Buckingham Palace, Change the Guard & Crown Jewels Tour

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to get a taste of its royal side without the hassle of organizing every detail yourself, this guided tour could be exactly what you’re looking for. It offers a structured, immersive experience that hits some of the city’s most iconic sights—think Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the Crown Jewels—paired with expert commentary to bring everything to life.

What really appeals to me about this tour is how it balances the grandeur of London’s landmarks with storytelling that makes history engaging. Plus, the tour’s small group setting means you’re not just another face in a crowd, which often makes for a more personal and insightful experience. Another highlight? The inclusion of priority entry to the Tower of London, saving you time and adding comfort for the busy sightseeing schedule.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to be prepared for quite a bit of walking, often over uneven surfaces like cobblestones and stairs. Also, note that some key sites like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben aren’t inside the tour but are instead viewed from outside, which is worth considering if you’re hoping for interior access or in-depth exploration. This tour suits travelers who love history and iconic sights but prefer guided convenience over DIY planning.

If you’re after an efficient way to see London’s top royal landmarks with a knowledgeable guide, this experience offers a solid balance of sightseeing, storytelling, and comfort. It’s especially ideal if you’re a first-timer or want an overview that hits the highlights without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Expert Guide: Knowledgeable local guides add depth and context to each landmark.
• Priority Entry: Skip the lines at the Tower of London, saving you time.
• Iconic Landmarks: See Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster, and more.
• Small Group: Ensures a more intimate experience and better interaction.
• Flexible Schedule: Tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.
• Limited Inside Access: Some key sites are viewed externally, not entered.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

When you’re considering a sightseeing tour like this, it’s all about understanding how the itinerary is structured and what you’ll get out of it. We’ll walk through each major stop and what it truly means for you as a visitor.

Starting at Buckingham Palace

The tour kicks off with an exterior view of Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official residence. Your guide will share the history of this grand building, which has served as a royal home since 1837. While you won’t get inside (unless you opt for a different ticket), seeing the palace from the outside still offers a sense of occasion.

One reviewer noted: “We loved the way the guide explained the palace’s history and significance. It made the outside view much more meaningful.” Keep in mind, the tour doesn’t include entry into the palace’s famous State Rooms, so this part is more about appreciating the building and its surroundings.

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard

Next comes the Changing of the Guard, a colorful, ceremonial spectacle that highlights British pageantry. The schedule is weather-dependent and may vary, so it’s worth checking in advance. The precision and regalia of the Guards are impressive, and the ceremony is designed to be a highlight for many visitors.

A common comment from previous participants is: “Watching the guards change was a highlight—such discipline and tradition. It’s something you can’t really experience just by reading about it.” If you’re into pomp and circumstance, this part delivers.

Westminster and Big Ben

From there, your guide leads you walk to Westminster, where the iconic Big Ben and Houses of Parliament dominate the skyline. Here, you’ll get a great chance to absorb the political heart of London and learn about the city’s governance and history.

While no interior visits are included, the exterior views are still striking, and your guide provides plenty of fascinating stories. Plus, there’s a photo stop at the London Eye, offering a chance to snap a memorable shot of the river and city skyline.

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The Tower of London and Crown Jewels

The tour’s pièce de résistance is a visit to the Tower of London. You’ll enjoy priority entry, which is a real perk in avoiding long lines. Once inside, the guide will lead you through the fortress that has played many roles—royal residence, prison, royal mint, and more.

Highlights include seeing the Crown Jewels, which sparkle with centuries of history, and visiting the Bloody Tower and Tower Green, where some of the most infamous executions took place. The Tower is also home to the legendary Ravens and the Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters, who are always happy to share stories and legends.

A reviewer mentioned: “The Beefeaters were fantastic—full of stories and jokes. The Crown Jewels are truly stunning, and you get a good amount of time to see everything.” The stories of ghosts and intrigue add a mysterious touch that many find memorable.

Final Shopping Stop

The tour wraps up at the Tower Gift Shop, where you can browse for souvenirs that evoke your London adventure. While not the main focus, it’s a convenient ending point, especially if you want to pick up a keepsake.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a well-balanced package, with some key inclusions that make it stand out:

• Guided walk with a knowledgeable local guide who can answer questions and tell stories.
• Priority entry to the Tower of London, avoiding long waits.
• Exterior visits to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.
• A photo stop at the London Eye for scenic shots.

However, some things aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan accordingly:

• Transportation: You need your Oyster Card, Travel Card, or contactless payment to move between sites.
• Entry tickets for Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Parliament are not included, so you’ll be viewing these from outside.
• Food and drinks are not part of the package, so consider bringing snacks or planning for a meal afterward.

The tour lasts about 4 hours, which is a good length for seeing key attractions without feeling rushed. It’s designed for those who enjoy walking and exploring, so comfort and good shoes are a must.

The Group Size and Practicalities

This experience tends to be more intimate thanks to its small group setting, which means your guide can engage more personally. The route involves walking over different surfaces—cobblestones, stairs, uneven terrain—so prep accordingly.

The meeting point is convenient: The Constance Fund Fountain of Diana at Green Park, just a short walk from Green Park Tube Station. It’s best to arrive 15 minutes early to get settled.

Participants should be in good health, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking and standing. It’s not suited for those with mobility issues or who require wheelchairs, as not all footpaths are fitted with ramps and the terrain can be uneven.

Pricing and Overall Value

At $174 per person, the price might seem steep for just viewing exteriors and hearing stories. But when you factor in priority entry, the expertise of your guide, and the convenience of a structured itinerary, it can be a worthwhile investment—especially if you’re short on time or prefer guided insights over self-guided wandering.

Some reviews mention the guide’s knowledge as a real asset, making the experience feel more personal and informative. You’ll cover a lot of ground in four hours, which can be a time-efficient way to get a broad overview of London’s royal and historic highlights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for first-time visitors who want a thorough, guided overview of London’s royal landmarks. History buffs will appreciate the stories and background, while travelers short on time will find it a convenient way to see multiple sights in one go.

It’s less ideal for visitors expecting inside access to places like Buckingham Palace or wanting a more relaxed pace. Also, if you have mobility concerns or require accommodations, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a guided experience that combines iconic sights with engaging storytelling, this tour offers a strong introduction to London’s royal scene. The small-group setup and knowledgeable guides make it a more personal way to see key landmarks without the stress of planning every detail yourself. While it doesn’t include inside visits to some of the major sites, the exterior views, stories, and priority access to the Tower of London add substantial value.

It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy walking and want to learn about London’s history from a friendly, expert guide. If you’re okay with significant outdoor time and don’t mind viewing some sights from the outside, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

For those who love history, pageantry, and a well-organized itinerary, this experience offers a meaningful glimpse into London’s royal and historic heart.

FAQ

Is transportation between sites included?
No, you’ll need your Oyster Card, Travel Card, or contactless payment to move between the tour locations.

Does the tour include inside visits to Buckingham Palace or Big Ben?
No, the tour provides exterior views of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 4 hours, covering multiple landmarks with walking involved.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The information doesn’t specify, but since it involves a good deal of walking and is not designed specifically for kids, it’s best suited for older children and adults.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as you’ll be walking outdoors in various conditions.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour good for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or who use mobility devices, due to uneven surfaces and terrain.

This tour balances sightseeing with storytelling, making it a solid choice for travelers eager to experience London’s royal attractions comfortably and informatively.

You can check availability for your dates here: