Full Westminster Abbey Private Tour Description

Your Westminster Abbey Tour Begins Here

Starting Outside Westminster Abbey

Our Westminster Abbey private tours always begin outside this magnificent Gothic masterpiece, allowing you to fully appreciate its architectural grandeur before entering. This world-famous church has hosted royal coronations, weddings, and state funerals for nearly 1,000 years, including the recent coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

Entering Through the Historic Cloisters

We’ll enter Westminster Abbey through the ancient cloisters, offering an immediate sense of the building’s incredible age and scale. As you step inside, you’ll notice names carved into stone and memorials everywhere – some you’ll recognize instantly, others will come alive through your Blue Badge guide’s expert storytelling.

Inside Westminster Abbey: 2 Hours of Royal History

The Coronation Chair – Britain’s Most Important Furniture

Your first major stop is the Coronation Chair, arguably the most significant piece of furniture in British history. Last used just months ago for King Charles III’s coronation, this 700-year-old oak chair has witnessed the crowning of nearly every English monarch since 1308. Your guide will help you imagine the pageantry and ceremony that has unfolded in this exact spot for centuries.

Royal Tombs and the High Altar

Moving deeper into Westminster Abbey, we’ll explore the area around the High Altar where many of Britain’s most important monarchs are buried. Here your guide will share the fascinating story of two step-sisters – both queens with completely different personalities – who couldn’t stand each other in life but now share the same tomb in death.

The Lady Chapel’s Gothic Masterpiece

The Lady Chapel showcases the finest example of late Gothic architecture you’ll see anywhere in London. Its intricate fan-vaulted ceiling is a masterwork of medieval craftsmanship, representing centuries of artistic achievement in stone.

Poets’ Corner – Literary Giants at Rest

No Westminster Abbey tour is complete without visiting Poets’ Corner, where literary legends like Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, and William Shakespeare are commemorated. Your guide will help you locate specific writers and poets that interest your group, sharing stories of their lives and contributions to British culture.

Walking Tour Beyond Westminster Abbey

Parliament Square and Big Ben

Leaving Westminster Abbey, we immediately enter Parliament Square, home to the Houses of Parliament and the world-famous Big Ben clock tower. This is your opportunity for iconic photos with Gothic Revival architecture as your backdrop. Your Blue Badge guide will point out the statues of Britain’s most influential political figures and explain their historical significance.

Horse Guards Parade – Living Military Tradition

A short walk brings us to Horse Guards Parade, where mounted cavalry soldiers maintain their centuries-old guard duty. These aren’t just ceremonial figures – they’re active military personnel who undergo daily inspection regardless of weather. Your guide will explain the traditions and share entertaining stories about tourist interactions (and yes, the horses really can bite!).

St. James’s Park – Royal Wildlife Sanctuary

We’ll stroll through London’s oldest royal park, originally Henry VIII’s private hunting ground. Today, St. James’s Park is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife including pelicans (gifted by the Russian ambassador in 1664), black and white swans, Egyptian geese, and remarkably tame squirrels. Families with children particularly enjoy the bird feeding opportunities while adults appreciate the stunning lake views toward Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace – The Working Royal Residence

Our visit to Buckingham Palace isn’t just about photos – your guide will teach you how to determine if His Majesty is currently in residence (hint: watch the flagpole). If timing permits, we may witness elements of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, one of London’s most popular spectacles. Your guide knows the best viewing positions and optimal photo angles for this iconic royal residence.

St. James’s Palace and Royal Shopping

Often overlooked by tourists, St. James’s Palace actually holds seniority over Buckingham Palace as the official royal residence. Your guide will point out the nearby shops displaying royal warrants on St. James’s Street – these are the actual businesses where the royal family shops for everything from handmade shoes to fine cigars.

The Mall – London’s Ceremonial Avenue

Walking down The Mall provides a truly regal experience along London’s grand ceremonial route. This red-surfaced avenue has witnessed coronation processions, royal weddings, and state funerals throughout modern history. Your guide will position you for perfect photos while sharing stories of the pageantry that has unfolded along this famous stretch.

Trafalgar Square – Heart of London

Your Westminster Abbey private tour concludes at Trafalgar Square, London’s geographic and cultural heart. Standing beneath Nelson’s Column, you’ll learn about Britain’s greatest naval victory while being perfectly positioned to continue your London exploration. Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and the National Gallery are all within easy walking distance.

Why Choose Our Westminster Abbey Private Tour

Maximising Your Once-in-a-Lifetime Visit

Westminster Abbey contains layers of history that self-guided visitors inevitably miss. Our Blue Badge guides undergo intensive two-year training specifically to bring these stories to life, ensuring you experience every significant detail during your visit.

Completely Personalised Experience

Private tours allow complete customisation to your interests. Fascinated by royal coronations? We’ll spend extra time discussing monarchy traditions. Love architecture? We’ll focus on Gothic design elements. Interested in famous burials? We’ll seek out specific individuals in Poets’ Corner. Your guide adapts the experience in real-time based on your group’s preferences.

Perfect for All Ages and Mobility Levels

Our Westminster Abbey tours work beautifully for multi-generational families. Children stay engaged through interactive storytelling while adults appreciate historical depth and architectural details. The tour involves moderate walking on mostly even surfaces, with opportunities to rest inside Westminster Abbey and St. James’s Park.

Tour Duration: 3 hours total
Abbey Time: 2 hours inside Westminster Abbey
Group Size: Private tours for up to 10 people
Meeting Point: Westminster Abbey shop, with hotel pickup available by arrangement