Guided Tour of Westminster City including Changing of the Guard
26 Reviews
5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 26 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
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Recommended by 100% of reviewers
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Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
London, England
2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
This two in one experience allows you to visit some of London’s most iconic sites alongside our expert guide in addition to attending the world famous changing of the guard’s ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. Walk past Big Ben, admire the residence of the British Prime Minister and learn about the historic occurrences on Trafalgar Square before having the picture-perfect view on the changing of the guard’s ceremony witnessing this spectacle from A to Z.
Beat the crowns with your expert guide for the best views and photos
Discover the magic and the splendor of the most iconic military parade
Learn about the fascinating history of the Kings and Queens old and new
Explore more than 2000 years of British history on a 3.5-hour tour
See the most iconic parts of London with an interactive and small group
What's Included
- 10 Downing St (from outside)
- Buckingham palace (from outside)
- Changing of the Guard (or Household Cavalry)
- Covent garden
- Westminster Abbey (from outside)
- Big Ben (from outside)
- Trafalgar square
- Churchills war rooms (from outside)
- Westminster city
- Fully guided experience
- Food/Beverages
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Russell Street
London WC2B 5HZ, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
Dean's Yard
London SW1P 3PA, UK
What To Expect
Covent Garden
Discover this shopping and entertainment hub amidst St. Martins & Drury Lane alongside of our guide. Learn about the history of the impressive opera house, which today homes the 3rd largest auditorium in London.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Trafalgar Square
Linking back to Napoleons Battle this square has been a significant landmark since the early 1200’s. Our guide will walk you past its most impressive sculptures and share its corelating anecdotes.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Westminster Abbey
This impressive church in Gothic style is significant and not to be missed when visiting London, as it has held 17 royal weddings in addition to plentiful burials and coronations since the year 1066.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Churchill War Rooms
Discover where Churchills hid from the German Blitz attack during the second world war and planned some of his most significant strategies. Though only visited externally our guide will bring its history back to live by touching on some of these sights most memorable stories.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
10 Downing St
When visiting some of London’s most impeccable sights 10 Downing Street (meaning, passing by the office of the British Prime Minister) cannot be missed. Though containing over 100 rooms, our guide will point out which floor to look out for to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Big Ben
Also known as the Elizabeth Tower, this stunning landmark is definitely one of London’s most famous. When the clock was completed, it was claimed to be the most accurate and largest of its kind, holding 5 enormous bells, of which the biggest weighing 13.5 tons is nicknamed as Big Ben.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Buckingham Palace
Home to the British Royals and its famous beefeaters our guide will touch on the history of this impressive estate, following which you will attend the changing of the guard’s ceremony adjacent to the building.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Changing of the Guard
Watch the famous changing of the guards on the palace square. Accompanied by music the old guards (also known as beefeaters) will ceremonially hand over the responsibility of guarding the Buckingham & St James’s palace to the new guards.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Please note, if you book on a Friday you will witness the changing of the Household Cavalry
- The British authorities reserve the right to change modify or cancel the Changing of the Guards ceremony without notice in the case of wet weather and other official events. In such cases, your guide will modify the tour to include an alternative Parade where possible, and share more highlights of the Westminster area.
- In the case of heavy rain, you will see a wet change (guards marching without music).
- For the Changing of the Guard ceremony, we do not stand by the Buckingham Palace gates. The crowds swarm there hours in advance, only to find they can only see the very end of the parade all while being crushed by the masses. Instead, we take you to the best spots only the locals know, and actually walk along with the parade! This way you see the absolute most there is to see, and it’s a much more enjoyable experience.
- We highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for this tour.
- Please bring ID for kids 15 and under
- For the Changing of the Guard ceremony, we do not stand by the Buckingham Palace gates. The crowds swarm there hours in advance, only to find they can only see the very end of the parade all while being crushed by the masses. Instead, we take you to the best spots only the locals know, and actually walk along with the parade! This way you see the absolute most there is to see, and it’s a much more enjoyable experience.
