Look inside Westminster Abbey and learn about the Houses of Parliament and its famous Big Ben bell on a 4-hour guided tour. Hear about the workings of government, and discover how and why these iconic symbols of London were built.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Duration 75 minutes - 4 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide: English
Optional audio guide: Spanish, English, Irish, Italian, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese
Private group available

Highlights

Take a tour inside Westminster Abbey
Learn the history behind the Palace of Westminster
Get a better understanding of the workings of parliament
Take the option to go inside the Houses of Parliament

Full description

Meet your guide at the entrance to Westminster Abbey at 09:15 AM, and then look inside the historic monument to stand in the footsteps of kings and queens.

Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, all coronations of English and British monarchs have been held in the abbey, as have many royal weddings, including that of Prince William to Kate Middleton in 2011. Then, take a panoramic tour around the Houses of Parliament and pass the Elizabeth Tower where the famous Big Ben bell chimes every quarter hour. Learn about the role of MPs who sit in the House of Commons and the function of the House of Lords.

Hear how, and why, the Elizabeth Tower and its great clock and iconic bell were built. For a more complete experience, select the option that includes the ticket to the Parliament and get an audio-guided tour inside the building. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Palace of Westminster (the official name of the Houses of Parliament) boasts an ostentatious façade with golden spires and statues of kings that reflect in the River Thames.

Listen as your guide explains the history of the building, from the first medieval clock tower built in the old Palace of Westminster, to the design and construction of the present Elizabeth Tower.

Includes

Entry to Westminster Abbey (if option selected)
Professional English-speaking guide inside Westminster Abbey (if option selected)
Panoramic tour of the Houses of Parliament (if option selected)
Entry to the Houses of Parliament (if option selected)
Audio guided tour inside the Parliament (if option selected)

Hotel pick-up and drop off

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

Not allowed

Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

Please note that this tour is subject to change at the last minute
Please note that this is not a direct Ticket, your guide will give you access to the monument

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 63 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.6/5
Value for money
3.9/5
Service
4.3/5
Organization
4.2/5

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After meeting up with our tour guide Richard, We got to see Westminster Abbey in a way that we have never experienced before. While an audio guide is available, Richard was able to offer stories and commentary that brought the history of the Abbey vividly to life. The tour through the Houses of Parliament was self-guided but Richard was able to provide some interesting commentary before the start of the tour. Overall we had a great experience with this tour!

June 19, 2022

Jane was absolutely wonderful. Her knowledge of roughly 1000 years of British monarchy and history was incredible and her personality was cheeky and inviting. I can not recommend this tour enough. My only regret is that she did not lead the tour of parliament, it is self and audio guided.

May 15, 2022

We absolutely loved the tour of the Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, four hours sounds a long time but I could have happily stayed even longer. It was very interesting on so many fronts. Seeing the final resting place of so many iconic Kings and Queens and to stand in the Houses of Parliament where so much history has been and continues to be made is incredible. Loved it.

February 25, 2019

Westminster Abbey Tour with Optional Houses of Parliament

Westminster Abbey Tour with Optional Houses of Parliament

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