Best of Westminster Abbey with Upper Gallery & Buckingham Palace

Taking a guided tour of Westminster Abbey along with a peek at Buckingham Palace is an experience many travelers dream about when visiting London. This specific tour promises an in-depth look into some of the city’s most renowned landmarks — from the medieval cloisters of Westminster Abbey to the grandeur of Buckingham Palace’s exterior. It also includes access to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries and optional highlights like the Changing of the Guard.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the way it combines historical insights with exclusive access, especially through skip-the-line tickets which save you valuable time. Plus, having a Blue Badge guide leading the group ensures you get a knowledgeable, engaging narration infused with insider stories.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour involves a fair amount of walking over uneven surfaces and cobblestones, so comfortable footwear is essential. Also, it’s a packaged experience that doesn’t include inside visits to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, or Buckingham Palace — those are external views only. This is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of central London’s most iconic sites with expert commentary, but those seeking full interior access to all landmarks may need additional tours.

Who is this tour best suited for?

History buffs, royal enthusiasts, architecture lovers, or first-time visitors who want a well-rounded introduction to Westminster and Westminster Palace will find this tour particularly valuable. It’s also a good fit for those interested in behind-the-scenes stories, especially relating to “The Crown,” or anyone who wants to skip long lines and maximize their sightseeing time.

Key Points

• Skip-the-line tickets save you hours waiting in queues at Westminster Abbey.
• Expert Blue Badge guides provide engaging stories and insider knowledge, including details about “The Crown.”
• Comprehensive itinerary covers Westminster Abbey’s cloisters, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, Big Ben, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace’s exterior.
• Accessible insights into royal history, architecture, and political power, making the experience suitable for history enthusiasts.
• Optional upgrade to watch the Changing of the Guard adds a traditional royal spectacle.
• Total duration of approximately 3 hours, balancing detailed exploration with efficiency.

Exploring the Itinerary: An In-Depth Look

Starting at the Cloisters: Medieval Majesty

The tour kicks off at Westminster Abbey’s medieval cloisters, an atmospheric spot where monks once meditated and walked. As you step through these ancient stone corridors, you instantly feel transported back in time. The guide emphasizes how this part of the Abbey has been a spiritual hub for centuries, setting a tone of reverence and history.

From the reviews, we know that many visitors appreciated the early access, noting that arriving before the crowds make the experience more intimate and less rushed. One reviewer even called it “magnificent,” emphasizing how well-maintained and evocative the Abbey’s architecture is.

Westminster Abbey: Tales of Royalty and “The Crown”

The main part of the tour focuses on Westminster Abbey’s interior, where your guide will share stories of monarchs, coronations, royal weddings, and notable funerals. The mention of “The Crown” is a highlight — the guide reveals behind-the-scenes anecdotes about filming and how certain locations mirror the TV series’ sets.

Travelers can expect to see the Abbey’s most celebrated areas, such as the Coronation Chair, the Poet’s Corner, and the tombs of notable figures. The guide’s storytelling brings these historic spaces vividly to life, creating a more tangible connection to Britain’s royal past. One reviewer, Beth, noted how “we learned so much in our time at Westminster Abbey,” highlighting the depth of knowledge provided by guides like Maria.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries

Ascend approximately 50 feet into the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries for a glimpse of artifacts spanning a thousand years. This exhibit space showcases a collection of royal memorabilia, including Queen Elizabeth II’s corset, coronation artifacts, and items related to religious worship and daily life in the Abbey.

Many visitors found this part particularly captivating, describing it as “dazzling,” and a rare chance to view personal relics that aren’t usually on display. The comment from a reviewer about the gallery offering “a connection to history on a personal level” rings true here.

Big Ben and Parliament: Iconic London Views

After the Abbey, the tour visits the exterior of Big Ben, offering great photo opportunities from the Parliament Square Garden. It’s an imposing clock tower, and many find it fascinating to see its intricate details up close.

Following this, there’s an external view of the Houses of Parliament, allowing travelers to admire its Gothic Revival architecture from outside. While entry isn’t included, the panoramic views and storytelling about its political significance add context to your sightseeing.

Buckingham Palace: The Royal Residence

The tour concludes with a visit to Buckingham Palace, focusing on its exterior and history. Your guide shares stories about royal events, past and present, and describes the Palace’s importance as the monarch’s official London residence.

Some travelers choose to upgrade their experience to watch the Changing of the Guard, a lively tradition full of pomp and pageantry. Even just viewing the Palace from the outside provides a sense of the monarchy’s enduring presence in London’s skyline.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides: The guiding, led by a Blue Badge London Guide, is consistently praised for being knowledgeable and engaging. As one review mentions, Maria’s storytelling made the Abbey’s history come alive, making the experience memorable.

Skip-the-line Access: The benefit of avoiding long queues means more time to appreciate the sites and listen to the stories. This can be especially helpful during peak tourist seasons when attractions get crowded quickly.

Themed Content: Incorporating stories from “The Crown” adds an extra layer of interest, especially for fans of the series or those curious about the monarchy’s real-life intrigues.

Accessibility of Key Landmarks: While not all sites are entered, the exterior views of Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament are still impressive and photograph-worthy, especially with the expert commentary to fill in the facts.

Value for Money: At around $183.79 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience with skip-the-line tickets, guided narration, and access to special galleries, all packed into roughly three hours. Given the depth of information and convenience, many would agree this offers good value.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration & Group Size: Lasting approximately 3 hours with a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate and manageable pace. Smaller groups facilitate more personalized attention and better interaction with guides.

Pricing & Inclusions: The cost covers skip-the-line tickets to Westminster Abbey, entry to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, and the services of a highly qualified guide. However, it does not include entry to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, or Buckingham Palace, which are viewed from outside.

Accessibility & Weather: The tour involves walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, stairs, and hills, so comfortable shoes are a must. It operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly. It’s not recommended for those with limited mobility due to the walking involved.

Booking & Cancellation: Most travelers book around 57 days in advance, and free cancellation is available if done at least 24 hours prior, making it flexible for planning.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This guided tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, architecture, and royal stories, making it ideal for those who want an enriching overview of Westminster and nearby landmarks. The inclusion of skip-the-line access, expert guiding, and special galleries enhances the experience beyond a standard visit.

The stories about “The Crown” and the detailed exhibits in the Jubilee Galleries provide memorable insights that will resonate long after your trip. The optional upgrade to witness the Changing of the Guard adds a dash of traditional pomp that many find worth the extra effort.

If you’re after a comprehensive, engaging, and hassle-free way to explore some of London’s most iconic sites with knowledgeable guides, this tour is a strong choice. Be prepared for the walking and outdoor sightseeing, and you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of London’s royal and religious history.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 18 are required to be accompanied by an adult. The tour may be less engaging for very young kids due to the walking and historical focus.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 57 days before the tour date. It’s recommended to book early to secure your preferred time slot.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey, entry to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, and the guide’s services. It does not include entry to Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, or Buckingham Palace.

Can I upgrade to see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, an optional upgrade is available for this feature, which many travelers choose for an extra dose of iconic British tradition.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential due to the amount of walking. Dress appropriately for weather conditions, as the tour operates rain or shine.

Is there any free time or optional activities during the tour?
The tour is structured with specific stops, but the upgrade to the Changing of the Guard is optional. You might find additional time at certain stops, but it’s primarily a guided experience.

To sum it up, this tour delivers a detailed, fascinating look at Westminster Abbey, the royal palaces, and iconic London sights, all led by expert guides who bring the history alive. It balances access, storytelling, and efficiency, making it a fantastic choice for first-time visitors, history lovers, and anyone eager to see the best of London’s royal and religious heritage in a manageable timeframe.