- Where?
- The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly
- When?
- Every Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun (it's held on the same day as Changing the Guard)
- The tour starts at 10 AM outside the Ritz Hotel, and ends at Parliament Square
- Price?
- From £10
- Parking:
- Nearby car parks
- Buses:
- 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 38, 52, 452, C2
- Bus fares
- Trains:
- The closest station is Green Park Jubilee Piccadilly Victoria
- Train fares
Watching the Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace is one of the highlights of every tourist's stay, so there are plenty of tours that will take you to see it.
Unfortunately the crowds outside the palace are so large, and you have to get there so incredibly early to grab a decent spot, that none of them will show you the actual changeover on the forecourt. What they do instead is take you to some of the other places where it's much easier to see the soldiers, like when they're marching down the Mall, around the Queen Victoria Memorial, and down the side of St. James's Palace.
After you've met your knowledgeable guide outside the Ritz hotel he'll keep you entertained with some stories while taking you to the various places where you can get a close-up look at the Foot Guards, the Household Cavalry and Regimental Musical Bands.
You'll also learn about Clarence House and St. James's Palace before walking into the heartland of British Royalty and the government, for a look at Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
Note: Craig hasn't tried this actual tour, but he has been to see the soldiers forming up outside St. James's Palace. You might like to read his review before you go so you can see what's involved. You might like to read his review of Wellington Barracks as well, which offers a similar experience. If you want to stand outside Buckingham Palace and get the full experience then read his review of Changing the Guard.
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