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The Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

4.8 (87)
London, GB
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The Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

4.8 (87)
London, GB
Share
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Experience the quintessential British event, the Changing of the Guard, with this exciting semi-private guided walking tour in the heart of London. In just 2 hours, you'll witness this iconic ceremony alongside an expert guide who will help you navigate the crowds and capture excellent photos. Starting at Trafalgar Square, you'll learn about its historical significance and continue to Nelson's Column, Admiralty Arch, and Horse Guards Parade. Along the way, you'll also have the chance to explore St. James's Park and see Clarence House, a British Royal Residence. With a maximum of 8 guests, this tour offers an intimate and immersive experience of one of London's most famous traditions. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of history!

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 2 hours
  • Suitable for 1-8 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Witness the Changing of the Guard live
  • Learn about the history of Trafalgar Square
  • Discover the rich heritage of Admiralty Arch
  • See members of the Household Cavalry
  • Experience the beauty of St. James's Park
  • Duration 2 Hours
  • Semi-Private Walking Tour
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Semi-Private" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum
  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
  • Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair

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More about this experience

Introduction

Experience one of the most quintessential British events, the Changing of the Guard, in the heart of London with the exclusive Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour. In this 2-hour semi-private tour, you'll have the opportunity to witness this iconic ceremony and capture excellent photos, all while avoiding the heaving crowds. With the help of your expert guide, you'll gain insight into the history and significance of this tradition, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

What to expect?

During the Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour, you can expect a total duration of 120 minutes packed with fascinating sights and historical information. The tour begins at Trafalgar Square, where you'll learn about the history of this renowned public square and its role as a site of protests and demonstrations. From there, you'll visit Nelson's Column, a magnificent monument commemorating Admiral Horatio Nelson. Moving on, you'll discover the rich history of Admiralty Arch, a landmark building connecting the Mall and Trafalgar Square. The highlight of the tour is the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, where you'll witness members of the Household Cavalry in action, guarding the official entrance to St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace. Finally, you'll explore the beautiful St. James's Park, known for its stunning lake views and flower beds in front of Buckingham Palace. Throughout the tour, your expert guide will provide insights and anecdotes, making each step of the journey captivating and informative.

Who is this for?

The Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone looking to delve deeper into London's iconic landmarks. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, this tour caters to a wide range of audiences. Don't worry if you're not familiar with the city or its history; the tour is designed to provide an enriching experience for both locals and visitors alike. Join us and immerse yourself in the traditions and heritage of this truly British event.

Why book this?

By booking the Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour, you'll gain exclusive access to expert knowledge and insights that you won't find in guidebooks or online resources. With the expertise of your guide, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of each landmark you visit. Additionally, our semi-private tour ensures a more immersive and personalized experience, with a maximum of 8 guests. This means you'll have ample opportunity to ask questions, engage with your guide, and truly appreciate the unique features of this renowned London event.

Good to know

While on the Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour, it's important to dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear, as there will be some walking involved. Be sure to bring your camera to capture stunning photos of the ceremony and the iconic landmarks you'll encounter along the way. The tour starts at the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, where you'll meet your guide by the red telephone booth at the Sainsbury Wing entrance. Please arrive on time to ensure you don't miss any part of this exciting experience. Prepare to be enthralled by the history, pageantry, and beauty of the Changing of the Guard.

Reviews

Visitors who have experienced the Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour have praised the tour guides for their extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling. Many have expressed their appreciation for being able to witness this famous ceremony up close, without the hassle of navigating through large crowds. The tour has been described as a captivating and enriching experience, providing a deeper understanding of British history and culture. Guests are highly satisfied with the quality and value of the tour, and recommend it as a must-do activity in London.

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

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Trafalgar Square

After meeting your guide outside the National Gallery, in Trafalgar Square, you will learn all about the history of this public square which commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain. During its history, the square has been a place for protests and demonstrations which continue to this day.

Nelson's Column

Nelson's Column is a monument in Trafalgar Square, built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Admiralty Arch

Next you will discover the rich history and heritage of Admiralty Arch, a landmark building in London, providing road and pedestrian access between the Mall and Trafalgar Square. It was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria.

Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall

You will then move on to see the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, where you will see members of the Household Cavalry, there to protect the official entrance to St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace.

St. James's Park

Afterwards, you will see the beautiful St. James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in the city which is known for its impressive lake views, pelicans and flower beds located in front of Buckingham Palace.

Clarence House

Surrounding St. James’s Park, you will see Clarence House, a British Royal Residence. It was the home to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother from 1953 until 2002, and it has since been the official residence of Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Reviews

(87)

4.8 (87)

evacristinas2024

What an amazing day to walk around London historic streets. We really enjoy our tour with Wesley. We learned a lot about the history of this country and got amazing views of the Changing of Guards. Wesley made it so easy and enjoyable. We definitely recommend this experience.

benjaminhE7821BW

Becky our tour guide was amazing. She was vibrant, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, rapidly made great rapport with my 3 teenage daughters. Great, close up experience of the changing of the guard with expert commentary. Highly recommend this tour.

Benjamin_H

This was meant to be a semi-private tour, but we were very lucky and our family of 5 ended up being the only guests on the tour. Becky our guide was amazing. We have done a number of guided tours on this holiday and she was voted far and away the best by my 3 teenage daughters. Beck was bright, vibrant, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She had an instant rapport with my daughters and kept them engaged and interested for the entire tour. We had an amazing experience having prime position to observe the multiple aspects of the changing of the guard all with expert commentary. Thanks Becky.

811kurtisb

Andi was very knowledgeable with history as we walked on our way to the changing of the guard. Made sure we stared together and was eager to answer all questions.

B6468JZyolandaj

I had the most amazing time on my tour of the changing of the guards Our tour guide, Wesley was extremely knowledgeable and and a lot of fun filled facts. I would highly recommend anyone visiting London to take this tour. You won’t be disappointed.

margod773

Andy is an outstanding guide - exceptionally knowledgeable and compelling in how he shares the info. He also got us positioned for the best possible experience.

jovanm381

Becky was an excellent, informative and personable guide who made the entire ceremony an absolute pleasure!

alexabutler4

He was extremely engaging and you can tell that he is passionate about art and teaching people. His name is Luis. Very good at what he does.

pamryoung

This tour was exceptional! Andi was terrific and explained the history behind everything we were seeing in an interesting and fun way. He was very knowledgeable and strategic in getting us from the Horse Guards where the preliminary ceremony took place to Buckingham Palace and was able to snag us great spots to see everything up close. Tons of fun facts and wouldn’t have been nearly as interesting without him. Highly recommend this tour!

Tara K

Luis was a great tour guide. He provided a lot of historical detail and got us to perfect spots for seeing the changing of the guard, and for great pictures.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-06 20:40