CityGuides360
Find a tour

The best London royal and history

Palaces, abbeys and the Changing of the Guard with a guide who knows the history. Our top picks, no repeats.

We may earn a commission if you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

All royal and history

Viator

Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

4.6(3,615)

1 hourFrom £17.20
Viator

London's Palaces & Parliament Tour (See Over 20+ London Top Sights)

4.9(1,790)

3 hoursFrom £22
Viator

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Guided Tour of London

4.9(1,231)

3.5 hoursFrom £79
Viator

Westminster Guided Walking Tour with Abbey Entry

4.8(1,361)

5 hoursFrom £102
Viator

London in WW2 Walking Tour with Churchill War Rooms Visit

4.9(959)

3 hoursFrom £72
Viator

London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise

4.8(1,064)

6 hoursFrom £95
Viator

Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour and Visit of Churchill War Rooms

4.8(1,027)

5 hoursFrom £98
Viator

Downton Abbey & Highclere Castle Tour from London, with Oxford

4.7(959)

10 hoursFrom £155
Viator

The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

4.6(1,088)

2 hoursFrom £125
Viator

The Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace Day Trip from London

4.5(1,264)

10 hoursFrom £79
Viator

Early Access Tower of London: Crown Jewels and Beefeater Ceremony

4.6(1,034)

1 hourFrom £66
Viator

VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet

4.6(981)

3 hoursFrom £99

Also worth a look

More on GetYourGuide.

These offers load from GetYourGuide, which may set cookies. They stay off until you choose to load them.

Tours via Viator, Tiqets and GetYourGuide. Prices update nightly; GetYourGuide prices load live.

London's royal and historic tours concentrate on two areas: Westminster, with Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London in the east. Walking tours of Westminster usually last about three hours. Longer versions add entry to the Abbey or the Churchill War Rooms and run to about five hours. There are also tours timed for the Changing of the Guard and full-day combinations of the Tower, Westminster and a river cruise.

At the time of checking, short guided walks were listed from about £22 to £29, and walks that include entry to the Abbey or the War Rooms from about £72 to £102. Day trips further out, to Highclere Castle or Blenheim Palace, start at around £79.

Planning a royal day

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace does not happen every day and can be cancelled in bad weather, so check the official schedule before booking a tour built around it. Westminster Abbey is a working church and usually closes to sightseers on Sundays. Arrive early at the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels before the queues build.

London royal and history: questions

Does the Changing of the Guard happen every day?

No, it runs on set days that change through the year and can be cancelled in wet weather. Check the schedule for your date before booking.

How long should I allow for a Westminster tour?

A guided walk takes about three hours. Allow five or more if the tour includes entry to Westminster Abbey or the Churchill War Rooms.

Is Westminster Abbey open on Sundays?

It is open for worship on Sundays but usually not for sightseeing. Plan tours that include Abbey entry for another day.

More London tours