London: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard Experience

If you’re planning a trip to London, a tour focused on the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace sounds like a classic must-do. This experience often draws many visitors, offering a glimpse into centuries-old traditions that still play out daily in front of the royal residence. But is it worth your time and money? We’ve taken a close look at what this tour offers, how it feels to be part of the spectacle, and whether it delivers on expectations.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see a quintessential London tradition with a knowledgeable guide explaining the history behind it. Plus, the stunning views of Buckingham Palace from outside make for great photos and memories. A potential downside is that it doesn’t include entry into the Palace itself, which might leave some eager to explore more of the royal residence. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a straightforward, well-informed overview of this famous ceremony, especially if they’re interested in the historical background rather than inside access.

Key Points

• Outside view of Buckingham Palace provides a perfect photo opportunity without the crowds inside.
• Knowledgeable guides make the experience more engaging and informative.
• The Changing of the Guard is a traditional spectacle that’s worth seeing at least once.
• Price point offers good value for a 2-hour guided experience with insights.
• Availability and timing vary, so checking in advance is essential.
• Not including entry to the Palace means you’ll need separate plans if you want to explore inside.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

This tour is quite straightforward but packed with enough history and visual appeal to make it worthwhile. It starts with a meeting point just outside Green Park Tube station, near the Statue of the Goddess Diana — an easy spot to find and a good central location. From there, your guide will take you outside Buckingham Palace, which is, without question, one of London’s most iconic sights.

The main event is witnessing the Changing of the Guard — a ceremony that has been happening for over 500 years. As part of this tour, you’ll see the guards in their distinctive red tunics and bearskin helmets, being relieved of their watch by the new guards, accompanied by a military or modern soundtrack. Guides will also explain the significance of the tradition, how it has evolved, and its role in British culture.

Why Is This Such a Popular Attraction?

The Changing of the Guard is one of those image-rich moments that automatically calls to mind the royal family and London’s pageantry. You get to see a formal military tradition that’s steeped in history, all performed in front of the palace’s grand façade. As many reviews point out, the spectacle is notably captivating. One reviewer mentions, “I enjoyed all the factual information, and the guide, Joe, was so interesting.”

The Guide: Your Best Asset

Having a local guide is what we love about this tour from a simple stand-and-watch experience. Multiple reviews praise guides like Joe and Lula for their detailed explanations, friendly approach, and readiness to answer questions. These insights turn the ceremony from a simple parade into a story about Britain’s monarchy, military history, and royal traditions.

One reviewer fondly recalls, “Our guide Joe was very informative and explained everything in detail,” highlighting how much more enjoyable and educational the experience can be with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

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The Visuals: Views and Photo Opportunities

Since the tour stays outside the palace, you’ll love the vantage points provided by the guide, who aims to position everyone for the best views. The photography possibilities are plentiful, with the palace, guards, and possibly the procession itself making for memorable shots.

The Cost and What You’re Getting

At just around $22.58 per person, the price is quite reasonable, especially when you consider the insights and the chance to witness a ceremonial event that’s become symbolic of London. Keep in mind that this price covers the outside tour only, so if you’re eager to explore inside Buckingham Palace, you’ll need to look for separate tickets or tours.

The Duration and Logistics

The tour lasts about 2 hours, a perfect chunk of time to enjoy the spectacle without feeling exhausted. It begins at a flexible time, so checking availability in advance is a good idea since times can change, especially if ceremonial duties or operational needs arise.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility concerns. It doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transport accordingly — most travelers find the meeting point easy to access by public transport.

Authentic Experiences and Real Reviews

The general consensus is that guides like Joe and Lula elevate the experience with their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. Many reviews highlight how they go beyond the basics to offer interesting tidbits about the guards, the palace, and the traditions. For example, one reviewer said, “Our guide Morgan was super friendly and knowledgeable,” emphasizing the value a great guide adds.

Some feedback notes that the ceremony itself, while impressive, isn’t as long or elaborate as travelers might hope. One review mentions, “The ceremony happening at the front of Buckingham Palace was not in the tour so that can be improved,” which suggests that the tour focuses on the outside spectacle rather than inside ceremonies.

Is It Worth the Price?

Given the price point and the quality of guiding, most visitors find this tour to be a good deal. It offers more than just watching a parade; it provides context, stories, and a chance to ask questions in a relaxed setting. Many reviews mention the value of the insights, with one calling it “a very good opportunity to see the changing of guards” with helpful commentary.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While many love the experience, some mention that the ceremony may be affected by operational duties or ceremonies at short notice, which could impact availability or the viewing experience. Also, since entry to Buckingham Palace isn’t included, those wanting to step inside will need additional tickets.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting to understand a key London tradition without breaking the bank. It’s also suited for those who appreciate history, ceremony, and great storytelling. If you’re short on time but want a snapshot of royal pageantry, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Final Thoughts: Is It Right for You?

If you’re after an informative, well-led outside experience that captures the essence of London’s royal traditions, this tour offers fantastic value. You’ll get to see the guards, learn their history, and snap some iconic photos — all within a couple of hours. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge make a big difference, transforming a simple spectacle into a memorable story.

However, if inside access to the Palace or a longer, more elaborate ceremony is what excites you, this might not fully satisfy that craving. It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly introduction to one of London’s most famous sights, perfect for those who enjoy history and culture from the outside.

This tour strikes a solid balance between affordability, educational content, and visual appeal. It’s a good pick for travelers who want to tick a classic London experience off their list without fuss or hassle.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is this tour just outside Buckingham Palace?
Yes, it takes place outside the palace, providing a great vantage point for viewing the Changing of the Guard and taking photos.

Does it include entry into Buckingham Palace?
No, this tour does not include inside access. You’ll view the palace externally and learn about its history and the guards’ role.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable activity without taking up your whole day.

What is the meeting point?
You meet just outside Green Park Tube station, near the Statue of the Goddess Diana, on the Piccadilly South Side Exit.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, allowing more visitors to enjoy the experience comfortably.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some flexibility in case your plans change.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly advertised as family-friendly, children who enjoy ceremonies and history will likely find it interesting. However, keep in mind it’s a walking outdoor experience, so plan accordingly for young ones.

In the end, if you’re looking for a straightforward, informative, and visually appealing introduction to London’s royal guard traditions, this tour fits the bill nicely. It’s a budget-friendly way to see a famous spectacle with excellent guides helping you understand the significance behind it all.

You can check availability for your dates here: