London: Changing of the Guard & Westminster Walking Tour

Summary

Marching beside the King’s Guards, laughter in St James’s Park, and quiet awe at Westminster Abbey

You’ll walk right alongside London’s royal history: marching with King’s Guards down The Mall, catching secret details at Buckingham Palace, hearing stories outside Westminster Abbey, and ending among lions in Trafalgar Square. Expect laughter, small surprises from your local guide, and that feeling you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not going to believe how close we get,” our guide said, and honestly, I didn’t. We’d just squeezed past a crowd near St. James’ Palace — people craning necks for a glimpse — when suddenly there they were: the King’s Guards, boots thudding on red gravel, all that brass and scarlet. The air had this sharp tang from horse sweat and polish, and everyone sort of fell silent for a second. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just stared. Our guide (I think her name was Anna?) nudged us into this perfect spot along The Mall — not right at the gates with the masses, but where you could actually see faces under those bearskin hats. She whispered little things about who salutes whom; I’d never have noticed half of it.

I kept grinning like an idiot in St James’s Park because some kid was feeding ducks bits of shortbread and his mum didn’t stop him (maybe that’s normal here?). The grass felt damp through my shoes. Anna told us how the Changing of the Guard doesn’t always happen at Buckingham Palace — sometimes it’s Horse Guards Parade instead, depending on Army schedules or if it rains. She seemed to know every shortcut and every guard’s nickname. When we reached Westminster Abbey, she paused so we could hear the bells echo off Parliament Square — it made me think about all those coronations since 1066. I touched the stone outside; cold, rough, older than anything back home.

We wandered past Churchill’s War Rooms (didn’t go in but you could almost smell old paper through the vents), then Big Ben loomed up out of nowhere — gold flashing in a brief bit of sunlight. Anna pointed out statues: Gandhi with pigeons on his head, Lincoln looking lost among all these British faces. Trafalgar Square was loud with buskers and school groups by the time we finished; I still remember how my legs felt both tired and sort of light at once. If you’re thinking about a day trip around London’s royal heart — especially if you want to really see the Changing of the Guard ceremony without just being another face in the crowd — this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Royal London and Westminster tour

• Visit St. James' Palace and Clarence House
• See Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard
• March down the Mall with Queen's footguards
• Admire horses of the Household Cavalry
• Stroll through St James' Royal Park
• Pass Churchill's War Rooms
• Explore Westminster Abbey
• Visit Parliament Square statues
• View Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
• See 10 Downing Street
• Photograph Queen's Guard horses
• Explore Horse Guards Parade
• Finish at Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column

Top questions

How long does the Changing of the Guard tour take?

The tour covers central London sights in one morning or afternoon session; exact timing depends on schedule but expect several hours walking.

Where does the tour start and end?

The walking tour begins near St James’ Palace or Buckingham Palace and finishes at Trafalgar Square.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet their guide at a designated central location.

Does this tour include entry into Buckingham Palace?

No entry inside Buckingham Palace is included; you view it from outside during the ceremony.

What happens if it rains or if the Guard ceremony is cancelled?

If bad weather cancels Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, you’ll see Horse Guards Parade instead whenever possible.

Are there toilets available during the walk?

Yes, public toilets are accessible about halfway through the tour route.

Is this tour suitable for kids or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers throughout most areas covered by this walking tour.

How far do we walk? Is it strenuous?

The route covers several famous landmarks with brisk walking in parts; not recommended for those with significant mobility issues.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour through Royal London with an expert local guide who knows all those odd details (and shortcuts). You’ll witness either Changing of the Guard or Horse Guards Parade up close depending on Army schedules—with plenty of time for photos—and stroll past major sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Churchill’s War Rooms, Downing Street and Trafalgar Square before finishing up near Nelson’s Column.