London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour

A Complete Guide to the Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guard Tour

When exploring London, ticking off the city’s most celebrated landmarks is a must. This popular, well-rated walking tour offers just that—highlighting Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It’s a good choice for history lovers, first-timers, or anyone wanting a structured yet authentic day in the heart of London.

One of the biggest wins is the skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey—a major time-saver during busy days—and the chance to hear detailed tales about the royal weddings, funerals, and coronations that have unfolded within its walls. The tour also includes a scenic walk through St. James’s Park and a prime spot to witness the Changing of the Guard.

A possible challenge is the crowd density, especially around Buckingham Palace and the Guard change, which can limit how close you get or how long you can see the ceremony. The guided aspect, small group size, and headsets make it easier to handle, but it’s worth noting that this tour is designed to fit within a 3-hour window, so pace and scheduling matter.

This experience best suits visitors who want a rundown of London’s royal sites, appreciate guided insights, and can handle a fair amount of walking. If you’re after a quick, informative, and visually engaging introduction to the city’s regal history, this tour checks many boxes.

Key Points

• Skip-the-line access saves valuable time at Westminster Abbey.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with engaging storytelling.
• Prime viewing spots for the Changing of the Guard provide memorable photo opportunities.
• Small group size ensures a more personal and less rushed experience.
• Strategic walking route covers major landmarks efficiently.
• Weather and crowd considerations can impact how close you get or see certain ceremonial moments.

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour begins at the Abraham Lincoln Statue in Parliament Square, a strategic meeting point that’s easy to find near public transportation. From there, you’re whisked into Westminster Abbey with skip-the-line tickets and a guided tour. It’s worth emphasizing that the admission is included, which on busy days can be a real advantage, preventing long queues and giving you more time to explore this historic church.

Westminster Abbey itself is a marvel. Built around 750 years ago and consecrated in 1269, it’s a place saturated with history. As one reviewer pointed out, it’s where “monumental chapters of British history have unfurled,” and seeing it with a guide who can narrate tales of royal coronations, famous funerals, and weddings brings the experience to life. The guide’s knowledge really shines here—one reviewer mentioned that their guide, Padder, kept them engaged with humor and insightful details, making the vast space much more approachable.

While inside, you’ll learn about the Abbey’s significance and some fascinating facts, like how it’s been witnessed by over 2.5 billion people worldwide and hosted nearly 40 royal coronations. The audio headsets help in noisy or crowded situations, ensuring everyone catches the guide’s commentary.

Passing by Historic Landmarks

After the Abbey, your walk continues towards Downing Street, the seat of British power. The exterior visit is brief but iconic—just enough to soak in the atmosphere of political history and imagine the decisions shaping the UK’s future. As one reviewer fondly noted, walking along Downing Street makes you feel the weight of history and the importance of governance.

From there, you stroll through St. James’s Park, a true highlight for many. The park is described as a “living masterpiece,” with vibrant flowers, lush lawns, and chirping birds creating a peaceful contrast to the busy city. Reviewers appreciated this part for allowing a moment of calm amid sightseeing, and some noted that it’s a beautiful spot for photos or just to enjoy some fresh air.

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

The next stop is Buckingham Palace, with a quick exterior look at the grand residence of the monarch. While admission isn’t included, the guide shares plenty of stories about royal traditions and the palace’s history. From the reviews, it’s clear that many visitors find this part exciting, especially when the Changing of the Guard happens during the tour.

The guard change is a classic London spectacle—bands, precision marching, and ceremonial uniforms. The guide will select a vantage point for the best views, but be aware that crowds can make it difficult to get close. Several reviews mentioned that their view was far from ideal due to the sheer number of spectators, especially on busy days. One reviewer noted they watched the guards and band walk past from a good spot along the route, even if they couldn’t get right up to the gates.

It’s worth mentioning that the Changing of the Guard schedule is limited to certain days—Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On other days, visitors might instead see the Guard at Horse Guards Parade, which is also included in the experience, but it’s a different scene.

