Royal London & Changing of the Guard Walk
See the Changing of the Guard, walk past palaces and parade grounds, then explore the backstreets of St James’s.
“The perfect mix of royal pageantry and local secrets. Our guide knew every shortcut and every great photo spot. Felt like seeing London with a friend who knows all the good gossip.”
Lisa D.
From £175 per group
Guards, Drums and Royal Drama
Weave through royal precincts and green parkland to St James’s Palace, Clarence House, Horse Guards and Buckingham Palace. Your host times the walk to catch the drums, the brass and the Guards on the move, with clear views for photos.
Along the way you’ll hear: why Green Park has no flowerbeds; how to spot a regiment by its buttons; the Queen Mother’s favourite G&T ratio; the pelicans with Russian roots; Beau Brummell’s immaculate cravat; and the kidnap attempt ended with ‘Not bloody likely’.
We finish by the royal-warrant shops of St James’s and Fortnum & Mason — perfect for a scotch egg and a proper cup of tea.
Duration
2.5 hours
Private group
Your party • Up to 12
Suitable for ages
5+
Times
10:00
Pace
Easy 1 mile
Perfect for
Families • First-timers • Multi-gen groups
Meeting point
Outside St James's Underground Station
Highlights
- Timed to catch the Changing of the Guard from prime viewing spots
- Walk past Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, and Horse Guards
- St James's Park wildlife and stories (the pelicans, the missing flowerbeds)
- Finishes near Fortnum and Mason, well placed for lunch or tea
What to expect
Included
- Private guide
- Curated Guard-day route
- Smart viewing points
- Finish near Fortnum & Mason
- Tips for great photos and snack stops
- Optional add-ons: black-cab pickup, post-tour cream tea, or private photographer
Not included
- Food and beverages (unless specified in inclusions)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Personal travel insurance
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (unless specified)
Good to know
- 10.00 start
- ~2.5 hours
- Gentle pace with several standing stops
- Family-friendly; buggies welcome
- Step-free options available; let us know any access needs
- Rain or shine — pack a brolly
- Guard schedules may vary — route adapts so you still see the spectacle
- Bring comfy shoes, a bottle of water, and your best royal wave
Changing of the Guard
Our 9:45 & 10:00 starts are timed for 11:00. Our 2:00 pm start pairs with 3:00 pm inspections.
Your royal welcome
Meet at St James’s Station
Your private guide greets you outside the Underground station — route brief, intros, and the first glimpse of royal London life.
Palaces & parade routes
St James’s Palace and Clarence House
Step through London’s royal precincts — where kings were born, princes reside, and the Guards march by in full regalia.
Parks, pelicans & pageantry
St James’s Park stroll
Wander London’s most elegant royal park, glimpse its famous pelicans, and enjoy postcard views of The Mall and Buckingham Palace.
The main event
Changing of the Guard
Catch the Guards on the move — drums, brass, precision and polish — from smart, crowd-free vantage points.
A finish fit for a king (or queen)
Clubland & Fortnum’s finale
Stroll St James’s backstreets past royal-warrant shops and historic clubs, finishing by Fortnum & Mason — tea, treats, and a proper loo.
Plan your private tour
Private tour for up to 12 guests — the vehicle and driver-guide are yours alone for the day.
From £175
- Flexible changes (24h)
- Instant confirmation at checkout
Only with Tally Ho
What sets us apart
Smart viewpoints
Clever positioning for the best royal moments without the crush.
Gentle pace
A relaxed, well-paced route designed for easy exploring.
Brilliant stories
History brought to life with warmth, humour, and sharp local insight.
“The perfect mix of royal pageantry and local secrets. Our guide knew every shortcut and every great photo spot. Felt like seeing London with a friend who knows all the good gossip.”
Lisa D.
New York, USA
Born in London. Built on stories
We started Tally Ho in 2011 chasing the good stuff — royal parades, juicy gossip, and stories worth retelling over tea. We’ll take you beyond the palace gates into St James’s backstreets, where the Guards march, the pelicans pose, and old-school shops still serve the Queen’s favourites. You’ll leave with bragging rights, great photos, and a London story you’ll tell for years.
Pictured: Jack, James & Katie
Rascals, raconteurs, and very good company
Quiet lanes, cracking stories, proper laughs.
James
Glorious beard; shaves for panto each winter, returns spring triumphant again.
Katie
Mary Poppins energy; vintage queen with endless costumes, sells treasures at weekends.
Ed
Knows more routes than Waze; actor on the rise, you'll say you knew him first.
Tom
Retired drummer; tours with rock-solid timing, charm, and applause guaranteed.
What our guests say
Frequently asked questions
Yes, bring your umbrella. There's still plenty to see and explore!
Gladly — Contact us with your hotel location, and we'll provide you with a tailored quote.
Yes. Short distances, lively stories, and snack stops nearby.
Outside St James’s Underground Station (District & Circle), street level. Your confirmation includes a pin and photo of the exact spot.
Usually — but the Army can amend or cancel at short notice. If that happens, we pivot to Horse Guards and St James’s Palace so you still get the pageantry.
Royal pageantry with stories that stick.
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