London: Tower of London & Westminster Abbey Full Day Tour

Start at Parliament Square, End at the Crown Jewels

You skip the Westminster Abbey line, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, cruise the Thames, and see the Crown Jewels all in one day with a guide who handles timing and entry. The tour covers nine hours and includes all major central London landmarks without you arranging transport or tickets separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Parliament Square15m
2. Westminster1h 15m · entry included
3. Houses of Parliament and Big Ben20m
4. Changing of the Guard1h
5. Trafalgar Square1h
6. River Thames30m · entry included
7. Tower of London2h · entry included

London highlights: Abbey, palace, and Tower

• Begin at Parliament Square
• Tour Westminster Abbey
• Walk through St James Park
• Visit Buckingham Palace exterior
• Witness Changing of the Guard
• See Downing Street exterior
• Lunch break in Trafalgar Square
• Take Thames River cruise
• Guided tour of Tower of London
• View the British Crown Jewels

The experience

You meet your guide near Big Ben and Parliament Square early in the morning, and from there the day moves fast. Westminster Abbey is first: skip-the-line entry means you walk straight in while others queue outside, and your guide takes you through nearly 40 coronation sites and the spot where Princess Diana's funeral was held. It's a lot of history compressed into stone and stained glass, and the guide knows which corners matter and which you can move through quickly.

After the Abbey you walk through St James's Park toward Buckingham Palace, then wait for the Changing of the Guard ceremony: the Old Guard hands off to the New Guard in a formal, choreographed ritual that happens Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (on other days you'll see the Horse Guards Parade instead). Your guide explains the protocol while you watch. Then it's a short break for lunch on your own in Trafalgar Square, your guide recommends local spots, before you reconvene for the afternoon half of the tour.

The Thames River cruise comes next. You board a local clipper service, air-conditioned and comfortable, and your guide points out landmarks as you drift downriver toward the Tower of London. It's the only part of the day where you're not walking, and it gives your legs a rest. Once you arrive at the Tower, the guided tour covers William the Conqueror's 1066 conquest, the prisoners held here, and the gruesome history that made this fortress matter. Then you enter the Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels: 140 pieces of regalia studded with over 23,000 stones, protected here for centuries. After that, you're free to explore the White Tower on your own pace, and your guide offers tips for the rest of your evening in London before the group disperses.

What’s included

Your day includes a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, skip-the-line entry and guided tour of Westminster Abbey, a walk through St James's Park, viewing of Buckingham Palace's exterior and the Changing of the Guard ceremony (or Horse Guards Parade on alternate days), a lunch break on your own in Trafalgar Square, a scenic Thames River cruise on a local clipper service, a guided tour of the Tower of London, and admission to the British Crown Jewels with time to explore the White Tower independently afterward.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:30 and 10:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (5 to 15 years) · Child (under 5): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by The Tour Guy

Is this one for you?Book this if you have one day in London and want the major landmarks (Westminster, Buckingham, the Tower, the Crown Jewels) without arranging your own transport, entry tickets, or timing between stops. The guide and fixed schedule do that work for you.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 15 years); Child (under 5): free.

What time does the tour start?

The tour begins in the morning near Parliament Square. Exact pickup time depends on your hotel location. Your guide will confirm the meeting point when you book.

Is lunch included?

No. You have a break for lunch on your own in Trafalgar Square around midday. Your guide recommends local restaurants and cafés before you reconvene.

What if the Changing of the Guard is cancelled?

The ceremony runs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On other days, you'll see the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade instead. If weather or official reasons cancel it entirely, you'll do a guided walking tour of Westminster instead.

Can I explore the Tower of London on my own?

Yes. After the guided tour ends, you can explore the White Tower and other areas at your own pace before the group disperses.

Is this tour physically demanding?

You'll walk through several central London locations and stand during the Changing of the Guard ceremony. A moderate level of fitness helps, though the pace is guided and includes a lunch break and a river cruise where you can sit.

What's included in the price?

Skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey, admission to the Tower of London and Crown Jewels, the Thames cruise, the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and an English-speaking guide for the full day. Lunch is not included.