
London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 534 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour worth booking?
London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour is a 3-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $68 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 534 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (534)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $68 per person
Let us take you on a journey through the heart of London with our exclusive royal walking tour. Join our small group and embark on a captivating exploration led by our incredibly knowledgeable Blue Badge certified guide through Parliament Square, past Downing Street, and into the scenic paths of St. James's Park. Your guide will lead you to a quieter vantage point to witness the iconic Changing of the Guards near Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards ceremony. The Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, you'll see the Horse Guards Parade instead. Next, skip the long ticket lines at Westminster Abbey, Britain's most renowned church. As you tour the hallowed halls of this storied venue of royal weddings, funerals, and coronations spanning centuries, prepare to be awestruck by its beauty and significance. This is a truly royal experience, curated to provide you with a deep appreciation for London's illustrious heritage.
What you get
About this experience
Let us take you on a journey through the heart of London with our exclusive royal walking tour. Join our small group and embark on a captivating exploration led by our incredibly knowledgeable Blue Badge certified guide through Parliament Square, past Downing Street, and into the scenic paths of St. James's Park. Your guide will lead you to a quieter vantage point to witness the iconic Changing of the Guards near Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards ceremony. The Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, you'll see the Horse Guards Parade instead. Next, skip the long ticket lines at Westminster Abbey, Britain's most renowned church. As you tour the hallowed halls of this storied venue of royal weddings, funerals, and coronations spanning centuries, prepare to be awestruck by its beauty and significance. This is a truly royal experience, curated to provide you with a deep appreciation for London's illustrious heritage.
What's included
Included
- Changing of the Guard or Horse Guard Parade viewing
- Guided walk through St. James Park
- Expert English-speaking Blue Badge certified guide
- Walking tour including exterior views of Big Ben
- Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
- Skip-the-line Westminster Abbey entry
Not included
- Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
- Entry into Buckingham Palace & Big Ben
- Guide tips
What you'll see and do
Parliament Square
Meet your Blue Badge certified guide at Parliament Square, surrounded by statues of world leaders alongside the Gothic facade of the Houses of Parliament. Your guide gives a brief overview of the day's royal highlights before the group sets off toward Westminster's historic center.
10 minutes here
Big Ben
Stand outside the Elizabeth Tower to hear how the 13-tonne bell inside has marked the hours over the Thames since 1859. Your guide explains that Big Ben is the name of the bell itself, not the tower, and shares the story of how this clock face became one of London's most photographed landmarks.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
10 Downing Street
Walk past the famous black door at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister since 1735. Your guide shares stories of the decisions made at this address while armed police guard the entrance around the clock.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
St. James's Park
Stroll through St. James's Park, London's oldest royal park, where pelicans glide across the lake and tree-lined paths lead toward Buckingham Palace. Your guide walks alongside the group and connects the park's royal heritage to the ceremony ahead.
20 minutes here
Changing of the Guard
Your guide positions the group away from the thickest crowds to watch the Queen's Guard march in red tunics and bearskin hats in the Changing of the Guard. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, or when weather prevents the ceremony, the group visits the Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall instead.
35 minutes here
Westminster Abbey
Step inside Westminster Abbey with timed entry, bypassing the main queue to reach the nave of Britain's coronation church, where monarchs have been crowned since 1066. Your Blue Badge guide leads you past the Coronation Chair, Queen Elizabeth I's tomb, and Poets' Corner, connecting centuries of royal coronations, weddings, and literary memorials to the Gothic stone around you.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Please arrive 10 minutes early. Our friendly guide will meet you in Parliament Square in front of the statue of Abraham Lincoln. A representative from our company will be holding a sign with The Tour Guy on it.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour concludes at Westminster Abbey
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Tour Guy
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the the Horse Guards Parade instead.
- The Changing of the Guard schedule is subject to change or cancellation by British authorities, sometimes due to weather, with little notice. In case of cancellation, you'll enjoy a guided walking tour of Westminster instead.
- Westminster Abbey is a place of worship; modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required for all guests. Guests not meeting this standard may be refused entry.
- Guests with wheelchairs or walking impairments that require special assistance cannot be accommodated on group tours. The activity provider cannot accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 529 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
529 verified traveler reviews for London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Take this tour!
I wish that I could remember the name of our guide. He was amazing. He told us lots of interesting facts and tidbits about the Abby, King’s Guard, the Changing of the Guard, Talked about life at Buckingham Palace, High Grove, Windsor versus Clarence House. He walked us down Queen Ann’s street (which I would have never found on my own) and helped us envision what it was like in the 1700’s. Take this tour.
via Viator
Standard Walking Tour
This was your standard walking tour. Our guide was pleasant and talked of the standard sights. Between sights he often had little to say. I really think all guides should have a script to follow so every tour receives the same information.
via Viator
Excellent tour. Excellent guide
Excellent tour. Excellent guide. We enjoyed learning so much about London and it’s government/royalty.
via Viator
Go with this tour to not be stressed or disadvantaged by crowds.
I believe our guide's name was Jacklyn, but I'm not sure. She was a middle-aged woman with short curly hair and a classy manner. Our guide masterfully orchestrated the tour. You could see that every step, gesture and comment was honed with tons of successful experience, though all of it presented as spontaneous, charming and witty. I also appreciated her placing us in perfect positions for viewing and photos, as I witnessed many, many other people who were less fortunate because of the crowds. I also like how organized this company is from check-in to the inclusion of audio equipment that made it easy to hear our guide at all times. I can really see zero room for improvement!
via Viator
Top notch tour. I
Wonderful tour of these top attractions in London. Informative tour guide. Great pace. Spent a great amount of time in Westminster Abbey with in depth history and modern activities in the abbey. Definitely recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $68 to $138
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 187
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by The Tour Guy, who run 40 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything The Tour Guy runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour cost?
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Prices start at $68 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 London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 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 London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 534 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 London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour?
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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 London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour?
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Around 187 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?
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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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour?
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Included: Changing of the Guard or Horse Guard Parade viewing; Guided walk through St. James Park; Expert English-speaking Blue Badge certified guide; Walking tour including exterior views of Big Ben; and Guided tour of Westminster Abbey. Not included: Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off; Entry into Buckingham Palace & Big Ben; and Guide tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour?
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Please arrive 10 minutes early. Our friendly guide will meet you in Parliament Square in front of the statue of Abraham Lincoln. A representative from our company will be holding a sign with The Tour Guy on it. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour offered in?
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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 London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour?
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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 London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Guests with wheelchairs or walking impairments that require special assistance cannot be a. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour if the weather is bad?
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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 London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Changing of the Guards Tour?
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Across 534 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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