The Changing of the Guard Experience with Thames Boat ride

Starting at just under $27 per person and lasting around 2 hours, this tour offers a compact yet immersive peek into London’s royal sights. You’ll visit Westminster’s historic landmarks, catch the pomp and tradition of the Changing of the Guard (on select days), and enjoy a relaxing Thames river cruise ending near the Tower of London. Guided by knowledgeable guides, this experience combines walking and boat travel, making it a practical way to see some of the most iconic sights in a short time.

What we love about this tour are two particular details. First, the focus on royal residences—from Buckingham Palace to Clarence House—gives a real sense of royal life and history. Second, the scenic Thames cruise offers a different perspective, allowing you to unwind after the walking part while taking in views of London’s skyline.

A possible consideration is that the Changing of the Guard only takes place on specific days—Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—so if your schedule doesn’t align, you might miss this traditional spectacle. That said, the rest of the tour still provides plenty of interesting sights.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a compact, affordable introduction to London’s royal heritage. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but want to see key landmarks and experience some of the traditional pageantry firsthand.

Key Points

• Affordable price for a comprehensive royal sightseeing experience
• Includes a Thames boat ride, offering a relaxing view of London from the river
• Highlights the royal residences such as Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and St. James’s Palace
• Includes the Changing of the Guard (on certain days), a classic British tradition
• Guided by knowledgeable guides who share stories and insights
• Weather can affect the Changing of the Guard; check schedules in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

If you’re looking to get close to London’s royal side without spending hours or hundreds of pounds, this tour provides a balanced mix of walking, storytelling, and boat cruising. Starting outside Green Park Tube Station, your guide—easily spotted with a flag and a blue “See Your City” jacket—leads you through some of Westminster’s most photogenic and historic sights.

Westminster’s landmarks form the core of this experience. Passing by St. James’s Palace, we get a glimpse of one of the oldest royal residences still in use. A walk through St. James’s Park offers a peaceful break with lovely views, often lined with locals and travelers alike. The tour then moves to Westminster Abbey, a site that has hosted coronations and royal weddings for centuries, though the focus remains on the outside unless you choose to explore further on your own.

One of the highlights is Witnessing the Changing of the Guard (on scheduled days). If you’re lucky, you’ll see the precise, ceremonial exchange of the Old Guard and New Guard, a spectacle of discipline and tradition. The review from travelers like “I don’t know if the changing of the guard took place” hints at the unpredictability—these ceremonies depend heavily on the day, weather, and schedule.

Next, you’ll stroll past Whitehall, a street lined with government buildings and historical significance, eventually arriving near Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, with Big Ben in full view. The guides share stories about each location—like King Henry VIII’s former residence at St. James’s Palace or King Charles III’s official residence at Clarence House—giving context to the sites beyond their visual appeal.

After about an hour of walking, the tour transitions to the Thames River, where you’ll board a boat for a scenic cruise. The boat ride offers a different perspective of London’s skyline—famous landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the Shard come into view. The cruise ends at the Tower of London, rounding out the royal journey.

Authenticity and Value

This tour’s strength lies in its authentic focus on royal landmarks and traditions. Unlike some generic sightseeing options, the guides are praised for their knowledgeability, making it easier to understand the importance and stories behind each site. The inclusion of the Thames cruise adds a relaxing element and broadens the experience without significantly increasing the cost.

At $26.94, the value is quite good, especially considering the combination of guided walking, sightseeing, and boat ride. It’s a practical choice for travelers who want a time-efficient and informative overview of London’s royal and historical highlights.

One drawback, however, is the reliance on good weather—the tour takes place rain or shine, and the changing of the guard is weather-dependent. Also, if your schedule doesn’t match the guard’s parade days, you might miss this classic ceremony altogether. However, the rest of the tour still offers plenty of engaging sights and stories.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want a concise but rich introduction to London’s royal sites. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy traditional ceremonies and scenic boat rides. Because it’s relatively short and affordable, it’s a good option for travelers on a tight schedule or budget.

If you’re a history enthusiast eager for detailed stories about the Royal Family’s residences or a casual traveler looking for a pleasant way to see London’s core sights, this tour strikes a good balance. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find this engaging and manageable.

FAQs

Is the Changing of the Guard included in the tour?
Yes, but only on specific days—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Weather permitting, the guards will perform their ceremonial exchange at Buckingham Palace or St. James’s Palace.

How long does the tour last?
The guided walking portion is approximately 2 hours, and it includes a boat ride, making the whole experience fairly compact.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside the Statue of Goddess Diana outside Green Park Tube Station and ends back at the same spot after the Thames cruise.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is described as wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a broader range of travelers.

Do I need to pay upfront?
No, you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for full refunds.

What should I bring?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes are recommended—London weather can be unpredictable.

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Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of London’s royal heritage in a short, affordable format. The combination of guided storytelling, sightseeing at key landmarks, and a relaxing Thames cruise makes it an appealing choice for travelers who want a taste of tradition without the fuss. The knowledgeable guides bring history to life, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

While weather and scheduling can influence the day’s highlights—especially the Changing of the Guard—there’s still plenty to see and learn. The boat ride adds a scenic touch that’s often overlooked in typical city tours, providing a calming break from the busy streets.

Overall, if you’re eager for a balanced, authentic, and value-packed tour of London’s royal sites, this experience deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s particularly suited for first-timers or those with limited time who want a memorable, insightful, and fun way to explore London’s royal traditions.

Note: For more sightseeing options, check similar experiences like the Westminster to Greenwich sightseeing cruise or the guided royal walking tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: