Royal London And Changing of Guard – Very Small Group Tour

If you’re dreaming of a deep dive into London’s royal past and present without the usual crowds, this Royal London and Changing of Guard tour might just be what you’re looking for. Promising a personalized experience in a very small group, it focuses on the city’s most iconic royal sites, giving you both stories and sights in a few hours. From Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, the tour hits many of London’s royal landmarks, all led by a knowledgeable guide.

What’s especially appealing about this experience is how it balances entertainment with education. We love how the tour offers a chance to see famous landmarks in a relaxed setting, avoiding the crush of larger buses or overly crowded tours. Plus, the opportunity to watch the Changing of the Guard from a close, comfortable vantage point is a significant plus.

However, a potential consideration is that the tour is quite structured and covers quite a bit of ground in just 3 to 4 hours. If you’re a slow walker or someone who prefers a more leisurely pace, you might find it a bit brisk. Also, since some highlights, like the Guard Change, depend on the day of your visit, it’s worth planning around the schedule.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want a focused, intimate look at London’s royal sites with a knowledgeable guide, and who prefer avoiding large group tours. It suits history buffs, royal enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a well-organized overview without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Offers a more intimate and flexible tour compared to large buses.
• Expert Guide: Knowledgeable guides bring royal stories and history to life.
• Sightseeing & Stories: Combines key landmarks with interesting anecdotes.
• Flexible Watching Options: Catch the Changing of the Guard with better views and less hassle.
• Mostly Free Entry: Several landmarks are viewed from the outside, so no extra admission costs.
• Duration & Price: At around 3-4 hours and $75.39, it’s a worthwhile price for a personalized experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting in Mayfair

The tour kicks off in Mayfair, historically significant as the birthplace of Queen Elizabeth II in 1926. Walking through this exclusive neighborhood, you’ll see the area associated with opulence and power. The guide shares stories about the Queen’s early days and Winston Churchill’s long connection to Mayfair. The stop here is brief—just about 5 minutes—but sets a regal tone for the day. It’s a glimpse into the home of royalty and prime ministerial history, making it a compelling start.

Strolling Through St. James’s

Next, you’ll amble around St. James’s, a hub of royal activity and luxury shopping. Here, you’ll see stores that hold Royal Warrants and learn about the Royal Family’s shopping habits. The guide may point out locations connected to Princess Diana and her family, adding a personal touch to the royal narrative. This part lasts around 30 minutes, giving just enough time to glimpse the elegant shops and hear stories behind them.

Buckingham Palace & the Changing of the Guard

The highlight for many is Buckingham Palace, the most recognizable royal residence in London. Your guide will share the palace’s history, how it became the Queen’s official home, and what life inside might be like. If you’re on the morning tour (starting at 9:30 am), you’ll get a much better vantage point for the Changing of the Guard—a spectacle many travelers find fascinating. Instead of jostling for space among crowds, you’ll be positioned close enough to see the precision and pomp, thanks to your guide’s arrangement. Following this, you’ll walk down the Mall past the Horse Guards, which is a lovely, historic route.

Clarence House & St. James’s Palace

Moving on, you’ll visit Clarence House, the residence of Prince Charles and Camilla. It’s a private home not open to the public, but seeing it from the outside provides context about the royal residences in London. A quick stop here lasts about 5 minutes. Then, you’ll walk to St. James’s Palace, where you’ll experience a different perspective of the Guard Change. Instead of waiting behind barriers, you get the chance to walk in step with the guards as they march to their duty—a much more engaging experience, according to reviews.

Horse Guards Parade & The Savoy

Next, you’ll explore Horse Guards Parade—a site steeped in royal history, once used for jousting and now for royal ceremonies like Trooping the Colour. Your guide will explain its significance, making the space come alive with stories from past royal festivities. Afterward, you’ll visit The Savoy, one of the world’s most prestigious hotels. Its bar has welcomed royal figures, including the Queen Mother and Princess Diana, and is still famed for its signature cocktails. Walking past its historic façade, you’ll get a taste of royal elegance.

