London: Walking Tour With Westminster & Change of the Guard

London: Walking Tour With Westminster & Change of the Guard offers a fascinating way to explore the capital city’s rich history and iconic landmarks.

With a maximum group size of 15 participants, this three-hour tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, you will explore the political and religious significance of Westminster Abbey, a symbol that has stood for over a thousand years.

The tour also showcases the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, where the Queen’s Guard displays precision and grandeur. Away from the crowds, the guide ensures a prime viewing spot for an unforgettable spectacle.

Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of the British monarchy, or simply a curious traveler, this walking tour is a must-do when visiting London.

Good To Know

• The walking tour includes a visit to Westminster Abbey, a historic and iconic site in London that has been a center of political and religious life for over a thousand years.
• Participants will have the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, a traditional event that has been taking place since 1660 and is a symbol of the Queen’s Guard protecting the Royal Monarch.
• The tour is conducted in a small group setting with a maximum of 15 participants, allowing for a more personalized and immersive experience.
• It is important for participants to arrive 10 minutes early and wear comfortable shoes. A valid passport or ID card is required, and baby strollers are not allowed on the tour. The Changing of the Guard ceremony may be canceled in case of heavy rainfall.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Details

The activity details include the duration of the tour, which is 3 hours.

This walking tour in London offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks with a knowledgeable guide.

The best time to visit is in the morning, as it allows you to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace at 10:30 AM. This traditional event has been taking place since 1660 and offers fantastic photography opportunities.

The tour also includes a guided visit to Westminster Abbey, a place steeped in history and significance. Here, you can marvel at the stunning architecture and learn about the famous individuals who’ve been laid to rest within its walls.

With a maximum of 15 participants, this small group setting ensures an intimate and informative experience.

Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the memories of this unforgettable tour.

Experience Highlights

Experiencing the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace is a highlight of this walking tour in London. This historical ceremony, which dates back to 1660, showcases the Queens Guard as they protect the Royal Monarch. Here are five key highlights of this experience:

• Best viewing spot: The knowledgeable tour guide will take participants to a less crowded location where they can get the best view of the procession.

• Historical significance: The Changing of the Guard ceremony holds great historical significance, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility for the safety of the monarchy.

• Traditional ceremony: Taking place at 10:30 AM every day (with exceptions for heavy rainfall), this ceremony offers a unique opportunity to witness an age-old tradition.

• Rainfall contingency: In case of heavy rainfall, the ceremony may be canceled. Participants should be aware of this possibility.

• Timeless tradition: The Changing of the Guard has been a cherished tradition for centuries, attracting visitors from around the world to witness this iconic event.

Don’t miss the chance to witness this extraordinary display of British pageantry and history on your London walking tour.

Westminster Abbey

Located in the heart of London, visitors can explore the rich history and cultural significance of Westminster Abbey during this walking tour. Westminster Abbey, a center of political and religious life in England for over a thousand years, has hosted coronations, weddings, and funerals of famous English figures. The abbey’s architecture is awe-inspiring, with its Gothic style and intricate details. Inside, visitors can marvel at the effigies of famous Englishmen like Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton, as well as the Poets Corner, the final resting place of literary giants like Charles Dickens and Geoffrey Chaucer. The tour guide provides insightful information about the history and notable individuals associated with the abbey, making the experience both educational and fascinating.

Architecture	– Gothic style – Intricate details – Impressive design
Famous Burials	– Charles Darwin – Sir Isaac Newton – Charles Dickens – Geoffrey Chaucer

Changing of the Guard

During the walking tour, participants have the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. This ceremony is an iconic event that showcases the pomp and pageantry of the Queen’s Guard, who are responsible for protecting the Royal Monarch.

Here are five interesting facts about the Changing of the Guard:

• Historical significance: The Changing of the Guard ceremony has been a tradition since 1660, making it a historical and cultural event that has stood the test of time.

• Daily occurrence: The ceremony takes place at 10:30 AM every day, allowing visitors to experience this grand spectacle regardless of the day of the week.

• Guided tour advantage: The tour guide takes participants to a less crowded spot to view the procession, ensuring a better view and a more enjoyable experience.

• Weather considerations: Unfortunately, the ceremony may be canceled in case of heavy rainfall, so it’s important to check the weather forecast before planning your visit.

• Enhanced security measures: Due to its significance, the Changing of the Guard ceremony is closely monitored by security personnel to ensure the safety of both participants and spectators.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Information

Participants should arrive 10 minutes early for the walking tour and bring a valid passport or ID card, as copies are accepted.

It’s important to note that there are some visiting restrictions and guidelines to follow.

Comfortable shoes are recommended for the tour, as there will be a fair amount of walking involved.

Baby strollers aren’t allowed on the tour, so it’s advised to make alternative arrangements for little ones.

Plus, it’s worth mentioning that the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with exceptions for heavy rainfall.

In case of a rainy day, there are alternative options available. Participants can explore other highlights of London with their knowledgeable guide, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience regardless of the weather.

Directions

After arriving 10 minutes early and bringing a valid passport or ID card as instructed in the previous points, participants can easily find the meeting point for the walking tour. The meeting point is located at the entrance of Westminster Abbey, right next to the gift shop. Participants can reach the meeting point using various forms of public transportation, including buses and the London Underground.

Here are some directions to help navigate the walking route:

• From the nearest bus stop, head south on Victoria Street towards Parliament Square. The meeting point is on the left, just before the entrance to Westminster Abbey.

• If using the London Underground, take the District, Circle, or Jubilee line to Westminster Station. From there, follow signs for Westminster Abbey and the meeting point will be nearby.

• For those walking from nearby attractions, such as the Houses of Parliament or Buckingham Palace, simply follow the signs for Westminster Abbey and look for the meeting point at the entrance.

These directions should ensure that participants arrive at the meeting point without any confusion, allowing them to start the walking tour on time and enjoy the sights of Westminster.

Tips for Participants

Navigating the walking tour and making the most of the experience can be made easier with a few helpful tips.

First and foremost, participants should consider what to wear. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended as the tour involves a fair amount of walking. Plus, dressing in layers is advised as the weather in London can be unpredictable.

As for the best viewing spots during the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the tour guide will take participants to a less crowded spot to ensure a clear view of the procession. It’s important to note that the ceremony may be canceled in case of heavy rainfall.

Common Questions

What Is the Best Time to Arrive for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony?

Arrive at least 30 minutes early for the Changing of the Guard ceremony to secure the best viewing spots and avoid crowds. The tour guide will take participants to a less crowded spot for a better experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

There are no specific restrictions on photography during the tour. However, participants are advised to be respectful of the surroundings and other visitors. Here are some tips for taking great photos during the tour:

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour of Westminster Abbey?

There is no specific dress code for the tour of Westminster Abbey, but it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. However, participants should be aware that there may be restrictions on photography during the tour.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. Plus, there may be photography restrictions in certain areas. It is best to check with the tour guide for specific rules and guidelines.

Is There a Restroom Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restrooms available during the tour for participants. The tour is also accessible for disabled individuals, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience.

The Sum Up

To sum it up, the London Walking Tour with Westminster & Change of the Guard is an immersive and unforgettable experience for anyone visiting the capital city.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you will have the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey and witness the grandeur of the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

With a small group size and prime viewing spots, this tour offers a personalized and intimate experience.

Don’t miss out on this must-do activity when in London!

You can check if your dates are available here: