London: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey & Big Ben Tour

Big Ben and friends, planned for you.

This London guided walking tour knits together the three big sights—Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben—so you spend your time seeing, not figuring. I especially like the pre-booked Abbey entry, which helps you get into a 700-year-old landmark with less waiting, and the way the guide times the walk around the Changing of the Guard for great viewing angles.

The only real catch is that this is mostly exterior viewing. You’ll see Buckingham Palace and Big Ben from the outside, and there’s no guarantee the Guard change will happen on your specific day/time (it’s tied to certain morning schedules). Add a few hours of walking into your day plan, and you’ll be set.

Key things to know before you go

• Pre-booked Westminster Abbey tickets: You get entry set up, then you go in after the walking portion.
• Changing of the Guard viewing tips: Guides help you stand where the sightlines are best.
• Big Ben and Parliament area photos, not ticketed entry: Plan for impressive exteriors, not inside visits.
• Route through Whitehall and central landmarks: Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, 10 Downing Street, and Parliament Square are all part of the walk.
• You explore Westminster Abbey on your own: The guide doesn’t accompany you inside; you’ll use the onsite audio guide.

Starting outside the Ritz: getting your bearings fast

The tour kicks off outside the Ritz London at 150 Piccadilly, right by two red telephone boxes and souvenir stands under one of the Ritz signs. If you’re coming by Tube, the nearest station is Green Park Underground. From there, take the left-hand exit, then use the stairs up (there’s also a ramp) and walk toward the hotel.

I like this start because you’re meeting in a clear, easy-to-find landmark zone. And because you’re starting near Green Park, the early part of the walk sets you up for the whole Westminster area without a long, confusing transfer.

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard: the photo that actually works

You’ll head toward Buckingham Palace for a guided sightseeing stop and photo time. From the outside, it’s instantly iconic: the palace frontage, the Royal setting, and all the little details you’d miss if you were just passing by.

A big moment here is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The tour notes that it’s timed for the 10am tour on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. So if you’re booking another start time, keep your expectations flexible. What the guide can do—on the days it’s happening—is steer the group toward better positioning and help you understand what you’re actually seeing.

In the feedback I’ve been seeing, guides like Chris, Will, Ash/Ashley, Ari, Dan, Mark, Connor, Brandon, Sandra, and others get praised for humor and clear storytelling while also getting people into the right spots for views. That combination matters, because the Guard change is mostly about timing and sightlines. If you just walk up and hope, you’ll lose both.

One more practical note: this tour won’t include entry into Buckingham Palace. So treat it as a front-row view of the surroundings, not a palace interior ticket.

Trafalgar Square and Whitehall: stories behind the street corners

From Buckingham Palace, the route swings through central London with photo stops and guided context. Trafalgar Square is on the list, and it’s a great place to pause and reset. You get the famous open space, the classic monuments, and that grand, “London at full volume” feeling—without having to navigate it on your own.

Then it continues toward Whitehall, including a stop near Horse Guards Parade. This is one of those areas where the buildings feel official and ceremonial, and the guide’s job is to connect those impressions to people and events—who was here, what changed, and why this part of London still runs on tradition.

You’ll also catch a glimpse area-wise of 10 Downing Street. You won’t be going inside, but it’s still worth understanding what you’re looking at, because the government buildings around it have shaped London’s modern politics as much as its older monarchy did.

And yes, your feet will notice you’re walking. But if you like landmark history explained in plain terms, this is the kind of route where the guide keeps it moving so the time feels productive.

Big Ben and Parliament Square: seeing the clock tower with context

As the walk approaches the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, you shift from royal ceremony to political power. The tower and the Parliament buildings sit in a dense zone of architecture and institutions, and the guide helps you read it like more than just scenery.

Even though there’s no entry included for Big Ben, the value is that you’re not left to wander around trying to find angles. You’ll get a guided photo stop near the Parliament area, and the timing of the day can make it especially fun. In the provided feedback, one person noted arriving in time to hear Big Ben’s bells right as the tour wrapped, which is the kind of small payoff that can happen when the pacing is thoughtful.

Then you’ll reach Parliament Square for more guided time. It’s a strong wrap-up point visually: statues, political symbolism, and the feeling that you’re standing in the center of UK decision-making, not just sightseeing.

Westminster Abbey skip-the-line: what entry really feels like

The centerpiece finish is Westminster Abbey. You’ll visit for about two hours, and you’ll go inside after the walking portion ends. The tour includes a pre-booked entry ticket, described as skip-the-line entry, which is one of the best reasons to book a guided tour instead of trying to wing it.

