London: Royal Walking Tour with Guard Change & Royal Mews

Imagine strolling through London’s most iconic royal sights, getting a behind-the-scenes look at historic palaces, and witnessing the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony—all in one engaging tour. This Royal Walking Tour with Guard Change & Royal Mews promises a blend of history, pageantry, and authentic encounters with the British monarchy’s most celebrated sites. It’s a popular choice among travelers eager to understand the royal traditions that continue to shape the city’s identity.

What we love about this experience is how it combines a lively walking tour with exclusive access to some of the royal estate’s most fascinating areas. Plus, the knowledgeable guides with their insider stories make the day even more memorable. A potential drawback to consider is that the tour involves quite a bit of walking—so comfort and mobility are key for making the most of it.

This tour suits those who appreciate history, architecture, and the pomp of British royal life. Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to tick off key sights or a dedicated royal watcher, you’ll find it a worthwhile addition to your London itinerary.

Key Points

• In-depth royal history delivered by expert guides who bring stories to life
• Pre-reserved access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Royal Mews (if booked) saves time and enhances the experience
• Authentic sights like Clarence House, St. Jamess Park, and the iconic Mall route
• Watching the Changing of the Guard adds a touch of tradition and pageantry
• Flexibility with optional visits inside Buckingham Palace or Royal Mews for a personalized experience
• Pleasant walking pace through central London’s royal landmarks, perfect for those who enjoy exploring on foot

The Itinerary: A Day with Royals

This tour starts outside Buckingham Palace, right at the Canada Gate on South Carriage Drive. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended since your guide, often a passionate expert with excellent storytelling skills (we heard from one reviewer that their guide, Pete, was “second to none”), will hold a green Walks sign. From here, the journey into royal London begins.

Exploring the Royal Mews (if option selected)

One of the tour’s highlights is the Royal Mews, the working stables of Buckingham Palace. This is where the Royal Family’s carriages and horses are kept, and it’s a real treat for anyone interested in the royal logistics behind grand events. Here, you’ll get close to the Gold State Coach, used by Queen Elizabeth II in her 1953 coronation and more recently in the 2023 Coronation of King Charles III. Seeing this coach in person offers a tangible connection to royal ceremonies and centuries-old traditions.

The Royal Mews also lets you view the stables and learn about the care and maintenance of the royal horses. Many reviewers, like one who called it “a real treat,” appreciated the chance to see the horses exercising and the intricate details of royal transport. The audio guide available during this part helps deepen your understanding of each exhibit.

Buckingham Palace & State Rooms (optional)

If you’ve booked this option, you’re in for a treat—access to the State Rooms is a rare privilege, open only a few months each year. Walking through these opulent salons, you’ll see the White Drawing Room, where the Royal Family gathers before official events, and the Throne Room, which recently hosted King Charles III’s coronation chairs.

The decor is stunning, with ornate furnishings and artworks that speak to the grandeur of monarchy. Many guests comment that this part of the tour feels like stepping into a royal movie set—yet it’s all real. The audio guide enhances the experience, providing context about the rooms’ functions and history. However, a reviewer noted that not everyone gets inside the palace, so if your expectations are high for an inside look, check the dates and availability.

Watching the Changing of the Guard

A long-standing tradition, the Changing of the Guard is a spectacle of precision and ceremonial pomp. Depending on the day, you’ll see the guards, dressed in iconic bearskin hats, switch duties in front of Buckingham Palace. Reviewers like Kerry and Laura highlighted how special it was to witness this tradition in person, with some lucky ones even catching a glimpse of the Royal Family members or royal carriages passing by.

This ceremony is best appreciated with a good vantage point, so arriving early to secure a good spot enhances the experience. The guide will share stories about its history and significance, making it more than just a parade of soldiers.

Walking through Green Park, St. Jamess Park, and beyond

The tour then takes you through Green Park, a peaceful green space adjacent to the palace, before heading toward St. Jamess Park—London’s oldest Royal Park. Here, you’ll hear tales of royal picnics, park events, and the park’s role during historic occasions.

