The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace

The Changing of the Guard is London at full volume, and this tour is interesting because it strings the pageantry together with royal landmarks you can actually walk between. I like the way the guides (including favorites like Alan and John) focus on best viewing placement so you are not guessing where to stand. I also like the storytelling that turns a crowd moment into something you can follow, with guides such as Peter and Camila adding context that makes the ceremony feel less random. One possible drawback: the walk can be brisk in parts, so it is not the easiest choice if you struggle with mobility.

You will start near Green Park, watch the guard ceremony based on the day’s schedule, then keep rolling through Westminster on foot. The tour ends at Trafalgar Square, so you leave with a clean loop of classic sights in a short time, not a half-day slog. Still, plan for the weather, since the British Army can change or cancel the ceremony without notice.

Key highlights in plain English

• Smart viewing strategy for the ceremony, with guides praised for getting you close and angled right
• Buckingham Palace vs Horse Guards Parade depending on the day of the week
• Westminster landmarks outside only, plus a short Westminster Abbey time window
• Photo planning built in, including a stop where you can get images with guards nearby
• Small-ish group limit (max 35) so you are not stuck behind a giant wall of heads

Where you meet at Green Park, and why that matters

The tour starts at the Colicci Ritz Corner, Green Park (Stop H, London W1J 9DZ). This is a practical pick. You are already close to the areas where you will watch the ceremony and you can access it easily by public transportation. It also helps you avoid that common London problem, arriving too late and having to join the crowd at the worst angle.

You should also know the tour uses a mobile ticket, and it is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and there are public toilets available halfway through the tour, which is a real comfort when you are outside for most of the experience.

The tour runs about 2 hours 15 minutes. That time window sounds short, but it is designed that way on purpose. You get the ceremony moment, then you move through Westminster efficiently on foot before finishing at Trafalgar Square.

Changing of the Guard schedule: Buckingham Palace on some days, Horse Guards on others

This is the part that will decide what you see on your exact date.

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: Changing of the Guard with the Foot Guards at Buckingham Palace
• Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: Changing of the King’s Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade

There is also a reality check: the ceremony runs at the discretion of the British Army. That means schedules can change, or events can be cancelled without notice. On bad weather days, the tour may aim to watch the Horse Guards ceremony instead. The key takeaway for you is simple, do not plan this as your one and only royal hope. Use it as a priority, but keep a flexible mindset.

Stop 1: the ceremony plus the march down the Mall (and how you’ll get your photos)

Your first stop is the Changing of the Guard, and the tour frames it as a full experience, not just a quick look. You begin with a walk through Royal London while you pass major royal sites such as St. James’ Palace, Clarence House, and Buckingham Palace.

Then the moment arrives: you either march down the Mall with the Queen’s Foot Guards or you focus on the impressive mounted parade at Horse Guards Parade, depending on the day. One of the strongest praised parts of this tour is that the guide helps you land in a pro photo viewpoint. People talk about getting in the right placement and seeing the guards up close, including guide-led moments where the group gets a really direct line of sight.

You also get an extra bonus during Stop 1. After the ceremony segment, the tour finishes with a leisurely stroll through St James’ Royal Park. That is not just walking filler. It gives you a breather, and it also breaks the crowd energy before you shift into Westminster city-landmarks mode.

Practical note: this stop is fast paced. If you are sensitive to cold or long standing time, dress for it. When the guard ceremony is running, you will want your hands free for photos and your body comfortable enough to watch without constantly shifting.

Stop 2: Westminster Abbey area, Parliament Square, and a royal photo moment

Stop 2 is where the tour turns into a Westminster highlights circuit. You continue walking through historic royal Westminster, with key sights outside the gates and views rather than ticketed entry.

You pass Churchill’s War Rooms on the way to the Westminster Abbey area. Then you arrive at the landmark that defines the stretch: Westminster Abbey, the site of every Royal Coronation since 1066. Even though this sounds like a stop where you might expect to go inside, you should set your expectations correctly: this tour does not enter Westminster Abbey. You spend about 5 minutes at the Abbey.

That might sound short, but it makes sense in a tour that also includes Parliament Square, Big Ben views, and the Houses of Parliament area. You are getting the orientation and the key exterior context, not trying to fit a full Abbey visit into a tight schedule.

You also spend time around Parliament Square, where you see statues of major historical figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill. Then you look toward Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower). Even from the outside, the sightline matters, and a guide-led route helps you avoid arriving at the wrong angle.

As you keep moving, you get photo opportunities with the horses of the Queen’s Guard near the action. That is one of those details people remember because it is a different kind of photo than the flat “I saw a building” shot.

You will also admire the gothic architecture of the Houses of Parliament from the outside before heading down toward 10 Downing Street for a look. You are not going inside either, but you are in the right area to understand what you are seeing and why it is so central to modern Britain.

Timing for Stop 2: it is described as about 70 minutes for the sights, with about 5 minutes at Westminster Abbey, and the full stop is set as roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.

Stop 3: Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column finish

You finish at Trafalgar Square, where the centerpiece is Nelson’s Column. The stop is short, about 5 minutes, and that is intentional. The tour has already delivered the big ceremony and the Westminster landmark circuit. This final stop gives you an iconic London “you made it” moment and a clean place to continue on your own.

If you want to keep exploring after the tour, Trafalgar Square is a great launch point. You are central, you are near lots of public transport, and you can adjust your next plan without feeling boxed in by tour timing.

Why guides matter here, especially for the ceremony viewpoint

If you have ever tried to watch the Changing of the Guard without help, you know the problem: people surge, everyone crowds the same spots, and you end up searching for a viewing gap at the exact moment it matters most.

This tour leans hard into the fix. The guides are praised for placing the group where they can actually see, with people highlighting that they got front-row access and that the guide knew the best spot to stand. More than once, the best comments connect directly to that simple idea: view placement makes the difference between watching and experiencing.

On top of placement, the guide storytelling adds another layer. You will hear colorful tales and royal anecdotes as you walk, and people mention guides like Alan and John answering questions and sharing trivia and facts that you might never pick up just standing still.

So yes, you get the ceremony. But the guide is part of the value because they turn the “wait, where do we stand?” problem into a plan, and they turn the ceremony into a story you can follow.

Price and value: what $24.95 gets you in London terms

At $24.95 per person, this is not a splurge. It is also not a generic walking tour with a few landmarks. What you are paying for is time efficiency and guidance during the exact moment where London crowds can make things painful.

Your included item is a guided walking tour with an expert guide. You do not get food or drink included. Westminster Abbey entry is not included either, and you also do not enter the Abbey on this tour.

So where does the value show up?

• The ceremony and photo planning are the core.
• You are guided through multiple major landmarks in a tight route: royal sites near the Mall, the Westminster Abbey area, Parliament Square, and then Trafalgar Square.
• The group size caps at 35, which helps keep the experience from turning into a slow human traffic jam.

If you are the kind of traveler who wants the event to feel intentional, not accidental, this price can make sense fast.

Timing and weather: how to stay comfortable when London turns cold

Even when the schedule holds, the Changing of the Guard can mean standing around and waiting for the ceremony to fully unfold. The tour’s own reality includes weather risk: the British Army can cancel or adjust the ceremony, and bad weather can trigger changes.

In other words, your comfort plan matters.

Bring layers. Wear shoes that handle stone and curb edges. And do not assume the day will be short and easy just because the tour is just over two hours. One of the most repeated points in the tour feedback is that guides keep things moving and help the group stay comfortable even when it is cold.

Also, be ready for crowds. Some days near holiday periods or peak times can feel packed. A good guide route helps you avoid wasting minutes in lines or standing in the wrong place.

What you see at each stage, in plain terms

Here is what your experience feels like, step-by-step.

1. Royal London lead-in and ceremony watching

You walk past key royal buildings, then watch the guard ceremony based on the day’s schedule. You get a march and/or horses segment, followed by a walk through St James’ Royal Park.

1. Westminster exterior landmarks

You pass Churchill’s War Rooms, then spend time around Westminster Abbey’s exterior area. You also see Parliament Square statues and Big Ben views, plus the Houses of Parliament from outside.

1. Downing Street and Horse Guard photo chance

You head toward 10 Downing Street and get a photo moment with the horses of the Queen’s Guard nearby.

1. Trafalgar Square finale

The tour ends at Trafalgar Square, anchored by Nelson’s Column.

It is a “see it, understand it, photograph it” route, with just enough time at each stop to keep momentum.

Who this tour suits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a great fit if you want classic royal sights, you care about getting a good view, and you like your landmarks with context.

It is also a strong option for families, since the route is designed to keep the day moving and people specifically mention great guide energy for kids.

But reconsider if you have walking difficulties. The tour is not billed as slow and easy, and it can be brisk in parts. If standing is tough for you, be honest about how long you can watch the ceremony.

Should you book the Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace?

I think you should book it if you meet these conditions: you are visiting London for a short time, you want the Changing of the Guard experience tied to major Westminster landmarks, and you do not want to spend your morning figuring out where to stand.

You should skip or plan something different if you cannot handle a brisk walking pace, if you need Westminster Abbey entry, or if you are counting on the ceremony for a perfectly fixed schedule. The British Army can change things, and the weather can force adjustments.

If you do book, do one simple thing that pays off immediately: dress for cold and crowd conditions, and show up at the meeting point on time. With that, this tour is a strong value for one focused goal, the ceremony, plus a clean hit list of Westminster icons to keep your day feeling like you saw the important stuff.

FAQ

What is the tour duration?

The tour is about 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.).

How much does it cost?

It costs $24.95 per person.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour meets at Colicci Ritz Corner, Green Park (Stop H, London W1J 9DZ, UK).

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends in a different location, with details shown separately by the activity.

Does the tour include entry into Westminster Abbey?

No. Admission to Westminster Abbey is not included, and the tour does not enter Westminster Abbey.

How long do you spend at Westminster Abbey?

You spend about 5 minutes at the Westminster Abbey area.

Which Changing of the Guard do you see, Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade?

On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday you watch the Foot Guards at Buckingham Palace. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday you watch the King’s Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade.

What if the ceremony is cancelled due to weather?

The Changing of the Guard may be cancelled in bad weather. The tour will try to watch the Changing of the Horse Guards instead.

Are food and drink included?

No food or drink is included.

Is there a bathroom break?

Yes, there is access to public toilets halfway through the tour.