London Buckingham Palace: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

London Buckingham Palace: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

A fun and informative way to experience one of London’s most iconic traditions

If you’re planning to visit London and want a closer look at one of its most famous royal ceremonies, the Changing of the Guard tour promises an engaging, well-paced experience. Unlike standing among large crowds outside Buckingham Palace, this guided walking tour takes you through key vantage points, offering unique angles and expert insights. It’s especially great if you’re eager for photos, want to learn about royal customs, or simply want a more relaxed way to enjoy the spectacle.

What we love about this tour is how it combines stunning views, knowledgeable storytelling, and a small-group atmosphere that keeps the experience intimate. Plus, the price point—just $20—makes it an accessible option to enrich your London visit. One consideration? The tour’s fast pace means comfortable shoes are a must, and weather can be unpredictable, so plan accordingly.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy cultural traditions, value good photography spots, and prefer guided insights over wandering alone. It’s especially suited for those with limited time but a desire to see the most of this grand ceremony.

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Key Points

Expert-guided experience with an informative and entertaining guide
Strategic vantage points for better photos and views, avoiding crowds
Includes sites like St James’s Palace, Horse Guards Parade, The Mall, and St James’s Park
Affordable price with high value for the experience provided
Small group size for personalized attention and better access
Fast-paced walk—good shoes and water recommended

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Changing of the Guard Tour

The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony that dates back centuries, originally started during the reign of King Henry VII and performed at Buckingham Palace since Queen Victoria’s time. Today, it remains a grand symbol of royal tradition, involving a formal handover of responsibility for palace security from the outgoing Guard to the incoming one.

Most visitors think the best view is at the palace gates, but the reality is that the crowds often block the best shots, and you might only see a fleeting glimpse. This tour changes that by escorting you around the parade route, including spots like St James’s Palace, Horse Guards Parade, The Mall, and St James’s Park. Here, you’ll get multiple vantage points, allowing you to witness the procession from angles that are often overlooked.

The guide, often an expert on British royal traditions, offers fascinating details about every element of the ceremony. From the history of the Guards to the significance of each step, you’ll gain a richer understanding of this display. Several reviewers appreciated guides like “James,” who they said brought humor and depth to the experience, making it both educational and entertaining.

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The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Starting Point: Outside Charing Cross Station

The tour kicks off at a convenient location outside Charing Cross Station, next to the Clermont Hotel. Here, you’ll meet your guide and gather for an approximately 1.75-hour walk that covers key sites related to the Changing of the Guard.

St James’s Palace and Horse Guards Parade

Your first stop is the St James’s Palace, the oldest royal residence still in use, and Horse Guards Parade, where the mounted guards are a sight to behold. The guide will explain the historical significance and the roles of these royal military police, giving you context before the main event.

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The Mall and St James’s Park

From there, you’ll walk along The Mall, the grand ceremonial route leading to Buckingham Palace. Here, you’ll get a sense of royal pomp and pageantry, especially when the Guards pass by. Stopping in St James’s Park, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces, offers a perfect spot for photos and a breather.

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Buckingham Palace (Outside)

Finally, the tour concludes at the iconic exterior of Buckingham Palace. While many try to wait at the gates, this tour ensures you see the guards’ march from a vantage point that offers better photo opportunities—not to mention, you avoid the crowds that gather directly in front of the palace.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Several reviewers highlight the guides’ expertise, with one saying, “Our guide, James, was full of interesting facts and had a great sense of humor that kept everyone engaged.” Their insights make the experience much more meaningful than just watching a parade.

Prime Photo Spots: Since the tour moves between vantage points, you’ll love the ability to capture the Guards in action without the usual head-on crowd congestion. Many travelers remarked on how they finally got the photos they wanted.

Authentic, Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Instead of waiting hours at the palace gates, you’ll follow a route that offers a more relaxed, comprehensive view of this British tradition. This way, you experience the ceremony in its full glory—while also taking in other sights along the way.

Small Group Feel: With fewer people, your guide can tailor the commentary, answer questions, and ensure you get the best views—an often-criticized aspect of large, crowded tours.

Affordable Price: At just $20, this experience offers excellent value, especially considering the quality of the guide, the insider tips, and prime photography opportunities.

Practical Details

Timing & Duration: The tour begins around 9:45 am, arriving 15 minutes early, and ends around noon. It’s perfectly timed to catch the ceremony when it’s happening, without a long day commitment.

Walking Pace: The tour moves pretty quickly to match the Guards’ pace, so comfortable shoes are essential. Expect around five minutes of brisk walking, with some small steps and minimal stairs.

Weather Considerations: The ceremony is subject to weather conditions and can be canceled or rescheduled. The guides will inform you on the morning if the event is postponed, but if it’s canceled, you’ll still get a comprehensive royal walking tour.

Group Size: Small groups of 8-15 ensure personalized attention and better access to vantage points—ideal for taking photos.

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and a smartphone or camera for snapping pics. Since you’ll be moving around, avoid large bags that could hinder quick shifts in position.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re interested in experiencing the Changing of the Guard without the hassle of large crowds and with a deeper understanding of its history. For a modest price, you’ll get expert insights, strategic spots for photos, and a chance to see more than just the palace gates.

The guides seem to be well-informed and genuinely enthusiastic, making the experience engaging and memorable. Plus, the opportunity to see other key sites along the parade route adds extra value to this walking adventure.

However, if you’re only interested in a quick, front-row view at Buckingham Palace, this may not be the best option. But for those wanting to blend sightseeing, photography, and cultural understanding, this tour offers a compelling package.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy storytelling and cultural traditions, are keen on photography, or want a more relaxed, guided approach to one of London’s most beloved ceremonies. It’s also ideal for those with limited time but a desire to maximize their sightseeing with expert commentary.

People with mobility issues might find the walking pace challenging, and bad weather could impact the experience, but overall, this tour balances education, entertainment, and practicality beautifully.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, families with children who enjoy history and photography will find it engaging. Just remember that the pace is quick, so plan accordingly.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead guarantees a spot. You can reserve now and pay later, making it flexible if your plans change.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are a must since you’ll be walking and standing outside for an extended period.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. The tour is designed to give you the best angles and vantage points for photos, so have your camera ready.

What if the ceremony is canceled due to weather?
If bad weather cancels the event, you’ll still enjoy a royal walking tour that covers the same sites and provides valuable insights.

How big are the groups?
Groups are small, usually around 8-15 people, to ensure a personalized experience.

Does the tour include entrance to Buckingham Palace?
No, this is a viewing from outside, focusing on the ceremony and surrounding sites. For inside access, additional tickets are needed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside Charing Cross Station, next to the Clermont Hotel, and finishes back at the starting point.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Not really. The tour involves walking and some steps, so it’s best for those with good mobility.

To sum it up, this Changing of the Guard Walking Tour offers a well-balanced mix of entertainment, education, and photography opportunities at a very reasonable price. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want a meaningful experience beyond just watching the parade from the crowds. With knowledgeable guides and carefully chosen vantage points, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for this regal British tradition—and some fantastic photos to prove it. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply want to tick this iconic ceremony off your list, this tour is worth considering when visiting London.