Westminster Abbey, Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Afternoon Tea
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Enjoy an in-depth guided visit to Westminster Abbey, famous for royal coronations and weddings, as well as the resting place of monarchs, poets and the historical figures that have shaped the last 1,000 years of British history.
Take a fully guided tour through Horse Guards to St. James's and Buckingham Palace. See the Changing of the Guard, perhaps the most famed tradition of British pomp and pageantry that never fails to impress.
Have the rare chance to visit the State Rooms used by the Royal Family inside Buckingham Palace. Open for just two months a year, you’ll get an insider’s look into the Royals before ending the day with afternoon tea at a nearby luxury hotel.
Enchant yourself with London’s top sights in a single summer’s day with reserved access to Westminster Abbey, the time-honored Changing of the Guard ceremony, and if that’s not enough, the sumptuous State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, topped off by afternoon tea at a luxury hotel. If all you see and do on this tour doesn’t make you feel like royalty, your local guide’s captivating commentary will.
First, touch the magic of one of the world’s great churches at Westminster Abbey. Every British monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066 has been crowned inside these buttressed walls, most recently Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. It has also been the stage for gala royal weddings like that of Prince William and Kate Middleton. See the Coronation Chair, the shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, and the tombs of no less than 17 British monarchs, as well as Britain’s greatest writers in Poets’ Corner. Your guide will conjure the true spirit of England, with tales of the immense figures that have shaped its history.
Then follow your guide to the Changing of the Guard. This world-famous ceremony takes place either at Buckingham Palace or at Horse Guards Parade, depending on the day. Your guide will make sure you are in prime position to get the best views at this crowded event. Tune into special commentary on the history and pageantry behind it as the Queen’s Foot Guards with their red tunics and bearskin hats march to Buckingham Palace together with the military band, or Household Cavalry with plumed silver helmets on their magnificent horses.
After some free time for lunch, it’s time to head inside Buckingham Palace for a rare visit to the magnificent State Rooms. Open for 2 short months each year, seize the chance to peek inside these gilded doors. Tickets can be difficult to secure on your own, but we offer pre-booked guaranteed access. Admire some of the Royal Collection’s greatest treasures: Sèvres porcelain, the finest English and French furniture, masterful paintings and ornate décor - many of which were gifts from Heads of State over the centuries.
The official Palace audio guide will introduce you to the palace’s history and its treasured belongings. Though no outside guides are allowed to speak in the palace, your City Wonders expert will captivate you with stories of its most famous (and infamous) residents and colorful historic commentary about the life and traditions of the Royal Court before you set off to see it on your own.
End your day with the best British tradition, traditional afternoon tea with scones, jam and clotted cream as well as a selection of sandwiches and cakes, all served on fine china in the magnificent surroundings of a traditional London luxury hotel. Now this is how to see London!
Please note that Westminster Abbey is subject to last minute, unforeseen closures. On these days the tour will be rescheduled. Depending on the day you will see either the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade. 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 is not announced before 11am. When this occurs, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music or parade. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' access.
Yes, the hotel can provide gluten free and vegetarian options - available on request. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking, or by email at least 72 hours before the start of the tour.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time of the tour.
Our City Wonders coordinators will be wearing blue polo shirts or jackets at the meeting point for easy recognition and holding a sign with the tour name.
A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.
With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.
