London: Changing of The Guard Tour

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to see one of the city’s most recognizable ceremonies, this Changing of the Guard tour might be just what you need. While many travelers stand around at Buckingham Palace hoping for a glimpse, this tour offers a more immersive, informative, and often more enjoyable way to experience this tradition. We’ve looked into it thoroughly, and here’s what you need to know before booking.

One of the things we really like about this experience is the expert guidance. The tour is led by knowledgeable locals who not only help you see the best spots but also share interesting stories and explanations you wouldn’t get just standing around. The second highlight is the great value for money; at around $24.25 per person, you get a two-hour, insider look at some of London’s most iconic sights, with the added bonus of close-up views and plenty of photo opportunities.

A potential downside is that this tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to the start point. Also, since it takes place rain or shine, you should be prepared for London’s unpredictable weather, which can impact your experience.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, culture, and sightseeing, and anyone wanting to see the Changing of the Guard with an expert guiding them along the way. It’s also well-suited for those who prefer a small, more personalized experience rather than large crowds.

Key Points

• Expert guides make the experience more engaging and informative.
• Close-up views and great photo opportunities are a major plus.
• The tour covers famous landmarks like St. James’s Palace and Clarence House.
• It offers value for money with a detailed, insightful two-hour experience.
• The itinerary is well-paced, with stops at several key sights.
• It’s a rain or shine activity, so come prepared with weather gear.

If you’re someone who loves soaking in local traditions and understanding the stories behind them, this tour hits the right notes. The Changing of the Guard is one of London’s most photogenic and symbolic events, but many visitors only get a fleeting glimpse while fighting for a spot outdoors. This tour changes that by bringing you closer, with a guide who makes sense of all the pomp and ceremony.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What’s Not

For just over twenty-four dollars, you receive a professional tour guide, a viewing of the Changing of the Guard, and, if you opt for the private version, a more personalized experience. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to meet at the designated start point, Waterloo Place, near the equestrian statue of Edward VII.

The experience is designed to run rain or shine, which means you should come prepared with comfortable shoes and an umbrella. The tour lasts about 2 hours, and there are several stops along the way, including London’s iconic landmarks like The Mall, St. James’s Palace, Clarence House, and St. James’s Park.

The Itinerary – What to Expect

The tour kicks off at the Equestrian statue of Edward VII at Waterloo Place. From there, your guide will lead you through a series of stops with historical insights and photo opportunities. The first few stops include The Mall, a grand boulevard that’s often used for royal processions, and the George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial, where you’ll learn about the royal family’s history.

Next, you’ll visit St. James’s Palace — the oldest town residence of the British monarch — and stop for photos of Clarence House, the current residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla. The tour also includes a stop at St. James’s Park, a beautiful green space that offers excellent views and a chance to relax before concluding at Buckingham Palace.

Throughout the tour, your guide will share not only the history but also the lesser-known symbolism, such as the meaning behind uniform buttons, gestures, and colors. Several reviews mention guides being knowledgeable, witty, and engaging, adding a lot of personality to the experience. One reviewer, Laura, praised her guide Chris for making the tour enjoyable and full of insights, noting, “He was excellent — knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole experience even more enjoyable.”

The Viewing Experience

While many travelers try to stand at the palace fence, this tour moves you to the best spots for viewing, often behind the crowds. You’ll get a more comfortable vantage point without the hustle of trying to squeeze into a crowded space. Multiple reviews highlight how guides are adept at positioning groups for optimal views and photos, with one reviewer mentioning how their guide, Paul, was an “expert at knowing where to stand for the best view.”

Another aspect that adds value is the opportunity to witness the marching guards, with many reviews noting how guides manage the group to experience the full spectacle, including the marching and the music, with some mentioning that even if the full ceremony is canceled, you’ll get to see the guards march without music.

The Guides Make All the Difference

One of the most frequently praised parts of this tour is the guides’ knowledge and personalities. Many reviews mention guides like Babs, Alan, Jo, and Chris as being informative, engaging, and fun. Their ability to share stories, answer questions, and manage the group turns what could be a simple sightseeing walk into a memorable experience. As one reviewer put it, “Babs was AMAZING! Her contagious personality and her knowledge made the tour stand out.”

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The Value for Money

At just over $24, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the time spent and the quality of the guiding. Instead of just passively watching the ceremony, you get a personalized, behind-the-scenes perspective and a much better understanding of what you’re seeing. Multiple reviews emphasize how guides help you get the best views and share interesting facts you wouldn’t otherwise know.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a history buff or a lover of traditions, this tour will enhance your experience by providing context and stories that enrich the visual spectacle. It’s also a good pick for those who want to avoid the hassle of finding the best viewing spots on their own. It suits travelers who appreciate small-group or private experiences, enabling a more personalized and relaxed pace.

However, if you’re looking for a luxury or exclusive experience involving palace interiors, this tour won’t cover that — it’s primarily about observing the ceremony and exploring surrounding landmarks.

This Changing of the Guard tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to witness one of London’s most iconic traditions. With knowledgeable guides, excellent viewing spots, and a focus on storytelling, it turns what can be a crowded, confusing spectacle into a memorable experience. It’s clear from many reviewers that guides like Chris, Babs, and Jo bring a lot of energy, humor, and insight, making the two hours fly by.

For the price, you’re getting more than just a visual spectacle; you’re gaining a deeper understanding of British royal traditions, architecture, and history. It’s especially ideal if you want a comfortable, well-organized experience that’s suitable for all kinds of travelers who appreciate culture and storytelling.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for those who value knowledgeable guides, good vantage points, and a bit of insider info. If that sounds like what you’re after, it’s a smart choice to add to your London itinerary.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot to ensure availability, especially during busy seasons.

Does the tour include hotel pickup? No, it starts at Waterloo Place, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, an umbrella, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are advised, since the tour takes place rain or shine.

Is the tour suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, the tour is generally family-friendly, but it’s best for children who can walk and stay engaged for two hours.

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

Will I see the full Changing of the Guard ceremony? The tour aims to give you the best views and insights, but if the ceremony is canceled unexpectedly, you’ll still see the guards marching without music.

Is this a good experience for solo travelers? Absolutely, small-group tours foster a friendly atmosphere and make it easier to meet fellow travelers.

If you’re after a fun, informative, and well-organized way to see one of London’s most famous ceremonies, this tour is worth considering. It’s all about making the experience accessible, memorable, and packed with stories that bring London’s royal traditions to life.

You can check availability for your dates here: