London’s iconic landmarks come alive on this comprehensive tour that immerses visitors in the rich history and pageantry of two of the city’s most renowned attractions. From the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey to the precision marching of the Queen’s Foot Guards, this experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of British tradition. As you step inside the Abbey’s ancient walls and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, you’ll uncover the captivating stories that have shaped the nation’s heritage. Prepare to be captivated by the grandeur and elegance that define these quintessential London experiences.
Key Points
- This 2.5-hour guided tour provides a comprehensive experience of visiting Westminster Abbey and witnessing the iconic Changing of the Guards ceremony.
- Highlights of the tour include seeing the Coronation Chair, exploring the Gothic architecture of the abbey, and learning about the burial place of British monarchs.
- The tour includes skip-the-line entry tickets to Westminster Abbey and the services of a knowledgeable guide, but excludes gratuities, hotel pickup/drop-off, and food/beverages.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires navigating stairs and uneven floors within the abbey, though the guide can provide additional assistance as needed.
- The meeting point for the tour is located opposite the west entrance of Westminster Abbey, providing a convenient starting point for the experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Overview of the Tour
- Westminster Abbey Highlights
- Coronation Chair and Monarchs
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony
- Witness the Guard Performance
- Photo Stop at Buckingham Palace
- Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
- Meeting Point and Accessibility
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in London
- More Tours in London
- More Tour Reviews in London
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in London we have recnetly reviewed
Overview of the Tour
This guided tour of Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guards ceremony provides visitors with a comprehensive 2.5-hour experience, allowing them to explore one of the world’s most iconic churches and witness the renowned military pageantry at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade.
The tour is highly popular and likely to sell out, with tickets priced at $89.11 per person.
Highlights include a guided tour of the 700-year-old Westminster Abbey, where visitors can see the Coronation Chair, the burial place of monarchs, and Poet’s Corner.
The tour also includes a guided visit to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, where visitors can observe the Queen’s Foot Guards in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
Westminster Abbey Highlights
Visitors on the guided tour can explore the 700-year-old architectural marvel of Westminster Abbey, a site that has welcomed kings, queens, and statesmen for centuries.
They’ll see the Coronation Chair, where monarchs have been crowned for over 700 years, and the burial place of many British rulers.
The guide will also lead them through the Poet’s Corner, a hallowed space dedicated to famous writers and poets.
Throughout the 1.5-hour tour, guests will marvel at the impressive Gothic architecture, grand vaulted ceilings, and intricate details that make Westminster Abbey one of the world’s great churches.
The tour provides a comprehensive introduction to this historic site’s significance and splendor.
Coronation Chair and Monarchs
The Coronation Chair, a symbol of the British monarchy’s rich history, has witnessed the crowning of monarchs for over 700 years. Housed within Westminster Abbey, this ornate 13th-century oak chair has been the focal point of the coronation ceremony, where each newly ascended sovereign is formally invested with the rights and responsibilities of the Crown.
Beneath the seat, the Stone of Scone, a sacred relic claimed by both England and Scotland, has been used in coronations since ancient times.
The abbey’s vaults also serve as the final resting place for many of Britain’s most renowned kings and queens, from Edward the Confessor to Elizabeth I, preserving the lineage and legacy of the nation’s royal heritage.
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Alongside the majestic Westminster Abbey, the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade captivates visitors with its striking display of British military pageantry.
The one-hour guided tour allows you to witness the Queen’s Foot Guards in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats as they formally take over the duty of protecting the monarch.
The performance is subject to cancellation due to heavy rain, so be prepared for any weather.
The highlights of the ceremony include:
- Precision marching and coordinated movements of the guards
- Traditional musical accompaniment by the regimental band
- Pomp and circumstance of the centuries-old tradition
- Opportunity to take memorable photos of this iconic British ritual
Witness the Guard Performance
Witnessing the guard performance at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade captivates visitors with its striking display of British military pageantry.
The guards’ precision marching, coordinated movements, and traditional musical accompaniment by the regimental band showcase the pomp and circumstance of this centuries-old ritual.
Dressed in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats, the Queen’s Foot Guards perform a meticulously choreographed routine, from the solemn ‘Changing of the Guard’ to the ceremonial marching and saluting.
This highly anticipated event offers a glimpse into the rich heritage and discipline of the British military, leaving onlookers in awe of the grandeur and tradition on display.
Photo Stop at Buckingham Palace
Often, the tour includes a 15-minute photo stop at the iconic Buckingham Palace, allowing visitors to capture the grandeur of the Queen’s official London residence.
Participants can admire the palace’s magnificent architecture and take pictures in front of the ornate gates, providing an opportunity to commemorate their visit to this renowned royal landmark.
The photo stop is a highlight for many, as it offers:
- A chance to see the famous Buckingham Palace in person
- Opportunities for memorable photographs with the palace as a backdrop
- Insights from the guide about the palace’s history and significance
- An introduction to the neighborhood surrounding the iconic landmark
This brief but impactful photo stop adds to the overall experience of the Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard tour.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes entry tickets with skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey, as well as the services of a knowledgeable tour guide who’ll provide insights using provided headsets.
However, the tour excludes gratuities, hotel pickup and drop-off, and any food or beverages.
This ensures that visitors can focus on exploring the iconic abbey and witnessing the renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony without the hassle of additional costs or logistical arrangements.
The meeting point for the tour is conveniently located opposite the west entrance of Westminster Abbey, making it easy for participants to find the starting location.
Meeting Point and Accessibility
The meeting point for this tour is conveniently located opposite the west entrance of Westminster Abbey, making it easy for participants to find the starting location.
Once gathered, the tour guide will provide headsets to ensure everyone can clearly hear the informative commentary throughout the experience.
However, it’s important to note that this tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the route involves navigating the historic abbey and uneven terrain.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for those with mobility issues or difficulty walking
- Requires navigation of stairs and uneven floors within the abbey
- Guide can provide additional assistance as needed
London: Westminster Abbey & Changing of the Guard Tour
Recap
This guided tour offers an immersive experience of two of London’s most iconic attractions.
Visitors can explore the architectural marvel of Westminster Abbey, including the Coronation Chair and royal burial sites.
The tour also includes witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony’s precision marching and traditional music, as well as a photo stop at Buckingham Palace.
It’s a comprehensive way to discover the rich history and traditions of London.
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