Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & Cruise
Description
Discover London’s Iconic Landmarks: A Must-See Tour ! Experience the best of London with a tour that combines history, tradition, and breathtaking sights. Begin with the iconic Changing of the Guards near Buckingham Palace, or enjoy a Royal Walking Tour on Saturdays, featuring landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Relax on a scenic Thames River cruise, where you’ll take in unforgettable views of Tower Bridge and other famous landmarks from the water. The highlight is your visit to the Tower of London, home to over 1,000 years of history and the Crown Jewels. Enjoy an exclusive Beefeater Meet & Greet—a private 15-minute session with a Yeoman Warder who will share captivating stories and give you a rare behind-the-scenes perspective of this iconic fortress. Perfect for history lovers and first-time visitors, this tour is an unforgettable journey through London’s heritage and charm.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your day with the iconic Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Watch the royal guards in their red uniforms perform a ceremonial handover, accompanied by a military band. Please note that if you book your tour on a Saturday, the viewing of the Changing of the Guards will be replaced by a sightseeing tour of Central London's most famous landmarks. You’ll get to see the most iconic monuments of London from outside such as Buckingham Palace, Saint James Park, Big Ben, the House of Parliament…
Passing by during the walking tour
Passing by to see the Changing of the Guards with explanations from your guide of the importance of Buckingham Palace
As you stroll through this vibrant area of London, hear about the royals and politicians of Great Britain, who have left their mark around the capital. Pass Whitehall, home of the government, and swing past Downing Street where the Prime Minister lives. Enjoy photo stops at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and see Big Ben, London’s iconic clock tower.
Big Ben, the iconic clock tower at the Houses of Parliament, is a symbol of London and British culture. Known for its accurate timekeeping and resounding chimes, it represents the UK's history, democracy, and resilience. Featured in countless films and events, Big Ben is a beloved landmark and a timeless emblem of British heritage.
Passing by during the walking tour
The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, are the heart of UK democracy and a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Home to the House of Commons and House of Lords, it’s where laws are debated and shaped. Iconic and steeped in history, it symbolizes Britain's governance and heritage.
Your cruise from Embankment to Tower Bridge offers a relaxing journey along the Thames, showcasing iconic London landmarks. You can enjoy stunning views of the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Shard, all while gliding through the city’s historic heart. Your guide's commentaries will be highlighting the rich history and architectural marvels of the city, culminating with the majestic sight of Tower Bridge. It’s a perfect blend of sightseeing and serenity.
The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. It’s home to the Crown Jewels and centuries of captivating stories. Your private audience with a Beefeater adds a unique touch, offering insider tales, exclusive insights, and a personal connection to the Tower’s rich history, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead. No refund will be provided as this is not under our control.
- Please note that if you book your tour on a Saturday or a Sunday, the viewing of the Changing of the Guards will be replaced by a Royal Walking Tour of Westminster City.
- We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
- This service ends at the Tower of London after the Beefeater Audience. You are free to explore as long as you wish the Tower of London at your pace.
- Please note that photography is not permitted inside the Crown Jewels exhibition.
Reviews(69)
We had a small group of 3 so the tour felt like a private tour just for us. Cecilia did a great job walking us around and getting us to all the locations!
Our tour guide, Cecily, was great. She knew r exactly where to take us and get the best views. The Tower of London was a lot more than I realized. Only bad thing was the heat and no one can control that.
Our tour was led by Joseph, a young London local with a hugely engaging style. Joseph was an excellent guide - extremely well informed and with a talent for delivering history in an interesting way. We really enjoyed him, he was a fantastic guide. The tour starts on the Mall and we saw the Changing of the Guard with Joseph providing background. From there we had a tour through the Royal Mews and then with tickets provided by Joseph we visited the special Queen Elizabeth exhibition in the Kings Gallery. To be honest, I only booked the tour as we hadn’t been able to get our own tickets for the Kings Gallery (sold-out too far in advance), however it was well worth it and I highly recommend it. Despite having lived in London for several years myself in the past I still learned quite a lot!
Jay was a wonderful guide! He was knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. We learned so much about the sites and related history from Jay and from the lady tour guide who continued with us at the Tower. The beefeater talk at the Tower was also an enjoyable and interesting experience! This was a highlight of our vacation!
Louise was an excellent tour guide, answering all of our questions and providing entertaining and relevant facts about the monarchy and British culture. She also gave us premium viewing for the guards in two different locations. She made it interesting for my kids, which is a challenge! Highly recommend
Nathalie our guide was fabulous. She was a great historian, polite &friendly, and she timed everything just right! Great way to see some much in a morning.
So enjoyed Ellen’s commentary throughout our tour, she was very knowledgeable! She knew exactly where to go for the best viewing and the time to be there. We had great spots along the route.
It was more than we expected! Saw Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abby in addition to what was promised. Worth the money for sure!
When you book a Wednesday tour you might be lucky to view a glimpse of King Charles as he leaves Clarence House to meet with the Prime Minister at Buckingham Palace.
Aaron our guide made the Changing of the Guard experience fantastic! He was not only extremely knowledgeable but also shared a lot of history relating to the experience. He got our family’s first trip to London off to a great start!
