London: Buckingham, Big Ben & Westminster Abbey Tour

London: Buckingham, Big Ben & Westminster Abbey Tour – An In-Depth Review

Traveling through London? This popular guided walking tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the city’s most famous sights, from the grandeur of Westminster Abbey to the royal spectacle of Buckingham Palace. With a solid 4.5-star rating based on over 300 reviews, this experience seems to strike a balance between informative guidance and authentic London charm.

What we love about this tour:

• The opportunity to skip the lines at Westminster Abbey, saving you precious time.
• Watching the Changing of the Guard or Horse Guard ceremony in person—an iconic spectacle.
• Exploring a compact, well-organized itinerary that hits major highlights without rushing.
• Small group sizes (max 20) that make for a more personal, engaging experience.

A possible downside? The Changing of the Guard can be canceled in bad weather or due to schedule changes, so flexibility is key. Also, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchairs, given the walking focus.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see London’s landmarks with expert guidance, or anyone who appreciates a mix of history, ceremony, and lively storytelling.

Good To Know

• Expert-guided experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance the sightseeing with engaging stories.
• Time-efficient: Combines Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard in a morning.
• Authentic moments: Watch the guards and explore historic sites with skip-the-line access.
• Small group setting: Maximum 20 people for a more personalized tour.
• Flexible options: Add a river cruise or visit the Tower of London for a full day.
• Weather dependency: Guard ceremonies may be canceled in rain or schedule changes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This tour offers a well-curated peek into London’s royal and religious history, packaged into a 3 to 7-hour experience depending on your chosen options. The core highlights include Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Changing of the Guard, with additional visits to Downing Street, St. James’s Park, and Horse Guards Parade.

Starting Point and Group Size

Meet outside the Abraham Lincoln Statue in Parliament Square—an easy-to-find spot directly in front of the Supreme Court Building. The tour starts promptly, so arriving 10-15 minutes early ensures a smooth check-in. Groups are kept to a maximum of 20 participants, which means a more intimate experience and better chances to ask questions.

Westminster Abbey

Once inside Westminster Abbey, you’ll bypass long lines with a pre-booked ticket. Your guide will lead you through its Gothic corridors, pointing out key features like the Coronation Chair and the tombs of notable figures like Charles Dickens in Poets’ Corner. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Andy for their extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling—one mentioned how Andy made the history come alive with interesting anecdotes.

Expect to spend roughly 105 minutes exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. The Abbey’s religious significance is profound, so dress respectfully and be prepared for the awe-inspiring architecture. The Abbey’s connection to royal weddings and coronations makes it a must-see for history buffs and royal watchers alike.

Walking Tour & Landmarks

Post-Abbey, you’ll pass by iconic sites such as 10 Downing Street—the prime minister’s residence—and visit Horse Guards Parade. The latter offers a peek into British military traditions and is a prime spot for photos. St. James’s Park provides a scenic break, with lush greenery and views of Buckingham Palace.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Changing of the Guard or Horse Guards Parade

The highlight for many is witnessing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or the Horse Guards Parade. This ceremony, renowned for its precision and regal pomp, is a true spectacle. A seasoned guide will explain the historical significance of the guards’ bearskin hats, red tunics, and the protocol behind the ceremony.

One reviewer, Michael, noted, “Claudette was a wonderful tour guide. It was a little crowded but that is out of your control.” Many appreciate having a guide who can position them for the best view and provide context about the guards’ role and traditions.

Keep in mind, the schedule varies: the ceremony occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at Buckingham Palace, and on other days, you’ll see the Horse Guards Parade instead. Weather can also influence the ceremony—heavy rain may cancel the Guard change, so flexibility is key.

Photo Stops & Royal Sightings

After the guards, there’s usually a quick photo stop near Buckingham Palace, offering iconic photo opportunities. Some reviews mention getting early access or front-row spots—an advantage of small-group tours with knowledgeable guides like Ben or Steve.

Optional Full-Day Extension

If you opt for the full-day experience, you’ll have time for lunch, a scenic river cruise, and visits to the Tower of London and its Crown Jewels. This makes the day more relaxed, allowing you to soak up London’s royal atmosphere at a slower pace.

