The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace

I’m a fan of London tours that do one job well, and this one nails the centerpiece: the Changing of the Guard. You spend about 2 hours 15 minutes walking Royal London to catch the ceremony, then continue through the Westminster highlights you’re going to want photos of anyway.

What I like most is the human part. Guides such as Alan, John, Peter, and Camila are praised for sharp storytelling and for getting people into the best viewing spots so the pageantry feels up close, even when the crowd is thick. The other big win is how the route threads together classic Westminster exteriors, like Churchill-related sights and Parliament Square, with a smart finish at Trafalgar Square.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a brisk walking tour, and Westminster Abbey is not entered (you’re there only briefly). Also, the British Army can change the ceremony, and bad weather can affect what you see—though the tour tries to adapt.

Key highlights worth caring about

• Best-view positioning for the ceremony: Guides work hard to place you for the action, not just the background.
• Ceremony swap by day: You’ll see foot guards at Buckingham Palace on certain days, and King’s Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade on others.
• Westminster Abbey exterior focus: You get the famous landmarks without paying for entry or doing a full church visit.
• A photo-ready plan: You’re timed and directed to capture good shots from a professionally chosen viewpoint.
• Small group energy: Maximum of 35 travelers, which helps keep the walk manageable.
• Weather and schedule realities: The British Army runs the show, so flexibility matters.

Changing of the Guard and Royal Westminster: what this tour is really like

This tour is built around one afternoon truth: watching the Changing of the Guard is easiest when you’re standing in the right place at the right time, with someone who knows how the ceremony moves. That’s what you’re paying for here—guided timing, crowd strategy, and a guide who explains what you’re seeing as it happens.

You’ll walk through classic Royal London streets and parks, then work your way toward Westminster’s big hitters. Even though you’re moving fast between stops, the experience is structured. You’re not left wandering. Your guide keeps things organized, and many travelers specifically mention being guided to spots where they had a front-row feel.

Price, group size, and why $24.95 can make sense

At $24.95 per person, this isn’t the kind of tour where you’re buying luxury. You’re buying logistics and interpretation. The ceremony at Buckingham Palace (or Horse Guards Parade) is free to watch, but the hard part is figuring out where to stand and how to connect it to the rest of the Royal Westminster landmarks in a couple of hours.

The group stays small—up to 35 travelers—which matters. A larger group usually means more stopping, more pushing, and less flexibility if the crowd shifts. A smaller group also makes it easier for the guide to manage the flow and keep everyone together.

Meeting point at Colicci Ritz Corner, Green Park (Stop H)

Your tour starts at Colicci Ritz Corner, Green Park (Stop H), London W1J 9DZ. It’s near public transportation, so you can arrive without making a whole day plan around one bus or tube line.

Practical tip: arrive a few minutes early and stay near the exact pickup area. One unlucky review mentioned a major mix-up with the group location. The lesson is simple: don’t assume you’ll be able to “find someone holding a flag” if you show up late or too far away.

Ceremony schedule by day: Buckingham Palace vs. Horse Guards Parade

The tour is designed around the British Army’s schedule. Here’s the pattern you can expect:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: Changing of the Guard with Foot Guards at Buckingham Palace
• Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: Changing of the King’s Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade

Important reality check: the ceremony operates at the discretion of the British Army. It can be changed or cancelled without notice. And on bad-weather days, the Changing of the Guard may be cancelled. The tour will aim to watch the Horse Guards alternative when that happens.

Stop 1: royal route to the Changing of the Guard

You begin with a walk through Royal London, passing major royal addresses and palaces such as St. James’ Palace, Clarence House, and Buckingham Palace. Then the tour lands on the ceremony itself—either the foot guards or the horse guards version, depending on the day.

Two details travelers consistently care about:

• The march down the Mall with the Queen’s footguards (when that ceremony is running).
• The showy visual of the Household Cavalry horses (when you’re at Horse Guards Parade).

After the ceremony, there’s a leisurely stroll through St James’ Royal Park to finish the first stretch. That park walk is a nice breather because it breaks up the “standing and watching” feeling and keeps you moving at a human pace.

How your guide helps you get real viewing spots

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience. Multiple travelers highlight that guides like Alan and John place people for a better view than they would find on their own. That means you’re not just near the crowd—you’re directed toward a position where you can actually follow what’s happening.

Guides also share small, useful context while you’re waiting. Travelers mention getting extra trivia and facts you wouldn’t think to ask about, plus lively explanations that make the ceremony feel less like a pageant you watch from afar and more like something you understand.

If you’ve ever tried to watch in London without a guide, you know the frustration: someone shows up late, the best angles vanish, and you spend the whole time craning. Here, that’s handled.