Here’s how to think about the experience once you’re at the Abbey:

• You’ll do the Abbey visit on your own pace after the tour portion ends.
• The guide won’t accompany you inside.
• There’s a fantastic audio guide available onsite.

That setup is ideal if you want freedom. You can move from the “big must-see” scenes to the quieter corners without feeling rushed by a group. It also means you can pause whenever something grabs your attention, rather than waiting for the next instruction.

One practical consideration: even with pre-booked entry, you might still have to queue at the Westminster Abbey ticket pickup desk. This is the kind of delay I’d rather plan for than get surprised by, especially if you’re trying to keep your day tight.

Also, this is a very famous building. Dress and behavior matter in any European church setting, and Westminster Abbey is no exception. Keep your expectations respectful and your pacing unrushed, and you’ll get more out of it.

Walking time and comfort: the long part is the point

This tour runs about five hours total, but the walking history portion is about three hours. That’s why I call it a “productive walking day,” not a casual stroll.

Good news: the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible. That doesn’t mean it’s effortless for everyone, but it does mean the operator intends for people with mobility needs to have an option. If walking is the main concern for you, arrive with sensible shoes and expect to spend time outdoors.

In the feedback, a few people specifically mentioned the guide adjusting pace for someone who had a harder time walking, and others praised guides for keeping the group together and attentive. That’s a big deal for a tour like this because you can’t enjoy the stories if you’re constantly getting separated or slowed down by crowding.

Weather is another reality. Central London is famously changeable—rain happens, wind happens, and everyone crowds together at the most photogenic corners. In that situation, having a guide managing timing and group placement makes a real difference.

What you get for the price (and what you don’t)

At $91 per person for roughly five hours, you’re paying for three things:

1) a guided route through central London’s top sights,

2) a local guide to connect the dots between monuments and events, and

3) pre-booked entry to Westminster Abbey.

What you aren’t paying for:

• entry into Buckingham Palace,
• entry into Big Ben.

So the value depends on your priorities. If you mainly want the “see the big icons” experience with history explained along the way, this is strong for a first trip to London. If your dream day is interior access—palace rooms, controlled tower viewing, that kind of thing—then this tour is more of a high-quality exterior and Abbey entry combo than a full “everything inside” package.

I also like that the tour ends at Westminster Abbey. You can keep exploring at your own speed once you’re inside, instead of feeling like the day is cut off the moment you reach the headline sight.

Who should book this walking tour, and who should skip it

This tour is a great fit if you:

• want to cover Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Big Ben area efficiently,
• like a guided storyline rather than reading plaques alone,
• enjoy photo stops with timing help,
• want the Abbey experience with a guide getting you to the right moment, then letting you explore at your own pace.

I’d skip it—or at least set expectations carefully—if you:

• specifically need entry into Buckingham Palace or inside Big Ben,
• hate walking for outdoor sightseeing (even if the pace is managed),
• are counting on the Changing of the Guard as guaranteed. The schedule depends on the British Army and can change without notice, and the tour only calls out the ceremony for certain 10am days.

Should you book the London Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey & Big Ben Tour?

If you’re aiming for a smart, classic Westminster day with minimal stress, I’d book it. The biggest reasons are the pre-booked Westminster Abbey entry and the fact that the tour ties together several landmark zones into one walk, with a guide who clearly knows how to help people see what matters.

Just make sure you’re comfortable with the format: exterior viewing for Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, then a self-paced Abbey visit with the audio guide. If that matches your trip style, this is a solid use of half your day in central London.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet outside the Ritz London (150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR), next to two red telephone boxes and two souvenir stands, underneath one of the Ritz signs. The nearest Tube station is Green Park Underground; take the left-hand exit and walk toward the Ritz.

What’s included in the tour?

Included items are a walking tour, a local guide, and a pre-booked entry ticket for Westminster Abbey. Entry to Buckingham Palace and Big Ben is not included.

How long is the experience?

The tour is listed as 5 hours total. The Westminster walking tour portion is 3 hours, and Abbey entry happens after that.

Do I go inside Buckingham Palace or Big Ben?

No. You’ll see Buckingham Palace and the Big Ben area from the outside, with photo stops and guided sightseeing. There’s no entry included for either.

Is the Changing of the Guard ceremony guaranteed?

No. The ceremony schedule is set by the British Army and may change without notice. The tour notes it’s for the 10am tour on Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun only.

Are large bags allowed?

No. Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed on the tour.