Best of Westminster Abbey with Upper Gallery & Buckingham Palace

Discover the Best of Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace in London

This 3-hour guided tour in London offers an in-depth look into Westminster Abbey, its medieval cloisters, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries. Priced at $183.79 per person, it includes skip-the-line tickets, a Blue Badge guide, and access to some of London’s most iconic royal landmarks. The tour starts at Westminster Abbey Shop and concludes outside Buckingham Palace.

With a rating of 4.5/5 from 10 reviews and recommended by 90%, this experience suits those passionate about history, architecture, and royal traditions. Be aware, the tour involves a fair amount of walking and uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes are essential. The opportunity to upgrade and see the Changing of the Guard adds extra value for royal enthusiasts.

While it offers excellent access and storytelling, note that the housed attractions like Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, are only viewed from the outside and are not included in the ticket price. Booking in advance, typically 57 days ahead, ensures availability for this popular tour.

Key Points

• Includes skip-the-line tickets to Westminster Abbey and access to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries
• Expert Blue Badge guide offers captivating stories, including insights from “The Crown”
• Tour duration of approx. 3 hours with six stops, including the Cloisters, Abbey interior, galleries, Big Ben, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace
• Optional upgrade available for the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace
• Physical activity required, including walking over uneven surfaces and stairs
• Small group size of up to 20 people ensures personalized attention

The Origins: Westminster Abbey’s Medieval Cloisters

The tour begins at the medieval cloisters of Westminster Abbey, an atmospheric space once used by monks for meditation and daily routines. You step through the magnificent medieval architecture into the main monastic buildings, gaining a sense of the Abbey’s ancient past. This early access sets a serene tone before exploring the main highlights.

Visitors are led into the Abbey, where they find a striking example of Gothic architecture and historical significance. The admission tickets to the Abbey and cloisters are included, making this a seamless experience. The cloisters themselves give a glimpse into monastic life centuries ago, with stone walls and quiet corridors adding to the historical ambiance.

Westminster Abbey’s Royal and Cultural Significance

The heart of the tour is the interior of Westminster Abbey, where guides share stories about royal coronations, weddings, and burials. The expert guide highlights the Abbey’s connection to the royal family and shares anecdotes related to “The Crown”, including behind-the-scenes tales of the film.

Along With their historical importance, the Abbey’s architecture and stained glass are impressive visual features. The guide’s storytelling brings alive the political intrigue, love stories, and sacrifices that define the monarchy’s long history. The admission to the Abbey covers the main highlights, making it a comprehensive experience.

Ascending to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries

After exploring Westminster Abbey’s interior, the group visits the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries. Located 50 feet above the main floor, these galleries display a range of priceless artifacts and artworks spanning 1,000 years.

Key exhibits include objects like the coronation chair of Queen Mary II, Queen Elizabeth I’s corset, and various artifacts from royal worship and daily life. The 20-minute visit offers a chance to see these extraordinary items up close, providing a deeper understanding of the monarchy’s evolution through a curated collection of stunning displays.

Viewing Big Ben from Parliament Square Garden

The tour then moves to the iconic Big Ben, which travelers see from the Parliament Square Garden. It’s a prime location for viewing and capturing photos of London’s most recognizable clock tower. The guide points out historical facts about the Elizabeth Tower, emphasizing its architectural beauty and cultural importance.

While admission is free, this stop offers spectacular views and a chance to appreciate London’s skyline. The time allocated allows for photos and quick sightseeing, making it an ideal spot to pause and take in the cityscape.

External Visit to the Houses of Parliament

Next, the group enjoys an external visit of the Houses of Parliament, renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture. Although interior access isn’t included, viewing these historic buildings from outside still offers excellent photo opportunities and insight into the seat of UK politics.

The 15-minute stop provides a close-up look at the exterior details of the Parliament buildings. Guides share stories about the history and significance of this political landmark, enriching the experience beyond just seeing the architecture.

Buckingham Palace Exterior and Stories

The tour concludes outside Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Here, participants enjoy a 30-minute exterior visit, with the guide sharing captivating stories about the palace’s past and present.

Though entry into the palace is not included, the front façade remains one of London’s most recognized sights. The guide covers royal events, history of the building, and notable royal ceremonies, giving visitors a sense of the monarch’s home and its role in British tradition.

Optional Upgrades and Additional Experiences

A key feature of this tour is the option to upgrade and see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. This ceremony, renowned for its pageantry, adds a dynamic element to the experience. The upgrade is available for those keen to witness this traditional royal event.

Plus, the tour includes the admission to the Magna Carta, an original copy from 1215, providing a fascinating connection to medieval legal history and the roots of constitutional rights.

Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

The meet point is at the Westminster Abbey Shop in Dean’s Yard, with the tour ending outside Buckingham Palace. The entire experience operates in all weather conditions, and comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking over uneven surfaces and inclines.

The small group size of up to 20 travelers ensures a more personalized experience, and the mobile ticket system simplifies entry. The tour is designed to be accessible for most, although limited mobility may pose challenges, and it is not recommended for those with significant mobility issues.

Booking, Cancellation, and Customer Experience

Most bookings are made around 57 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The free cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

However, one review highlights that last-minute cancellations can occur, and in this case, the operator did not offer alternatives. This underscores the importance of early booking and checking the cancellation policy.

The reviews praise knowledgeable guides and the stunning views, though some mention the crowd levels if arriving later in the day. Going early helps avoid the larger crowds and enhances the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Westminster and Buckingham Palace Tour

This comprehensive 3-hour guided tour provides exceptional value, including skip-the-line access, expert commentary, and visits to Westminster Abbey’s highlights and Buckingham Palace’s exterior. The access to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries offers a rare glimpse into royal artifacts, making it especially appealing to history buffs and royal enthusiasts.

While the interior visits to Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace are not included, the outdoor views and stories enrich the experience. The optional upgrade for the Changing of the Guard adds a memorable touch for those interested in royal traditions.

This tour suits visitors looking for a well-rounded, insightful exploration of London’s royal landmarks in a small-group setting. The expert guides and carefully curated stops make it a worthwhile choice, provided physical mobility is not a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
No, this tour is not recommended for travelers with limited mobility due to walking over uneven surfaces and stairs.

Does the tour include interior visits to Buckingham Palace or the Houses of Parliament?
No, the exterior of Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament are viewed from outside only; interior access is not included.

What is included in the price?
The skip-the-line tickets to Westminster Abbey, access to the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, and the services of a Blue Badge guide are included.

Can I see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, there is an optional upgrade available to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, covering six key stops with plenty of time for sightseeing and storytelling.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes due to walking over cobblestones and uneven surfaces, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Westminster Abbey Shop on Dean’s Yard and ends outside Buckingham Palace.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 57 days before the tour date, ensuring availability for this popular experience.

What if the tour gets canceled?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of skip-the-line access, expert storytelling, access to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, and the option to upgrade for the Changing of the Guard makes this tour a compelling choice for those wanting an enriching and efficient exploration of London’s royal landmarks.