London: Changing of the Guard & Royal London Walking Tour

London: Changing of the Guard & Royal London Walking Tour — A Detailed Review

If you’re exploring London for the first time, catching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a must-see spectacle. This tour, offered by See The Sights Tours, promises an up-close view of this classic ceremony combined with a walk through the heart of Royal London. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, reviews highlight how well this tour captures the magic of royal traditions, with particular praise for the knowledgeable guides and prime viewing spots.

What we love about this tour is its focus on giving participants the best vantage points for the Changing of the Guard — no jostling with crowds or standing far away behind barriers. Plus, the inclusion of key royal landmarks like St James’s Palace, Clarence House, and Big Ben makes it a comprehensive introduction to London’s royal side. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t go right to Buckingham Palace’s front gates, so if you want that classic shot of the palace itself, you’ll need an extra visit. Overall, it’s an ideal choice for travelers who want a mix of iconic sights, rich tradition, and expert commentary — especially if you’re short on time but want an authentic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Prime Viewing: Get the best spots around Buckingham Palace for an unobstructed view of the Changing of the Guard.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories that bring royal traditions vividly to life.
• Photographic Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the Royal Guard, the Royal Palaces, and, when scheduled, the Household Cavalry.
• Comprehensive Route: Besides the ceremony, visit royal residences and landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.
• Small Group Size: A maximum of 15 guests ensures a more personal experience and better access to viewpoints.
• Value for Money: At around $25, this tour offers expert-guided sightseeing with special access and photo ops.

What the Tour Includes

This 2.5-hour walking experience is thoughtfully designed to maximize your enjoyment and understanding of London’s royal pageantry. Starting at the Ferdinand Foch Equestrian Statue near Victoria Station, your guide will lead you to the prime spots around Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace. The small-group setting means you’ll get personalized attention, while the knowledgeable guide offers insights into the history and significance of each landmark.

The core highlight is, of course, witnessing the Changing of the Guard — one of London’s most photogenic and traditional ceremonies. You’ll stand in the best positions to see the guards in their iconic bearskin hats and colorful tunics marching to marching band music. Tour guides are skilled at explaining the ceremony’s history, allowing you to appreciate its importance beyond the spectacle.

In addition, you’ll learn about the royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and Clarence House, gaining context on the monarchy’s presence in London. When the schedule permits, you’ll even have the chance to take a photo with the Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry, a photo opportunity highlighted by reviewers as a memorable moment. The tour wraps up with visits to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, ensuring you get a taste of London’s political and spiritual heart.

Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: The tour kicks off at the Ferdinand Foch Statue near Victoria Station, marked clearly by the yellow umbrella of your guide. This spot is convenient and accessible, making it easy to meet up.

Royal Palaces: From the start, your guide will lead you around the best views of the royal residences. The emphasis is on quality over quantity — you’ll stand in specially chosen locations to see the Changing of the Guard, avoiding the crowds that gather at front gates. These vantage points are crucial because they enable photography and a better overall experience.

Changing of the Guard: The ceremony itself involves a precise and disciplined march of the Royal Guard to the sound of a military band. The guide will explain the history behind the tradition and its significance. Reviewers note that guides like Ian bring a mix of humor and fascinating details, making the ceremony more than just a parade. One reviewer particularly loved the incorporation of fun facts and storytelling.

Royal Landmarks: After witnessing the ceremony, the tour continues to nearby landmarks, including St James’s Palace and Clarence House. These lesser-visited royal residences provide insight into the monarchy’s workings and historical significance. The guide’s stories breathe life into these stately buildings, making history feel tangible.

Photo Opportunities: When the schedule aligns, guests can pose next to the Royal Horseguards, a highlight according to reviews that describe the moment as “spectacular.” These moments, coupled with the chance to photograph the Guards and palaces, elevate the experience for photo enthusiasts.

Final Stops: The tour concludes in Westminster, giving you excellent views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. These are perfect photo spots and provide context for London’s political and religious history, rounding out your royal-themed day.

The Experience Value

At just over $25, this tour offers remarkable value. You receive guided commentary from experts who are passionate about London’s royal traditions and landmarks. The small-group format ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and the carefully chosen viewpoints mean you’ll see more than most visitors do from afar.

While it doesn’t include entry to interior royal palaces, the focus on viewing spots and storytelling makes the price well worth it. You’re paying for an immersive experience that combines history, tradition, and photography at a highly competitive rate.

The tour’s timing — 2.5 hours — is well-suited for travelers who want a quick but thorough introduction to the royal sights without the fatigue of full-day excursions. Plus, the flexibility of booking with free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later make it a low-risk choice.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, photo lovers, and first-time visitors wanting a guided introduction to London’s royal landmarks. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy storytelling and sightseeing, the small-group setting enhances the experience.

It’s especially suitable for those who want to witness the Changing of the Guard without the hassle of navigating crowds or missing key viewpoints. The knowledgeable guide makes the ceremony much more meaningful and memorable, transforming a simple parade into a window into British tradition.

However, if you have mobility issues or travel with very young children in strollers, this tour might not be ideal, as it involves walking and standing in specific spots. Also, the tour doesn’t go inside Buckingham Palace, so if interior access is your priority, you’ll need a different experience.

The Sum Up

For those eager to see London’s royal pageantry in an accessible, well-organized way, this tour offers excellent value. The combination of prime viewing locations, expert narration, and the chance to photograph iconic sights makes it a top choice for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. The small-group format ensures you’ll be part of a more intimate experience, often appreciated when encountering the grandeur of the royal traditions.

The knowledgeable guides, especially those who can blend humor with history, transform a sightseeing walk into a lively, engaging experience. Whether you’re there for the photography, the storytelling, or just to say you saw the Changing of the Guard with your own eyes, this tour covers all those bases without breaking the bank.

Overall, if you want a compact but rich introduction to London’s royal sights, this tour does exactly that — with some of the best views and most engaging guides around. It’s an experience that turns a famous ceremony into a memorable story for your London trip.

FAQ

Does the tour include the actual Changing of the Guard ceremony?
Yes, the tour is designed to position you at the best spots to see this ceremony clearly. You’ll witness the guards marching in their full regalia, to the music of a military band.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Equestrian Statue of Ferdinand Foch near Victoria Station, with your guide holding a yellow umbrella. The tour finishes back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or who use wheelchairs. The walking involves standing in specific viewpoints, and the tour may not be accessible for all.

Can I see the interior of Buckingham Palace on this tour?
No, this tour focuses on viewing the exterior and surrounding landmarks. For interior visits, separate tickets are needed.

What happens in bad weather?
In bad weather, the British Army may perform a shorter version of the Changing of the Guard called a “Wet Change,” without music. This decision is made on the morning of the ceremony.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided walk with expert commentary, the best viewpoints for watching the Changing of the Guard, and photos of the Royal Guards and palaces when scheduled. You also visit key royal landmarks and have the chance for memorable photos.

This carefully curated tour offers a wonderful introduction to London’s royal traditions, blending history, photography, and storytelling into a memorable experience that’s well worth its moderate price.

You can check availability for your dates here: