Royal London Guided Tour with Changing of the Guard

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to hit the highlights without spending your entire day wandering the streets, a guided tour like this might catch your eye. The Royal London Guided Tour with Changing of the Guard offers a quick, comprehensive look at some of the city’s most iconic sites, with the chance to witness the famous ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines a scenic bus ride with expert commentary and a front-row view of the Changing of the Guard — a true symbol of British tradition. Plus, the included headphones make it easy to catch every interesting fact without straining to hear.

However, a word of caution: the tour’s performance is highly dependent on timing, especially around events like the Changing of the Guard. During busy periods or special occasions, the schedule can shift or be affected, and accessibility might be an issue for some travelers.

This tour is best suited for visitors who want a quick, well-organized overview of central London’s royal sights, especially if you’re tight on time but still eager to see the main landmarks with a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Ideal for a quick overview of London’s most famous royal landmarks in around three hours
• Includes expert commentary with personal audio headsets, making it easy to follow
• Features the iconic Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a must-see event
• Comfortable transportation with Wi-Fi and USB charging on the coach
• Limited accessibility noted in reviews, so check if that’s a concern
• Good value for the price when considering the combination of sights, guide, and transportation

What to Expect from This Tour

This three-hour journey is designed for travelers who want to see a lot without feeling hurried. Starting from Victoria Coach Station, you’ll hop onto a modern, air-conditioned bus equipped with Wi-Fi and USB outlets — perfect for staying connected or snapping photos during the ride. Your guide will keep the commentary flowing through personal headsets, sharing stories, historical tidbits, and insights about London’s royal sites.

The tour is structured to hit all the big landmarks and give you the background you want. You’ll pass by Kensington Palace, the former residence of Diana, Princess of Wales, and learn about her life in the area. The Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial are also on the route, giving you a sense of London’s cultural grandeur.

As you cruise through central London, you’ll get to see Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, and the Houses of Parliament, with Big Ben acting as a striking backdrop. The guide explains the significance of each site, making it more meaningful than just a photo-op.

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

The star of this tour is undoubtedly the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. This ceremony is a true display of British pomp and pageantry, dating back centuries. The guards, known as the Household Division, are renowned for their discipline — they never acknowledge the crowd or get distracted.

Typically, you’ll have a front-row view from a designated vantage point. The guards, dressed in bright red tunics and bearskin hats, march in unison to martial music as they exchange duties. According to reviews, the guide will talk about the ceremony’s history, adding a layer of context. Be aware that during busy days or special occasions like the King’s or Queen’s events, the schedule might change or be more chaotic than usual.

One reviewer noted that during the ceremony, it can be quite hectic, especially if you’re standing far away, and some visitors might wish for a closer view. The tour includes a stop at Horse Guards Parade as an alternative if the regular Buckingham Palace guard exchange isn’t happening.

The Route and Landmarks

The itinerary is a well-rounded sweep of London’s royal and political heart. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Kensington Palace: You’ll admire its elegant façade and hear about Princess Diana’s residence there.
• Royal Albert Hall & Albert Memorial: Recognized for concerts and royal events, these create a majestic backdrop.
• Trafalgar Square: Built around the historic Charing Cross, it’s a lively hub with Nelson’s Column and fountains.
• Whitehall & Downing Street: The prime minister’s residence is just a short walk away, with governmental buildings lining the street.
• Houses of Parliament & Big Ben: Iconic symbols of London, the clock tower’s chimes are world-famous.
• Westminster Abbey: The gothic church where royal weddings and coronations take place.

The tour concludes in Trafalgar Square, leaving you free to explore further or grab a bite. For an upgraded experience, you can get a ticket to the London Eye, which provides a panoramic view of the city.

The Experience in Practice

Many reviews echo our impressions: guides are generally knowledgeable, witty, and engaging, making the sightseeing more than just a superficial glance. One reviewer raved about the guide Sheila, calling her “fantastic” and “taking them to the best spots to see the changing of the guard.” Another mentioned the guide Leslye as “outstanding” with an incredible wealth of information.

On the flip side, some reviews highlight potential frustrations. Several guests noted that the changing of the guard can be hectic and crowded, especially if you’re far from the front or if timing doesn’t quite align. One review mentioned that due to the coronation preparations, the ceremony wasn’t happening as usual, which can be disappointing if that’s your main goal.

Accessibility was mentioned by a traveler who found the bus parking location inconvenient and the walk from the bus to the guard ceremony quite strenuous, with a lot of steps involved.

The Transportation and Group Size

The coach is modern and comfortable, with amenities like Wi-Fi and USB charging, which are handy for a tour at this price point. The group size is capped at 53 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded but also not a small, intimate group. This means you get to meet other travelers, but it also means you might be standing or walking briskly at times, especially during the guard ceremony.

Price and Overall Value

At around $68.69 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the sights covered and the guided narration. The inclusion of transport, headsets, and a professional guide makes it a convenient package — especially for those who prefer not to navigate London’s busy streets on their own.

Of course, no tour is perfect. Some reviews mention that it replicates what you could get from a hop-on/hop-off bus, but with less flexibility. If you’re looking for a more relaxed, in-depth experience, this might feel a bit rushed.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience best suits visitors with limited time who want a structured overview of London’s royal and political sites. It’s a good choice for first-timers who appreciate guided commentary and want to see the Changing of the Guard without waiting around for hours.

Travelers who want a quick, informative overview of London’s landmarks, combined with a frontline view of the ceremony, will find this tour satisfies those needs. However, if accessibility or a more leisurely pace matter, you might want to consider alternative options or check for specific accommodations.

Final Thoughts

The Royal London Guided Tour with Changing of the Guard offers a practical, well-organized way to see some of London’s most iconic sights in a few hours. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way and modern amenities on the coach, it provides a comfortable, informative experience suitable for busy travelers.

The highlight — watching the Changing of the Guard — is a true spectacle, even if it can be crowded or chaotic. The tour’s value is enhanced by its broad coverage of major landmarks and the added context provided by guides, making it more than just a sightseeing ride.

That said, it’s not flawless. Accessibility concerns, schedule unpredictability, and the hustle of the changing ceremony mean you should go into it with realistic expectations. If you’re short on time, eager to learn quickly, and want a good mix of sights and stories, this tour will serve you well. For those seeking a more relaxed or in-depth experience, or with mobility concerns, exploring other options or planning additional sightseeing might be wise.

FAQ

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?
No, the tour begins at Victoria Coach Station and ends at Evan Evans Tours on Vauxhall Bridge Road. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?
It takes about three hours, starting at 9:00 am, and finishes around noon. It’s a compact but packed itinerary.

Can I see the Changing of the Guard every day?
No, the guard-changing ceremony at Buckingham Palace typically occurs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. When it’s not scheduled, the tour will see the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade instead.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Some reviews indicate that accessibility might be limited, especially since the bus parks over a mile away from some sights and involves walking down steps.

What’s included in the price?
You get an expert guide, a modern coach with Wi-Fi and USB outlets, and personal audio headsets to hear the commentary clearly. Lunch and hotel transfers are not included.

What if I want to upgrade for more experiences?
You can purchase an open-date ticket for the London Eye as an optional upgrade, providing a bird’s-eye view of London.

In all, this guided bus tour offers a straightforward way to check off London’s royal highlights — especially if you’re interested in the Changing of the Guard and historic landmarks. Just keep in mind the potential crowds, schedule variations, and accessibility considerations. Happy sightseeing!