The London Eye and County Hall beside the Thames, with a riverboat passing in front

Tours & tickets

Tours and tickets in Westminster and London

Tour the Houses of Parliament, see Westminster Abbey, ride the London Eye, cruise the Thames from Westminster Pier or head out to Windsor and Stonehenge. Every tour here is bookable online through GetYourGuide.

Westminster and royal London

Parliament, the Abbey and the palace are all within a few minutes’ walk of Westminster Station. These are the tours and tickets that take you inside.

The river and London’s icons

Cross Westminster Bridge for the London Eye, step onto a boat at Westminster Pier, or ride an open-top bus past the sights on your way to the Tower.

History, film and day trips

Go underground where Churchill ran the war, walk onto the sets of the Harry Potter films, take tea on a vintage bus, or head out of town to Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath.

Booking tours in London: what to know

Many of London’s best sights are within walking distance of Westminster Station, and you can visit most of them on your own with a ticket. Guided tours make the most sense when you want the stories behind the buildings, want to skip ticket queues, or are heading out of London on a day trip.

Ticket or tour?

For Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and the Tower of London, a timed entry ticket is all you need, and Yeoman Warder tours at the Tower are included. For Westminster itself and the Changing of the Guard, a walking tour with a guide helps you find the best viewpoints and understand what you are seeing.

Book ahead in summer

July and August, school holidays and weekends are the busiest times. Popular slots, such as sunset on the London Eye or the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, sell out, so book a few days ahead.

Check what is included

  • Hotel pickup, or a meeting point at a station
  • Entry tickets and fast-track entry
  • Transport on day trips, and how long you have at each stop
  • Food and drink on afternoon tea and food tours

Cancellation terms

Many tours on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, and some let you reserve now and pay later. Terms vary by tour, so read them before you book.

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Westminster and London tours FAQ

When is the Changing of the Guard?

The ceremony at Buckingham Palace usually starts at 11:00 and lasts about 45 minutes. It does not happen every day, and it can be cancelled in very wet weather, so check the official schedule before you go. Read our Changing of the Guard guide.

Can I go inside the Houses of Parliament?

Yes. Guided and audio tours run on most Saturdays and on weekdays during recesses, and anyone can watch debates from the public galleries for free when Parliament is sitting. See our Houses of Parliament guide.

Do I need to book Westminster Abbey in advance?

It is not essential, but booking online is usually cheaper and quicker than buying at the door, especially in summer. The Abbey is open for sightseeing from Monday to Saturday, and for worship only on Sundays.

Can I go up Big Ben?

Tours of the Elizabeth Tower are run by the UK Parliament in small numbers and sell out quickly. There are more than 300 steps and no lift. Check the UK Parliament website for availability.

Can I cancel a tour if my plans change?

Many tours on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Terms vary by tour, so check them on the booking page.

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