What a fantastic first day in London. We met Sue outside Buckingham Palace, where the crowds were already assembling by the masses. Sue was wonderful in guiding us to different locations, perfectly on schedule to witness to the changing of the guard at 3-4 different locations, none of which were Buckingham Palace! Her deep knowledge of the palace, the guards, and rich British history made the whole morning come to life! Perfect start to our week in London. Amazing experience thanks to Sue!
Royal London Tour with Changing of the Guard and a View of Buckingham Palace
Help your teen go from ‘meh’ to mesmerized as you explore Royal stables, residences and parks together with your expert.
The Finer Details
This royal exploration will begin with an introduction to the exterior of the King's official residence, prior to witnessing the iconic red tunics and bearskin hats performing the age-old ritual of the Changing of the King's Guard. A stroll through St James’s Park and past its Tudor palace, the principal palace in London during the Georgian era, will provide the opportunity to connect and consolidate the roles of these various sites within the narrative of the British monarchy.
Elite soldiers have guarded the King or Queen since the reign of Henry VII, who made the Royal Body Guard a permanent institution that has spanned over 520 years of history. This Royal London Tour will allow you to witness this storied ritual within a narrative that encapsulates all of the key aspects of royal London, providing a comprehensive understanding of the roles these sites have played in the history of the monarchy.
Please note: The Royal Mews is open seasonally, usually between March and October, and is always closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you book this tour when the Royal Mews is closed, we will visit the Household Cavalry in its place.
Please note: The Royal Mews is open seasonally, usually between March and October, and is always closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you book this tour when the Royal Mews is closed, we will visit the Household Cavalry in its place.
Sites Visited
- Buckingham Palace (Exterior Only)
- St. James's Park
- Royal Mews OR Household Cavalry
Logistics
A few things that pair well with this tour:
- A little pre-trip preparation. Make sure you have your travel questions answered and get tips for your visit from a local with our London, England: Top 10 Highlights For Curious Travelers Talk.
- An appetite for history...
- A charged phone or empty film roll and an eye for seeing London in a different way.
- This tour has an optional meeting point transfer if you'd like a private car to pick you up from your accommodation. If you choose to add this service, please add the address to your accommodation in the Additional Details section
Looking for insider recommendations? Get expert tips on seeing the true London in our London City Guide.
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Buckingham PalaceLondon royal residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch.
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Royal Mews
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Household Cavalry Museum
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
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GratuitiesWe encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkRefreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tours operate rain or shine, but it also never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Westminster Abbey is not included in the itinerary. If you would like to explore the inside of the abbey, please book our Westminster Abbey tour or the Monarchy and Parliament as the perfect complement.
Yes! We have some excellent family-friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children, such as favorite school subjects and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible guide. Please note that as this walking tour does not fall within our official family program, there will not be special family activities.
Yes. We'll pre-purchase tickets for each participant for the Royal Mews. Your guide will have the tickets on hand.
For this tour, your tickets are pre-purchased, which allows you to directly enter the security line at the Household Cavalry without waiting to purchase tickets. You may still have to wait in a security line or in a line to have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
The tour is fast-paced and includes some narrow alleys and cobbled streets. We do not recommend this tour for clients with severe mobility issues.
Don’t just take our word for it
Alex is an incredibly knowledgeable and a wonderful guide. He kept us engaged and entertained from start to finish!
Sean was such a great guide to spend a couple of hours with exploring London. The day started off with some weather challenges, but he made the day worth the wet weather. Having not traveled to London before, Sean did a wonderful job walking us through the demographics of the Royal Family in common terms. His knowledge of the Palace and the history involved and made for a fun afternoon.
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.