Westminster Abbey & Parliament Square

The tour’s final stops are Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square. While visits inside might be limited unless you choose an add-on ticket, the guide provides key stories—like its role in coronations since 1066 and royal weddings, notably that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. Sitting outside, you’ll see the stunning architecture and reflect on its centuries of royal ceremonies. Nearby, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament dominate the skyline, and your guide will unravel their connection to the monarchy and British government.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

From the reviews, it’s clear that knowledgeable guides make a big difference. Several travelers cite Richard’s depth of information and friendly manner as highlights. The small group size also means less pushing through crowds, better chances to ask questions, and a more relaxed pace—something many appreciated.

The views of the Changing of the Guard are definitely an advantage here. Since you’re positioned closer and are guided to better spots, you avoid the frustration of trying to see over crowds or standing for hours behind barriers. Many reviewers found this a significant perk, calling it a “much nicer experience” than the usual scramble at Buckingham Palace.

In terms of value, at just over $75 per person, it’s a fair price considering the depth of stories, the expert guiding, and the carefully curated itinerary. Several reviews praise the tour for making royal London accessible and engaging, especially for those who want an inside look without the hassle of large, impersonal buses.

Practical Considerations

Timing is key. The tour starts at 9:30 am from a central location near Westminster Station, perfect for those staying in central London or arriving via public transportation. The 3-4 hour duration makes it manageable even for those with tight schedules, but keep in mind it covers quite a bit of ground briskly.

Since some highlights, like the Changing of the Guard, depend on the schedule, double-check the timing of your visit. If your goal is to see the Guard Change from one of the better vantage points, plan accordingly. Also, because many landmarks are outside, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

You won’t need to worry about tickets for most sights—the tour is primarily focused on outside views and stories. However, if inside visits are desired, additional tickets might be necessary.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who prefer small, personalized groups over large tour buses. If you’re a history or royal enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the detailed stories and close-up views. It’s also suitable for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and storytelling without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a leisurely, slow-paced day or those with mobility issues, given the brisk walking and multiple stops. Also, if inside visits are a must for you, you might need to supplement this tour with additional tickets.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for kids, the short walks and engaging stories can appeal to families with older children interested in British royalty. Be mindful of the walking pace and outside focus.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers the guiding services and all the outside views of landmarks listed in the itinerary. No entry fees are included unless specified.

Can I see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, if you book the morning tour starting at 9:30 am, your guide will take you to a good spot to watch the Guard change, which is much more comfortable than trying to view it on your own.

What if I want to see inside Westminster Abbey?
Inside visits are not included in this tour. For inside access, you’d need to buy a separate ticket or look for a dedicated Abbey tour.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The description says most travelers can participate, but it’s best to check directly with the provider if you have mobility concerns, given the walking involved.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 125 days ahead on average, indicating popular dates fill up early. Early booking can secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible if your plans change unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a personalized, informative tour of London’s royal sights that avoids the crowds and offers a friendly, expert guide, this Very Small Group Tour is a solid choice. It strikes a good balance between sightseeing, storytelling, and comfort, making it especially suitable for those who want to learn about the royal family without feeling like just another face in the crowd.

The emphasis on close-up views of the Changing of the Guard, combined with the chance to explore landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Horse Guards, makes for a memorable morning. The consistent high ratings and positive reviews underscore its reputation as a well-organized and engaging experience.

For travelers who enjoy history, royal lore, or simply want a well-run, intimate tour of London’s most iconic sites, this tour delivers a lot of value in a compact package. Just remember to check the schedule and dress comfortably for a few hours of walking through London’s historic streets.

In short, whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to see the highlights or a returning traveler wanting a deeper, more personal look at London’s royal past, this tour offers a rewarding and manageable way to experience the city’s grandeur.