Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London

Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London: A Detailed Look

If you’re visiting London and want to see one of the most iconic royal ceremonies, this Changing of the Guard tour offers a well-organized, insightful way to do it. Priced at around $31.57 per person and operated by Fun London Tours Ltd, the tour lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes. It starts in the lively area of Piccadilly Circus, then takes you along the Mall to observe the guards at St. James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace, finishing near the gates of the royal residence itself. Guides like Paul, Emily, Jeremy, Angie, and Joe are praised for their knowledge, humor, and ability to navigate crowds, making the experience lively and informative.

What we love about this tour is twofold. First, the vantage points the guides secure—many reviewers mention how they help you avoid the crush of crowds and get close-up views of the guards, even catching the King’s car or royal processions. Second, the knowledge and personality of the guides. From answering detailed questions to sharing amusing anecdotes, they turn a standard ceremony into a fun, memorable event.

A consideration worth noting is that the tour does not include access to the courtyard of Buckingham Palace or other interior spaces and involves moderate walking and standing, sometimes on steps or in busy areas. It runs rain or shine, so dressing appropriately is advised.

This tour suits travelers who want an authentic, well-guided perspective of the changing of the guard, especially those who enjoy a blend of history, royal pageantry, and local knowledge—all in a compact, manageable timeframe. Families, history buffs, or anyone eager to skip the worst crowds while still getting a fantastic view will find this tour ideal.

Key Points

• Expert Guides Make a Difference: Guides like Jeremy, Angie, and Paul are praised for their extensive knowledge, humor, and ability to find the best vantage points.
• Close-up Views and Avoiding Crowds: Guided tips help you see the guards up close without hours of standing in the crowd.
• Authentic and Informative: The tour covers key moments of the changing of the guard, with detailed commentary and lively storytelling.
• Value for Money: For around $31, you get nearly two hours of expert-guided sightseeing, which many reviews call more engaging than going solo.
• Flexible and Weather-Dependent: Operates in all weather, but some parts of the ceremony can be altered or canceled due to Royal Army schedules or weather conditions.
• Group Size and Accessibility: Max 25 travelers, suitable for moderate physical activity, with some steps and marching involved.

An In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

The Starting Point: Piccadilly Circus

The adventure begins at Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain) near Piccadilly Circus. This spot is a London icon, with its bustling traffic, bright lights, and lively atmosphere. Meeting here, you immediately feel the city’s energy, setting a lively tone for the tour. The meeting point’s central location also makes it easy to reach via public transport, with nearby Tube stations.

First Stop: St. James’s Palace

From Piccadilly, the guide leads you through the heart of London to St. James’s Palace, one of the oldest royal residences, towering over the surrounding gardens. You’ll view it from the outside, which is enough to appreciate its history—it’s over 500 years old. The guide explains its significance and waits with your group for the changing of the guards to begin. Several reviews note the value of the guide’s commentary here, as it offers historical context that enriches what might otherwise just be a parade.

Watching the Changing of the Guard

The main event unfolds along the Mall, where the guards are inspected, replaced, and marched in their ceremonial uniforms. This segment lasts about 15 minutes, but it’s packed with activity. Many reviewers mention how guides help position the group for the best view, often securing spots that offer clear sightlines of the guards’ precise marching, the band, and the changing process.

A common theme in reviews is that the guides’ local knowledge and planning make a huge difference—“we didn’t stand in hours of sun in front of the gates,” or “we saw the guards three times,” thanks to strategic positioning. The guides are also adept at keeping the group together, especially important in busy crowds.

Walking Along the Mall

After witnessing the guards, you walk down the beautiful tree-lined street of The Mall, heading toward Buckingham Palace. During this stroll, guides share tales about the royal residences, the history of the ceremonial guards, and fun facts about British traditions. Several travelers enjoy the relaxed pace and the opportunity to take photos along the way.

Buckingham Palace Views

While the tour does not include access to the palace interior or the courtyard, you’ll get excellent views of the front of Buckingham Palace, as your guide points out the significance of various statues, gates, and royal flags. Some reviews emphasize how close you can get to the guards and the palace without the large crowds that typically gather during the ceremony.

Ending Near The Palace

The tour concludes near The Mall, offering a great chance to continue exploring on your own or grab a quick bite. The proximity to public transport makes it easy to continue sightseeing or head back to your accommodation.

What the Reviews Reveal

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm. For example, Nancy mentions that Paul was “very lively and funny,” while others highlight Jeremy’s “great with families and young kids.” Several reviews note how guides managed to find the best vantage points and navigate through crowds, providing views that many visitors couldn’t get on their own.

Many travelers appreciate the timing and pace—not too rushed, with enough time at each stop to take photos and soak in the sights. The theatrical element of the guards’ marching combined with the lively commentary makes the experience more than just a sighting; it becomes an engaging story.

The Value of Guided Insight

The reviews suggest that this tour offers more than just watching a ceremony. Guides share interesting facts and anecdotes, turning a visual spectacle into a full story about British traditions, royal history, and the symbolism behind the guards.

Practical Aspects

• Cost: At approximately $31.57, this tour offers good value, especially considering the expert guiding, strategic vantage points, and the compact duration.
• Duration: Less than two hours, making it suitable even for those with busy schedules.
• Group Size: Max 25 travelers, which helps retain intimacy and allows guides to personalize some aspects of the experience.
• Weather: Operates in all weather conditions, but rain or unexpected schedule changes by the British Army can affect the ceremony. Bringing an umbrella or raincoat is advisable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy history, royalty, or military ceremonies, this is a perfect fit. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer to skip hours of standing in tourist hotspots and instead want a guided, strategic approach to seeing the guards. Families with children, history buffs, or couples seeking a memorable, lively experience will find this tour satisfying.

It’s also ideal for those who want to learn the stories behind the sights and see close-up action without the hassle of navigating crowds alone. If you’re interested in local insights and entertaining guides, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts

This Changing of the Guard guided walking tour balances entertainment, education, and practicality. The knowledgeable guides, like Jeremy and Angie, turn an iconic spectacle into something personal and engaging. The ability to secure good vantage points, avoid the worst crowds, and enjoy the ceremony at a relaxed pace makes it stand out.

While it doesn’t include interior access or specific royal secrets, it offers a solid, authentic experience that captures the pageantry and tradition of one of London’s most famous ceremonies. The small group size and lively guides make it a great choice for visitors wanting a fun, memorable, and informative introduction to Britain’s royal traditions.

FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, this tour is popular and typically booked about 44 days in advance, ensuring you get a spot for this well-reviewed experience.

What is included in the tour?
A knowledgeable local guide is included, guiding you through the key sights and moments, with the tour ending near Buckingham Palace.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, but the tour is suitable for families and travelers with moderate physical activity levels.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, it runs rain or shine, but being prepared with appropriate clothing is recommended.

Can I bring my own camera or phone?
Absolutely. Many reviewers love capturing the close-up views of the guards and the palace, but remember that videoing the guide without permission isn’t allowed.

What if the ceremony is canceled or altered?
The British Army occasionally alters or cancels parts of the ceremony, or weather may impact what’s visible, but guides do their best to ensure a satisfying experience.

Final Word

If you’re after a well-paced, engaging way to witness the Changing of the Guard without the chaos of crowds, this guided walking tour is a superb choice. The combination of expert guides, strategic viewings, and the chance to learn stories behind the spectacle makes it a memorable part of any London trip. Perfect for those who want to blend sightseeing with a bit of storytelling, this tour offers solid value and a fun, authentic experience that captures the essence of British tradition.