Going from changing of guards to lunch to Westminster Abbey

Yes, enough time. Or more if you want!

If you want to save a little time and make it easier on yourself, there is a very nice cafe at Westminster Abbey - soups, sandwiches, pasta, etc. Cellarium Cafe.

That is good to know. I'm struggling on pre-booking so many places. I have a night tour at 7 (jack the ripper) and we have the morning to do changing of the guards. Is it imperative that I get tickets in advance for Westminster Abbey and or Churchill war rooms. I'm so wanting flexibility as what if we decide to do something else after changing of the guards-(suggestions are welcome!) We have tower of london the following day and the day before we have london eye and a river cruise.

Personally, I would drop the rather tedious Changing of the Guard if you are tight on time, but each to their own. The Churchill War Rooms are busy these days and an advance ticket would be useful. Two hours is fine for Westminster Abbey.

I don't think advance tickets are imperative for Westminster Abbey. There will be a line but the line moves fairly quickly. I think I spent 10 minutes in line in April. I do strongly suggest the Verger's tour. After you buy your ticket for admission, go directly to the desk and sign up for a tour. The advantage is that you get to go some places that aren't allowed unless you are on a tour, the vergers are passionate about the Abbey and share a great deal of knowledge, history and perspective, and you can ask questions.

I do get that people feel it's a waste of time or overrated but we have seven nights in London and this is something my husband really wants to show my son and I've never seen it either and we have the time. He is almost 12 so he can deal with waiting if we get there early.

Have you compared the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Horse Guard at Horse Guards Parade?

Changing of the horse guard has much smaller crowds, sometimes only a row or two deep, includes horses and silver breast plates and swords, none of which are part of the Buckingham Palace show.

Different strokes for different folks, but I personally prefer the horses.

Oh, and Horse Guards Parade (on and just off Whitehall) is just around the corner (less than 10 minutes' walk either through St James' Park - see the birds - or down Whitehall and pass by Downing Street) from Westminster Abbey. 15 minutes walk to the Abbey from Buck House.

I second the recommendation for the Verger tour at Westminster-it was so cool.

We did the changing of the guard at Buckingham and honestly, it was a major time suck, and the only thing I wish we had not done bc it was utterly disappointing. I didn't care, but my daughter wanted to see it but it was so crowded and we couldn't even see anything. I understand 'needing to see it once' but I would recommend skipping it to anyone that asked me. I would try the Horse Guard if we went back.

hey hey laurenarky24
I agree with Nigel and ferrin. Few years ago in late September, we just got off the tube and saw the horses galloping down the road, it was a site to see. following them to palace, we thought how wonderful we got there at the right time. WRONG!! there was people everywhere, pushing and shoving, climbing poles, cement walls and fountains, the fence, people’s shoulders. was a nightmare. if not behind the cord, guards telling people to leave, didn’t wanna go so kept pushing and shoving. i’m Surely not the tallest in the bunch but I ducked a bit to see the guard marching thru people’s arms, got a short video. took forever to disperse the crowds. as Nigel said took a walk to the horses and guards, where it was so peaceful and got great pictures. don’t want to burst your bubble, just be prepared for the madhouse, especially if during the summer crowds. people can be so rude and obnoxious, guess it’s all about them and more privileged. give yourself plenty of time if not extra time.
London is a great fun city, lots of things to see and do, maybe for a relaxing day take a canal boat ride with Jason’s.co.uk or do a gin tour with “chauffeur” like we did with “shake rattle and stir”. went to 6 or 7 pubs/bars and had a gin drink they are famous for, fabulous and fun.
aloha

Jennifer and Nigel give great advice and information.

I am going to the Changing of the Horse Guard at Horse Guards Parade in September.

If you are going to the Tower when you enter go to the Jewel Tower first, it is behind the White Tower, it is amazing and don’t forget to see the ravens.

Yes, you should get tickets in advance for the Churchill War Rooms. The line was very long and we were moved to the front with our pre purchased tickets.