Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats at Buckingham Palace ceremony.
Westminster Abbey facade with visitors, London.
Tour group observing the Changing of the Guard near Westminster Abbey, London.
Stained glass windows inside Westminster Abbey, London.
Changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London.
Tomb with effigy inside Westminster Abbey, London, with stained glass windows in the background.
Statue of William Shakespeare in Westminster Abbey, London.

Westminster Abbey Guided Tour with Changing of the Guard, London

London
Walking Tours
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 2.5 hours (approx.)

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

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Explore over a millennium of royal history in London with this Westminster Abbey Guided Tour, which includes skip-the-line entry and expert commentary by a licensed guide. Experience the grandeur as you join perfectly timed views of the Changing of the Guard ceremony at one of Britain's most historic sites. The tour begins near Westminster Abbey where your guide will provide an introduction before leading you past ticket queues for priority access to this iconic location, which has hosted every British coronation since 1066 and remains a working church in London’s heart.

Priority entry to Westminster Abbey ensures you maximize your visit during busy times.

Enjoy a more intimate experience with personalized attention in our small-group tours through the Abbey.

A licensed English-speaking guide will offer rich historical insights into coronations and royal ceremonies at Westminster Abbey.

Experience the grandeur of military precision as you witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Admission to Westminster Abbey with skip-the-line access

Access for a small group on a London-guided tour featuring Features and guards, including Coronation Chair & English-speaking guide

Entry guided by an official Licensed English-speaker at the ceremony in Buckingham Palace (based on option selected)

Ticket use during Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Individual Costs

Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats at Buckingham Palace ceremony.

Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats at Buckingham Palace ceremony.

Your Experience at Westminster Abbey

Begin a journey through over a thousand years of British royalty with priority access to Westminster Abbey. A licensed guide provides expert commentary, ensuring you witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony in perfect timing.

Getting Started

Gather at your designated meeting point near Westminster Abbey and present your voucher for check-in. Following an introduction, bypass ticket queues thanks to priority entry before embarking on a guided tour with fellow participants.

What to Expect from the Tour

Located in London's historic core, Westminster Abbey has been central to British coronations since 1066 and continues as an active church. Your guide will illuminate royal weddings, state funerals, and pivotal historical moments within its walls. Post-visit at the Abbey, proceed to Buckingham Palace for a front-row view of the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Key Features

  • Skip-the-line entry: Step into Britain’s coronation church without enduring long queues, saving precious time during peak periods.
  • Small group tour: Benefit from clearer commentary and easier navigation within the Abbey for a more intimate experience.
  • Licensed English-speaking guide: Receive precise historical context and detailed insights that highlight royal traditions and landmarks.
  • Changing of the Guard: Experience the ceremonial precision at Buckingham Palace, timed to ensure you catch every moment of this renowned spectacle.
  • Royal highlights inside the Abbey: Discover iconic features such as the Coronation Chair, royal tombs, Poets’ Corner, and exquisite Gothic architecture that define Westminster Abbey's legacy.
Westminster Abbey facade with visitors, London.

Westminster Abbey facade with visitors, London.

Tour group observing the Changing of the Guard near Westminster Abbey, London.

Tour group observing the Changing of the Guard near Westminster Abbey, London.

Stained glass windows inside Westminster Abbey, London.

Stained glass windows inside Westminster Abbey, London.

What to Bring

    Ensure you have your ID and entry tickets ready for a smooth experience.

    Prohibited Items

    • Large suitcases and bulky items are not permitted on this tour.

    Pets cannot join due to venue restrictions.

    Accessibility Details

    • This experience is unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams/strollers.

    Your guide dogs will be welcome at the location.

    Additional Information

    • Guests under 17 must have an adult aged 18 or over with them.
    • No strict dress code is enforced, but modest attire is recommended as it's a place of worship.

    In case of bad weather cancellation notices are not given before the morning. A 'wet change' occurs where guards march without music or parade.

    Changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London.

    Changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London.

    Tomb with effigy inside Westminster Abbey, London, with stained glass windows in the background.

    Tomb with effigy inside Westminster Abbey, London, with stained glass windows in the background.

    Ensure you have your ID and entry tickets ready for a smooth experience upon arrival at Westminster Abbey.

    To make the most of busy times like weekends or holidays, take advantage of priority entry to avoid long lines.

    If visiting multiple attractions in London, consider starting with Buckingham Palace since it's nearby, allowing you to combine visits efficiently.

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    Operating hours

    Westminster Abbey

    Monday
    9:30am - 3:30pm
    Tuesday
    9:30am - 3:30pm
    Wednesday
    9:30am - 3:30pm
    Thursday
    9:30am - 3:30pm
    Friday
    9:30am - 3:30pm
    Saturday
    9:00am - 3:00pm
    Sunday
    Closed
    • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

    By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

    FAQs

    The tour is not accessible for wheelchairs and prams/strollers. However, guests under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
    Bring your ID and entry tickets for a smooth experience, as large suitcases and bulky items are not allowed on this tour.
    The small group size allows easier movement through Westminster Abbey and more personal interaction with your guide during the experience.
    You will meet your guide near Westminster Abbey at the designated meeting point to check in with your voucher before starting the tour.
    While pets cannot participate in the tour due to venue restrictions, guide dogs are welcome at Westminster Abbey.
    Priority entry helps you avoid long queues at Westminster Abbey, making it especially beneficial during busy weekends and holiday periods.
    Personal expenses are not covered by the tour; only skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey, small-group guided tours, a licensed guide, and viewing of the Changing of the Guard ceremony are included.
    Your licensed English-speaking guide will provide insights into royal weddings, state burials, coronations, and other ceremonies at Westminster Abbey.
    The Changing of the Guard ceremony showcases military precision, ceremonial uniforms, and centuries-old royal tradition at Buckingham Palace.
    The Westminster Abbey Guided Tour includes skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey, a small-group guided tour with an English-speaking guide, and viewing of the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

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