The Practicalities and Group Size

The tour’s duration of around 3 hours strikes a good balance—long enough to see key sites but not so long as to tire out. With a maximum group size of 20, the experience remains intimate, allowing for more questions and personalized attention. The use of headsets was appreciated by reviewers, especially in crowded areas, making it easier to hear the guide’s commentary without shouting.

Pricing at $69.95 per person offers decent value, considering the skip-the-line entry and the depth of information provided. For many, the convenience of not having to buy tickets separately and the guided insights make it a worthwhile investment, especially during peak tourist season when lines can be daunting.

The Guides and Overall Delivery

The reviews consistently praise the guides—names like Tracy, Isabelle, and Arianna come up as knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. Travelers appreciated guides who kept everyone engaged, tailored the pace for slower travelers, and added humor and extra details along the way. One reviewer even mentioned how their guide, Janet, was “incredible,” and another called out Arianna as “great at organization and providing excellent insights.”

A notable point is the flexibility when schedule changes occur—such as when weather or ceremonial shifts shift the plan. Some travelers mentioned that when they couldn’t see the Guard change up close, guides adjusted by showing the procession and explaining the significance from a distance, which still made for a memorable experience.

Handling Crowds and Weather

London’s busy days can sometimes interfere with the full experience. Several reviews highlight the challenge of crowd density—particularly around Buckingham Palace and the Guard change—making it tough to get close or see everything as planned. However, guides do their best to position groups for the best view, and early tours often beat the crowds.

Weather can also impact the experience, as ceremonial events are sometimes postponed or canceled. If the Guard change isn’t visible, your guide will often compensate with a detailed walk and commentary, making sure you don’t miss out on the history or the atmosphere.

Accessibility and Comfort

While most reviewers found the pace manageable, some pointed out that the walk between sites can be far for those with mobility issues, particularly older travelers. It’s a walkable route, but the distance might be tiring if you’re not used to lots of steps or long strolls. The tour’s moderate physical fitness requirement is worth noting for visitors concerned about walking.

Final Thoughts on Value and Suitability

This tour offers a well-organized, engaging introduction to London’s royal landmarks. The combination of skip-the-line tickets, expert guides, and strategic sightseeing makes it a good value, especially for first-timers or those eager for a structured overview.

The small group size and use of headsets elevate the experience, allowing better interaction and clearer narration. Most reviewers found guides like Tracy and Isabel to be attentive and knowledgeable, adding a layer of authenticity and fun to the sightseeing.

However, it’s important to keep expectations realistic regarding the Guard change—crowds can be intense, and views may be limited on busy days. For those wanting an up-close, ceremonial experience, checking the schedule and possibly opting for early tours can help.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, culture, and sightseeing without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided commentary, don’t mind walking, and want a meaningful glimpse into London’s royal heritage.

FAQs

Is the Westminster Abbey visit included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes skip-the-line access and a guided visit inside Westminster Abbey.

Can I see the Changing of the Guard during this tour?
Yes, if scheduled on the right days (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays), you will witness the Changing of the Guard from a good vantage point. On other days, you’ll see the Guard at Horse Guards Parade instead.

Is transportation provided to different sites?
No, this is a walking tour. The starting point and key landmarks are accessible on foot, making it ideal for those comfortable with walking.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 people, ensuring a more personal experience.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking. An umbrella or raincoat might be helpful depending on the weather.

Are tickets for Buckingham Palace or Big Ben included?
No, the tour does not include entry to Buckingham Palace or Big Ben; it only provides exterior views and commentary.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s family-friendly, the tour involves a good deal of walking and listening, so it might be better suited for children over 7-8 who are interested in history.

This guided tour of London’s royal and historic sites offers a practical, engaging way to see the city’s top landmarks with expert knowledge and a friendly atmosphere. Perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a structured, informative day—just be prepared for some crowds and walking!