London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Tour

Summary

Westminster’s royal stories Big Ben chimes and palace gates

You’ll walk from Churchill’s statue through Parliament Square, hear Big Ben ring out above you, stroll St. James’s Park toward Buckingham Palace gates, and step inside Westminster Abbey with priority access. Expect stories from your local guide, small surprises along the way, and time to linger where British history lives.

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Westminster's historic landmarks

• Meet guide at Churchill Statue
• Observe Parliament Square atmosphere
• View Big Ben from across street
• Learn about Houses of Parliament
• Walk through Westminster City streets
• Visit St Margaret’s Church
• Enter Westminster Abbey with guide
• Shop at Westminster Abbey Shop
• Walk through St. James’s Park
• Photo stop at Buckingham Palace gates
• See Queen Victoria Memorial
• Visit St James’s Palace
• Stroll down Jermyn Street

Top questions

Where does the London Westminster Abbey tour start?

The 4-hour tour starts at Sir Winston Churchill Statue in Parliament Square; the 3-hour option begins at The Horses of Helios near Piccadilly Circus.

Is entry to Westminster Abbey included?

Yes, skip-the-line entry is included on the 4-hour tour; on Sundays (3-hour tour), you can attend an organ recital with free entry after the guided walk.

Do we go inside Buckingham Palace or Big Ben?

No, both are viewed from outside only due to restricted public access.

How long is the walking tour?

The standard options are either 3 hours or 4 hours depending on your booking choice.

What is included in this Westminster tour?

A licensed Blue Badge Guide leads you through key sites; skip-the-line Abbey tickets are included on weekdays; all taxes and fees covered.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at designated central locations.

Are there breaks during the tour?

You’ll have a short break at the Westminster Abbey Shop during the 4-hour option.

Is this tour suitable for people with disabilities?

No, unfortunately it is not suitable for people with disabilities due to walking distances and limited pram access in some areas.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk led by a licensed Blue Badge Guide through Parliament Square, Big Ben (exterior), St. James's Park, Jermyn Street tailors, Buckingham Palace gates (exterior), and skip-the-line priority entry into Westminster Abbey on weekdays. On Sundays, you'll join an organ recital inside the Abbey after exploring its exteriors together. All taxes and fees are covered—just meet your group at the starting point ready to walk London’s royal mile.