London: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour & Photo Spots

Summary

Marching bands, royal guards and hidden palace corners in london

You’ll walk London’s royal heart with a local guide who knows every shortcut for prime Changing of the Guard views. Expect close-up moments with marching bands and Horseguards, stories behind palaces like Clarence House, and plenty of time for photos or just soaking it all in. If you love people-watching or want to feel part of London’s traditions — this tour lingers with you.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely made it past St. James’s Park when our guide, Sam, waved us over to a patch of curb I’d have walked right by. “Best view’s here — trust me,” he said, and honestly, he was right. The air smelled faintly like cut grass and roasted nuts from a vendor nearby. You could hear distant brass warming up somewhere behind the trees. It all felt sort of surreal — like we’d stumbled into a movie set, except there were real Londoners jogging past with their dogs, barely glancing at the spectacle about to unfold.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony itself is more precise than I expected. The guards in those heavy bearskin hats (Sam told us they weigh nearly as much as my backpack) marched by so close I could see one guy blink sweat away without moving his head. There’s this moment when the band starts up — drums first, then trumpets — and everyone just goes quiet for a second. I tried to get a photo but ended up just watching instead. Apparently, if it rains too hard they do something called a ‘Wet Change’ with no music; thankfully we got the full show. Oh, and don’t bother crowding at Buckingham Palace gates — Sam led us along back routes for better angles at St James’s Palace and Clarence House. Felt like we were in on some local secret.

I still think about that little side street near Clarence House where we paused for what Sam called “the cavalry cameo.” The Horseguards clopped past so close you could smell leather and polish — one kid next to me whispered they looked like knights from his storybook. There was laughter when someone tried (and failed) to mimic the guard’s march; even the usually stone-faced soldiers seemed to smirk for half a second. We ended near The Mall, not far from where all the red flags snap in the breeze, and honestly I didn’t want to rush off yet. London felt different after seeing it through these small royal rituals — more layered somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Changing of the Guard and Royal Landmarks

• Watch Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Visit Buckingham Palace exterior
• See St James's Palace facade
• View Clarence House residence
• Walk through St James's Park
• Stroll along The Mall avenue

Top questions

Where does the Changing of the Guard walking tour start?

The tour begins near St James's Park in central London.

Do I get close enough for good photos during this tour?

Yes, your guide leads you to prime spots around Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, and Clarence House for great photo opportunities.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

No meals are included; you can find snacks nearby but lunch is not part of the tour.

What happens if it rains during the Changing of the Guard ceremony?

If there is bad weather, you may see a shorter 'Wet Change' version without music instead of the full ceremony.

Does this tour go inside Buckingham Palace?

No, entry inside Buckingham Palace is not included; you'll see it from outside along with other royal landmarks.

How long does this walking tour last?

The duration varies depending on ceremony timing but generally lasts around 1.5-2 hours.

Is this walking tour suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?

No, it's not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to uneven paths and crowds.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, there are several public transportation options close to both start and end points.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour through central London’s royal quarter with stops at Buckingham Palace (from outside), St James's Palace, Clarence House, and prime vantage points for both the Changing of the Guard ceremony and Royal Horseguards parade — plus plenty of chances for memorable photos along quieter routes most visitors miss.