London Walking Tour with Fast-Track Westminster Abbey & Changing of the Guard
2h30
By walk
Instant confirmation
About this activity
On the morning of your tour, make your own way to Westminster Abbey to meet your guide. Sitting alongside Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the history-steeped Gothic showstopper is one of the world’s most spectacular churches. It’s also been the site of all of England's royal coronations — with the exception of two — since the crowning of William the Conqueror in 1066.
With your guide and prebooked ticket, which entitles you to fast-track entry, head inside to learn more about the abbey’s storied past. Follow in the footsteps of some history’s most fascinating characters, from Elizabeth I to Queen Elizabeth II, as you walk down the black-and-white checkered isle toward the Coronation Chair. Peer out at the 900-year-old College Garden while you stroll through the impressive Cloisters, and spot the graves of some of the world’s most famous wordsmiths, including Dickens, Hardy and Tennyson in Poets’ Corner.
After touring Westminster Abbey, take a stroll to Horse Guards Parade or along the Mall to watch the Changing of the Guard. Listen to your guide talk about the ceremony’s history as the Queen’s Foot Guards, in their cherry tunics and bearskin hats, or the plumed Household Cavalry pass right in front of you.
Finish your tour outside Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official London residence. See the balcony where William and Kate kissed before the public after their wedding in 2011, and hear stories of intruders and princes scaling the walls before bidding your guide goodbye.
Please note: If there is heavy rain — or if the Changing of the Guard is rescheduled to early morning — the ceremony will be replaced with an extended walking tour.
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With your guide and prebooked ticket, which entitles you to fast-track entry, head inside to learn more about the abbey’s storied past. Follow in the footsteps of some history’s most fascinating characters, from Elizabeth I to Queen Elizabeth II, as you walk down the black-and-white checkered isle toward the Coronation Chair. Peer out at the 900-year-old College Garden while you stroll through the impressive Cloisters, and spot the graves of some of the world’s most famous wordsmiths, including Dickens, Hardy and Tennyson in Poets’ Corner.
After touring Westminster Abbey, take a stroll to Horse Guards Parade or along the Mall to watch the Changing of the Guard. Listen to your guide talk about the ceremony’s history as the Queen’s Foot Guards, in their cherry tunics and bearskin hats, or the plumed Household Cavalry pass right in front of you.
Finish your tour outside Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official London residence. See the balcony where William and Kate kissed before the public after their wedding in 2011, and hear stories of intruders and princes scaling the walls before bidding your guide goodbye.
Please note: If there is heavy rain — or if the Changing of the Guard is rescheduled to early morning — the ceremony will be replaced with an extended walking tour.
Included
- Professional guide
- Audio headset
- Entrance ticket with Skip-the-Line access to Westminster Abbey
- Entry/Admission - Westminster Abbey
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Unable to accommodate strollers and baby carriages
- Changing of the Guard will not operate in heavy rain and will be replaced with an extended walking tour
- Please note: entrance into Westminster Abbey requires a modest dress code. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women
- Photography is not permitted in Westminster Abbey
- Audio headsets are provided when required so you can hear your guide
- Please note: Westminster Abbey may close at short notice, on these days the tour will be rescheduled
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
Features
Tourism
90%
Cultural
75%
Sport
30%
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changing of the guards wasnt on that day. Save your money and go on a walking tour by yourself. westminster abbey isnt that expensive to get into and the changing of the guards is free just check the time and get there like an hour before hand to get a good spot, went the next day when the changing of the guards and did pretty much everything that was on this tour and did it for half the price, save your money and spend it on something well worth it
Well done. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour guide. He was clear and very knowledgeable.
The Westminster Abbey component was the only part of the trip that was value for money and worth doing. The changing of the guard was a mad dash to see the guards go back into the barracks. The changing all happened prior to us getting there.
this was a wonderful , informative tour thanks to our guide Augusta Harris who was so informative with facts and side stories I didn't expect. she had very interesting facts and amusing stories that went with these facts as we all know history can sometimes be a little dry. highly recommend this tour with Augusta
Zelli was an outstanding tour guide. We really enjoyed the tour