London Buckingham Palace: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

London Buckingham Palace: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
Location: South East England, United Kingdom
Country: United Kingdom
Price: $20 per person
Supplier: See London By Night
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A Brief Look at What You’ll Experience

This $20 guided walking tour takes you on a lively journey through central London’s most celebrated royal sights, focusing on the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Led by knowledgeable guides—whose enthusiasm and insights turn a simple spectacle into a memorable story—you’ll visit St James’s Palace, the Horse Guards Parade, The Mall, and St James’s Park. The tour lasts about 1.75 hours, starting just outside Charing Cross Station, and ends conveniently back at the same spot.

What we really appreciate about this experience are two key things: the expert guidance which helps you understand the significance behind each step of the ceremony, and the careful selection of vantage points that avoid the typical crowds, giving you clearer, more Instagram-worthy photos. Plus, at just $20, it’s a budget-friendly way to gain a deeper appreciation of British royal traditions.

One thing to consider is the tour’s pace—expect some brisk walking and quick transitions between spots. If mobility or a slow pace is a concern, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re looking for a lively, informative way to see and understand the ceremony without fighting crowd congestion, this is ideal. It’s especially suitable for travelers who love history, royal pageantry, and lively storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Expert-guided tour: Led by knowledgeable guides who share insightful stories about royal traditions.
• Prime vantage points: The tour moves between best spots to see the Guard change, avoiding crowded front gates.
• Authentic experience: Dive into the history, significance, and little-known facts behind this centuries-old ceremony.
• Balanced pace: The tour is quick but covers all major sites, with about 5 minutes of walking at a time.
• Great photos: Access to less crowded spots means more chances for those Insta-worthy shots.
• Cost-effective: For $20, you get a comprehensive, engaging experience with insider tips and plenty of photo opportunities.

In-depth Review: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

When it comes to witnessing the world-famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, most visitors get caught up in the crowds lining the gates. But here’s the thing—those crowds aren’t the best for clear photos or understanding the ceremony’s details. This tour is designed precisely to sidestep that issue, taking you on a route that reveals the full spectacle from multiple angles, with expert commentary guiding the way.

Visit the Royal Sites with Context and Clarity
Your guide will start outside Charing Cross Station, setting the scene for the royal tradition that dates back to King Henry VII, with the ceremony performed at Buckingham Palace since Queen Victoria’s reign. You’ll learn that the Guard change is more than just a parade; it’s a formal handover of responsibility, steeped in history and military precision.

We loved the way your guide (names often shared in reviews) narrates details—like how the Queen’s Guard passes the duty to the New Guard—making the tradition come alive. Expect to hear stories about how the ceremony has evolved, and why it remains a vital part of British identity.

The Route and Highlights
The tour’s path is well thought out. It begins at St James’s Palace and the Horse Guards Parade, where you’ll see the mounted guards and the grand military parade ground. From there, the group strolls along The Mall, a broad avenue that leads to Buckingham Palace, passing through St James’s Park, a charming green space with views of ducks, swans, and the London Eye in the distance.

Crucially, the tour skips the crowd-heavy forecourt of Buckingham Palace, where many visitors wait for hours only to see a snippet of the ceremony. Instead, you’ll be led to vantage points that provide unobstructed views of the guards marching and exchanging duty—a real plus if you’re after clear photos and a good understanding of what’s happening.

Authentic and Engaging Guides
Reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and storytelling skills. They don’t just recite facts—they share fascinating behind-the-scenes insights and answer questions, making the tradition accessible and engaging. One visitor noted, “Our guide, Sarah, brought the ceremony to life with stories I never found in guidebooks.”

Photo Opportunities
Because the tour moves around, you get to snap photos without the heads of other travelers blocking your shot. This flexibility makes a real difference, especially if you’re hoping for memorable images that truly capture the pomp and pageantry of the occasion.

Timing and Pacing
The tour begins at 9:45 AM and concludes around noon. The pace is brisk—expect to walk quickly and navigate a few steps here and there. We found this pace ideal for covering multiple sites without feeling rushed. Still, if you have mobility issues or prefer a more relaxed pace, consider that this is a lively, fast-moving experience.

Weather Considerations
As with any outdoor activity in London, weather can impact the experience. Since the ceremony is subject to change or cancellation (mainly due to weather), the tour provider offers flexibility and reschedules or provides an alternative royal walking tour if needed.

How This Tour Offers Value

For just $20, you gain a comprehensive understanding of a centuries-old tradition. Unlike simply watching the ceremony from a crowded front gate, this guided walk provides context, storytelling, and access to better viewing spots. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want more than a quick photo—they want to understand the ceremony’s history and meaning.

The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the knowledgeable guides’ insights significantly enhance the experience, turning a simple parade into a memorable moment. The price point makes it accessible, but the value lies in the quality of the vantage points, expert commentary, and the chance to avoid the typical tourist crush.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This walking tour is best suited for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, and those interested in royal traditions. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the Guard change from multiple perspectives, learn about its history, and get some impressive photos without battling the crowds. If you prefer a relaxed, slow-paced experience or have mobility limitations, this might be too quick or physically demanding.

It’s also a good choice if you want to combine the ceremony with a broader introduction to central London’s royal sites, all in a manageable morning outing.

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Final Thoughts

In essence, this tour offers a more intimate and insightful way to experience the Changing of the Guard than waiting in line at the palace gates. With an enthusiastic guide leading the way, you gain access to the best spots, learn the stories behind the ceremony, and get plenty of chances to snap stunning photos.

It represents excellent value for such a compact, well-organized experience. If you’re keen to see royal pageantry without the crowds, and enjoy engaging storytelling along the way, this is a fine choice.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically designed for kids, children with good mobility and interest in history will enjoy the sights and stories. Be mindful of the pace and walking involved.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must since the tour involves walking and quick movements between sites. Bring water, especially on warm days.

Does the tour include inside access to Buckingham Palace?
No, the tour only visits the outside of Buckingham Palace. If you want to go inside, you’ll need separate tickets.

Will I see the full Changing of the Guard?
Not from the front gates. The tour focuses on vantage points that provide better views of the entire ceremony.

What happens if the ceremony is canceled due to bad weather?
The guide will still take you on a royal walking tour around central London, and there’s a possibility of experiencing the Household Cavalry instead of foot guards.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or low fitness levels, given the brisk pace and walking involved.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The guide speaks English.

To sum it up, this Changing of the Guard walking tour offers an engaging, memorable, and affordable way to experience one of London’s most iconic traditions. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid crowds, learn about royal customs, and capture great photos—all in a well-paced, informative outing. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it adds a layer of depth to your London experience that’s hard to match.

You can check availability for your dates here: