Going mid Dec. Is it really worth it to book a private tour for Westminster Abbey and the London Tower? It appears with a regular ticket you can wait and get a Beefeater yeomen to guide you in the London Tower. Not sure how crowded it will be in Dec. Was going to buy tickets online direct from their their websites and go for when they open to beat the crowd.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
3843 posts
We were there in May and just did the Yeoman tour and also used the audio guide. We were there for about 4 hours, including a break at their cafe. Between the two we were more than satisfied with the information we received.
Westminster Abbey was closed due to the coronation.
Posted by
OP
Louisiana
24 posts
Thanks for the input.
Posted by
UK
501 posts
No need for a private tour or guide at either.
At Westminster Abbey you can pick up an audio guide or sign up for a verger’s tour.
The Tower of London (note: it’s never called the London Tower) - join the Yeoman of the Guard tour there. Go at opening time, get to the Crown Jewels first by your own before the crowd build, then join the Yeoman tour.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8377 posts
I think the Verger Tour at Westminster Abbey is excellent and superior to the audio guide. You sign up for the tour after you enter the Abbey. There is an additional charge but the value far exceeds the nominal cost.
Posted by
OP
Louisiana
24 posts
Thanks everyone. I’ll plan to do that
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
1825 posts
I've been on both the Verger's tour and the Hidden Highlights tour at Westminster Abbey. Both are excellent and I would highly recommend. Also, be sure to go up to the Queen's Gallery. The view of the Abbey from up there is worth the small extra fee. I have never taken at tour at the Tower, but I have studied English history for as long as I can remember. If you are not familiar with English history a tour might help you appreciate how it was utilized over the centuries.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13937 posts
In addition to the Verger's tour, I recommend downloading the Westminster Abbey Tour app (It's the 4.5 star one produced by ATS Heritage). It's the same as their free audio guide but you can listen to it on your phone. Be sure to have your ear buds with you!
I used this several years ago while waiting for the Verger tour to start and then went back and hit a few things again, lol.
Oh yes, and the plus about doing the Yeoman Warder tour at Tower of London is that it ends in the small chapel St Peter ad Vincula. This can only be accessed on a Warder's tour or regular service and is where Anne Boleyn (#2) and Catherine Howard (#5) are buried.
Posted by
OP
Louisiana
24 posts
I booked both the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey from the direct sites like suggested. Thanks for the tips about the verger and yeomen. I was trying to figure out how to add it to the booking ahead of time.