Next, you’ll stroll along The Mall, the grand boulevard lined with flags and lined by thousands during royal celebrations. This route has seen countless royal processions, including weddings, jubilees, and coronations. Passersby often comment on the incredible sense of history beneath their feet as they walk the same path royal processions have taken for centuries.

The tour continues past Wellington Barracks, home to the Foot Guards, adding to the sense of royal military tradition that underpins much of London’s royal landscape.

What to Expect from the Experience

The overall duration of 3 to 4 hours makes this a nicely paced way to explore London’s royal side. The tour includes a mix of guided walking and optional visits to private royal spaces, depending on what you book. With pre-reserved tickets, you skip the long lines, saving valuable sightseeing time.

Guide quality is a standout, with many reviews praising their knowledge, humor, and ability to bring stories to life. One guest mentioned their guide, Sophie, was “funny, knowledgeable, and up to date on local events,” which added a modern touch to the traditional tales. Another review appreciated guides like Pete and Angela for their enthusiasm and detailed insights.

The pre-reserved entry options are a plus, especially during busy months when lines can be long. The Royal Mews visit is accessible, and the State Rooms are carefully curated and well-lit, revealing the grandeur of royal interiors.

Pricing at about $79.47 per person offers good value, considering the access to royal sites and the expertise of the guides. For the cost, you’re getting a comprehensive, well-organized experience that combines storytelling, sights, and some hands-on elements like watching the guards or seeing royal carriages in action.

Practicalities & Tips

• Arrive early to secure a good spot for the Changing of the Guard or royal carriages passing by.
• Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as the tour involves quite a bit of walking through central London.
• Book in advance if you want the optional palace or Mews entries—these fill up quickly during peak seasons.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, but space is limited, so early contact with the provider is advised if needed.
• The tour ends back at the meeting point, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, royal enthusiasts, and first-time visitors wanting a rundown of London’s royal landmarks. It’s also great for those who enjoy walking tours and want to skip long lines with pre-reserved tickets. If you’re keen to see the Changing of the Guard and gain inside knowledge from passionate guides, this tour hits those marks.

It’s also suited to travelers who appreciate authentic, immersive experiences—like getting close to the royal carriages and walking along the same route as royal processions. With flexible options to explore inside Buckingham Palace or the Royal Mews, it caters to varying interests and energy levels.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Walking Tour with Guard Change & Royal Mews offers a solid combination of storytelling, sightseeing, and exclusive access. It’s especially valuable for its knowledgeable guides and the chance to see iconic royal transport and ceremonies up close. The tour balances a relaxed pace with enough depth to satisfy even those with a casual interest in British royalty.

While it’s not a full inside palace tour (unless you opt for it), the accessible, well-organized experience provides a meaningful glimpse into the royal world that’s both informative and fun. Its value is particularly clear when you consider the skip-the-line access and expert guidance, turning a sightseeing walk into a memorable royal adventure.

For those wanting to deepen their understanding of London’s monarchy, or simply enjoy a well-rounded tour of royal landmarks in a manageable time, this experience delivers.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but space may be limited, so early contact with the provider is recommended to ensure arrangements.

Does the tour include entry to Buckingham Palace?
Yes, if you select the option to visit the Palace State Rooms, you’ll gain pre-reserved access, but note that the State Rooms are only open during specific months (July 11 to Sept. 29). If closed, you’ll visit the Royal Mews instead.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the options you choose and the pace of the group.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must since there’s quite a bit of walking through central London. Dress appropriately for the weather, as much of the tour is outdoors.

Can I see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, the tour includes viewing the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is a colorful and ceremonial highlight.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind the walking involved. It’s best for children who can comfortably walk at a moderate pace and stay engaged with the stories.

Are there options to customize the experience?
Yes, you can choose to add visits inside Buckingham Palace or the Royal Mews for a more in-depth experience.

What’s the best way to book?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons; the tour is available with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

Whether you’re a royal aficionado or just curious about London’s regal history, this tour offers a balanced, enriching experience that brings the British monarchy’s traditions to life—on foot, with plenty of stories, and a few royal surprises along the way.