Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise
London, United Kingdom

Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise

Outty Ranking 74 4.7 · 77 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $122
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 77 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise worth booking?

Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise is a 4-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $122 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 77 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (77)
Duration
4 hours
From
$122 per person

Discover London’s Iconic Landmarks: A Must-See Tour ! Experience the best of London with a tour that combines history, tradition, and breathtaking sights. Begin with the iconic Changing of the Guards near Buckingham Palace, or enjoy a Royal Walking Tour on Saturdays, featuring landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Relax on a scenic Thames River cruise, where you’ll take in unforgettable views of Tower Bridge and other famous landmarks from the water. The highlight is your visit to the Tower of London, home to over 1,000 years of history and the Crown Jewels. Enjoy an exclusive Beefeater Meet & Greet—a private 15-minute session with a Yeoman Warder who will share captivating stories and give you a rare behind-the-scenes perspective of this iconic fortress. Perfect for history lovers and first-time visitors, this tour is an unforgettable journey through London’s heritage and charm.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover London’s Iconic Landmarks: A Must-See Tour ! Experience the best of London with a tour that combines history, tradition, and breathtaking sights. Begin with the iconic Changing of the Guards near Buckingham Palace, or enjoy a Royal Walking Tour on Saturdays, featuring landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Relax on a scenic Thames River cruise, where you’ll take in unforgettable views of Tower Bridge and other famous landmarks from the water. The highlight is your visit to the Tower of London, home to over 1,000 years of history and the Crown Jewels. Enjoy an exclusive Beefeater Meet & Greet—a private 15-minute session with a Yeoman Warder who will share captivating stories and give you a rare behind-the-scenes perspective of this iconic fortress. Perfect for history lovers and first-time visitors, this tour is an unforgettable journey through London’s heritage and charm.

    What's included

    Included

    • Expert, English-Speaking Tour Guide
    • Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
    • Entrance Ticket to the Tower of London
    • Boat ride on the River Thames
    • Changing of the Guard Tour / London Higlights Tour [depending on the day]
    • Tower of London Meet & Greet with a Beefeater

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Changing of the Guard

      Begin your day with the iconic Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Watch the royal guards in their red uniforms perform a ceremonial handover, accompanied by a military band. Please note that if you book your tour on a Saturday, the viewing of the Changing of the Guards will be replaced by a sightseeing tour of Central London's most famous landmarks. You’ll get to see the most iconic monuments of London from outside such as Buckingham Palace, Saint James Park, Big Ben, the House of Parliament…

      90 minutes here

    2. St. James's Park

      Passing by during the walking tour

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Buckingham Palace

      Passing by to see the Changing of the Guards with explanations from your guide of the importance of Buckingham Palace

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Westminster Abbey

      As you stroll through this vibrant area of London, hear about the royals and politicians of Great Britain, who have left their mark around the capital. Pass Whitehall, home of the government, and swing past Downing Street where the Prime Minister lives. Enjoy photo stops at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and see Big Ben, London’s iconic clock tower.

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Big Ben

      Big Ben, the iconic clock tower at the Houses of Parliament, is a symbol of London and British culture. Known for its accurate timekeeping and resounding chimes, it represents the UK's history, democracy, and resilience. Featured in countless films and events, Big Ben is a beloved landmark and a timeless emblem of British heritage.

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    6. Parliament Square

      Passing by during the walking tour

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Houses of Parliament

      The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, are the heart of UK democracy and a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Home to the House of Commons and House of Lords, it’s where laws are debated and shaped. Iconic and steeped in history, it symbolizes Britain's governance and heritage.

      5 minutes here · Admission not included

    8. Thames River

      Your cruise from Embankment to Tower Bridge offers a relaxing journey along the Thames, showcasing iconic London landmarks. You can enjoy stunning views of the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Shard, all while gliding through the city’s historic heart. Your guide's commentaries will be highlighting the rich history and architectural marvels of the city, culminating with the majestic sight of Tower Bridge. It’s a perfect blend of sightseeing and serenity.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    9. Tower of London

      The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. It’s home to the Crown Jewels and centuries of captivating stories. Your private audience with a Beefeater adds a unique touch, offering insider tales, exclusive insights, and a personal connection to the Tower’s rich history, making the experience truly unforgettable.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    Meet your guide by the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. This is the tall column with a statue on top. Arriving by tube: Take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St James.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • With London Highlights Tour

      Westminster City walk

    • With Changing of the Guards

      With Changing of the Guards

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 25 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    City Wonders UK

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead. No refund will be provided as this is not under our control.
    • Please note that if you book your tour on a Saturday or a Sunday, the viewing of the Changing of the Guards will be replaced by a Royal Walking Tour of Westminster City.
    • We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
    • This service ends at the Tower of London after the Beefeater Audience. You are free to explore as long as you wish the Tower of London at your pace.
    • Please note that photography is not permitted inside the Crown Jewels exhibition.

