London: Changing of the Guard & Royal London Walking Tour

If you’re visiting London and eager to witness one of the city’s most iconic traditions, this Changing of the Guard & Royal London Walking Tour might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a carefully curated experience that combines the spectacle of the guard change with a stroll around key royal landmarks, offering both great photo opportunities and insightful commentary.

What we love most about this tour is its prime vantage points, the knowledgeable guides, and the chance to truly learn about the history behind the pageantry. The small-group format ensures a more personal experience, making it easier to ask questions and get close to the action. One potential consideration is that the tour doesn’t go up to the front gates of Buckingham Palace — if that’s a must-see for you, this might not be the best fit. Still, if you’re after a well-rounded, engaging overview of royal London, this tour hits many marks.

This experience suits history fans, photo enthusiasts, or travelers who enjoy authentic traditions. It’s especially ideal if you want a snapshot of royal London without the crowds or the hassle of navigating on your own.

Good To Know

• Prime Viewing Spots: You’ll be positioned at the best locations to see the Changing of the Guard and capture great photos.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Ian, praised for their storytelling and humor, bring the history and context to life.
• Comprehensive Landmarks: The tour covers top sights like Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
• Photo Opportunities: Besides the guard ceremony, there are chances to photograph the Royal Horseguards (subject to schedule).
• Small Group: Limited to 15 guests, ensuring a more personalized experience and easier access to the action.
• Flexible & Value-Driven: At around $25.59, it offers a budget-friendly way to see key royal sights with guidance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Experience Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Starting Point & Meeting Logistics

The tour kicks off at the Equestrian Statue of Ferdinand Foch, near Victoria Station. The exact address is 97 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0RP. To spot your guide, look for the person holding a yellow umbrella — an easy-to-find marker. Meeting here ensures you’re close to other royal sites and public transport, making it convenient to get to.

The Changing of the Guard Ceremony

This is the star of the show. Positioned at the best viewpoints around Buckingham Palace, you’ll witness the guards dressed in iconic bearskin hats and regalia as they march to the music of a military band. The experience is lively, visually striking, and full of tradition.

What makes this special? The guide will share stories about its history and significance, transforming what might seem like a simple parade into a meaningful spectacle. According to reviews, guides like Ian excel at making the event informative and fun, blending facts with humor. One reviewer noted, “Ian was fantastic! He was great at incorporating fun facts about the Royal Family and the Palaces into story-telling,” which enhances the viewing experience.

Photography & Up-Close Encounters

Photographers will love the chance to get close to the Royal Guard for some memorable shots. There’s also the possibility to snap photos of the Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry, depending on their schedule, which adds a regal touch to your photo collection.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting Royal Residences

As you walk, you’ll stop at several key royal sites like Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and Clarence House — the residence of King Charles III. Your guide will share insights about each home’s history and its role in royal life.

Historic Landmarks & Final Stops

The tour concludes at Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. This part is perfect for those interested in the political and religious history of Britain, rounding out your royal experience with some of London’s most famous structures.

Tour Duration & Group Size

The entire walk lasts around 2.5 hours, providing a relaxed pace with plenty of time for questions and photos. With a maximum of 15 guests, the small group size means you’re less likely to miss out on close-up views or ask questions freely.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At roughly $25.59 per person, this tour packs in a lot of value. For that price, you gain access to prime viewing locations, a knowledgeable guide, and a curated itinerary that hits many of London’s most iconic royal landmarks. Given the reviews praising guides like Ian for their storytelling and the stunning perspectives offered, it’s clear that most travelers find this experience well worth the cost.

What the Price Gets You

• Guided access to the best spots for the Changing of the Guard
• Photo opportunities with the Royal Guards and palaces
• Insightful commentary about the history and traditions of the British monarchy
• Visits to key royal residences and landmarks
• The chance to learn from an award-winning tour company

Potential Drawbacks

The main thing to keep in mind is that the tour does not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace — if you’re eager to see the Palace up close or get inside, you’ll need a different experience. Also, since the schedule of the guard change can vary (especially in bad weather or during special occasions), the ceremony might be shorter or less elaborate on certain days.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, photographers, and those new to London wanting a structured, insightful overview of royal London. It’s also ideal for travelers on a budget who want a guided experience without paying a premium. However, it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or who prefer a more extensive, inside look at the palaces.

Practical Tips

• Arrive at the meeting point early to find your guide easily.
• Remember, the tour doesn’t include entry to the Palace’s interior — it’s all about viewing and understanding.
• Dress appropriately for the weather, especially if rain is forecast, as the ceremony might be affected.
• Bring a camera or smartphone with good zoom capability for the best photos.
• The tour involves walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour is generally suitable for most ages, but since it involves walking and standing, younger children should be prepared for a 2.5-hour stroll.

Does the tour run in all weather conditions? In bad weather, the British Army may conduct a shorter “Wet Change” without music, which could affect the experience.

Can I see the guards up close? Yes, the tour positions you in the best spots, so you can get close enough for good photos but not necessarily right next to the guards in a parade context.

Are there opportunities to take photos of the Royal Horseguards? It depends on the schedule, but there is a chance to get photos of the Household Cavalry during the tour.

What landmarks will I see at the end of the tour? You’ll visit and see London’s most famous landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for your plans.

Final Thoughts

The London: Changing of the Guard & Royal London Walking Tour delivers a well-balanced mix of spectacle, history, and great photo opportunities at an accessible price point. Guided by personable and knowledgeable experts like Ian, it transforms a simple ceremony into a memorable story about Britain’s monarchy and royal residences.

If you’re keen to see the guard change with prime views, learn about the royal palaces, and enjoy a small-group setting, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially recommended for first-time visitors or those short on time but wanting a comprehensive, engaging introduction to royal London without the crowds or hefty price tags.

For travelers seeking an authentic, informative, and fun way to explore London’s royal side, this tour offers a solid, value-packed choice — just bring your camera and a bit of curiosity.

You can check if your dates are available here: