London: Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guards Tour

A Practical Look at the Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Tour

If you’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of London’s royal pageantry, this guided tour of Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard might just be what you’re after. It’s a straightforward experience, designed to give visitors a front-row view of some of London’s most iconic traditions. While it doesn’t include entry to the palace itself, it offers plenty of lively storytelling and a chance to see the ceremonial guard in action.

What we really like about this tour is its affordable price point—at just over $22 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to see a classic London spectacle. Plus, the knowledgeable guides seem to make a real difference, sharing stories that bring history to life amid the crowds. That said, it’s worth noting that the experience is relatively short—just two hours—so if you’re craving a deep dive into royal history or palace interiors, you might want to look elsewhere.

Another point to consider is the crowds. The Changing of the Guard is popular for a reason, and during peak times, it can get quite busy. The good news is that this tour’s vantage point generally gives a good view, but be prepared for some jostling. This tour best suits first-time visitors eager for a taste of regality without breaking the bank, and those who enjoy a lively, guided walk.

Key Points

• Affordable price makes it accessible for most travelers
• Expert guides enhance the experience with engaging stories
• Great for first-timers wanting a quick, iconic London experience
• Good vantage point for watching the Changing of the Guard
• Limited access—no entry to Buckingham Palace itself
• Crowd considerations—can be busy during popular times

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

When thinking about what this tour offers, it’s helpful to understand exactly what you’re getting — and what you’re not. The main highlight is, of course, the view of Buckingham Palace and the chance to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Your guide will lead you to a prime spot where you can see these regal soldiers in their full red tunics and bearskin hats, performing their centuries-old ritual.

What makes this particularly appealing is the storytelling that guides bring. Instead of just watching a parade of soldiers, you get insights into the history of the guards, why they wear those striking uniforms, and how this tradition, dating back over 500 years, has evolved. One reviewer shared, “sehr informativ, tolle Schau, trotz vieler Leute,” which translates to being very informative despite the crowds, and they praised the guide for making the experience memorable.

The Changing of the Guard itself is a vibrant spectacle. It involves a military band playing a mix of military classics and more contemporary tunes, adding a lively soundtrack to the scene. The marching soldiers in their bright red uniforms and tall bearskin hats make for great photos, and watching the precise choreography of the ceremony can be surprisingly captivating.

While the tour is primarily focused on viewing the ceremony, it doesn’t include entry inside Buckingham Palace or transportation, so plan to spend some time in the area before or after. The meeting point outside Green Park Tube station is easy to find, right next to a wooden food stall, making it a convenient spot to gather.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick, engaging glimpse of royal traditions with the added benefit of expert narration. It suits those with limited time in London, especially first-timers eager to check off one of the city’s most iconic sights without the hassle of organizing their own viewing spot.

If you love lively ceremonies and historic pageantry, you’ll enjoy the energy of the Changing of the Guard. It’s also a good option for budget-conscious visitors, since the price is reasonable for such a quintessential London experience. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re looking for a deep dive into royal history or access inside the palace, you’ll need other tours.

The Logistics and Practicalities

The tour lasts around 2 hours, which is perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule. Check availability for start times, as they vary, and plan to arrive a little early to secure a good viewing spot. The tour is conducted in English and Italian, with live guides making the experience accessible to a diverse range of travelers.

Accessibility is another plus—wheelchair friendly, which is not always the case with outdoor ceremonies. The tour concludes back at the starting point, so you’re free to explore the surrounding parks or continue your sightseeing.

Pricing, at just over $22, feels fair considering the guide’s insights and the chance to see a world-famous ceremony without the crowds fighting for space. Remember, this fee does not include entry to Buckingham Palace, which might be worth considering if you decide to explore the palace interiors separately.

What Could Be Better?

While the experience is well-organized, the main limitation is that it’s just a viewing tour—no interior access or additional historical context about the palace itself. For some, this might seem a bit superficial, but for most visitors, the spectacle and stories will suffice.

Crowds are unavoidable, especially during peak tourist season, but the guide’s experience seems to help navigate this. Also, because the tour is relatively short, those craving a more immersive experience may find it lacking depth.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a cost-effective way to witness one of London’s most iconic traditions with the guidance of knowledgeable locals. It’s a solid pick for first-time visitors wanting a quick but lively introduction to British royal customs. The highlight—the Changing of the Guard—is a spectacle that’s hard to find elsewhere in such a straightforward, accessible format.

If you’re a history buff or simply want to check a major item off your London bucket list, this tour can fit nicely into your itinerary. Just keep in mind that it’s pretty much just a front-row view with commentary; if you want inside access to Buckingham Palace or a more immersive experience, you’ll need to look for other options.

Overall, it’s a tour that balances affordability, entertainment, and educational value, making it worth considering for most travelers wanting that quintessential royal London moment.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who enjoy ceremonies and are comfortable in crowds should find it engaging. Keep in mind that it involves standing outside for a period.

Does this tour include entry to Buckingham Palace?
No, it doesn’t include palace entry. You’ll see the exterior and learn about its history but won’t go inside.

Are the guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour is offered in both English and Italian, with live guides leading the experience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts around 2 hours, but check specific start times when booking.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair friendly, making it accessible to a wider audience.

What’s the meeting point?
You meet your guide outside Green Park Tube station, near the Statue of the Goddess Diana and a wooden food stall.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this a good value for the price?
Considering it’s just over $22 and includes a guide plus a prime view of a historic ceremony, it’s generally regarded as good value, especially for first-time visitors or those on a budget.

For anyone wanting a straightforward, lively look at London’s royal traditions without too much fuss, this tour hits the mark. Just remember—it’s about the spectacle and stories, not palace tours or in-depth royal history.

You can check availability for your dates here: