London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard

• Skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey

• Professional guide

• Changing of the Guard ceremony from ideal viewing area

Westminster Abbey

Built on the site where in 10th century a fisherman saw a vision of St. Peter, the Abbey has over 1,000 years of history as a religious and political center. Home to royal coronations, weddings and funerals, the church is also the burial place of thousands including monarchs and English celebrities. The Abbey is also the location where over 2.5 billion people worldwide saw the Funeral of Princess Diana in 1997. The solemn service is one of the most watched moments in television history. On this tour your guide will describe lesser known stories about the Princess as you walk through the church. 

With your guide, you will see the impressive church that holds so much English history. Across the Abbey you will see the effigies of scientists like Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newtown and explorers like David Livingstone. In the South Transept of the church you will find Poet's Corner where the famous writers buried include Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling and Geoffrey Chaucer. Though there is much solemnity in this holy church, it is also site of great weddings, like most recently the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. 

Changing of the Guard

The Queen's Guard has been protecting the Monarch of England since 1660. These elite soldiers from seven regiments are solely responsible for the Queen's security. At 10:30 am daily, as has been the case for centuries, there is the Changing of the Guard. This elaborate ceremony that thousands crowd to visit each day serves a very practical purpose. It is the change of the morning shift, the Old Guard, to the afternoon shift, the New Guard. Though is much pomp and fanfare, the guards primary and only focus is the protection of the queen. For this reason, the guards will not be distracted by the constant and often humorous attempts to garner their attention. To see this incredible parade of bands and soldiers in bright red outfits, your guide will take you to a less busy area with an amazing view.

The Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays during the summer.