If you’re planning a trip to London and want to combine a classic royal spectacle with a taste of local culinary delights, this tour might just suit you. It promises to give you a front-row seat to the iconic Changing of the Guard, paired with visits to historic sites and exclusive tastings from trusted royal suppliers. We haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, but we’ve gathered enough info to tell you what you can realistically expect — and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are its small-group setup, which usually means more personal attention and better chances to ask questions, and the focus on insider stories that add context beyond the usual tourist chatter. The opportunity to enjoy a mini Afternoon Tea as the tour wraps up also feels like a charming touch. But, a possible consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of walking, and the schedule can be tight, especially if you’re not used to brisk outings. Still, if you’re curious about royal traditions and love good food, this is likely to suit you well.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, culture, and food. It’s ideal if you’re after a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at London’s royal scene, and appreciate tastings from reputable suppliers. It’s also a good fit for those who don’t mind walking and want to pack a lot into a relatively short time.

Key Points

Personalized Experience: Small group size of up to 12 people ensures a relaxed, more engaging atmosphere.
Insider Access: Get exclusive stories and behind-the-scenes insights you won’t find elsewhere.
Balanced Itinerary: Combines iconic sights like Buckingham Palace with cultural tastings, making the experience both educational and delicious.
Flexible Booking: With free cancellation up to 24 hours before and pay-later options, it’s travel-friendly in terms of planning.
Price & Value: At around $121 per person, the cost covers over 10 tastings and special access, which can be worthwhile given the insider content.
Duration & Pace: The 3.5-hour tour is a good length for sightseeing without feeling rushed, but be prepared for some walking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off outside Lillywhites, a historic sports retailer on the edge of Piccadilly Circus. From there, your guide — a true Londoner with a passion for food — sets the tone for a friendly, knowledgeable experience. You’ll get a brief overview of London’s royal landmarks before heading toward your first major highlight: the Changing of the Guard.

While the actual ceremony can vary, you usually get a lively, up-close view of the marching guards, military bands, and a glimpse of the pageantry that makes this tradition so special. Being able to walk alongside the Old Guard as they move from St James’s Palace to Buckingham Palace is a neat perk, giving you a more personal perspective than just watching from the sidelines.

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Exploring St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace

Your guide will take you inside some of London’s most historic royal sites for guided tours and tastings. At St James’s Palace, you’ll spend about an hour exploring its grounds and hearing stories about its role in royal ceremonies. You might find the tales about its long-standing significance quite captivating, especially from a guide who shares insider knowledge.

Next, the focus shifts to Buckingham Palace, where you’ll enjoy another guided tour coupled with regional food tastings. While the palace itself isn’t open to the public during this tour, the guide’s stories help you picture its interior life and history. The food tasting here offers a chance to sample items fit for royalty, elevating the experience beyond mere sightseeing.

The Heart of the Tour: Saint James’s and Regional Flavors

The most substantial part of the experience takes place in Saint James’s, where you’ll spend around 2.5 hours enjoying a mix of regional food and drinks. This segment is a true highlight — expect to indulge in cocktails, wine, and regional foods, paired with stories about their origins and significance.

The guide’s insights into London’s culinary traditions add depth, making it more than just a tasting session. You’ll learn about the trusted suppliers who hold Royal Warrants, giving you confidence that you’re sampling authentic, high-quality products. Reviews praise the guide’s knowledge here, noting their ability to make food stories interesting and accessible.

As the tour continues, you’ll enjoy Champagne tastings, cheese, local snacks, tea, and even a picnic, making this part a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The variety keeps things lively and helps you appreciate London’s diverse food scene.

Wrapping Up with a Stroll and a Mini Afternoon Tea

After a walk through Green Park, the tour concludes with a mini Afternoon Tea box, a thoughtful way to end your experience. The teas and treats are curated to give you a taste of British elegance, leaving you with a satisfying sense of the day’s journey.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

You’ll get over 15 food and drink tastings, covering a range of regional and luxury items, which generally justifies the price if you’re a foodie. The guide’s stories and insider info add value that many travelers find memorable. However, hotel pick-up and drop-off aren’t included, so plan to use public transport or walk from your hotel.

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Practical Details & Tips

Since the tour proceeds rain or shine, dressing comfortably and wearing shoes suitable for walking is advisable. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, so bring water and be prepared for some standing and walking. If you’re interested in alcohol tastings, note that those under 18 cannot partake, but non-alcoholic options are likely available.

Booking is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve without paying upfront. This flexibility is handy, especially if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a combination of history, culture, and food, and prefer small, intimate groups for a more personal feel. If you appreciate insider stories and are curious about the royal warrants and exclusive sites, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. It’s also well-suited for those who want a manageable, engaging way to see some of London’s most iconic royal landmarks without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re traveling with kids or looking for a family-friendly adventure, bear in mind that the focus on walking, standing, and adult tastings may not make it ideal for very young children. But for adult travelers who love food and history, it hits a sweet spot.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a mix of London’s royal traditions with a culinary twist, making it appealing for anyone wanting to see the Changing of the Guard with an insider’s edge. The small group size and knowledgeable guides help bring the experience to life, while the tastings from trusted royal suppliers add a special flavor that feels authentic and indulgent.

While it’s not a comprehensive royal palace tour or a full-blown food crawl, the combination of sights, stories, and tastings makes for a memorable half-day outing. The price reflects the quality of the experience, especially with the exclusive access and insider knowledge, which many travelers find well worth it.

If you’re keen on learning about London’s royal customs and sampling some of the best regional foods, this tour is likely to leave you both informed and satisfied. Just be ready to walk and keep the pace lively — it’s a day filled with stories, flavors, and a touch of royal elegance.

Ready to Book?

Changing of the Guard & Royal Food Tour with 10+ Tastings

4.6

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for kids?
It’s primarily designed for adults interested in history and food. Kids might find the walking and adult tastings less engaging, but older children comfortable with walking could enjoy parts of it.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I join if I have dietary restrictions?
The tour offers a variety of tastings, but specific dietary needs aren’t detailed. It’s best to contact the provider beforehand to check if they can accommodate.

Is transportation included?
No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. You’ll meet at the starting point outside Lillywhites.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 3.5 hours, covering several stops with walking involved.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since there’s a fair amount of walking and standing.

Will I see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, you get a close-up view of the ceremony, depending on its schedule, which can vary.

Are there food tastings at every stop?
There are about 15 tastings in total, including regional foods, drinks, and treats, all from trusted suppliers.

Is alcohol served?
Yes, cocktails, wine, and champagne are offered, but only to those over 18.

What’s the best way to book?
Use the provided link to reserve your spot; you can choose to pay later, which keeps your plans flexible.

If you’re looking to combine a taste of tradition with some of London’s best local flavors, this tour could very well be a highlight of your trip. With its personal touch, insider stories, and tasty treats, it’s a neat way to spend a few hours soaking up royal history and British cuisine simultaneously.