Skip the line into Westminster Abbey and witness the world-famous Changing of the Guard perform their centuries-old ceremony.
Westminster Abbey Tour with Guard Change & Big Ben
Summary Description
Highlights
- See the spectacular Changing of the Guard ceremony
- Get insights on the Royal Family and its traditions
- Skip the long lines at Westminster Abbey
- Explore the Abbey with a certified Blue Badge guide
- See the tombs of significant historical figures
Description
Immerse yourself in two iconic London experiences in one morning on this unforgettable tour. Begin your day with an up close view of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Your guide will lead you straight to the best vantage points and most secluded spots for a close-up peek at London’s most popular spectacle. Witness the ceremony from two different angles as your guide regales you with the unbelievable history of the iconic tradition. Then, while others stand in line, you’ll head straight into Westminster Abbey, where more than 10 centuries of history await. Hear tales of coronations, royal weddings, monarchs, soldiers, heroes, villains, and more as you explore England’s most important Gothic building with an expert guide.
After a brief introduction in Parliament Square, where you'll have a view of Big Ben, you’ll head straight to the Mall to catch the soldiers preparing for the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. While you wait, your expert guide will share what the guards' duties entail and the symbolism behind their eccentric uniforms. You'll march alongside the soldiers and head to a special vantage point near the Wellington Barracks, home to all the Foot Guard’s Bands, that lets you get as close as possible to the action. Afterwards, you'll watch the equally impressive Horse Guard coming up the street, which features mounted, armor-clad soldiers and their immaculately groomed steeds.
The tour continues at Westminster Abbey, one of the most famous buildings in the world and considered the most important Gothic building in England. Led by a certified Blue Badge guide, this tour gets you up close and personal with some of the most fascinating events in history. See the Coronation Chair, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the High Altar, where many royal weddings have taken place. You’ll also visit the tombs of some of the most important figures in history, including Charles Darwin, Edward V, and Sir Isaac Newton. For the next 90 minutes, your guide will regale you with the stories of significant historical events that have taken place within these walls, along with details of the decor that can be hard to decipher on your own.
Please Note: The 'Changing of the Guard' can be cancelled last minute due to bad weather, and does not take place every day. On days this ceremony does not take place, guests will see the King's Life Guard Change, Horse Guards Parade. Please also note that access to the panoramic viewpoint may be limited due to local events.
Included / Excluded
- Certified Blue Badge guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Skip-the-queue access to Westminster Abbey
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Viscount Palmerston Statue, Parliament Sq, London SW1P 3JX, UK
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Viscount Palmerston Statue, Parliament Sq, London SW1P 3JX
Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/guWJGbYn3tE8fnp3A
End Location: Parliament Square, London, GB
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Please note: The Changing of the Guard occurs only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays we will bring you to the Horse Guard Ceremony and a walking tour of Westminster area. There are also times where the changing of the Guard will not go ahead without prior notice and this is due to last minute decision made by the palace, local authorities or bad weather.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- All guests must pass through security.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Please note that for security reasons bag searches will take place at Westminster Abbey.
- Please note: The Changing of the Guard occurs only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays we will bring you to the Horse Guard Ceremony and a walking tour of Westminster area. There are also times where the changing of the Guard will not go ahead without prior notice and this is due to last minute decision made by the palace, local authorities or bad weather.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Options and Pricing
| Adult | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (18+) (18 - 99 years) | N/A |
| Child (6-17) (6 - 17 years) | N/A |
| Infant (0-5) (0 - 5 years) | N/A |
Points of interest
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Ticket Age Range
Adult (18+)
Child (6-17)
Infant (0-5)
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 3 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 20
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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