Set out on a captivating journey through London’s iconic landmarks with the "Buckingham, Big Ben & Westminster Abbey Tour." This 3-hour walking expedition offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and renowned sites. From the iconic Abraham Lincoln Statue to the grand Westminster Abbey, this tour promises an immersive experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of London’s enchanting stories.

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Key Points

This 3-hour walking tour provides a comprehensive exploration of London’s iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
Participants can skip the line and enjoy a guided 105-minute tour of Westminster Abbey, learning about its royal history and Poets’ Corner.
The tour includes a 30-minute viewing of the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Horse Guards Parade as an alternative to Buckingham Palace.
Knowledgeable guides provide historical insights throughout the tour, and headsets are provided for groups of 10 or more.
The tour offers a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and respectful attire is required for the visit to Westminster Abbey.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The London: Buckingham, Big Ben & Westminster Abbey Tour is a comprehensive 3-hour walking experience that allows visitors to explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Priced from $63.91 per person, the tour starts at the Abraham Lincoln Statue outside Parliament Square, with a maximum group size of 20.

Led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, the tour includes skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey, a 30-minute Changing of the Guard viewing, and photo stops at Buckingham Palace.

Headsets are provided for groups of 10 or more, and the tour can be canceled for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

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Itinerary Highlights

First, the tour takes visitors on a guided journey through the historic Westminster Abbey, providing a 105-minute exploration of this iconic religious site.

Guests will learn about royal weddings and see the tomb of Charles Dickens in Poets Corner.

The tour explores royal weddings and the tomb of Charles Dickens in the iconic Poets Corner of Westminster Abbey.

Next, the tour offers a brief stop at 10 Downing Street before visiting the Horse Guards Parade, an alternative to the Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard.

After a stroll through St. James’s Park, participants attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony, either at Buckingham Palace or the Horse Guards Parade.

The final stop is a photo opportunity at Buckingham Palace.

Included Features

This tour includes several valuable features to enhance the visitor experience.

First, it provides a knowledgeable guide to offer historical insights throughout the walking tour. The entry fees for Westminster Abbey are also included, allowing you to skip the lines and gain priority access.

For larger groups of 10 or more, the tour provides headsets so you can easily hear the guide’s commentary.

However, hotel pickup/drop-off and gratuities aren’t included.

Important Information

Although the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, an alternative can be seen at Horse Guards Parade on other days.

Heavy rainfall may cancel the ceremony, in which case the guided tour of Westminster Abbey will be provided instead. Respectful attire is required due to the religious significance of the abbey.

Visitors should bring comfortable shoes and a passport or ID, though a copy is accepted. Strollers aren’t allowed on the tour.

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Customer Feedback

The tour has received an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 243 reviews.

Participants praise the knowledgeable guides who provide great historical insights. One reviewer, Rebecca, noted, "The tour was really good! Appreciated having Jeremy to show us the best spots."

Another, Joanne, enjoyed "entering Westminster Abbey as soon as it opened."

Zachary remarked, "Our guide was very knowledgeable; I’d definitely recommend this tour!"

The consensus among customers is that this tour offers a well-organized experience with insightful commentary, making it a popular choice for visitors exploring the highlights of London.

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Westminster Abbey: Guided Tour

The guided tour of Westminster Abbey is the highlight of the London tour, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of this iconic religious landmark. Lasting 105 minutes, the tour grants skip-the-line access, allowing guests to bypass the crowds and explore the abbey’s rich history. Guests learn about royal weddings, discover Charles Dickens’ tomb in Poets’ Corner, and uncover the architectural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour’s knowledgeable guide offers historical insights, making the experience both educational and captivating.

| Key Facts | |

| — | — |

| Duration | 105 minutes |

| Access | Skip-the-line entry |

| Highlights | Royal weddings, Poets’ Corner, architecture |

| Guide | Knowledgeable, provides historical insights |

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

A highlight of the tour is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place at either Buckingham Palace or the nearby Horse Guards Parade.

This centuries-old tradition features the iconic bearskin-hatted guards marching with precision through the streets. Visitors get to witness the formal handover of duties between the Old Guard and the New Guard.

The ceremony lasts around 30 minutes and provides a glimpse into British military heritage. Scheduling varies, so the tour may attend the ceremony at Buckingham Palace on some days and at Horse Guards Parade on others, depending on the calendar.

Exploring the Surrounding Landmarks

After witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the tour explores the surrounding landmarks in central London.

First, the group passes by the iconic 10 Downing Street, home to the Prime Minister.

Next, they visit the Horse Guards Parade, an alternative site to view the Changing of the Guard.

Strolling through St. James’s Park, they admire the beautiful greenery before arriving at the grand Buckingham Palace for a brief photo stop.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides historical context and insights, enhancing your’ understanding of London’s rich heritage and iconic sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside Westminster Abbey?

Photos are generally allowed inside Westminster Abbey, though flash photography is prohibited. Visitors should be respectful of the religious nature of the site and follow any posted rules or guidance from staff.

How Much Time Do We Have for Exploring on Our Own?

The tour provides 10 minutes for independent exploration at Buckingham Palace, allowing participants to take photos and soak in the sights on their own. The majority of the 3-hour tour is dedicated to guided visits.

Will the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Dining Options?

The tour guide likely won’t provide recommendations for dining options, as the focus is on guided visits to key landmarks. However, they may offer suggestions for places to eat near the tour’s starting and ending points.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions or requirements. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. Participants should dress respectfully due to the religious significance of Westminster Abbey.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point During the Excursion?

Participants can leave the tour group at any point, but they’ll be responsible for their own transportation and activities after departing. The guide won’t be able to provide further assistance or supervision once a guest leaves the group.

The Sum Up

This captivating tour offers a deep dive into London’s rich history. With skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey, a viewing of the Changing of the Guard, and exploration of iconic landmarks, it provides an immersive experience. Guided by knowledgeable experts and limited to small groups, the tour ensures an enriching and memorable journey through the heart of the city.