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London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower of London & Cruise

4.9(370 reviews)London, EnglandOperated by The Tour Guy
  • Duration7 hours
  • GroupShared · max 20
  • TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • BookingInstant confirmation

About this activity

This full-day tour connects London's royal west end with its medieval east, and an expert English-speaking guide stays with you from the first landmark to the last. Timed entry gets you into Westminster Abbey ahead of the main queues, where a thousand years of coronations sit under one roof, from the Coronation Chair to the tombs in Poets' Corner. From there you walk past Big Ben and through St James's Park to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard, or the Horse Guards ceremony on days when the guard does not change. After free time for lunch near Trafalgar Square, you board a Thames clipper and watch Tower Bridge, City Hall, and the Shard pass from the water. The day finishes inside the Tower of London, where your guide covers Traitor's Gate, the Beefeaters, and nine centuries of royal history before you step into the Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels. Groups are capped at 20 guests.

What to expect

7 hours7 stopsShared tourMax 20 travellers
  1. Parliament Square

    Westminster, London, SW1P 3BD, United Kingdom

    15 minutes

    Your guide meets you in central London and runs through the full day ahead, from Westminster to the Tower. This is the moment to get oriented before the walking starts.

  2. Westminster Abbey

    20 Dean's Yard, Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom

    1 hour 15 minAdmission included

    Timed entry lets you bypass the main queues and step straight into the church that has hosted nearly every English coronation since 1066. Your guide walks you past the Coronation Chair and into Poets' Corner, where Charles Dickens and Geoffrey Chaucer are buried.

  3. Big Ben

    Parliament Square, Elizabeth Tower - Palace of Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom

    20 minutesAdmission not included

    Parliament Square opens up beyond the abbey, with Big Ben marking the corner of the Houses of Parliament. This is a photo stop from the outside, with time to take in Westminster before you cut through toward the palace.

  4. Buckingham Palace

    Spur Road, London, SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom

    1 hourAdmission not included

    Walk through St James's Park to reach the gates of Buckingham Palace, the working home of the monarchy. Here you watch the Changing of the Guard, a display of military precision that has run for centuries. On days when the ceremony does not take place, you see the Horse Guards Parade instead.

  5. Trafalgar Square

    Trafalgar Sq, London, WC2N 5DS, United Kingdom

    1 hour

    Your guide leads you to Trafalgar Square for a break, passing the exterior of 10 Downing Street on the way. Lunch is at your own expense, with plenty of options in the surrounding streets.

  6. Thames River

    London, United Kingdom

    30 minutesAdmission included

    Board a local clipper for a relaxed cruise east along the Thames. From the water, your guide points out London Bridge, Tower Bridge, City Hall, and the Shard as the city shifts from Westminster to the old port.

  7. Tower of London

    London, EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom

    2 hoursAdmission included

    Dock beneath the walls of a fortress, royal palace, and prison founded by William the Conqueror in 1066. Follow your guide inside and learn about Traitor's Gate, the Beefeaters, and the stories of Guy Fawkes and Henry VIII's wives. Then, head into the Jewel House on your own to see the Crown Jewels and coronation regalia.

Pickup & meeting point

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

Meeting point for the morning part of the tour: Please meet our friendly guide at the Statue of Abraham Lincoln. With Big Ben behind you, go across Parliament Square and cross the street to the statue of Abraham Lincoln. A representative will be there holding a sign with ''The Tour Guy'' on it.

End

Your tour will conclude following your guided tour inside of the Tower of London, where you're welcome to continue exploring at own ease.

Redemption

• Mandatory: Everyone is required to carry a copy of the identification page of their passport. • We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages. • Large bags, backpacks, luggage, tripods, and glass bottles cannot be brought inside. We encourage you to leave such items at your accommodation. • Please read our meeting point directions thoroughly in advance. It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 10 to 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, and missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded. • We will be subject to a security check at the entrance to all sites and may have a short wait in the security line. • Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, • • Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the Changing of the Guard at 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 will enjoy a guided walking tour of Westminster instead. • Please note that there are certain areas within the Tower of London where no guides are allowed. • Lunch is not included and is at your own expense during the free time near Trafalgar Square. • On occasion the itinerary order can vary depending on the start time and ceremony schedule. • We may alter itineraries for reasons of safety, restoration, maintenance, adverse weather conditions, or occasional events. Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London may also close areas at short notice for services, ceremonies, or state events, and your guide will adjust the route where possible.

What's included

Included

  • Changing of the Guard or Horse Guards ceremony viewing (certain days, weather permitting)
  • Expert, English-speaking guide
  • Timed-entry ticket and guided tour of Westminster Abbey
  • Guided tour of the Tower of London
  • Boat ride along the River Thames by clipper
  • Access to the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and more
  • Free time for lunch near Trafalgar Square

Not included

  • Hotel pick up / drop off
  • Lunch (at own expense) & Gratuities (optional)
  • Changing of the Guard on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays or due to poor weather

Good to know

Accessibility & suitability

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Traveller requirements

  • Minimum 1 traveller per booking
  • Maximum 20 travellers per booking
  • Age bands: Child (0–4), Youth (5–15), Adult (16–99)

Additional information

  • The Changing of the Guard does not take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, or in poor weather. On those days you see the Horse Guards ceremony instead.
  • The Changing of the Guard may be canceled without notice due to weather or decisions by local authorities, and an alternative experience will be provided.
  • The tour covers roughly seven hours on foot across London, from Westminster to the Tower, so a good level of fitness and comfortable shoes are needed.
  • Westminster Abbey is a place of worship, so modest clothing is recommended.

Languages

Guide
English

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days before100% refund
  • 0–1 days before0% refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it's cancelled because the minimum isn't met, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Important booking information

Booking cut-off
Bookings close 4 hours before the activity starts.
Confirmation
Confirmed immediately after booking.
Tickets
One per booking
Local time zone
Europe/London
Product code
24338P123

What you'll be asked when booking

  • Any special requirements

Traveller reviews

4.9/ 5370 reviews
  • 5348
  • 413
  • 32
  • 22
  • 15

Ratings aggregated from Viator (148) and Tripadvisor (222).

Ready to book London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower of London & Cruise?

From USD 124.45 per person · Free cancellation available

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Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.

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