Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower
London, United Kingdom

Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower

Outty Ranking 553 hoursFrom $85
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

55/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.

Quick answer

Is Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower worth booking?

Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower is a 3-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $85 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
55 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
3 hours
From
$85 per person

Discover the best of London on this walking tour and Thames River cruise. Begin at the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace to watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony up close, and snap photos with the Household Cavalry and their horses. Stroll through the city with a professional guide, passing landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Downing Street while learning about London’s fascinating history. Then, enjoy a scenic one-way cruise along the Thames from Westminster Pier to Tower Pier, taking in sights such as the London Eye, the Shard, and Tower Bridge. Optionally, explore the historic Tower of London at your own pace, discovering its royal history and Crown Jewels. This flexible tour combines London’s royal pageantry, historic landmarks, and river views in one unforgettable experience.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the best of London on this walking tour and Thames River cruise. Begin at the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace to watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony up close, and snap photos with the Household Cavalry and their horses. Stroll through the city with a professional guide, passing landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Downing Street while learning about London’s fascinating history. Then, enjoy a scenic one-way cruise along the Thames from Westminster Pier to Tower Pier, taking in sights such as the London Eye, the Shard, and Tower Bridge. Optionally, explore the historic Tower of London at your own pace, discovering its royal history and Crown Jewels. This flexible tour combines London’s royal pageantry, historic landmarks, and river views in one unforgettable experience.

    What's included

    Included

    • See the Changing of the Guard ceremony
    • Optional entry to the Tower of London
    • Guided walking tour of London
    • Live guide

    Not included

    • Food and drink
    • Gratuities
    • Hotel pickup / drop off

    What you'll see and do

    1. Changing of the Guard

      Watch the iconic Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. See the Household Cavalry in full ceremonial dress, admire their majestic horses, and capture unforgettable photos of this classic London tradition.

      30 minutes here

    2. Thames River

      Enjoy a scenic Thames River cruise and see London’s landmarks from the water. Pass the London Eye, the Shard, and Tower Bridge while taking in stunning skyline views of the city.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Tower of London

      Optional Tower of London visit: Explore this historic fortress at your own pace. Discover royal history, see the Crown Jewels, and wander through centuries-old towers and walls. Please note: entry is included only in the “With Tower of London” option.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    Meeting Point: Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Gate, Tourist Bus Stop. SW1A 1AA (outside King's Gallery)

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour finishes at the Tower of London.

    Options you can book

    • Without Tower of London Entry

    • With Tower of London Entry

      Tower of London entry: This option includes Tower of London entry

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Fri
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    YourConciergeEurope

    Know before you go

    • 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
    • The Guard Change may not be operational in bad weather conditions. On these occasions, we will visit the Horse Guards for a photo stop instead.
    • Changing of the Guard days can get very busy, and people with large luggage, prams and strollers may find it difficult to navigate the area.

    Photos

    Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower, photo 2Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower, photo 3Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower, photo 4Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower, photo 5Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower, photo 6Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower, photo 7

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Fri
    Price range
    $85 to $124
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by YourConciergeEurope, who run 36 experiences we rank across 20 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.1.

    See everything YourConciergeEurope runs

    Why this scores 55

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)76
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.

    How much does Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower cost?

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    Prices start at $85 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower take?

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    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.

    Is Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower?

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    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in London?

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    London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit London?

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    May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in London?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower?

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    Included: See the Changing of the Guard ceremony; Optional entry to the Tower of London; Guided walking tour of London; and Live guide. Not included: Food and drink; Gratuities; and Hotel pickup / drop off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower?

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    Meeting Point: Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Gate, Tourist Bus Stop. SW1A 1AA (outside King's Gallery) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Changing of the Guard days can get very busy, and people with large luggage, prams and str. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What booking options are available for Best of London: Guard Change & River Thames with optional Tower?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Without Tower of London Entry, With Tower of London Entry. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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