Buckingham Palace, Change the Guard & Crown Jewels Tour

If you’re visiting London and want a comprehensive look at its royal and historic landmarks, this Buckingham Palace, Change the Guard, and Crown Jewels tour offers a solid mix of iconic sights and engaging stories. For $175 per person, you’ll spend about half a day exploring Buckingham Palace, watching the Ceremonial Changing of the Guard, marveling at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and ending at the Tower of London with access to the Crown Jewels and legendary tales of intrigue.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances sightseeing with storytelling, giving you historical context and vivid anecdotes that bring these landmarks to life. We also love that the tour is well-organized, with priority entry to the Tower, which means less waiting and more exploring. On the flip side, since it involves quite a bit of walking over uneven surfaces and cobblestones, it’s best suited for travelers in good health and comfortable shoes.

This tour suits those looking for a guided overview of London’s royal and historic core—perfect for first-time visitors or travelers who want a thorough introduction without the hassle of planning each stop. If you’re interested in authentic sights, engaging guides, and a manageable pace, this tour might be just what you need.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and the Tower of London
• Priority access to the Tower saves valuable time
• Engaging guides share stories and history, making landmarks come alive
• Good for first-time visitors or those wanting a structured overview
• Walking involved over uneven and cobbled surfaces
• Weather operates in all conditions—dress accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring London with a Focus on Royal Heritage

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of London’s most recognizable sites, designed to highlight the city’s regal splendor and historic depth. Starting at Buckingham Palace, you’ll see the residence of the reigning monarch and learn about its history and architecture from your guide. We loved the way the guide explained the palace’s role, emphasizing its significance in British culture as a symbol of continuity and tradition.

The highlight here is undoubtedly the Changing of the Guard, a spectacle of precision, regalia, and tradition performed in front of the palace. Our guide, Emma, affectionately called it “a display of British pomp,” and she was right. We appreciated her insights into the ceremony’s history and how it’s evolved over the years, making it more than just a photo opportunity.

Visiting Westminster: Big Ben, Parliament, and the Thames

After the royal residence, the tour walks toward Westminster, where you’ll get exterior views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The guided commentary here is lively, explaining their architectural styles and political importance. We enjoyed the photo stop at the London Eye, which offers a panoramic view of the city’s skyline—the perfect backdrop for memories.

The guide’s storytelling enhances the experience, making the political heart of London more accessible. As one traveler put it, “It’s one thing to see the buildings, but hearing about their stories makes it all more meaningful.”

The Tower of London: A Fortress of Stories

The tour’s final major stop is the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of history packed inside. Thanks to priority entry, we skipped long lines and immediately started exploring. The highlight is the Crown Jewels—a dazzling collection of regalia that truly sparkles under the glass.

Our guide, Robert, shared lively stories about the Bloody Tower and the Tower Green, where some of England’s most famous figures faced execution. He also told us about the legendary Tower Ravens and the ghost stories that swirl around this ancient fortress. As one review mentioned, “The stories about ghosts and intrigue made the Tower even more fascinating.”

Meeting the Beefeaters added a layer of authenticity, as they shared their own tales and answered questions with pride. You can browse the Tower Gift Shop at the end for royal-themed souvenirs—an easy way to remember your day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are a guided walking tour with a knowledgeable guide, priority entry to the Tower, and exterior visits to Buckingham Palace and Westminster. We appreciated the small group size, which made conversations and questions easier.

However, some things are not included—primarily transportation between sites, so you’ll need an Oyster Card, Travel Card, or contactless payment for your travel around London. Entrance tickets to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament are also separate, so plan accordingly if you’d like inside access.

The tour ends back at the starting point, making it convenient if you want to continue exploring on your own or head to a nearby spot.

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Practical Tips for the Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes: The tour involves quite a bit of walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and inclines.
• Dress for the weather: British weather can be unpredictable, so bring a rain jacket or umbrella.
• Bring a camera or smartphone: The photo stops are excellent for capturing views, especially at Westminster and the Tower.
• Prepare for a moderate pace: While not strenuous, expect to walk briskly between sites, so pace yourself if you have mobility concerns.
• Plan for extra expenses: If you want inside access to Buckingham Palace or the Crown Jewels, you’ll need separate tickets.

Authentic Experiences and Real Feedback

Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides. Emma, mentioned earlier, received praise for her storytelling and ability to answer questions, making the day both informative and engaging. Others appreciated how the guide managed to balance historical facts with entertaining anecdotes, bringing the landmarks to life.

Many appreciated the priority access to the Tower, noting it saved them hours of waiting—a huge time-saver in busy London. The small group size was also a favorite, facilitating more personal interactions with the guide and fellow travelers.

Some travelers pointed out that the tour’s outdoor nature and walking over cobbled paths make it less suitable for those with mobility issues or uncomfortable with uneven terrain. It’s best suited for travelers in good health who enjoy walking and learning.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive, guided overview of London’s royal and historic sights. It’s also suitable for those who value storytelling and expert commentary over independent sightseeing. If you’re short on time but want to see the highlights with context, this tour offers excellent value.

Travelers seeking inside access to Buckingham Palace or the Crown Jewels will need to purchase additional tickets, but for those content with exterior views and narrated history, it’s a practical choice. If you enjoy authentic stories, engaging guides, and well-organized itineraries, this tour fits the bill.

The Buckingham Palace, Change the Guard & Crown Jewels Tour provides a well-rounded, engaging glimpse of London’s royal core. With knowledgeable guides, priority access, and a carefully curated itinerary, it offers a good balance of sightseeing and storytelling—perfect for first-time visitors or those who want an efficient, memorable introduction to the city.

While it involves walking over uneven terrain and some outdoor exposure, those who enjoy exploring on foot will find it rewarding. The stories about the Tower’s ghosts, the regal pomp of the Changing of the Guard, and the shimmering Crown Jewels create a lively and educational atmosphere that enriches the experience.

If you’re after a value-packed, authentic, and well-organized tour that brings London’s royal history to life, this outing is worth considering. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring your camera, and enjoy the stories that make London such a captivating city.

You can check availability for your dates here:

• What is the price of this tour? The tour costs $175 per person.
• What landmarks are included? Buckingham Palace (exterior), Changing of the Guard, Westminster (Big Ben and Parliament), and the Tower of London with Crown Jewels.
• Do I need to buy tickets for Buckingham Palace or other sites? Yes, entrance tickets to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Parliament are not included.
• Is transportation included? No, you’ll need your Oyster Card, Travel Card, or contactless payment for moving between sites.
• How long does the tour last? The exact duration isn’t specified, but it covers the major sights in about half a day.
• Can I take photos during the tour? Yes, there are photo stops, especially at Westminster and the Tower.
• Is the tour suitable for children? Children over 18 are required to be accompanied by an adult; it’s best suited for those comfortable walking and standing.
• What should I wear? Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential.
• Are there any restrictions? Oversize luggage, baby strollers, large bags, mobility scooters, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed.
• Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.