England · BUCKINGHAM PALACE & ROYAL LONDON TOURS
The Changing of the Guard is not daily and is cancelled in bad weather, and the State Rooms open for only part of the year. These 15 tours and tickets are sorted by what actually happens on the day you go.
A guided London walk for the Changing of the Guard, moving from Piccadilly to the Mall for smart views of Buckingham and St. James’s.
“Angie was bloody brilliant. Very informative, engaging, organized, loud enough for everyone to hear, and funny. Highly recommend this excursion.”
See Buckingham Palace State Rooms and the Changing of the Guard with a guided stroll, top viewing spots, and an audio-guided visit.
“Natalie was fantastic. Her knowledge and sense of humor was the best part of the trip. We saw the changing of the horse guards though we were supposed to see the changing of the foot guards. Had to cancel that because London was setting up for a marathon. But Natalie took us during our walking tour to where the horses switch just in case. And they did perform. She also kept a few of us from stepping in -well you know what - as we continued the walk. As for the Buckingham Palace tour, which she had nothing to do with other than get us in the door, I was…”
Walk Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace in hours, with a guide and options for skip-the-line Abbey entry and organ recitals.
“It was very interesting. Westminster Abbey was stunning and our tour guide, Phillip was very knowledgeable.”
Skip the crush with a small group, headsets, and smart viewing spots for the Changing of the Guard, plus royal stories near Buckingham Palace.
“Worse experience ever. No one showed up to the directions given. Sent text messages and got a reply after it was over that they don’t read their messages and I should have called. I am traveling out of country so the phone was not working. Will never use this service again. They had no excuse except others could find them. Horrible service and zero customer service. Advice to anyone wanting to book don’t expect that the directions on where to meet the guide will actually be where the guide is.”
Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace Gardens: a guided stroll past Hyde Park landmarks, plus Orangery tea with sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
“This experience for me was a bit underwhelming. Paul was our tour guide and he was nice, but it was just my sister and I so it felt a bit rushed. He also answered his phone at the very beginning of our tour which was a bit off putting. Also this is not a botanical garden tour Kensington Gardens is a public park with runners and dogs (unleashed) everywhere which cheapened the experience for me. The tea in the orangery was okay but my socks were not blown off! I can almost guarantee there were better and cheaper tea experiences in London! I did love seeing the Diana statue and…”
2-hour London walk for the Changing of the Guard, prime viewing spots, royal palaces, and a photo chance with Horse Guards. $19.42.
“Mike was an excellent historian and provided the history behind the ceremony. He always positioned our group for optimal viewing points throughout the ceremony.”
Small-group London royal pub walk with a local guide, a St James's Palace stop, and classic pubs for stories, laughs, beer picks.
“Carlos was a great guide! Knowledgeable and entertaining! He gave fantastic beer recommendations without making you feel bad if you chose something else.”
Small-group Changing of the Guard walk in London with top viewing spots, smart commentary, and stops at St James’s, Whitehall, and Buckingham.
“Guide was good but walked too fast. Very knowledgeable. Got us great viewing spots. Guard and band impressive.”
Small-group bike tour with helmets, hitting Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and Hyde Park in about 3.5 hours.
“Can highly recommend Fat Tire Company, very friendly, and the tour guide Lincoln was informative and fun. It was the highlight of our London trip. Our kids loved him and a subsequent souvenir teddy was named after him. Great routes through London, our 7 year old coped with it easily. Central London is more bike friendly than our home town.”
See Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and St Paul’s by coach, then step into Buckingham Palace State Rooms with afternoon tea and a prosecco option.
“Grand staircase, marble room Audio guide was perfect—just enough information Well organized Short wait time”
Royal Liver Building 360 tour: skip ticket lines, climb through history and a 4D audio-visual show, then enjoy 360 Liverpool views.
“Well planned and informative. Great views from the top - but beware the number of steps. Interesting display/history at the start of the tour.”
Small-group Westminster and Royal London walking tour with pre-booked Westminster Abbey entry, plus royal palace, Big Ben area, and key squares.
“Will was an amazing guide. Very knowledgeable and personable. He was even able to get us in a great position to see the king arrive at Buckingham palace.”
A 4-hour London guided loop featuring Westminster Abbey skip-the-line, Big Ben views, and royal palaces with Blue Badge storytelling.
“Great walking tour! Our guide was awesome and very knowledgeable. We got to see the changing of the guard which was a treat.”
Stand on the Prime Meridian at Royal Observatory Greenwich, learn GMT and astronomy with an audio guide, and enjoy UNESCO-area views.
“Great experience, good to get knows more about our galaxy and all. I had a great time with my family.”
A guided Changing of the Guard walk through royal sights, Westminster exteriors, and Trafalgar Square, timed for great photos and stories.
“The tour guide, Alan, was spot on with his walk and shared interesting history of England with his tour group. Highly recommended.”
By region, by ritual, and by what the weather is doing.
