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

435 reviews

8 hours

Max 20

Why take this tour?

Highlights

  • See all of London's top attractions in a single day with an expertly crafted itinerary.
  • Step inside Westminster Abbey, home to the Coronation Chair and the final resting places of some of the UK's greatest scientists, writers, monarchs and more. (9AM tour only)
  • Enjoy a beautiful Thames River cruise complete with fun and informative commentary from the crew as you sail past scenic vistas.
  • Skip the line into the Tower of London for a comprehensive tour of the imposing palace-turned-prison, and marvel at the magnificence of the Crown Jewels.
  • Sites Visited
  • Westminster Abbey (9AM tour only)
  • Tower of London & Crown Jewels
  • Tower Bridge (exterior)
  • Buckingham Palace (exterior)
  • St James Palace (exterior)
  • Trafalgar Square
  • Houses of Parliament (exterior)
  • River Thames
  • Big Ben (view)
  • London Eye (view)
  • St Paul's Cathedral (view)
  • The Shard (view)
  • The Gherkin (view)
  • Tour Includes
  • Skip the line ticket for Westminster Abbey (9AM tour only)
  • Skip the line ticket for Tower of London
  • Thames river cruise
  • Blue Badge guide
  • Expertly guided walking tour
  • Headset

See all of London's highlights in just one day on this in-depth tour covering more ground than any other.

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Total Customer Reviews: 435

Verified Ratings
4.7 /5
based on 393 Walks’ customer ratings
Rating summary by category
Guide
4.9/5
Guest Support
4.7/5
Latest reviews
Excellent
Kim was a star. We covered a lot ground, from Westminster Abbey to Trafalgar Square and finally to the Tower of London, learning all about Edward the Confessor and so much more. He hits just the right stride and I and my niece and nephews had a great first day in London due to him. Highly recommend this and get him if you can.
Tripadvisor customer · Nancy · Dec 24, 2025 · USA
Excellent
Our guide, Matt, was amazing. Very knowledgeable, not just about what we saw but how we saw everything. He led us to the best viewing spots and times the day perfectly. We were a group of 3 and we all agreed - Matt was an exceptional guide.
Tripadvisor customer · Eileen · Nov 23, 2025
Excellent
We had such a wonderful time on this tour. Katherine is a remarkable guide, and she is the embodiment of London. She provided contextual information to the persons, places, and things that make London a unique place. By chance, my wife and I lucked out and were only 2 of the 4 that were on this tour, so it was like a private tour. From our meeting point by Westminster Abbey to the Tower of London and everything in between, this is a tour that connects the dots of Westminster to London. Walking from point to point and then taking a boat east to the Tower of London was a lovely experience. Before traveling to London, I didn't say lovely, but now it's my word of choice in describing pleasant experiences and people. Without giving away too much of the tour, I'll just say that if you want to leave London with a better understanding and see some highlight landmarks from a knowledgeable source then I highly suggest this tour. I don't know how the other guides are, but if Katherine is any indication, then you are in for a treat. She set a high bar for all tours that we book going forward.
Tripadvisor customer · LD · Feb 24, 2025 · USA
Excellent
Our tour was led by Allison and she was amazing. She provided excellent history and was very personable. We were fortunate to have a small group so we were able to get so much out of the tour. We were grateful for the earpieces to allow us to hear when we were in crowded areas. We put on some miles and were able to see SO MUCH! We took the tour that included the tour inside Westminster Abby and it was worth it. I highly recommend this tour if you want to see a lot of the major sites of London, with rich history provided, in just one day!
Tripadvisor customer · Jenmo · Feb 18, 2025 · USA
Excellent
In October, we joined Linda for a tour led by the London Blue Badge Guide. It was an absolutely fantastic and enriching experience. Her extensive knowledge of each site we explored was impressive. The tour spanned the entire day, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. The group size can accommodate up to 20 to 25 participants.
Verified · Stacy · Oct 29, 2024 · USA · Female · 55 to 64 years

FAQs

Is the Guard Change ceremony happening the day of my tour?
Please note there is no Changing of the Guard ceremony on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It may also be subject to cancellation at any time it's scheduled to happen during the week. In this event, you will get to see the Horse Guards Parade (an arguably more impressive ceremony!) and the Ceremony of the Word at the Tower of London.
Can I take pictures in Westminster Abbey?
No. You are not allowed to take any photos while inside the Abbey. If you want a picture of the interior, you have to buy a postcard in the gift shop.
Can I take a bag into Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London?
Yes, but only small bags. Please note that for security reasons your bags will also be checked before you enter. Here is a list of prohibited items: Sharp items e.g. knives (including Swiss army knives) scissors, cutlery and screwdrivers Paint spray Padlocks, chains and climbing gear Items that make a noise (e.g. whistles) Banners, placards and flags Liquids that are not in sealable containers

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