The Real Value of the Tour

At $100.50 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. Skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey alone is a significant time-saver, especially during busy seasons. The guided commentary enhances your understanding of the sites, making the experience more memorable compared to wandering on your own.

The small group size means you’ll likely get more personalized attention and better vantage points for viewing the Guard Ceremony. The reviews show that guides like Paulo and Adrian often go above and beyond, sharing insider tips and stories that you wouldn’t find in a guidebook.

Plus, the option to extend your day with a river cruise or visit the Tower of London makes this a flexible and value-packed choice for travelers wanting an authentic, comprehensive London experience.

Breakdown of the Itinerary

Westminster Abbey (105 minutes)

This is the heart of royal ceremonies and religious history. As you walk through its gothic halls, you’ll see the Coronation Chair used for every coronation since 1308, as well as the tombs of illustrious poets, scientists, and monarchs. Reviewers like Sherry appreciate guides who “tell stories, relate history, and make sure we didn’t miss a thing,” adding layers to what might otherwise be just a grand building.

10 Downing Street (Pass By)

While you can’t enter, passing by this iconic address is an essential photo opportunity. It’s the home of the UK Prime Minister—an unmissable bit of political history.

Horse Guards Parade and St. James’s Park (10-minute walk each)

These scenic stops break up the tour with pleasant walks and superb photo chances. The Parade grounds host the ceremonial mounted guards, and St. James’s Park offers lush scenery with views of Buckingham Palace.

Changing of the Guard / Horse Guards (30 minutes)

This is the moment many travelers look forward to. Guides like Nick and Stephen are praised for their timing management and insider tips on where to stand to get the best photos. Be aware that weather or schedule changes may lead to alternative guard ceremonies, but guides will adapt and keep you informed.

Buckingham Palace & Photo Stop (10 minutes + 5-minute photo)

A quick glance at the official royal residence from the outside, with an opportunity for memorable photos. During peak times, some visitors have been lucky enough to see the King leaving or arriving, which adds a dash of current royal life.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

History and architecture lovers will find Westminster Abbey’s skip-the-line access invaluable. Royal watchers will appreciate seeing the Changing of the Guard in person and hearing its background story. First-time visitors to London will benefit from the guided approach, helping them navigate busy sites confidently and efficiently.

The small group setting ensures a more personal experience and better vantage points, especially during the Guard ceremony. The tour’s flexibility, with optional extensions, suits travelers wanting a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning each stop independently.

However, those with mobility issues or who prefer to explore at their own pace might find the walking-heavy format challenging. Likewise, the schedule’s dependence on weather conditions means some aspects, like the Guard change, could be canceled unexpectedly.

In summary, if you crave an authentic, well-organized introduction to London’s most iconic sights, this tour delivers compelling value—guided by knowledgeable hosts with a passion for sharing the city’s stories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly designed as a family-oriented tour, the stops and storytelling can appeal to older children who enjoy history and ceremonies. However, very young children or strollers are not allowed, and the walking can be intensive.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking and standing. Bringing a passport or ID is advised, especially for Westminster Abbey entry.

Can I join the tour if I arrive late?
It’s best to arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure. The tour departs promptly from the Abraham Lincoln Statue, and late arrivals may miss the start.

Does the tour include access inside Buckingham Palace?
No, the tour only provides exterior views of Buckingham Palace. Entry into the Palace itself requires separate tickets.

What happens if the Guard ceremony is canceled due to weather?
In cases of heavy rain or schedule changes, the Guard ceremony may be canceled. The guide will then adjust the plan, often replacing it with a guided walk around Westminster.

Is there an option to upgrade or extend the experience?
Yes, you can choose the full-day option, which includes a river cruise and visits to the Tower of London, offering a more comprehensive London experience.

In essence, this tour is a fantastic, practical way to see London’s iconic sites with expert guides, especially if you want a mix of culture, ceremony, and scenic views—all wrapped into a manageable, well-organized package.

You can check if your dates are available here: