Skip The Line Into Houses Of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Fully-Guided Tour

Exploring the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey is a must-do for any visitor to London. This guided tour offers a convenient way to skip the queues and dive straight into the rich history and architectural wonders of these iconic landmarks. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the hidden stories and exclusive off-limits areas that bring these sites to life. Whether you’re fascinated by royal history or simply want to experience the grandeur of these historic buildings, this tour promises an immersive and insightful journey that’ll leave you with a deeper appreciation for London’s cultural heritage.

Key Points

This guided tour provides skip-the-line access to explore the iconic Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
An expert guide brings the rich history and hidden details of these landmarks to life through an informative and immersive experience.
Gain exclusive access to off-limit areas within the Houses of Parliament, deepening your understanding of British political and cultural significance.
Admire the architectural marvels and marvel at the centuries-old royal tombs, stained glass windows, and the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey.
The tour starts at a convenient central location and ends at the Palace of Westminster, allowing you to continue exploring the area after the tour.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Tour Overview

This guided tour offers visitors a chance to explore two of London’s most important and UNESCO-listed landmarks: Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

Guests will skip the lines and beat the crowds to enter Westminster Abbey, where an expert guide will bring the history of this iconic building to life.

The tour also provides exclusive access to normally off-limits parts of the Houses of Parliament, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of British governance.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights and details that will deepen visitors’ understanding and appreciation of these remarkable sites.

Inclusions

The tour includes headsets, allowing visitors to clearly hear the guide’s commentary throughout the experience.

It also provides entry to both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, along with a fully guided tour inside each landmark led by an expert guide.

The tour’s inclusions are:

Headsets for clear audio
Entrance to Westminster Abbey
Entrance to the Houses of Parliament, with a fully guided tour of both landmarks

These inclusions ensure an informative and immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore these iconic destinations without the hassle of waiting in long queues. With an expert guide on hand, visitors can explore the rich history and significance of these UNESCO-listed landmarks.

Meeting Point and End Point

The tour’s meeting point is the Sir Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square, while the end point is the Palace of Westminster. This makes the tour convenient for visitors, as both the starting and ending locations are centrally located.

Once the tour has concluded at the Palace of Westminster, participants can easily continue exploring the area on their own.

The meeting point is easy to find, and the guide will be there waiting to greet the group. This ensures a smooth start to the tour, allowing everyone to be accounted for before heading off to explore the iconic landmarks of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

Tour Details

First, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility concerns should be aware of this limitation. Bag searches are required at both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, so participants should plan accordingly.

The tour is located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for visitors. It’s suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as there may be some walking involved. The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Confirmation of the booking is received immediately.

The tour includes the following key details:

Skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey
Exploration of normally off-limits parts of the Houses of Parliament
An expert guide who brings the history of these landmarks to life

Additional Information

COVID-19 safety measures may apply for this tour. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Travelers should be aware that bag searches will be conducted at both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

The group size is capped at 20 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

Keep in mind that the tour operator may need to adjust logistics in response to any evolving COVID-19 guidelines.

But rest assured, you’ll enjoy skip-the-line access and expert-guided exploration of these iconic London landmarks.

Highlights of Westminster Abbey

Centuries-old royal tombs, intricate Gothic architecture, and awe-inspiring stained glass windows await visitors at Westminster Abbey, one of London’s most revered religious landmarks. As you step inside, you’ll be struck by the sheer grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the Coronation Chair, where monarchs have been crowned since 1308.

Marvel at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth I and the memorial to Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.

Wander through the cloisters and admire the exquisite medieval architecture and craftsmanship.

This guided tour provides skip-the-line access, so you can dive straight into uncovering the Abbey’s rich history and significance.

Inside the Houses of Parliament

After exploring the stunning architecture and history of Westminster Abbey, the tour moves on to the equally impressive Houses of Parliament.

Visitors are granted exclusive access to normally off-limits parts of this iconic landmark, uncovering its rich political and cultural significance.

As you step through the grand entrance, you’ll be captivated by the ornate interiors and learn about the critical role this building has played in shaping British democracy over the centuries.

Your guide brings the history to life, revealing the inner workings of the House of Commons and House of Lords.

From the magnificent Central Lobby to the historic division lobbies, every corner of the Houses of Parliament holds a fascinating story waiting to be explored.

Exploring the Landmarks’ History

Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament have borne witness to pivotal moments in British history, their walls echoing the triumphs and tribulations that have shaped the nation. Visitors embark on a journey through time as they explore these iconic landmarks, uncovering the rich tapestry of stories that have unfolded within their hallowed halls.

Your expert guide brings these landmarks to life, revealing:

How Westminster Abbey has been the site of royal coronations, weddings, and funerals for centuries, hosting the most significant figures in British history.
The political intrigue and power struggles that have played out within the Houses of Parliament, from the English Civil War to modern-day debates.
The architectural marvels and hidden details that showcase the grandeur and significance of these UNESCO-listed sites.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Landmarks?

Visitors can generally take photos inside Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, but there may be restrictions in certain areas. It’s best to check with the tour guide or staff on the day of the visit.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements?

There are no strict dress code requirements, but visitors should wear smart, modest attire. Loose, casual clothing and hats are generally discouraged. The tour locations may have temperature variations, so dressing in layers is recommended.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking and includes visiting normally off-limits parts of the Houses of Parliament. Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the experience.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is primarily offered in English, but the provider may accommodate other languages with advance notice. Travelers should inquire about language availability when booking to ensure their needs are met.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Time?

No, you can’t leave the tour group at any time. The guided tour requires participants to stay with the group for the full duration to ensure a seamless experience and access to all the included sites.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

Recap

Enjoy the rich history of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament on this guided tour.

Skip the lines and explore these iconic landmarks with an expert guide, uncovering their architectural marvels and hidden stories.

This is an unforgettable experience that deepens your understanding of the cultural and political significance of these landmarks in the heart of London.