Stop 2: Westminster Abbey and the surrounding landmarks (without entry)

Next comes Westminster Abbey and the immediate royal-government corridor. One key point up front: you do not enter Westminster Abbey. You spend about 5 minutes there, and the longer stop is about the surrounding sights and quick photo moments.

During this section (about 70 minutes total), you pass major landmarks and get commentary as you go, including:

• Churchill’s War Rooms (you pass it rather than tour it)
• Parliament Square with statues of major historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill
• Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) as one of the most famous views in the area
• The Houses of Parliament for exterior architecture
• 10 Downing Street from the outside
• A photo opportunity with the horses of the Queen’s Guard before you move on toward Horse Guards Parade

This stop works well if you want the “big postcard Westminster” hits without committing to a church ticket and a longer indoor visit.

Stop 3: Trafalgar Square finish at Nelson’s Column

The tour ends in Trafalgar Square, one of the easiest places to keep exploring on your own afterward. It’s home to Nelson’s Column, and you’ll get the classic open-space view to close out the walk.

A short finish like this is useful. You’re not stuck in a maze of checkpoints once the ceremony wrap-up is over. After Trafalgar Square, you can pivot to nearby neighborhoods or hop transport toward dinner.

Timing, pace, and bathroom breaks you can count on

The tour is about 2 hours 15 minutes total, but remember you’re walking and you’ll spend time standing for ceremonies. Many travelers say the walk is manageable, and there’s access to public toilets halfway through the tour.

Still, it’s not a slow stroll. The tour is described as not recommended for those with walking difficulties because parts can feel brisk. If you’re at all worried about mobility, consider whether you’ll be comfortable standing for a ceremony and moving between close-by street corners.

Weather and schedule changes: what happens when plans shift

London weather can be stubborn. The tour requires good weather, and if the Changing of the Guard is cancelled due to conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Also, the British Army can change the ceremony without notice. On those days, the tour will try to watch the Horse Guards alternative. That adaptability is a big deal because it protects your time. You still get the guided Westminster storytelling and the structured route, even when the ceremony format changes.

Tickets, mobile entry, and practical details

You get a mobile ticket, and confirmation happens at booking time. Service animals are allowed. The tour is near public transportation, which helps when you’re fitting it into a packed itinerary.

One small but important logistics note: the tour ends in a different location. You’ll finish at Trafalgar Square, so plan your onward route accordingly.

What you do not get: food, drink, and Abbey admission

This matters for value. There’s no food or drink included, and there’s also no Westminster Abbey admission included. The tour specifically notes that you don’t enter Westminster Abbey—so you’re not paying for a ticket you won’t use.

So if you’re doing this as part of a busy day, plan a snack or a proper meal before or after. For most travelers, the best flow is to treat this like a ceremony-focused morning or afternoon, then eat nearby afterward.

Who this tour is best for (and who might skip it)

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want the Changing of the Guard but don’t want to play guessing games with crowds
• You prefer guided context to make the landmarks click (you’re not just collecting photos)
• You like quick, efficient stops that cover Royal Westminster without turning into a full-day museum project

You might want to choose something else if:

• You have limited mobility or don’t feel comfortable with a brisk walking route
• You want to spend real time inside Westminster Abbey (this tour doesn’t do that)
• You’re hoping the tour includes meals or a longer indoor attraction

Should you book the Changing of the Guard and Buckingham Palace tour?

Yes, if your goal is a well-run, ceremony-centered London experience with smart viewing placement and a guide who can explain what you’re seeing. The consistent praise for guides like Alan and John isn’t just about friendliness—it’s about practical positioning, which is exactly what you need for the best results at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade.

If you want Westminster Abbey itself, entry time, and a deeper inside visit, then this probably isn’t the right fit. But for travelers who want the big exterior sights, strong narration, and an efficient route ending at Trafalgar Square, this tour checks the boxes for value.

FAQ

Is Westminster Abbey included inside the tour?

No. The tour does not include entry into Westminster Abbey. You spend about 5 minutes at the Abbey area as part of the route.

What’s included in the price?

You get a guided walking tour. The tour does not include admission for Westminster Abbey, and there is no food or drink included.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.).

Which guard ceremony will I see?

It depends on the day. Foot Guards at Buckingham Palace run on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The King’s Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade run on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

What if the ceremony is cancelled or changed?

The ceremony can change due to the British Army’s discretion, and bad weather can cancel it. The tour will try to watch the Horse Guards alternative, and if the experience is cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour good for people with walking difficulties?

Not really. It’s not recommended for those with walking difficulties because parts of the walk can be brisk.