Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through London's royal history and iconic landmarks. Begin with an early access visit to the infamous Tower of London, where you’ll see the opening ceremony and be dazzled by the Crown Jewels. Cruise the Thames River aboard a relaxing boat and either attend the Changing of the Guards or explore the heart of London on the Westminster City Walking Tour.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
VIP early-access tickets to Tower of London
Expert, English-speaking guide
Changing of the Guards (depending on the day)
Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London by the Beefeaters (if option selected)
Headsets when appropriate, so you always hear your guide
Guided Walking tour of Westminster City (depending on the day)
Boat ride on the River Thames
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Meeting Point - Walking Tour: Directly in front of the Ticket Office at Tower of London, look for the City Wonders sign.
Arriving by tube: Tower Hill Tube Station: Head west turn right towards Trinity Square, turn left onto Trinity Square, Tower of London - 3 min walk
End point
This service ends at Buckingham Palace
Good to know
• Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure.
• Your guide will have a City Wonders sign with the name of the tour at the meeting point for easy recognition.
• We may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering the venue.
• Only very small bags are allowed.
• We recommend comfortable shoes for all guests.
• Please note that there will be no guiding inside the Jewel House and White Tower at the Tower of London as this is forbidden by the venue.
• 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 or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.
• Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either Foot Guards or Horse Guards.
• Please note that the Changing of the Guards ceremony is not included if your tour departs from 9am onwards. On these days, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.
*** When 'Changing of the Guards' is selected ***
• Depending on the schedule of the Household Cavalry, you may experience either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Changing of the Horse Guards:
- Changing of the Foot Guards involves foot soldiers from the Household Division and occurs Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday.
- Changing of the Horse Guards features mounted cavalry from the Household Cavalry and takes place daily, this is what you will see if you book a tour on Tuesday and Thursday.
- On Saturday, the show that takes place is known as the "Guard Mounting" or "Inspection of the New Guard" at House Guards Parade. The inspection involves the Captain of the New Guard inspecting the soldiers to ensure they are in proper order with their uniforms and equipment in pristine condition, before they take over their duties from the Old Guard.
What to expect
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Tower of London
1 hour 15 min
Begin your day with exclusive access to the historic Tower of London, a former fortress, prison, and execution site.
This early morning tour guarantees a crowd-free experience and offers you the option to witness the captivating Opening Ceremony performed by the esteemed Yeoman Warders (if option is selected).
By avoiding the crowds, our tour allows you to be among the first to see the Crown Jewels. -
Thames River
15 min
You’ll then step aboard a relaxing river boat up the Thames as your expert, English-speaking guide tells you all about the major landmarks along its banks
Disembark your boat ride and depending on the day, either attend the Changing of the Guards or a fully guided walking tour through the vibrant city of Westminster. -
Changing of the Guard
45 min
If the 'Changing of the Guards' option is chosen, you may experience either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Changing of the Horse Guards in London, depending on the schedule of the Household Cavalry. These events are renowned for showcasing British tradition and military precision, adding to London's fame.
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Westminster
1 hour
Alternatively, you can choose 'Royal Walking Tour' option and discover the Heart of London with a fully guided walking tour through the vibrant city of Westminster. Here, you'll immerse yourself in centuries of history and the very foundations of the British monarchy. Westminster City is steeped in stories, with each corner revealing tales of kings and queens, political intrigue, and cultural milestones. You'll have the opportunity to admire famous sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. However, it's not just about the well-known attractions – our guides will lead you to lesser-known spots that hide fascinating stories and intricate details, ensuring you have a well-rounded experience.
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Buckingham Palace
30 min
Your tour ends outside Buckingham Palace. Here, you have plenty of time to capture the moment through photographs, adding the perfect finishing touch to your experience.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/London).
Additional Information
- Please note that the Changing of the Guards ceremony is not included if your tour departs from 9am onwards. On these days, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' access.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Best of London: Tower of London, Thames & Changing of the Guard
Can I cancel Best of London: Tower of London, Thames & Changing of the Guard for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 4 hours.
Where does it start?
Meeting Point - Walking Tour: Directly in front of the Ticket Office at Tower of London, look for the City Wonders sign.
What's included?
- VIP early-access tickets to Tower of London
- Expert, English-speaking guide
- Changing of the Guards (depending on the day)
- Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London by the Beefeaters (if option selected)
- Headsets when appropriate, so you always hear your guide
- Guided Walking tour of Westminster City (depending on the day)
- Boat ride on the River Thames
What's not included?
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Tower of London, Thames River, Changing of the Guard, Westminster, Buckingham Palace.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by City Wonders UK
