Private Guided Royal London Walking Tour with Guard Change

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3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Immerse yourself in the splendour of Royal London on this private 2.5-hour walking tour, where tradition, ceremony, and regal history come to life. With our expert guidance, you’ll be in the right place at the right time, making sure you don’t just watch these world-famous ceremonies—you experience them.

Stand within six feet of the King’s Guards as they march past in their striking red tunics and towering bearskin hats. Your guide will navigate the shifting formations, ensuring you have the perfect vantage point for dramatic processions, photo-worthy moments, and behind-the-scenes insights that most visitors overlook.

Beyond the pomp and ceremony, stroll through the elegant streets of St. James’s, passing grand royal residences and discovering traditional shops that have served the monarchy for generations. Ideal for families, history lovers, and luxury travelers seeking an expertly guided, up-close experience of Britain’s grandest royal traditions.

What's Included

Friendly + fun English speaking guide
Food and drinks can be purchased separately
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
St. James's

Tours meet outside St James's Underground Station.

End point
Fortnum & Mason

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    55 Broadway

    We start our tour across the road from 55 Broadway, Westminster, it’s a Grade I listed Art Deco building that has served as the headquarters of Transport for London (TfL) and its predecessors since its completion in 1929. Designed by Charles Holden, it is considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in London.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Queen Anne's Gate

    Queen Anne's Gate is a charming, historic street lined with elegant Georgian townhouses. Named after Queen Anne, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, the street reflects the architectural style of her era. These well-preserved houses, with their distinctive brick facades and sash windows, offer a glimpse into the past.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Birdcage Walk

    Birdcage Walk owes its name to a rather curious history. In the 16th century, this area was part of St. James's Park, and it housed King James I's menagerie. This wasn't just any collection of animals; it was a display of exotic creatures, including camels, crocodiles, elephants and birds

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Wellington Barracks

    Wellington Barracks, located on the southwest side of St. James's Park, was built between 1833 and 1834. It was designed by architect John Nash, who also famously designed Buckingham Palace. The barracks were constructed to replace the older Birdcage Walk Barracks.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    The Royal Military Chapel (The Guards’ Chapel)

    The Royal Military Chapel, or the Guards' Chapel as it is more generally known, stands in Birdcage Walk on the south side of St. James's Park and is the spiritual home of the Household Division. The present chapel was built in 1963 but rose from the ashes of the original chapel, destroyed by a flying bomb on 18th June 1944.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    The Mall

    The Mall, a ceremonial route designed by Sir Aston Webb. This regal avenue, linking Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square, was to be a symbol of British majesty. It takes its name from another street that runs parallel to The Mall, Pall Mall.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Clarence House

    This is the official residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Built between 1825 and 1827 by John Nash, it has a rich history of housing senior members of the royal family, most notably Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for many years.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Lancaster House

    Lancaster House is used for diplomatic receptions, state visits, and other events, such as London Fashion week, society weddings and a couple of G7 summits.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Buckingham Palace

    Buckingham Palace's story is one of transformation, evolving from a private home to the iconic symbol of the British monarchy. Originally built in 1703 as Buckingham House, it was a residence for the Duke of Buckingham. Later, King George III acquired it for Queen Charlotte, and it became known as "The Queen's House." But it was Queen Victoria who truly shaped its destiny.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Green Park

    The Green Park is remarkable – and possibly unique – for having no formal flower beds. It’s said that Queen Catherine, wife of King Charles II, was outraged to discover that her husband had been picking flowers in the park for another woman. She ordered that every single flower in the park should be pulled up and no more planted. Hence the name change.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 11
    St. James's Palace

    St James Palace has seen an awful lot of history – both joyous and tragic. It was the birthplace of Charles II, his brother James II and James’ daughters Mary II and Queen Anne. It was also where Queen Anne gave birth to her numerous offspring (17 or 18, I believe), all of whom either died at birth or in infancy. And it’s where Charles I spent his last night on earth before being divested of his head at Whitehall on January 30 1649.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Changing of the Guard

    The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is steeped in history, with its origins tracing back over 520 years to the reign of King Henry VII. It was during his reign that the Royal Body Guard was established as a permanent institution, marking the beginning of this enduring tradition.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 13
    The Athenaeum Club

    The Athenaeum Club, located at 107 Pall Mall, London, is one of the most prestigious gentlemen’s clubs in the city. Founded in 1824, it has long been associated with intellectual and cultural figures, attracting scholars, writers, scientists, and artists.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 14
    Reform Club

    The Reform Club, located at 104 Pall Mall, London, was founded in 1836 as a political gentlemen’s club aligned with the ideals of the Great Reform Act of 1832. Originally, it was a meeting place for progressive politicians and supporters of parliamentary reform. The club's stunning Italian Renaissance-style building, designed by Sir Charles Barry (who also co-designed the Houses of Parliament), opened in 1841.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Pickering Place

    This tiny courtyard has a wealth of history attached to it. Not only was it home to the Texan Republic’s embassy (until it joined the United States in 1845) and is the smallest square in Britain, but it is also the last place in London where a duel was fought!

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 16
    Lock & Co. Hatters

    Lock & Co. is the oldest hat shop in the world, dating all the way back to 1676! The shop still has its original features and a Heritage Room with cool stuff like Winston Churchill's ledgers and the first-ever Coke hat (it's a Bowler).

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 17
    John Lobb

    John Lobb Bootmaker is a luxury shoe and boot brand founded in 1849 by John Lobb. The company is still family-owned and run by the fifth generation of the Lobb family.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 18
    Piccadilly Arcade

    Piccadilly Arcade in London was built in 1909 and is a Grade II listed building. It was designed by Thrale Jell and J.B. Dunnell in the Beaux-Arts style.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 19
    Beau Brummell Statue

    George Bryan "Beau" Brummell was an important figure in Regency England, and for many years he was the arbiter of British men's fashion. At one time, he was a close friend of the Prince Regent, the future King George IV, but after the two quarrelled and Brummell got into debt, he had to take refuge in France.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 20
    Burlington Arcade

    Burlington Arcade is a covered mall of small exclusive shops, many with their original signs, situated between Piccadilly and Old Burlington in the heart of Mayfair, London. What makes Burlington Arcade unique is that here you will find the oldest and smallest police force in the world.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 21
    Jermyn Street

    Jermyn Street is a one way street in the St.James area of London SW1 It is located to the south of, and runs parallel with Piccadilly – and is known globally for being THE top street in London for gentlemen’s clothing retailers.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Tally Ho Experiences

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