Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

See London’s most iconic royal and political landmarks on a guided walking tour, with commentary from a licensed guide in English, French, Spanish or German.

Getting started

Meet your guide just outside The Ritz Hotel, beside the two red telephone boxes near Green Park Underground Station. After a short introduction, your group sets off on foot through central London. As you walk, your guide shares stories and context about the landmarks you’re about to see and their lasting significance.

What to expect

This experience includes exterior views of Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, as well as interior access to Westminster Abbey with an included entry ticket.

Features:

• Westminster Abbey: Explore the interior of Westminster Abbey at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide. This 1,000-year-old Gothic church has hosted every British coronation since 1066 and is the burial site of historical figures like Isaac Newton and Charles Dickens.

• Coronation Chair & Poets’ Corner: Inside the Abbey, see the 700-year-old Coronation Chair used in every crowning since 1308 and visit Poets’ Corner, where literary legends are honoured and buried.

• Big Ben & Houses of Parliament: Get up-close views of London’s most recognisable clock tower and the neighbouring Houses of Parliament, the heart of British political life.

• Buckingham Palace: View the official residence of the monarch from the outside. On select days and only on the 10am tour, you may also witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

• Extras: Upgrade your experience with optional extras like fast-track Abbey entry, guided tours, or small-group and headset add-ons.

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

Discover Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace on this guided sightseeing tour that includes entry to Westminster Abbey and a walking tour covering the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. This experience lasts approximately 4 hours and features a licensed guide speaking English, French, Spanish, or German for accurate and engaging commentary tailored to your needs. The tour covers three iconic landmarks in central London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben at the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. Visitors can expect around 1 hour spent exploring Westminster Abbey's nave, chapels, and cloisters before moving on to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, followed by a visit to Buckingham Palace where guests typically spend about an hour observing the Changing of the Guard ceremony or simply admiring the palace grounds. With fast-track access available for Westminster Abbey entry, you can bypass long lines and enjoy more time exploring these historical landmarks.

Explore Westminster Abbey's Gothic Architecture

Your tour stops at Westminster Abbey where guests can admire its famous Gothic arches and intricate details dating back to 1245. Spanning over 6 acres, the abbey includes chapels such as Poets' Corner, where renowned poets like Charles Dickens and T.S. Eliot are commemorated, and Henry VII's Lady Chapel, completed in 1519. Visitors also see the Coronation Chair, dating back to 1300, and the graves of monarchs including King Edward I (died 1307) and Queen Elizabeth II (reigned 1952-2022). The abbey's unique feature is its role in British coronations since 1066, making it distinct from other religious buildings. Guests typically spend about an hour here exploring the nave, cloisters, and chapels.

Witness Big Ben's Timekeeping Precision

Your tour takes you to Big Ben where guests can walk past this iconic clock tower located in Westminster, London. Standing at 96 meters tall, Big Ben is one of the most recognizable symbols of Britain, with its clock face measuring 7 meters across and each hour bell weighing 13 tons. The tower was completed in 1859 and houses four quarter bells that chime every 15 minutes alongside the large hour bell striking once on the hour. Visitors often spend around 20-30 minutes here, marveling at its architectural beauty and learning about British politics and history. Big Ben's significance lies not only in its engineering but also as a symbol of democracy.

Experience Buckingham Palace's Royal History

Your tour concludes at Buckingham Palace where guests can observe the Changing of the Guard ceremony or simply admire the palace grounds and architecture. The palace, built in 1703 for John Sheffield, Duke of Buckinghamshire, covers an area of approximately 77,000 square meters. Visitors typically spend about an hour here exploring the state rooms, gardens, and learning about royal history through guided tours or self-guided visits. Notable features include the balcony from which Queen Elizabeth II addressed the nation during her reign and the Royal Mews where horses are kept for ceremonial duties.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Westminster Abbey with fast-track access
• Explore Big Ben in 20 minutes
• Guided commentary in English, French, Spanish, German
• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• Walk through Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square
• Discover historical facts throughout central London
• Access to Westminster Abbey's nave, chapels, cloisters
• Fast-track entry convenience including priority lines

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and first-time visitors, this guided tour provides a comprehensive overview of London's most iconic landmarks through detailed commentary and interactive experiences. The 4-hour format allows you to explore Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, giving you an in-depth look at the city’s rich heritage while enjoying its historical significance.