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Changing of the Guard Half-Day Private Walking London Tour

London, GB
London, GB
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Experience the time-honored tradition of the Changing of the Guard in a whole new way with this half-day private walking tour. Witness the extraordinary ceremony from the best position available, while avoiding the crowds at Buckingham Palace. This fast-paced tour will keep you on your toes, with plenty of action, excitement, and fun. You'll have the unique opportunity to witness various stages of the ceremony, including the inspection, Old Guard, New Guard, Palaces, and even march alongside the Guards and Ceremonial Bands. Immerse yourself in the pomp and circumstance of this cultural spectacle, and capture unforgettable moments at iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge. Note: The Changing of the Guard may be cancelled in wet weather, so be sure to check the schedule before booking.

About this experience

  • Non Refundable There is no return, refund or cancellation possible with this product
  • Admission Included
  • 4 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony
  • Walking alongside the Guards and Ceremonial Bands
  • Exploring iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey
  • Discovering hidden gems and best photo spots in St. James's Park
  • Learning about the history and engineering of Tower Bridge
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

More about this experience

Introduction

The Changing of the Guard Half-Day Private Walking London Tour offers a unique and immersive experience of one of London's most iconic traditions. For centuries, the Household Regiment, the Queen's Guards at Buckingham Palace, have showcased an extraordinary display of pomp and circumstance as they change shifts. This walking tour ensures that you have the best vantage point to witness this enchanting ceremony while avoiding the crowds that gather at the palace gates. Unlike other tours, this experience allows you to witness various stages of the changing of the guard, including the inspection, Old Guard, New Guard, Palaces, and even march alongside the Guards and Ceremonial Bands.

What to expect?

During the Changing of the Guard Half-Day Private Walking London Tour, you can anticipate an action-packed and exhilarating experience. Lasting a total of 240 minutes, this tour takes you through the heart of London, immersing you in the rich history and grandeur of the city. The itinerary includes essential landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, St. James's Park, Downing Street, Westminster Bridge, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Marvel at magnificent architecture, learn intriguing stories, and capture breathtaking photos that will forever capture the essence of London.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony up close and personal, away from the crowds. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply an adventurous traveler, this experience caters to a wide range of interests and preferences. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find immense value in this tour, as it offers an immersive and informative journey through London's iconic landmarks.

Why book this?

There are several compelling reasons to book the Changing of the Guard Half-Day Private Walking London Tour. Firstly, this tour ensures that you have the best spot to witness the ceremony, providing a front-row seat to this historic event. Secondly, the tour covers a comprehensive itinerary that includes must-see attractions, giving you a well-rounded experience of London's cultural and architectural wonders. Additionally, the expert guides will share their extensive knowledge of the city, offering fascinating insights and stories that will bring the landmarks to life. Finally, by opting for a private tour, you have the opportunity to customize the experience according to your interests and pace, making it a truly personalized and memorable adventure.

Good to know

It's essential to note that the Changing of the Guard ceremony may be canceled, especially in wet weather. Therefore, it's advisable to check the schedule before booking the tour. This tour is fast-paced and requires moderate physical fitness, as there is walking involved, including climbing at least one flight of stairs. Unfortunately, it may not be suitable for individuals with walking difficulties.

Reviews

Feedback from individuals who have taken the Changing of the Guard Half-Day Private Walking London Tour highlights the thrilling and immersive nature of the experience. Travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights and historical context. Many reviewers mention that witnessing the Changing of the Guard up close was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that exceeded their expectations. Overall, the tour receives high praise for its seamless organization, captivating itinerary, and the unique opportunity to be part of a centuries-old tradition.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, known also as the Palace of Westminster is where the two Houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (the House of Lords and the House of Commons) conduct their sittings. They lie on the north bank of the River Thames in the London borough of the City of Westminster, close by other government buildings in Whitehall. The oldest part of the building is still in existence, Westminster Hall, which dates from 1097. The palace originally served as a royal residence, but no monarch has lived in it since the 16th century. Most of the present Houses of Parliament structure dates from the 19th century when the Palace was rebuilt after it was almost entirely destroyed by a fire in 1834. The architects responsible for rebuilding the Palace was Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin, and the building is an example of the Gothic revival.

