London Private Guided History Walking Tour

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of the world’s most magnificent displays of military tradition and British heritage. Marking the formal handover of duties between the King’s Guard, set to the stirring music of a military band performing everything from historic marches to contemporary hits.
Led by an expert guide, our Changing of the Guard tour is designed with insider knowledge from serving and former members of His Majesty’s Guards. Their insider knowledge ensures an unparalleled perspective—revealing what it’s like to stand guard at Buckingham Palace, the discipline behind the drills, and the fascinating history behind the iconic uniforms.

Including sites such as The Mall, St. James’s Palace, Clarence House, and Whitehall, your guide will share captivating stories of royal history and military tradition. You’ll witness the best vantage points for photos, uncover hidden gems, and see legendary landmarks like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament along the way.

Meeting Point

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus, London, UK

The tour will start outside the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly.

What's included:

• Pick-up

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours

Statue of Eros (Anteros)

Piccadilly Circus, London

Whilst in Piccadilly, your guide will explain the significance of some of the beautiful historic buildings that surround this part of London. They will also reveal what most London guidebooks have got wrong about the famous statue of 'Eros'.

10 minutes

Burlington House

London, W1J 0BD

After walking down Piccadilly, we will quickly stop to admire Burlington House, home to the Royal Academy of Arts plus several of London's royal societies, including the Royal Society of Chemistry, who have a very surprising honourary member.
Whilst here, you will learn about Burlington House's origins as a stately home for the Earl of Burlington as well as its use as home to several of the Royal Societies and the Royal Academy of Arts.

10 minutes

Hatchards

187 Piccadilly, , London, W1J 9LE

A visit to Hatchards in London is an essential experience for any bibliophile, history enthusiast, or admirer of literary elegance. As the oldest bookshop in the UK, established in 1797, Hatchards exudes a timeless charm with its creaking wooden floors, grand spiral staircases, and shelves lined with beautifully bound volumes. This iconic shop has served literary giants such as Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, and John Keats and has supplied books to multiple members of the British monarchy. Beyond its illustrious heritage, Hatchards offers an expertly curated selection of books, from bestselling fiction and classic literature to rare first editions and signed copies, making it a paradise for collectors and casual readers alike. While the shop’s intimate, wood-panelled rooms invite leisurely browsing, we will only have approximately 10 minutes to explore this book-lovers idea of paradise.

10 minutes

Fortnum & Mason

181 Piccadilly, , London, W1A 1ER

A visit to Fortnum & Mason in London is an unforgettable experience that embodies the very essence of British elegance, heritage, and culinary excellence. This iconic department store on Piccadilly is renowned worldwide for its products and service, and stepping inside feels like entering another world. Fortnum’s is famed for its royal connections—holding multiple Royal Warrants as grocers to the British monarchy and at one time in this store’s illustrious history it wasn’t uncommon to see a member of the Royal family shopping here in person! The store boasts an exceptional food hall stocked with artisanal cheeses, handcrafted chocolates, rare spices, and its signature St. James’s Rare Tea Collection, perfect for unique gifts or indulgent treats. Like Hatchards our time here is brief, but that shouldn’t stop you enjoying a trip to this legendary institution where everyone, no matter where they come from, is treated like royalty.

10 minutes

Green Park

London, SWA 1AA

As we walk from St James's Palace to Green Park we will stop off at St James's Place and look at the childhood home of Sir Winston Churchill. Whilst here your guide will give you a quick history of Sir Winston and his involvement with London both as Prime Minister and as a private citizen.
After this we will take you through one of London's secret passages before walking through Green Park. Whilst here our guide will tell you some of the stories behind how the park got its name before walking you down to Buckingham Palace.

10 minutes

St. James's

London

As we walk down St James's Street your guide will explain some of the amazing stores that have called St James's Street home, including the tobacconist to Royalty and Prime Ministers, a hatter's shop that you'd be mad to miss and a right royal liquor store.

20 minutes

St. James's Palace

Marlborough Road, London, SW1A 1BQ

St James' Palace is the oldest of the Royal palaces still standing in London today. Originally a hunting lodge for Henry VIII, today it stands largely empty but serves a very important purpose in the planning of the state funeral and coronation of our monarchs.

15 minutes

The Mall

The Mall, London SW1, UK

As you walk up the Mall, famous for being the site where crowds gather for royal and state events such as Royal Weddings and Jubilee celebrations, your guide will explain the history behind the famous name, the interesting addition to the local wildlife and how film and TV crews often flood the area - who knows you might also get to see one of the crews setting up, taking down or even filming a scene!

Pass by without stopping

Buckingham Palace

Spur Road, London, SW1A 1AA

Buckingham Palace is the London home of British Royalty since the reign of Queen Victoria, one of Britain's most famous Queens. Now home to Queen Elizabeth II, the most famous Queen in the world, the tour will take you to see this beautiful palace and depending on the time of year and day of your booking the world-famous Changing of the Guard.
Please note that the Changing of the Guard takes place every day during June and July and on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between August and May. Please also be aware that the Changing of the Guard can be cancelled at late notice due to poor weather or security alerts.

30 minutes

Whitehall

London, SW1A 2BX

Whitehall is the home of the UK's government. As you wander down Whitehall our guide will tell you all about the various government departments, the statues of famous faces and the memorials to the brave men and women who made great sacrifices during the First and Second World Wars.

20 minutes

Parliament Square

Westminster, London, SW1P 3BD

The final location on the tour will be Parliament Square. Here your guide will tell you all about the significants of the square and the figures that surround it, we well as the numerous internationally important buildings nearby that include Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament

30 minutes