London attractions advice needed

1. Yes to both. 2. We tipped our guide when we took Jack the Ripper tour we think it was several pounds. Not sure if it is necessary but we did it anyway.

I’ve gone one numerous walks with the company and it’s totally up to you. You don’t have to tip.
As for the other, yes, especially Westminster Abbey.

Yes re: Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Catherdral, two of the MOST visited sites by tourists.

They are both functioning places of worship so check their respective websites for mass schedules. Also to be certain they aren’t closed to the public for any special event.

It’s your choice whether or not to tip your Walks guide.

I highly recommend the verger’s tour at Westminster Abbey. It is worth the time and money.

You do not need to tip the London Walks guide.

Question number 1 - yes, both are ticketed. It doesn't matter if you are there 15 minutes or 4 hours (how would they know??)

If you are there for Evensong or a concert that is different, but you would not then be allowed to wander around.

Question number 2 - I never have.

I agree with Carol, the verger tour at Westminster is excellent. I have been to Westminster many times, but this past December, I took the verger tour. It takes you to special parts of the Abbey such as Tomb of St Edward the Confessor, not accessible to general visitors. Here is the link for the tour: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/guided-tours.

If you have the time, I would also recommend the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee gallery (separate ticket and timed admission). https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/plan-your-visit/the-queens-diamond-jubilee-galleries. It covers the history of the Abbey and shares different artifacts, documents, and even shards of the original stain glass. The docents who work the gallery are very knowledgeable about the Abbey and art/architecture in general.

I know this is more than an hour that you have planned, but wanted you to know of some of the options available.

Enjoy,

You now need tickets for both.

I've never tipped my London Walks guide and I dare say they won't mind as it's a side job for most of them who are actors and/or lawyers.

Thanks so much for the info. Getting my tickets now! I would love to do a proper tour of Westminster and St. Paul’s Cathedral next time....

Do you need tickets to get in to Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral regardless if you’re just spending less than an hour to see the place?

Reality check: If you are planning a day with many check-box items, expecting to knock out visits to places like Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral in "less than an hour" for each, you may be setting yourself up for an impossible (never mind misguided) plan. These places are very popular (and for good reason). There will be lines. There will be crowds of other people (in my experience, slowly shuffling along). And there's more to see than you can take in by just stepping inside, looking around, then quickly exiting. You may not be able to just pop in and out in less than an hour, and attempting to do so may leave you sad for having been so close (actually there) but without stopping to see the places because of a too-aggressive plan. I don't know if that's what you have planned, but based on your stated goal of "spending less than an hour" there, I would caution you to be careful about how many things you might be trying to squeeze in to a day. Good luck.

David, thank you for the warning. We will be doing the Hello London London Walks Tour and it would kill me not to go into the Abbey when we are literally so close. But you are right. I will definitely think about that.