Changing of the Guard Ceremony & Central London Food Tour
4.5
284 Ratings
Greater London
Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • St. James’s Park - Meet your guide at a central London spot and enjoy a scenic walk through St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace, the grand official residence of Her Majesty the Queen.
  • Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall - Find a prime viewing spot along The Mall, by Horse Guards Parade, or in front of the palace to witness the Changing of the Guard, a vibrant and traditional ceremony featuring brightly dressed soldiers and rhythmic drum beats.
  • Changing of the Guard - Find a prime viewing spot along The Mall, by Horse Guards Parade, or in front of the palace to witness the Changing of the Guard, a vibrant and traditional ceremony featuring brightly dressed soldiers and rhythmic drum beats.

Please note: if it rains heavily on the day of your tour, the Changing of the Guard ceremony will be replaced with a visit to the Guard’s Chapel.

  • Buckingham Palace - Get ready to enter one of Britain’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Listen to insightful commentary from your guide as you walk to the entrance of the royal residence, open for just two months each year. Use your audio guide to explore the luxurious chambers; admire opulent features like hanging chandeliers, classic artworks, and sumptuous furniture as you tour the magnificent State Apartments.

When your Buckingham Palace tour ends, head to an elegant venue for afternoon tea. Enjoy this 18th-century tradition in the refined setting of your hotel dining area, savoring scones with sweet preserves and thick clotted cream, and delicate finger sandwiches with fine ingredients. Say goodbye to your guide inside the hotel, where the tour concludes.

  • London - After your Changing of the Guard tour, you will have 1 hour to get to the start of your food tour experience.

From Buckingham Palace, you can enter St. James’s Park, a peaceful green space surrounded by landmarks. The park offers a calm contrast to the busy city.

Leaving St. James’s Park, you’ll find yourself on the lively Piccadilly. This bustling street is famous for its theaters, shops, and historic sites. Admire the bright electronic billboards, high-end boutiques, and the iconic Ritz Hotel. Piccadilly Circus, a dynamic hub with its famous Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and neon signs, is a highlight of the route.

Continuing along Piccadilly, you’ll pass upscale shops, galleries, and theaters. As you near St. James’s Churchyard, you’ll see the elegant St. James’s Church with its classic steeple.

Finally, meet your guide at St. James Churchyard, a tranquil area around the church.

  • Sagar Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant - Leicester Square - After a short walk from your first stop, embark on a delightful journey where you’ll taste exquisite Indian cuisine and enjoy a refreshing Lassi. This experience takes place at an authentic Indian restaurant near Leicester Square in the vibrant heart of London. Let the rich and aromatic flavors transport you to India, creating a memorable culinary adventure amidst the city’s lively energy!
  • Fortnum & Mason - Your food tour begins at Fortnum & Mason, a renowned British luxury department store known for its exceptional gourmet food, fine teas, and iconic hampers. Established in 1707, it has a rich history of offering exquisite products and a unique shopping experience in London. You will sample some of their finest delicacies!
  • Bar Italia - After enjoying fish and chips, it’s time to savor sweet treats in an iconic Soho spot.

Bar Italia, located in the heart of Soho, is a lively and historic establishment that has been a neighborhood staple since 1949. With its timeless Italian ambiance, Bar Italia is a welcoming spot for both locals and visitors.

Bar Italia is a beloved institution, inviting guests to enjoy the essence of Italian coffee culture in the heart of London’s vibrant Soho district. Relish the atmosphere and the sweet treat awaiting you!

  • Chinatown - Chinatown, in the heart of the city, is a vibrant area full of color, culture, and culinary delights. The lively streets, adorned with traditional red lanterns, offer a sensory feast of authentic Chinese cuisine, bustling markets, and cultural shops. From dim sum to exotic spices, Chinatown invites visitors to immerse themselves in a dynamic blend of East and West, creating a lively and unforgettable experience in the heart of London.
  • The Chandos - After walking through Chinatown, head to your final stop of the afternoon for a well-deserved beer (or two!). Enter The Chandos, a quintessential London pub, that welcomes guests with its historic charm and lively atmosphere. Located near Trafalgar Square, this iconic pub features classic Victorian architecture, stained glass windows, and a wide selection of beers and ales. You’ll enjoy a traditional British dessert and a beer tasting to perfectly end your central London food tour. Feel free to stay in the pub with your new friends or continue exploring London on your own!
  • Poppies Fish & Chips - After a short walk through the bustling streets of Soho, you’ll arrive at Poppie’s Fish and Chips, an iconic spot for those seeking the quintessential British fish and chips experience.
    With its retro-chic décor reminiscent of a traditional British chippy, Poppie’s offers a nostalgic journey through time.

Serving sustainably sourced fish, golden-fried to perfection in a crispy batter, and accompanied by hand-cut, fluffy chips, it’s the perfect place to enjoy this beloved British dish. Poppie’s promises an authentic taste of London’s culinary heritage.

