London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Tour

4.55

(1159 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Someone waved at us to gather near Churchill’s statue — our guide, Anna, I think. She had this way of talking about him that made me actually stop and look up at his bronze face instead of just snapping a photo. The square was busy, with those red buses rumbling past and the air smelling faintly of roasted nuts from a cart nearby. I didn’t expect to feel so small next to Parliament, but there’s something about standing in the middle of all that history that makes you pause, you know?

Big Ben chimed right as we crossed the street (Anna joked it was for us), and honestly, hearing those bells echo off the stone felt different than I’d imagined — sharper somehow. We learned how to spot if the King’s home at Buckingham Palace (look for the flag), which I’d never have noticed on my own. There was a group of guards marching by; one of them winked at a little kid in front of us and everyone laughed. It was little things like that — not just the buildings but these tiny moments — that stuck with me.

The walk through St. James’s Park was quieter, except for ducks squabbling over breadcrumbs and someone playing guitar under a tree. Anna pointed out Jermyn Street’s tailors and told us about secret gentlemen’s clubs (she wouldn’t say more — “that’s London for you,” she shrugged). Inside Westminster Abbey, I kept thinking about all the voices that must have echoed there over centuries; it smelled like old stone and waxy candles. We had priority entry so we skipped a long line outside — not gonna lie, felt pretty smug about that.

I still think about Poets’ Corner and how peaceful it felt compared to everything outside. There was time after for tea in the Abbey shop, which I nearly skipped but didn’t (the shortbread was worth it). If you’re curious about London’s old stories or just want to see what it feels like to stand where kings were crowned, this tour really does get you close — sometimes closer than you expect.