Admission Not Included

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is still the official residence of Britain's monarchy, as it has been since Queen Victoria's designation in 1837. Much of Buckingham Palace was constructed as early as 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham House (as it was then known) was purchased in 1762 by George III, who used it as a private residence. Over the following 75 years, the house was expanded to form three wings around a central courtyard. When Queen Victoria discovered Buckingham Palace lacked several 'necessary' rooms - such as a formal ballroom, a nursery, visitor's bedrooms and others - major additions were undertaken, including adding an entire wing to form a quadrangle. The Marble Arch was moved to Hyde Park, where it still resides near Speaker's Corner. With the re-facing using Portland stone in 1913, the palace received its last major change.

Admission Not Included

Parliament Square

Located right in the middle of London's iconic landmarks such as Houses of Parliament, Elizabeth Tower (a.k.a Big Ben), Whitehall, Saint-Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Bridge. Parliament Square houses eleven state figures and world leaders, including Sir Winston Churchill, Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Parliament Square in London is a popular destination among tourists. The atmosphere is magnificent and it's one of the must-visit locations in the city.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a Church, burial ground, coronation site and much more and continues to attract visitors over 900 years after its founding. In many respects the architecture is common. There's the traditional cross-shaped floor plan with a nave, north and south transepts and several round side areas but both its execution and use raise The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster (the official name) to among the highest examples of church construction. Here at Westminster Abbey lie buried kings and poets, scientists and philosophers who have themselves raised humankind to the highest levels. Isaac Newton and James Clerk Maxwell (discoverer of electromagnetic theory, which later leads to radio and TV), Chaucer and Kipling, Dr. Samuel Johnson (creator of the first English dictionary) and many other justly famous names are interred here.

Admission Not Included

Changing of the Guard

The Queen's Guard and Queen's Life Guard (called King's Guard and King's Life Guard when the reigning monarch is male) are the names given to contingents of infantry and cavalry soldiers charged with guarding the official royal residences in the United Kingdom. The British Army has regiments of both Horse Guards and Foot Guards predating the English Restoration (1660), and since the reign of King Charles II these regiments have been responsible for guarding the Sovereign's palaces. Despite tourist perceptions, the Guards are not purely ceremonial and are fully operational soldiers. Important Notice: The Changing of the Guard may be cancelled up until the last minute, especially in wet weather. In heavy rain the ceremony will not take place. Please check the schedule with us first, before you purchase this tour.

St. James's Park

St. James's Park is one of the Royal Parks of London in the City of Westminster just east of Buckingham Palace and west of Downing Street. For more than four hundred years, St James ' Park has been the centre of the royal and ceremonial life of the country. Many features of the park have been shaped by Royal ambitions and national events. We will show hidden gems and the best spots for your best photo shots in the park.

Admission Included

Downing Street

Being one of the most important political buildings in the world, the United Kingdom's “White House”, Number 10 continuously hosts the British prime ministers since 1735. The main decisions affecting Britain's destiny in the last 275 years have seriously been taken behind its iconic black door. Today it's not possible to enter the street as a tourist but knowing the idea that an actual prime minister lives and works in the street is exhilarating.

Admission Not Included

Westminster Bridge

Westminster Bridge is not an ordinary bridge to span the river Thames. It has a very tumultuous history in London. The bridge's colour is green and the story of the bridge is colourful. We will tell you about the history of the bridge after Lady Boudicca's role in London's 2000-year-old history. Oh before we leave we will walk along the bridge and take pictures of London Eye, Royal Festival Hall and the River Thames.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is probably the city's most distinctive symbol of today. The Bridge shows a lot to its medieval predecessor London Bridge with its starlings and elaborate twin towers that give the bridge its name but it's not just a homage to the past, hidden inside that medieval-looking exterior there's a rather wonderful piece of Victorian engineering and in its day it was the biggest and most sophisticated lifting bridge in the world. Unlike London Bridge, the genius of the design is that the bridge can act as a gateway swinging open to allow tall ships to pass through. We will tell you plenty of things about this masterpiece in London, just follow us!

Admission Not Included

Tower of London

Few prisons can claim to be as popular as the Tower of London, an attraction - unpleasant for some - for over 900 years. Its twenty towers are filled with an ancient tradition of royal blood, armor and jewels and the history to match. The Tower of London central structure began as a fort - used by the original builder William the Conqueror who completed the first tower around 1100 AD. At its completion it was the tallest building in London. Henry III had it whitewashed in the 13th century and the name, White Tower, has stuck. Later it evolved into a prison, used by Henry VII (and many others). Still later - and continuing to this day - it has acted as a repository for the extensive collection of crown jewels. Henry VII, nearly always short of money, had few jewels to store.

Admission Not Included

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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2024-11-13 15:22