#1 Changing of the Guard | Satisfaction Guaranteed! | 12ppl Max

Explore the historic and iconic Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with this 2-hour semi-private walking tour in London. Priced at $60.31 per person, this tour offers a personalized experience with group sizes never exceeding 12 guests, ensuring plenty of attention from your professional guide. Conveniently starting at The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, the tour includes a detailed exploration of key sites such as Nelson’s Column, Admiralty Arch, Horse Guards Parade, St. James’s Park, and Clarence House.

This tour emphasizes watching the Guard parade, with prime viewing spots secured by knowledgeable guides praised for their professionalism and engaging storytelling. The full experience covers the history, architecture, and traditions of London’s royal sites, providing insightful commentary throughout. While not suitable for those with walking disabilities or wheelchair users, the moderate physical activity involved makes it ideal for active visitors wanting a rundown of central London’s royal landmarks.

The tour departs at 9:30 am from Trafalgar Square, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start. Given its high recommendation rate of 98% from over 100 reviews and a perfect 5.0/5 rating, this experience is highly valued for its expert guides and prime viewing opportunities.

Key Points

• Semi-private group with no more than 12 guests, ensuring personalized attention
• Includes iconic sites like Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, and Horse Guards Parade
• Experienced guides such as Andy, Becky, Wesley, and Luis are praised for their knowledge and friendliness
• Prime viewing locations for the Changing of the Guard are secured, with guides expertly timing the spectacle
• Tour duration is approximately 2 hours, starting at 9:30 am from Trafalgar Square
• Cost is $60.31 per person, with group discounts available and mobile tickets offered

Starting Point at Trafalgar Square and Its Historical Significance

The tour begins outside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, a central London landmark rich with history. Here, the guide introduces the Battle of Trafalgar and explains the significance of the square as a site of both celebration and protest. The 10-minute stop sets the tone for understanding London’s political and social history, making it a meaningful starting point for the tour.

The monument to Admiral Nelson in the square, Nelson’s Column, is another key feature. It commemorates the famous British naval hero who died during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The guide provides context about Nelson’s legacy, adding depth to the sightseeing experience.

Finally, Admiralty Arch is explored, a historic building that connects Trafalgar Square to The Mall. Commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria, this arch emphasizes London’s architectural grandeur and royal connections. These initial stops provide a solid foundation before moving on to the royal sites.

Visiting Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade

The tour proceeds to Whitehall, home to Horse Guards Parade, a key location for royal ceremonies. Visitors observe members of the Household Cavalry, tasked with guarding the entrance to St. James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace. This stop lasts about an hour, offering ample opportunity to observe the mounted guards and learn about their duties.

This section of the tour allows viewers to witness the pomp and tradition of British royal protection, often accompanied by informative commentary from guides praised for their friendly and engaging manner. The parade ground’s open space and historic significance make it a favorite spot for photography and sightseeing.

Exploring St. James’s Park and Clarence House

After the parade, the tour moves into St. James’s Park, the oldest royal park in London. Here, visitors enjoy beautiful lake views, pelicans, and flower beds located directly in front of Buckingham Palace. The guide highlights the park’s history and its role as a peaceful retreat amid the busy city.

Next, the group views Clarence House, a historic royal residence that was home to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother until 2002. It now serves as the residence for Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The guide discusses its architecture and royal associations, enriching the visual experience with historical insights.

The Core of the Tour: Changing the Guard Observation

The main focus lies in watching the Changing of the Guard at St. James’s Palace. Guides like Becky, Andy, Wesley, and Luis are praised for their ability to secure prime vantage points and time the spectacle perfectly. This ensures guests get clear views of the guards in traditional red coats and tall black hats as they march to and from Buckingham Palace.

Tour guides are recognized for their knowledgeable narration about the Guard’s duties, history, and significance. They also explain the parade’s schedule, although visitors should be aware that the Changing of the Guard can sometimes be canceled in wet weather or due to security considerations.

The Experience of a Small Group Tour

With group sizes capped at 12, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere, allowing guides to give more personalized attention. Many reviews highlight guides like Becky and Andy as making the experience fun, engaging, and informative. The small group setting also helps guests find the best spots and enjoy more flexible pacing.

The tour is designed to suit visitors with moderate physical fitness, and it involves walking along central London streets. It is not suitable for individuals with walking disabilities or those using wheelchairs, but the pacing generally accommodates most active visitors.

Practicalities: Meeting Point, Timing, and Weather Considerations

The tour departs at 9:30 am from The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. The meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to access from various parts of London. Mobile tickets streamline check-in, and the small group size ensures a smooth start.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so visitors are advised to dress appropriately. Since Changing the Guard can be canceled in rainy weather, it’s helpful to have flexible expectations, especially if rain is forecast. The tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changeable London weather.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most?

This experience is ideal for visitors who want a comprehensive, guided overview of London’s royal landmarks with a focus on watching the Changing of the Guard. The personalized attention from guides like Becky and Andy makes it especially appealing for first-time visitors, history enthusiasts, and those seeking prime viewing spots without the hassle of navigating crowds alone.

While the tour does not include inside visits to Buckingham Palace, the viewing experience and detailed narration deliver a rich understanding of the ceremony and its history. The value for money, combined with excellent reviews, makes it a solid choice for a memorable morning in London.

The Sum Up: A Focused, Well-Reviewed Royal Experience

The Changing of the Guard tour by Babylon Tours London offers a personalized, informative, and well-organized way to see one of London’s most iconic sights. The 2-hour guided walk ensures guests are positioned perfectly for prime views while learning about royal traditions, historic sites, and London’s architecture.

This tour excels because of its small group format, friendly guides, and expert timing at key locations. It is perfect for visitors who value a detailed explanation and want to avoid crowds. The only potential limitation is weather-dependent cancellations of the Guard ceremony, but the flexibility of free cancellation helps manage this risk.

If you want a focused, expert-led experience that combines sightseeing with cultural storytelling, this tour delivers a reliable and enjoyable way to observe the Changing of the Guard and learn about London’s royal history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a semi-private walking experience, a professional guide, and visits to sites like Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, St. James’s Park, and Clarence House. It lasts approximately 2 hours.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and good vantage points for viewing the Guard parade.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins outside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London, at 9:30 am.

Does the tour operate in all weather?
Yes, the tour runs regardless of weather conditions, but Changing the Guard may be canceled in wet weather.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Guides like Becky, Andy, Wesley, and Luis receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and timing skills.

Is this tour accessible for people with walking disabilities?
No, it is not suitable for those with walking disabilities or wheelchair users due to the walking involved.

What if I want to see inside Buckingham Palace?
This specific tour focuses on viewing the Changing of the Guard and does not include inside access to the palace.

How much does this tour cost?
The price is $60.31 per person, with optional group discounts and mobile tickets.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, on average, this tour is booked 41 days in advance, but last-minute bookings are possible depending on availability.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small group size, expert guides, and prime viewing spots for the Guard parade are the main advantages, making for a personal and memorable experience.