Westminster Abbey Guided Tour with Changing of the Guard

A historic journey through royal traditions

Immerse yourself in the UK's glorious past with this small-group guided tour through the splendid Westminster Abbey. Navigated by an English-speaking guide well-versed in British history, you'll walk through the hallowed halls that have seen the coronation of 40 British monarchs. The awe-inspiring Gothic architecture will captivate you, with the Abbey's nave standing as the highest in England. Traverse the same path as countless historical figures, from Elizabeth I to Isaac Newton, their final resting places nestled within these ancient walls.

A celebration of loyalty and dedication

Once you're done exploring the historic Westminster Abbey, it's time to proceed to Buckingham Palace. Watch the iconic Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace, featuring the Foot Guards on Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sun, and the Household Cavalry on other days. During this ceremony, the soldiers protecting the Royal Palaces are replaced by new ones. Be awed by the vibrant red tunics and bear skins worn by the guards, as they perform the ceremony combined with military bands playing music.

Westminster Abbey Guided Tour with Changing of the Guard

Discover Westminster Abbey, a must-see landmark in London that has been hosting significant events for centuries. This small-group guided tour includes an exclusive visit to Westminster Abbey and the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The tour covers approximately 2 hours with audio guides available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Japanese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, and Thai. Visitors will explore over 10 acres of historic grounds, including the Abbey's grand nave that stands at an impressive height of 43 meters, making it the highest Gothic nave in England. The tour also includes a visit to Poets' Corner, where notable British poets and writers are commemorated, as well as the tomb of the Unknown Warrior from World War I. With its rich history dating back to 1065 when Edward the Confessor established the original abbey, Westminster Abbey has been the site of numerous royal weddings and coronations, including those of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1947 and 1953 respectively. The tour provides a unique blend of historical insight and cultural immersion, allowing guests to experience London's most iconic sites up close.

Explore Westminster Abbey

Your tour stops at Westminster Abbey where you can witness the grandeur of this historic site established in 1065 by Edward the Confessor. The abbey covers over 10 acres and features a nave that stands an impressive 43 meters high, making it the tallest Gothic nave in England. Visitors will see notable landmarks such as Poets' Corner, where many famous British poets and writers are honored with memorials, and the tomb of the Unknown Warrior from World War I, which was added to the abbey in 1920. The tour includes approximately one hour spent exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique perspective on London's rich cultural heritage compared to other historical sites. Westminster Abbey is not only significant for its architectural beauty but also for its role as the site of numerous royal weddings and coronations, including those of Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 and Prince Philip in 1953.

Witness Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

At Buckingham Palace, guests can witness the pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. This iconic event features the King's Foot Guards in their distinctive red tunics and bearskin hats, a sight that draws crowds from around the world. The palace itself covers over 14 acres and includes more than 775 rooms spread across six floors. Visitors spend about half an hour observing this majestic display of military tradition, which has been taking place since the reign of King Charles II in 1660. This experience at Buckingham Palace offers a unique glimpse into the British monarchy's ceremonial traditions compared to other historical sites like Windsor Castle or the Tower of London.

Tour Highlights

• Soak in history at Westminster Abbey
• Explore over 10 acres with audio guides in multiple languages
• Witness Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace
• Learn about royal weddings and coronations throughout history
• Discover Poets' Corner with notable British writers honored
• Visit tomb of World War I's Unknown Warrior added in 1920
• Explore over 775 rooms across six floors at Buckingham Palace
• Enjoy small-group guided tour ensuring personalized experience

Perfect for history enthusiasts, royal watchers, and culture seekers, this guided tour provides an immersive look into London’s rich heritage through exclusive access to key landmarks. The two-hour format allows you to explore Westminster Abbey's grand nave, witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and discover Poets' Corner, giving you a comprehensive understanding of London's historical significance while enjoying intimate insights from knowledgeable guides.