- The British authorities reserve the right to change modify or cancel the Changing of the Guards ceremony without notice in the case of wet weather and other official events. In such cases, your guide will modify the tour to include an alternative Parade where possible, and share more highlights of the Westminster area.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Guided Tour of Westminster City including Changing of the Guard?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-6718P156
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.00
26 reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 26 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
26
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Guided Tour of Westminster City including Changing of the Guard?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- 10 Downing St (from outside).
- Buckingham palace (from outside).
- Changing of the Guard (or Household Cavalry).
- Covent garden.
- Westminster Abbey (from outside).
- Big Ben (from outside).
- Trafalgar square.
- Churchills war rooms (from outside).
- Westminster city.
- Fully guided experience.
The following is NOT included:
- Food/Beverages.
- Gratuities.
- Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Guided Tour of Westminster City including Changing of the Guard is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Please note, if you book on a Friday you will witness the changing of the Household Cavalry
- The British authorities reserve the right to change modify or cancel the Changing of the Guards ceremony without notice in the case of wet weather and other official events. In such cases, your guide will modify the tour to include an alternative Parade where possible, and share more highlights of the Westminster area.
- In the case of heavy rain, you will see a wet change (guards marching without music).
- For the Changing of the Guard ceremony, we do not stand by the Buckingham Palace gates. The crowds swarm there hours in advance, only to find they can only see the very end of the parade all while being crushed by the masses. Instead, we take you to the best spots only the locals know, and actually walk along with the parade! This way you see the absolute most there is to see, and it’s a much more enjoyable experience.
- We highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for this tour.
- Please bring ID for kids 15 and under
- For the Changing of the Guard ceremony, we do not stand by the Buckingham Palace gates. The crowds swarm there hours in advance, only to find they can only see the very end of the parade all while being crushed by the masses. Instead, we take you to the best spots only the locals know, and actually walk along with the parade! This way you see the absolute most there is to see, and it’s a much more enjoyable experience.
- The British authorities reserve the right to change modify or cancel the Changing of the Guards ceremony without notice in the case of wet weather and other official events. In such cases, your guide will modify the tour to include an alternative Parade where possible, and share more highlights of the Westminster area.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Guided Tour of Westminster City including Changing of the Guard will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- 10 Downing St (from outside)
- Buckingham palace (from outside)
- Changing of the Guard (or Household Cavalry)
- Covent garden
- Westminster Abbey (from outside)
- Big Ben (from outside)
- Trafalgar square
- Churchills war rooms (from outside)
- Westminster city
- Fully guided experience
- Food/Beverages
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Please note, if you book on a Friday you will witness the changing of the Household Cavalry
- The British authorities reserve the right to change modify or cancel the Changing of the Guards ceremony without notice in the case of wet weather and other official events. In such cases, your guide will modify the tour to include an alternative Parade where possible, and share more highlights of the Westminster area.
- In the case of heavy rain, you will see a wet change (guards marching without music).
- For the Changing of the Guard ceremony, we do not stand by the Buckingham Palace gates. The crowds swarm there hours in advance, only to find they can only see the very end of the parade all while being crushed by the masses. Instead, we take you to the best spots only the locals know, and actually walk along with the parade! This way you see the absolute most there is to see, and it’s a much more enjoyable experience.
- We highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for this tour.
- Please bring ID for kids 15 and under
- For the Changing of the Guard ceremony, we do not stand by the Buckingham Palace gates. The crowds swarm there hours in advance, only to find they can only see the very end of the parade all while being crushed by the masses. Instead, we take you to the best spots only the locals know, and actually walk along with the parade! This way you see the absolute most there is to see, and it’s a much more enjoyable experience.
- The British authorities reserve the right to change modify or cancel the Changing of the Guards ceremony without notice in the case of wet weather and other official events. In such cases, your guide will modify the tour to include an alternative Parade where possible, and share more highlights of the Westminster area.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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