London Royal Sights and Changing of the Guard

A great tour to see many of London's most famous sights in one morning. Hear the stories of Westminster Abbey, where 40 monarchs have been crowned, and the history of four royal palaces where many of them have lived and died. Learn how the United Kingdom's parliamentary system works looking at the Houses of Parliament and hear Big Ben ring out on the hour. See the 4 main royal palaces (hear the story of when I was invited to Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday party!). We do not go inside any of the buildings we see.
Experience the main Changing of the Guard ceremony (not Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday) or the smaller ceremony at Horse Guards. I know the best places to go and the timing down to the minute to make sure you get the best experience! Stroll through a magnificent royal park and historic square and stop to take photos at the best spots. Finish by exploring Trafalgar Square, home to two major, free to enter, art galleries and close to many exciting places to eat.

Meeting Point

Westminster Abbey Shop

20 Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3JS, UK

Look for your guide carrying a sign outside the shop

What's included:

• Guiding services

Not included:

• Souvenirs

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Westminster Abbey

20 Dean's Yard, Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3PA

Stop outside the abbey where Steve will explain its history and role in the coronations of 40 monarchs

Pass by without stopping

Houses of Parliament

Parliament Square, London, SW1A 0AA

See the famous Houses of Parliament (officially the Palace of Westminster), hear its history and learn how the UK parliamentary system works. The palace was twice destroyed by fire but one part, dating from 1097, still survives. We'll explore Parliament Square and its statues and stop for you to take photos of probably the most famous view in London.

Pass by without stopping

St. James's Park

Horse Guards Road, The Storeyard, London, SW1A 2BJ

Originally a marsh, these public gardens are a great place to walk. Home to pelicans, a bridge over the lake offers some iconic photo opportunities.

Pass by without stopping

St. James's Palace

Marlborough Road, London, SW1A 1BQ

Still the formal address of the UK's royalty and where we start to follow the old guard in the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Pass by without stopping

Buckingham Palace

Spur Road, London, SW1A 1AA

The palace where we can see the world famous balcony where the royals show themselves to the crowds below. depending on the day we will see parts of the Changing of the Guard ceremony and maybe march alongside the soldiers.

Pass by without stopping

Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall

Horse Guards Whitehall, , London, SW1A 2AX

Once a tilting yard, then a polo field and the location of the beach volleyball in the 2012 Olympics, deepening on the day, we will see a mounted ceremony of the Life Guards

Pass by without stopping

10 Downing Street

Downing Street, , London, SW1A 2AL

The official home of the UK's Prime Minister. We will get a glimpse of the building and hear its story. We'll also walk along Whitehall, see the Banqueting House which dates from 1622 and talk about some of the memorials.

Pass by without stopping

Trafalgar Square

London, WC2N 5DS

Home to the famous Nelson's Column, a statue that marks the centre of London, the country's smallest police station and a mysterious empty plinth. Our walk finishes here outside the National Gallery and close to shops and restaurants.

Pass by without stopping