    Photos

    Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise, photo 2Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise, photo 3Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise, photo 4Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise, photo 5Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise, photo 6Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 76 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    76 verified traveler reviews for Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    63
    4 star
    6
    3 star
    4
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    carissaM · September 2026

    Perfect pace

    This half day guided tour was the highlight of our trip to London! Our family of four (two teenagers) all enjoyed the day. Flora was our guide and kept a perfect pace - the day was full but not rushed. She was a wealth of interesting information as we walked to the changing of the guard site and waited for the parade. You don’t see them change places on this tour, so if that is important to you, plan to do that a different day - you would have to wait for 3+ hours at the front of Buckingham to see that up close. We enjoyed the pomp of the parade and seeing the new guard marching in. We also got to see the old guard trot out on horses. Then we walked through a gorgeous part of St James park and through the historic center. Big Ben is visible from a distance - you aren’t getting up close or going into it on this tour. We took a public boat up the river - we had priority boarding and Flora to offer commentary. Then she turned us over to Joe for a tour of torture. Our final stop was a meet and greet with a “Beefeater,” one of only 35. Behind the scenes stories and q&a were fascinating. We had the rest of the day to explore the Tower. I would recommend this tour for adults and mature teens.

    via Tripadvisor

    Magicplaces51 · September 2026

    Best tour ever!

    Best guides very knowledgeable and kind. The beefeater was awesome

    via Tripadvisor

    Cheryl_S · September 2026

    Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters tour.

    Natalie was amazing. She took us to the best places to stand to get amazing pictures. She was our guide for the 1st part of our tour. She handed us off to maybe Allen?? He had alot of knowledge also, but he walked to fast . So he had to wait for the 6 of us to catch up.

    via Viator

    303kendraa · August 2026

    Excellent tour of London hoghlights

    We had an excellent tour with Michael! We were able to see the changing of the guard and horse guard along with the military band as they made their way to/from Buckingham Palace. The rest of the walking tour was full of interesting information and stories from Michael as we saw highlights including Buckingham Palace, Westminister Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, and Tower Bridge. The boat ride was a nice chance to sit down and have a snack. We had time on our own at the end to explore Tower of London for as long as we wanted after our tour's private discussion with Beefeater Emma (which as very interesting). This was our only full day in London before departing on a cruise and it was a great way to see the highlights. Excellent use of headsets so the whole group was engaged.

    via Tripadvisor

    Kendra_A · August 2026

    Excellent tour of London highlights

    We had an excellent tour with Michael! We were able to see the changing of the guard and horse guard along with the military band as they made their way to/from Buckingham Palace. The rest of the walking tour was full of interesting information and stories from Michael as we saw highlights including Buckingham Palace, Westminister Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, and Tower Bridge. The boat ride was a nice chance to sit down and have a snack. We had time on our own at the end to explore Tower of London for as long as we wanted after our tour's private discussion with Beefeater Emma (which as very interesting). This was our only full day in London before departing on a cruise and it was a great way to see the highlights. Excellent use of headsets so the whole group was engaged.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    27
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by City Wonders UK, who run 15 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.2.

    See everything City Wonders UK runs

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)78
    Review evidence (18% weight)58
    Booking momentum (14% weight)51
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.

    How much does Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise cost?

    +

    Prices start at $122 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.

    Is Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 77 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise?

    +

    Around 27 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in London?

    +

    London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit London?

    +

    May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in London?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise?

    +

    Included: Expert, English-Speaking Tour Guide; Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide; Entrance Ticket to the Tower of London; Boat ride on the River Thames; and Changing of the Guard Tour / London Higlights Tour [depending on the day]. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise?

    +

    Meet your guide by the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. This is the tall column with a statue on top. Arriving by tube: Take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments req. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise?

    +

    Across 77 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including With London Highlights Tour, With Changing of the Guards. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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