London: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben & Westminster Abbey Entry

Summary

Walk London’s royal mile see guards parade hear old stories

You’ll walk through London’s royal heart with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story, from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben’s chimes. Watch the Changing of the Guard (on select days), skip ticket lines for Westminster Abbey entry, and soak up centuries-old atmosphere at your own pace inside one of Britain’s most storied buildings.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, the Queen’s corgis used to run right over there,” our guide Tom grinned, pointing across Green Park as we shuffled out from the tube. I’d barely had my coffee and already felt swept into some kind of living postcard — except it was all real people and traffic and pigeons. We wandered through the trees (it smelled like wet grass and diesel) and then suddenly there was Buckingham Palace, just sitting there behind those black railings. I didn’t expect to feel much but when the Changing of the Guard started — all that brass and boots on stone — I got goosebumps. Maybe it was the music or maybe just seeing everyone else so into it. Tom found us a spot where we could actually see their hats bobbing past; he knew exactly where to stand.

Trafalgar Square was next, all busy with red buses and people taking photos by the fountains. The lions looked smaller than I imagined but still kind of grand. We passed Horse Guards Parade too — a couple of soldiers barely flinched when a kid waved at them, which made me laugh. There’s something about London that feels both formal and totally chaotic at once. On Whitehall Tom told us about Downing Street (I tried peering through the gates but you can’t see much), and he kept tossing in these little facts about old prime ministers or scandals that made history feel less stiff.

Then Parliament Square — Big Ben chimed right as we walked up, which felt perfectly timed even if it wasn’t for us. The light caught on the gold bits at the top; I kept thinking about how many times I’d seen this view in movies but standing there is different. Our tickets for Westminster Abbey were already sorted so no queue (thank god). Inside was quieter than outside, almost chilly, with that old stone smell you only get in places with centuries of secrets. You get an audio guide so you can wander at your own pace — I lost track of time reading names on tombs and trying to imagine coronations happening here. Honestly, I still think about that hush under the arches.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of London landmarks

• Stroll through Green Park
• Visit Buckingham Palace
• Watch Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Walk along the Royal Mall
• See Trafalgar Square and National Gallery
• Admire Horse Guards Parade arch and clock
• Explore Whitehall and Downing Street
• View Palace of Westminster and Big Ben
• Visit Westminster Abbey with audio guide

Top questions

How long is the London walking tour including Westminster Abbey?

The full experience lasts around 3 hours including sightseeing before entering Westminster Abbey on your own.

Is entry to Westminster Abbey included?

Yes, your entry ticket for Westminster Abbey is pre-booked and included in the tour price.

Do you go inside Buckingham Palace?

No, you see Buckingham Palace from outside during the walking tour but do not enter inside.

When does the Changing of the Guard happen?

The ceremony usually takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday during the 10am tour slot.

Is this London walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas covered are wheelchair accessible including public transport options nearby.

Does a guide accompany you inside Westminster Abbey?

No, after your walking tour ends you visit Westminster Abbey independently using your pre-booked ticket.

What sights are included on this London day trip?

You’ll see Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall/Downing Street, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament plus entry to Westminster Abbey.

Are audio guides available inside Westminster Abbey?

Yes, free audio guides are available in multiple languages once inside Westminster Abbey.

What’s included

Your day includes a three-hour walking tour past London’s top landmarks with a local guide sharing stories along every stop; pre-booked entry tickets for Westminster Abbey so you skip ticket lines; plus an audio guide inside so you can explore at your own pace after saying goodbye to your group outside.