the "skip the line" description.
More engagement from guides during quieter moments.
Better organization to ensure all planned activities are seamlessly executed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Buy Tickets to Attractions Separately?

Yes, visitors can purchase tickets to the attractions separately. However, the tour package provides skip-the-line access and admission fees, which can save time and money compared to buying tickets individually.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Venues?

Photography is generally allowed inside the venues, but there may be some restrictions. It’s best to check the specific policies at each attraction before taking pictures to ensure compliance with any rules or guidelines.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no specific age restrictions for this tour. It’s suitable for all ages, but young children may find some aspects challenging due to the walking and standing involved. Parents should consider their child’s abilities before booking.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Self-Exploration?

The tour doesn’t specify a set amount of time for self-exploration. However, the 7-hour duration suggests there may be opportunities for travelers to explore the sites independently, though the exact time allotted is unclear from the information provided.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is not explicitly mentioned as being available in other languages. However, many tour operators in London offer similar comprehensive sightseeing experiences with multilingual options, so it’s worth inquiring about language availability when booking this particular tour.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, explore the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, and marvel at the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. The scenic River Thames cruise provides a perfect capstone to this immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy London’s rich history and culture.