London: Royalty Walking Tour with Changing of The Guard

London: Royalty Walking Tour with Changing of The Guard — A Detailed Review

Starting at around $34 per person for a 3-hour journey, the London: Royalty Walking Tour with Changing of The Guard offers a well-paced, engaging way to see some of the city’s most iconic royal sights. Led by knowledgeable guides like Benedict, Christopher, or Cleo, you’ll venture through Green Park, watch the famous Changing of the Guard, and stroll past historic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. With a small group feel, this tour is perfect for travelers eager to uncover London’s royal secrets without feeling lost in a crowd.

What we love about this experience? First, the expert guides bring vibrant stories and plenty of interesting facts, making the history come alive. Second, the viewpoints for the Changing of the Guard are carefully chosen, ensuring you get the best possible photos and an up-close view of this centuries-old tradition. A slight consideration? The Changing of the Guard only occurs on certain days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 10 am), so if you’re visiting on a different day, you’ll miss that spectacle, but the tour still covers plenty of fascinating sights.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a relaxed, well-informed walk through London’s royal heart. It’s especially ideal for those who want a personable guide, excellent photo opportunities, and a rundown of the area’s history — perfect for first-timers and those with limited time who want to make the most of their visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Guides like Benedict and Cleo are praised for their knowledge, humor, and engaging storytelling.
• Iconic Sights: Includes Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.
• Quality Viewpoints: Carefully selected spots for viewing the Changing of the Guard, ensuring memorable photo moments.
• Flexible Schedule: Tours run on specific days and start at different points, offering some flexibility.
• Small Group: The tour feels intimate, allowing the guide to focus on individual questions and photos.
• Value for Money: At just over $33, it offers a comprehensive look at London’s royal landmarks with a knowledgeable guide.

A Thorough Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Atmosphere

We meet at either Green Park Station or The Ritz London, depending on the booked option. This choice allows us to select a convenient location close to the Royal Parks or the luxury district. From here, the tour begins with a walk through Green Park, one of London’s beautiful green spaces, setting a regal tone before moving deeper into royal territory.

Expect a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where your guide will help you settle in, giving a quick overview of what’s ahead. The group size is small enough to keep things personal, yet large enough to feel lively and engaging.

Watching the Changing of the Guard

The highlight for many is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Your guide, like Benedict or Jason, will find the perfect vantage point for you to see this centuries-old ceremony. As some reviews noted, the guide’s timing and location advice can make all the difference in capturing great photos and truly experiencing the pageantry.

It’s important to note that this ceremony occurs only on certain days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 10 am), and sometimes, due to weather or special events like the London Half-Marathon, it might be canceled — as one reviewer pointed out. If the ceremony is canceled, guides do their best to keep the energy up and fill the time with stories and sightseeing.

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Walking Down The Mall and Nearby Palaces

Following the guard ceremony, you’ll stroll along The Mall, a grand, red-carpeted avenue lined with statues, fountains, and royal parks. You’ll pass Clarence House, where Prince Charles resides, giving you a real sense of the royal neighborhood. The guide shares fun anecdotes along the way, making the stroll both educational and entertaining.

Exploring Key Landmarks

Your walk continues past St. James’s Palace and through St. James’s Park before heading toward Trafalgar Square. This area buzzes with activity, and you’ll get a quick photo stop, with the guide pointing out its significance as a hub for national celebrations.

Next, at Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, you’ll learn about the mounted guards and the significance of this historic parade ground. A brief walk takes you to 10 Downing Street, where the Prime Minister resides. While you won’t see inside, the guide shares stories about this famous address.

Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey

The tour’s climax is at Parliament Square, where you’ll enjoy a longer stop. This area, packed with statues of political figures, offers a chance for photos and understanding the seat of UK government. The guide continues to share historical tidbits, making this part of the tour particularly rich.

Finally, you’ll visit Westminster Abbey, where centuries of British history, royal weddings, and coronations have taken place. While you won’t go inside on this tour, the walk around the exterior provides plenty of visual interest and context.

End of the Tour

The tour finishes back at The Ritz, giving you a chance to explore one of London’s most luxurious hotels or continue sightseeing nearby. The entire experience, from start to finish, is designed to be both comprehensive and manageable, even for those with limited time.

The Value of This Tour

At roughly $33, the tour packs a lot of value. You get the expertise of guides who are praised for their knowledge, humor, and ability to answer questions — reviews highlighted how guides like Christopher, Cleo, and John kept things lively and informative. The tour covers major sights, offers excellent photo opportunities, and provides insights into the history and traditions of the British monarchy.

While it’s true that you won’t go inside Buckingham Palace, the exterior viewing, combined with stops at key landmarks, creates a well-rounded experience. The small group format means fewer crowds and more personal attention, which many travelers find makes the visit more meaningful.

Practical Considerations

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as we walk about several miles. Keep an umbrella and water handy, especially in unpredictable London weather. Since the Changing of the Guard only occurs on specified days, double-check the schedule if that’s your main interest. If it’s canceled, the guides do a good job improvising with storytelling and alternative sights.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for first-time visitors who want a solid overview of London’s royal sites and historic landmarks without feeling rushed. It’s perfect for those who value knowledgeable guides, great photo ops, and a manageable pace. The mix of sightseeing and storytelling makes it especially suitable for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

It’s also a good choice for those who prefer a small-group experience, as the reviews repeatedly praise the guides’ friendliness and attention to detail. If you want to learn about British royalty in a lively, accessible way, this tour checks all the boxes.

FAQs

Does the tour include inside visits?
No, the tour focuses on exterior sights. You won’t go inside Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey, but you’ll see the outside and hear stories about their history.

Are the Changing of the Guard ceremonies included?
Yes, but only on specific days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 10 am). If booked for those days, you’ll get a front-row view.

What if the Changing of the Guard is canceled?
Guides will make the best of it, sharing related stories and taking you to other sights. Many reviews say the tour still feels complete without this spectacle.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, making it an easy, well-paced walk through London’s royal and political heart.

Where does the tour begin and end?
It starts at Green Park Underground station or The Ritz London and ends back at The Ritz. The meeting point can vary depending on your booking choice.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing more visitors to enjoy the sights comfortably.

Is food or drink included?
No, food and drinks are not part of the tour, but there are plenty of options nearby for after the walk.

Can I customize the tour?
Private groups are available, which can be tailored to your interests and pace.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Wear comfortable shoes, bring weather-appropriate clothing, an umbrella if needed, and your camera for photos.

Final Thoughts

This Royalty Walking Tour offers an engaging, authentic glimpse into London’s regal side, driven by guides who are passionate and well-informed. While it’s primarily exterior-focused, the stops are thoughtfully chosen, providing a broad overview of the monarchy’s influence and history. The small-group setting, combined with the excellent viewpoints for the Changing of the Guard (when it happens), makes for a memorable experience.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, lively introduction to London’s royal and political landmarks, this tour should be on your list. It suits travelers who enjoy storytelling, culture, and a relaxed pace—perfect for making the most of a limited visit or an introductory London experience.

Whether you’re a history lover, a first-timer, or simply someone eager to see the city’s royal sights with a friendly guide, this tour offers a worthwhile snapshot of London’s grandeur—without the crowds, and packed with stories.

You can check availability for your dates here: