Best of Westminster Abbey with Upper Gallery & Buckingham Palace

Overview of the Experience

This guided tour of London’s Westminster Abbey, combined with views of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament, offers a deep dive into royal and architectural grandeur in about three hours. Priced at around $184 per person, it’s designed for those eager to explore London’s historic heart with ease and insight — especially if you’re interested in royal connections, architecture, and film. The tour is led by a Blue Badge guide, ensuring knowledgeable commentary, and includes skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey, which saves precious time, especially during busy seasons.

What I find particularly appealing are two key aspects. First, the access to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, which showcases artifacts spanning over a thousand years and provides a rare peek into the monarchy’s personal items—quite a treat for history lovers. Second, the storytelling around “The Crown”, which makes the history of Queen Elizabeth II and royal intrigues much more vivid and relatable. The guide’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge truly enhance the experience.

However, it’s worth noting that some parts of the experience are only external visits, such as Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, which might leave those hoping for interior access a little disappointed. Also, this tour requires a moderate level of walking over uneven surfaces, so it may not suit visitors with limited mobility.

Key Points

• In-Depth Historical Context: The guide provides fascinating insights, especially relating to “The Crown” and royal stories.
• Skip-the-Line Convenience: Makes a significant difference during busy times, giving more time to explore rather than wait.
• Exclusive Access to the Queen’s Galleries: Offers a rare collection of artifacts that span a millennium of monarchy.
• Great Value for the Cost: Combines multiple sights and stories into a compact, well-organized 3-hour tour.
• Best for History & Royalty Enthusiasts: The storytelling and artifacts appeal most to those passionate about British monarchy and architecture.
• Limited Access to Interiors of Buckingham Palace & Parliament: External views mean you don’t get inside these iconic buildings unless you opt for other tours.

A Deep Dive into the Tour: What You Can Expect

Starting at Westminster Abbey’s Medieval Cloisters

The tour kicks off in the medieval cloisters, where monks once meditated and walked. Standing among these ancient stone corridors, you’ll get a tangible sense of the Abbey’s monastic roots. The guide will probably mention that this entrance is not just beautiful but historically significant, providing a glimpse into monastic life centuries ago. From here, you’ll move into the Abbey itself.

Exploring Westminster Abbey’s Highlights

The core of the tour is around Westminster Abbey, one of London’s most iconic religious sites. The guide shares stories about royal coronations, weddings, and burials—including Queen Elizabeth II’s—bringing a personal touch to the stone halls. Several reviewers highlight that “the Abbey is very well kept and magnificent,” and that going early helps avoid the crowds, making it easier to absorb the grandeur. They praise guides like Maria for their kindness and knowledge, elevating the experience beyond mere sightseeing.

Many travelers appreciate the behind-the-scenes anecdotes about “The Crown.” These stories bring to life the political intrigues, romances, and dramas that played out within these walls, connecting the past to the popular Netflix series. The guide’s commentary makes the history more relatable and memorable.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries

Next, you’ll ascend 50 feet into the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, a stunning space filled with artifacts from Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and beyond. Expect to see items like the coronation chair of Queen Mary II, Queen Elizabeth I’s corset, and religious artifacts. The guide will tell stories that turn these objects into personal narratives, making history feel real. As one reviewer put it, “the rich history was everywhere,” and the galleries truly offer a visual connection to the monarchy’s legacy.

Viewing Big Ben and Parliament

After the abbey, you’ll step outside for brief stops at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The views across Parliament Square are superb—great for photos—and the tour stops here to appreciate the architecture and significance of these landmarks. These segments are external only, so don’t expect inside visits, but the photo opportunities and explanations about their history are well worth it.

Buckingham Palace Exterior Visit

The tour concludes with a visit to Buckingham Palace’s exterior. While you won’t go inside unless you book specific other tours, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the palace’s history and its current role as the monarch’s residence. The guide will share insights on the palace’s architecture and its place in royal life, making the exterior view quite meaningful.

Practical Details and Considerations

Timing & Group Size: The entire experience lasts around three hours, with a small group capped at 20 travelers. This likely means a more personalized experience, with ample opportunities to ask questions. The tour departs from Westminster Abbey, starting at the shop on Dean’s Yard, and ends at Buckingham Palace.

Price & Value: At nearly $184, this tour may seem a bit steep at first glance, but consider what’s included. You get skip-the-line tickets, access to the Queen’s Galleries, a knowledgeable Blue Badge guide, and insights into some of London’s most iconic landmarks—all condensed into an engaging three-hour experience. This offers a great value if you prefer a guided deep dive rather than wasting time waiting in line or wandering alone.

Accessibility & Weather: The tour involves a fair amount of walking, often over uneven surfaces like cobblestones and stairs, so it’s not ideal for those with limited mobility. Dress appropriately for London’s weather, which can be unpredictable. The tour operates in all conditions, so bring an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.

Additional Options: For those interested in the Changing of the Guard, you can upgrade the experience. However, the tour does not include inside visits to Buckingham Palace or the Houses of Parliament unless you choose additional tours.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy history, architecture, and royal stories. It’s perfect if you want to see Westminster Abbey without long waits and like to get a story-rich experience with a guide who can share behind-the-scenes tales. It’s also suited for those keen on seeing significant artifacts and learning about the monarchy’s influence on British culture.

If you’re a Netflix “The Crown” fan, you’ll especially enjoy hearing the stories connected to the filming locations. Conversely, those looking for inside access to the palace or parliament buildings might find this tour more limited, as many parts are just viewed from the outside.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, insightful look at Westminster Abbey and nearby landmarks, blending history, architecture, and royal intrigue. The inclusion of skip-the-line tickets and access to the Queen’s Jubilee Galleries makes it good value, especially in peak tourist seasons. Using a knowledgeable Blue Badge guide enriches every story and detail, making the experience memorable and authentic.

You’ll love the views of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace—photo opportunities abound—and the storytelling about “The Crown” will resonate with pop culture fans. The compact duration and small group size also make it a manageable and engaging way to see some of London’s most iconic sites without the hassle of wandering alone.

If you’re passionate about British royalty, enjoy architecture, or simply want a curated, immersive experience, this tour is a strong choice. Just be ready for some walking and the occasional outside-only view. It’s a smart pick for those who value a guided, well-organized glimpse into London’s royal and religious splendors.

FAQ

Is transportation provided between sites? No, this tour begins and ends at specified locations, and includes mostly walking between stops. It’s designed to be walkable with some outdoor sections.

Are inside visits included for Buckingham Palace or Parliament? No, both are viewed from the outside only, with the tour focusing on exterior sights and the Abbey’s interior.

How much walking is involved? Expect about 3 hours of walking over uneven surfaces like cobblestones and stairs, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Can children join this tour? Yes, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. It’s suitable for most ages comfortable with walking and standing.

What is the best time to take this tour? Going early is recommended to avoid crowds, especially at Westminster Abbey, which can get very busy later in the day.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather? Yes, it operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly. The outdoor stops will require suitable clothing.

Are there options to see the Changing of the Guard? Yes, you can upgrade to include this popular ceremony as part of your experience.

In summary, this guided tour offers an engaging way to explore London’s royal and religious icons with knowledgeable guides, skip-the-line access, and unique artifacts. Ideal for history buffs and culture seekers who want a structured, story-rich experience—just remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor viewing.