Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour worth booking?
Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour is a 3-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $49 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (15)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $49 per person
Take a very small group tour (Max 6 People) with your five star rated Guide through Royal London to the sites most closely associated with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. This tour not only covers the histor
What you get
- Tour Guide
About this experience
Take a very small group tour (Max 6 People) with your five star rated Guide through Royal London to the sites most closely associated with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. This tour not only covers the history of the Royal family and the buildings most closely associated with them, it also delves into the businesses, boutiques, and stores the Royal family use and award Warrants for their own provisions. The tour also includes key sites associated with Princess Diana and her family, as well as people closely associated with the Royal Family such as Sir Winston Churchill. Changing of the Guard takes place, (Mon, Weds, Friday) if booking the morning Tour at 9:30am, you will have the opportunity to experience the ceremony by walking in step with the Guard as they make their way to the Palace. Many famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, House of Commons, St James Palace, The Ritz and more are covered on the tour. A fun, informative tour with a 100% 5*Guide.
What's included
Included
- Tour Guide
Not included
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Mayfair
Birth Place of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. See the most exclusive and expensive area of London. The Queen was born in Mayfair in 1926 and we will visit the site of her birth. Winston Churchill spent many years of his life in Mayfair, and for those interested we can stop at a few spots associated with the Prime Minister who was said to be Queen Elizabeth's favourite.
5 minutes here
St. James's
A walk around the shops and businesses that the Royal family use and issue Royal Warrants to. You will have the opportunity to stop at stores as well. Including places associated with Princess Diana and her family.
30 minutes here
Buckingham Palace
The most famous building in London and Home to Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal Family. This has been the official home of the Monarchy since the reign of Queen Victoria. Here you will learn about the history of the Palace, and for the morning tours (9:30am) your Guide will take you to see Changing of the Guard. This will be a much better experience than squashing up against the rails or struggling to get a good spot. Let your guide get you closer to the action. You will then follow the Horse Guards down the Mall.
30 minutes here
Clarence House
The home of Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall.
5 minutes here
St. James's Palace
Many people want to see a Changing of The Guard while in London. So naturally people gather around Buckingham Palace. Unless you get there early and squash up against the railings its hard to see much. Experience the Guard change a little differently and get up close and walk in step with the guard as they walk to the Palace. A much nicer experience, Then follow the Horseguards down the Mall as they prepare to change Guards at Horseguards Parade.
20 minutes here
The former Tiltyard (or Jousting area) from King Henry VIII's Whitehall Palace. Now this area is used for Trooping of the Colour, and the Queen's Birthday Celebrations. The area is full of Royal History and your guide will bring this to life for you.
15 minutes here
The Savoy
One of the most exclusive hotels in the World. The bar of the hotel was a favourite of The Queen Mother and Princess Diana. The bar still serves their own signature Cocktails. Next door is Simpson's in the Strand. A restaurant with Royal connections, and favourite of Sherlock Holmes.
20 minutes here
Westminster Abbey
Site of Royal Coronations since 1066, The Wedding Venue for Prince William and Catherine Middleton. It was at the Abbey in 1997 that Princess Diana's Funeral service took place.
15 minutes here
Parliament Square
The House of Commons and House of Lords housed in what is officially known as the Palace of Westminster. Here is of course the famous "Big Ben". So how do these all tie in with the Royal Family and our Queen today? Your guide will untangle more than 1000 years of Royal History.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Meet next to the main entrance of the Ritz Hotel on Arlington Street. Please meet your guide to the right of the main steps that go into the hotel near large window. The top of Arlington Street.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Westminster Underground Station very centrally located. Your Guide can advise on any onward travel or local recommendations
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 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Richards Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Awesome tour
Richard is a great tour guide, he is a wealth of information and makes it a fun learning experience, I would recommend him highly!!
via Viator
Quick on his feet
Richard was lovely. We had a nice small group for the tour. Richard adjusted to the shift in schedule as changing of the guard didn’t follow typical plan. Richard knew his way around the area to maximize our viewing. He shared many tidbits and interesting pieces of information that enhanced our experience. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thanks so much Melissa. Also thanks for be understanding with the schedule changes! Glad you had a great time. Thanks again.
via Viator
Richard is Awesome!!! Go to person for London
Richard is Awesome!!!! He's excellent at his work. Not only will he take you to the best photograph spots but also give you detailed history which other guides either skip or dont know of. He ensures you know the context and reasoning behind every activity happening on that tour. You WILL LEARN A LOT!!! He has such a gentle demeanour and he's so kind. I stopped him at every step to take pictures. He was patient and accommodating. Such a wonderful person. Kind, patient and loves his job!! I felt safe and well taken care of in his tour. Highly highly recommend.
Response from the operator: This is such a great great review. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave your comments. It was my pleasure to meet you and show you around Royal London, and I hope you will join me again for one of my other tours. Many thanks!
via Viator
Insightful and Enriching: A Wonderful Tour
Let Richard be your Guide! This was an insightful and delightful tour of parts of London I normally would not have seen. The Changing of the Guard was prime viewing, and the narration and stories Richard shares are so interesting. He is a walking Encylopedia of British History, without being stuffy. This is like taking a tour with a friend, but coming away enriched with new knowledge from Richard in the most charming city in the world. Great way to see London. I would take all of his tours if I had the time.
Response from the operator: Such a great review! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your kind words here, it really means a lot. I'm so happy you enjoyed the tour, and I hope to see you again on another tour!
via Tripadvisor
Richard is extremely...
Richard is extremely knowledgable. I needed to take notes. I would do this again with wifey. I am certain she would love it.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much Adam! Really glad you enjoyed the tour. Be great to see you again!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri
- Price range
- $49 to $75
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour cost?
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Prices start at $49 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 Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour 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 Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 15 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 Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour?
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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 Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 3-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour?
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Around 5 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 Royal London and Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour 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 Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. 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.
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