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Westminster Abbey Tour with Guard Change & Big Ben

67 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 67 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
London, England
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • The Mall
  • Parliament Square
  • Big Ben (view)
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities/Tips
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Parliament Square
London SW1P 3JX, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Parliament Square

Meet your guide and small group outside Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament to get a brief introduction into the history of this important area.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Big Ben (pass by)

Get your camera ready and enjoy a view of this famous tower before your guided tour of Westminster Abbey. Your guide will share an overview of its history and how it became a symbol of London.
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Changing of the Guard

If the group tour option selected, 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 that lets you get as close as possible to the action. 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.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Westminster Abbey

Discover the most important Gothic building in the country, with a rich history and an equally interesting present. Skip the line and head straight inside to hear stories of the significant historical events that have taken place here, along with details of the decor that can be hard to decipher on your own. 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.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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 note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Westminster Abbey Tour with Guard Change & Big Ben?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-62043P30

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.93
67 reviews

Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 67 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
62
4 stars
5
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • The Mall
  • Parliament Square
  • Big Ben (view)
  • Skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey
  • Expert Blue Badge Guide
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities/Tips

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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 note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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