What's Included
  • English beers tasting
  • Headsets (when appropriate) so you can always hear your guide
  • Expert English Speaking Local Guides for both parts of the tour
  • British, International delicacies
  • 10+ food & drinks tastings at 5 stops in the heart of London
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on an exploration in the heart of London, commencing with the regal Changing of the Guards ceremony at Westminster—an iconic spectacle embodying British heritage. Marvel at the precision and vibrancy of this time-honored tradition, a living testament to the nation’s grandeur.

Transition seamlessly into a delectable culinary odyssey with our London Food Tour. Indulge in a leisurely lunch featuring quintessential British classics. Allow the gastronomic adventure to unfold as our guide leads you through culinary gems, presenting an array of international treasures for your palate.

Traverse the heart of London, where the artistic allure of Soho, the enchanting charm of Covent Garden, and the cultural richness of China Town unfold before you.

As the day reaches its zenith, immerse yourself in a British tradition—a beer tasting in a historic pub.

Join us on this tour where the regal and the culinary converge, crafting a day filled with cultural richness and gastronomic delights.

  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking. We cannot accommodate Vegans and gluten free diets unfortunately.
  • Please note: Changing of the Guard will not operate in heavy rain and on occasional Sundays the changing of the guards may be rescheduled to early morning, this will be replaced with an extended walking tour
Location
Duke of York Monument
Meet your guide by the Duke of York Column. This is the tall column with a statue on top. Food tour meeting part meeting point at 12.45pm: St. Jame’s Church Courtyard, 197 Piccadilly W1J 9LL - Your guide will be waiting inside the courtyard, holding a “City Wonders” sign
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(284 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Gr8wahine
Sep 30, 2019
Buckingham Palace Tour with Tea - I've been to London many times but never able to catch this tour. We were lucky enough to book this time and SO happy we did. From start to finish, superb tour and tour guide, Michael. What a pleasure to have him for the day. He is AMAZING!!! Took good care of us and so freaking knowledgeable! We scored on tour guides!!! Inside palace was phenomenal and such a pleasure. Afternoon tea...well, it blew me away. Fabulous tour and day I will never forget.
Review provided by Viator
Carmela_d
Sep 21, 2019
Wonderful Day! - Great tour, Marnie was amazing, she knows her facts and made it really lots of fun. LOVED every moment.
Review provided by Viator
Amy_p
Sep 17, 2019
BOOK THIS TOUR NOW! - What an incredibly fun and informative tour! Nathan was amazing and brought history with humor together to create a fun experience. He knew all the right places to stand to get the best views of the changing of the guards, the band, etc. which resulted in amazing photo opportunities. I was disappointed the tea wasn't at Buckingham Palace, however we went to a charming and beautiful hotel "just around the corner" so it turned out perfectly. Absolutely hands down worth the money and I would do it again.
Review provided by Viator
Maria
Sep 12, 2019
Great British Humour - David our Tour Guide created a memorable day. My mother laughed at his jokes and was able to keep up with the tour group with ease. David made sure everyone moved safely and smoothly across the 3 locations. He also ensured we all had a clear view of the procession and shared his incredible knowledge. David thank you for making this such a special day for my mum... she cannot wait to share her experience with all of her friends in Australia 🇦🇺
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amy
Sep 8, 2019
Tour with Michael the guide - Wonderful informative tour perfectly timed to get the best views of multiple changing of the guards. Plenty of time allowed for us to tour Buckingham palace and visit the gift shop before setting off for tea which was delicious! Highly enjoyed the day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leonard_l
Sep 7, 2019
Family trip - Enjoyed viewing the palace. Posted staff were friendly and very knowledgeable. Really enjoyed having a snack at the end of the tour in the grounds garden.
Review provided by Viator
Val
Aug 31, 2019
Buckingham palace - Buckingham palace fab day Jo our guide excellent took us where we would get the best view changing of guard cream tea: just lovely xx
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Sallyn313
Aug 25, 2019
Great Experience! - What a wonderful experience! Sure, there were crowds and security was tight, but overall I would recommend this trip. Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable and the afternoon tea at the St. Ermin's hotel was delicious!
Review provided by Viator
Daniel_e
Aug 21, 2019
A Day with Jennifer at Buckingham Palace and Tea - Jennifer was an absolute delight. She knew her way around Buckingham Palace and the surrounding areas, was full of stories and details ( I learned so much!) and cared about her tour. She was very vigilant; when we encountered a hiccup with a missing party member, she calmly took charge, made queries and recommendations, and handled their 3 year old while they tracked down the grand mother who wandered. She did all this while keeping the tour flowing and on time. She was upbeat and positive and I would recommend her to any party - such a lovely young lady!
Review provided by Viator
Jemantikas
Aug 21, 2019
Magnificent! - The tour was amazing as was our tour guide, Michael! We learned so much! Although the rain cancelled the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, we were able to see the Guard and Horse Parade. Buckingham Palace was impressive! The icing on the cake was Afternoon Tea at a beautiful hotel! We loved the whole experience minus the morning rain! Definitely worth the money!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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June 2024
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