London Layover - Private Tour from Heathrow Airport

The Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace follows a traditional format that is the basis for guard changing ceremonies which take place at other Palaces and Royal Residences. The Old Guard (the soldiers currently on duty) form up in front of the palace and are relieved by the New Guard which arrives from Wellington Barracks. The New Guard is accompanied by a Band. The ceremony represents a formal handover of responsibilities. You will notice that soldiers of both the Old Guard and New Guard carry regimental flags. Known as Colours, these traditionally served as regimental emblems which provided rallying points in battle. Today, they carry regimental distinctions or battle honours emblazoned on them. Changing of The King’s Guard takes place in front of Buckingham Palace at 10:45am and lasts for about 45 minutes. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday Changing the Guard can sometimes be cancelled at very short notice, and can be decided as late as 10:45am on the day.

Buckingham Palace is recognised around the world as the home of the monarch, the focus of national and royal celebrations, as well as the backdrop to the regular Changing the Guard ceremony. Here we will be stopping to give you chance to see the Palace from close and take pictures

The Abbey is a place that's touched the lives of kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets, priests, heroes and villains since 960AD. Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the resting place of more than 3,000 great Britons. Westminster Abbey started as a Benedictine monastery established during the period of 960-980, although it is believed that an abbey - known as St Peters - was founded on the site in the 7th century. Between 1042 and 1052 King Edward the Confessor (1042-1066) began to rebuild and develop the abbey as a royal burial church. Although it was consecrated in 1065 shortly before Edwards’s death, it was not completed until the 1090’s. It was the first church in England to be built in the shape of the cross.

Big Ben is probably the world's most famous clock. That iconic silhouette is instantly recognisable and is one of the most Instagrammed landmarks on the planet. Six monarchs and 41 prime ministers have come and gone since the bells first struck their now familiar music across Westminster.

The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret's Church lie next to the River Thames in the heart of London. With their intricate silhouettes, they have symbolised monarchy, religion and power since Edward the Confessor built his palace and church on Thorney Island in the 11th century AD. The Palace of Westminster is one of the most iconic and significant buildings in the world. It is home to one of the busiest parliaments, with more than a million people, including 100,000 schoolchildren, passing through its doors each year.

Parliament Square Garden is an area of significant historic and symbolic value. The square was created in the 1860s and contains statues of well-known statesmen including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela.

At 135m, The London Eye is the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel. It was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and was launched in 2000. It has won over 85 awards for national and international tourism, outstanding architectural quality and engineering achievement

St Paul’s Cathedral is a vibrant working church, a national treasure and a London icon. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 17th century, the Cathedral has been the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of London for over 1,400 years.

The Tower of London is an internationally famous monument and one of England's most iconic structures. William the Conqueror built the White Tower in 1066 as a demonstration of Norman power, siting it strategically on the River Thames to act as both fortress and gateway to the capital.

The bridge is used by roughly 40,000 people everyday. Former US President Bill Clinton once waited 20 minutes for a barge to sail underneath the bridge, so he could cross the bridge. In 1977, the bridge was painted red, white and blue to celebrate the Queen's silver jubilee. Tower Bridge will transport you to Victorian London, telling the story of the city's defining landmark from the very beginning. Discover iconic London views from the Walkways, dare yourself to walk across the spectacular Glass Floors and marvel at the feat of Victorian engineering inside the Engine Rooms.

On this short layover tour we will take inside central London to see the famous city. You will be given a panoramic tour of the city with running commentary from your experienced driver guide. you will be driver through 1o Downing street (home of the Prime Minister of UK) Trafalgar square, Piccadilly circus and many other places you will have time for lunch during this tour