Discover the grandeur of London’s royal heritage on this captivating Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard tour. Led by an expert guide, you’ll uncover the history and significance behind British traditions as you witness the ceremonial precision of the Changing of the Guard. With a small group of fellow travelers, explore iconic landmarks like St James’s Palace and Clarence House, and learn about the vibrant atmosphere of St James’s Park. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned London enthusiast, this tour promises to…

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Key Points

Guided tour of Buckingham Palace and witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony, lasting approximately 105 minutes and priced at $25.87 per person.
Tour starts at the Equestrian statue of Edward VII on The Mall, with visits to St James’s Palace, Clarence House, and St James’s Park.
Provides insight into the history and significance of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, including information on different regiments and their uniforms.
Offers the opportunity to observe the guards marching to the beat of drums and experience the pageantry and military precision central to royal customs in the UK.
Cancellation allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and option to reserve a spot without immediate payment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour is priced at $25.87 per person and lasts approximately 105 minutes. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Alternatively, they can reserve their spot without immediate payment. The small-group tour with an English-speaking expert guide offers a personalized experience.

The tour covers key sites, including guided visits to St James’s Palace, Clarence House, and St James’s Park, as well as a sightseeing walk and a 20-minute stop at Buckingham Palace to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony.

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Itinerary and Key Locations

The tour begins at the Equestrian statue of Edward VII, located on The Mall in London.

The tour commences at the Equestrian statue of Edward VII, situated on The Mall in London.

After a brief introduction, guests embark on a guided tour of St James’s Palace, lasting 15 minutes.

They then proceed to Clarence House for a 20-minute tour.

Next, the group explores St James’s Park for 15 minutes before heading to the main stop – Buckingham Palace, where they observe the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony for 20 minutes.

Throughout the tour, the expert guide shares insights into British traditions and the ceremonial significance of the guards’ movements and music.

Experience Highlights

One of the main experience highlights is learning the history and significance of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Guests will understand the different regiments and their distinctive uniforms. They’ll watch the guards march to Buckingham Palace to the beat of drums, observing their precise drill movements and musical performance.

An expert guide provides insights on British traditions and the ceremonial importance, enriching the overall experience.

Witnessing this longstanding ritual offers a glimpse into the pageantry and military precision that’s central to royal customs in the UK.

Meeting Point and Directions

Attendees meet at the equestrian statue of Edward VII, located on Waterloo Place in St. James’s, London SW1Y 5ER.

From there, it’s a quick walk to the tour’s starting point.

To arrive:

Take the Piccadilly Circus tube and exit at No. 3 onto Regent Street.
Walk south towards St. James’s Park.
Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a prompt start.

Guests should dress for the weather and leave large bags at home, as they aren’t permitted on the tour.

Photography restrictions apply, so be mindful of the guide’s instructions.

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Important Information and Guidelines

While on the tour, guests should dress for the weather and bring any necessary items such as water. Comfortable shoes are a must as the tour involves walking.

Dress for the weather, bring necessary items like water, and wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking.

Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed, so pack light. The Changing of the Guard ceremony may be canceled or altered at the British Army’s discretion due to weather or other factors.

Photography is allowed, but guests can’t video the guide without permission.

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure an enjoyable and hassle-free experience at Buckingham Palace and the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony.

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Preparing for the Tour

To make the most of the Buckingham Palace tour, guests should arrive at the meeting point a bit early. This allows time to locate the guide, secure a spot in the small group, and get an overview of the day’s itinerary.

When preparing for the tour, visitors should:

Dress for the weather. Layers and comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as the tour involves extensive walking.
Avoid bringing large bags or luggage, as these aren’t permitted on the tour.
Bring water and any necessary medications to stay hydrated and comfortable during the 105-minute experience.

What to Expect on the Day

When guests arrive at the meeting point, they’ll find their expert guide ready to lead the small group on an immersive tour of the royal landmarks.

After a brief introduction, the group will set off on a 15-minute guided tour of St James’s Palace, followed by a visit to Clarence House.

A 15-minute guided tour of St James’s Palace, followed by a visit to Clarence House.

Then, it’s time to head to St James’s Park for a stroll and observation of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

The highlight is the 20-minute stop at Buckingham Palace, where guests can witness the guards’ drill movements and music performance.

Throughout the tour, the guide will provide engaging insights into British traditions and ceremonial significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors often have a few common questions about the Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard tour. Here are the answers:

What if the Changing of the Guard is cancelled? The ceremony is subject to change due to weather or other factors. If it’s cancelled, the tour will still visit the palace and surrounding areas, providing an in-depth look at the history and traditions.
Can I take photos and video? Photography is allowed, but video recording of the guide is prohibited without prior permission.
Do I need to arrive early? Yes, it’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes before the tour starts to ensure a smooth check-in process.

The Sum Up

This Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore London’s royal heritage. Priced at $25.87 per person, the 105-minute small-group experience provides an in-depth look at iconic landmarks, including the ceremonial Changing of the Guard. Led by an expert guide, visitors can enjoy British traditions and the vibrant atmosphere of St James’s Park.