Richard is a vastly experienced London Tour Guide having worked in the industry for 25 years, He started out working for Historic Royal Palaces based at Hampton Court Palace before becoming a guide with The Original London Tour (now Toot Bus) and later a guide manager for Golden Tours. His career has seen him work at many of London’s major attractions including The London Film Museum, The Tower Bridge Museum, a long stint at The Harry Potter studio tour and even at Buckingham Palace itself. His varied career has also seen him working for Merlin Entertainments (The company who own and run The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Sealife etc) City Cruises and combine his passion for sports and particularly Football to work as a guide at Chelsea FC, West Ham United FC and Wembley Stadium tours. For the past 4 years Richard has been running independent small group walking tours via Guruwalks, using his vast passion for London, deep knowledge and experience to bring London to life for thousands of happy visitors every year.
The Changing Of The Guards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace is iconic and seeing it up close is a once in a lifetime experience for many.
So why spoil it by having to stand for hours in the unpredictable British weather, amongst thousands of others, constantly fighting for the “best spot” only to discover too late that your view is obstructed?
Take this FREE (pay what you feel) walking tour with an expert guide who will take you to the “secret spots” (often hidden in plain sight) for unprecedented views of the ceremony. Much,smaller crowds, fewer or no barriers/fences or other obstructions, and an explanation of what is actual going on, so you can understand more of the traditions and pomp of the event as it unfolds in front of you.
GUARANTEED! to be within 10-15ft (3-4.5m) of the guards themselves, as they carry out this long standing tradition. Which traces its origins as far back as the late 17th century under the reign of William III and remains little changed since.
PLUS! this tour will also take you to the CHANGING OF THE HORSEGUARDS to see the mounted regiments of The Household Cavalry carry out their daily guard change and inspection. This is the best place in London to get that iconic photo with a guard in full regalia.
PLEASE NOTE: All or part of the ceremony may be cancelled, altered or otherwise changed by Buckingham Palace at any time, often at short notice and often without explanation especially in inclement weather. I will do my utmost to give all participants the best experience possible but due to logistics of the ceremony, the planned route may change, I will endeavour to keep the group informed of any changes if and when they occur.
The tour will also show you other famous London attractions and monuments such as:
And more…
✍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The walking tour with our guide Richard was G R E A T! We got to see the changing of the guard with great views! He really knew where we needed to be without a crowd in the way. We got great pictures and videos because of him! “
“Richard is such a good guide! We saw all the interesstings thinks very close! Highy recommend to do a tour with him!” - Petra - Austria
“Could not have been any more pleased with the quality of this tour. We never could have produced the same experience had we chose to do this on our own. This was stress-free, extremely informative, and super enjoyable.” - Brennan & Amy - Nashville
“best choice ever! Richard is witty, so be prepared for a fun tour! Highly recommended!” Millie - Munich
These are just a couple of reviews from the thousands of happy visitors to London that I have had the pleasure of guiding over the past 20 years.
But don’t just take their word for it come and experience it yourselves.
📃THE BASICS📃- What you need to know! (And the boring legal bit)
📍The Tour Starts in Trafalger Sqaure (Nearest underground Charing Cross/Leicester Square) please meet at the TOP of the steps in the north east corner underneath the statue of George IV on horseback. Please note that there may be several tour groups here so make sure you find the right one. I will be wearing a flat grey cap and carrying a black backpack
📍The tour ends at Horseguards which is around 4 minute walk back to the start point, but also a similar distance from Parliament Square for Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, “Big Ben” The London Eye, The River Thames and Westminster Station
🧑🦽The route is flat on either paved roads with one set of steps, (currently unavoidable due to construction work on the step free route) Some sections on a gravel path/courtyard which may prove difficult for wheelchairs/buggy’s. The route is suitable for those with reduced mobility, however please be aware that at certain parts of the tour the group may need to move quickly to another location in order to secure a suitable vantage point for the next part of the ceremony. A comfortable pair of shoes or trainers is sufficient, no need for any specific footwear, although it is advised against wearing high heels.
🐕🦺The tour is suitable for dogs but they MUST be kept on a lead at all times.
🥤🥪Please note that there are very limited Toilet facilities or refreshments on this tour (there are public toilets and several cafes at the start point) You may eat and drink on the tour (please no alcohol) but please be responsible and take any rubbish with you until you can find a bin. Smoking and vaping is forbidden on this tour for the comfort of all participants.
👉Please be aware that the ceremony is on selected days only and can be cancelled, amended or rearranged at short notice for any number of reasons, particularly inclement weather conditions.
👉Also please note that the tour will come across wild animals particularly wild birds and waterfowl, as well as horses and other animals. I ask all visitors to exercise caution when around these animals as they can bite, all participants are responsible for their own safety at all times. This also includes crossing any roads or cycle paths.
👉Please follow any instructions given to you by myself, police officers or any other person in an authoritative position whilst on the tour.
🎒Please take basic precautions with your personal belongings. All visitors are responsible for any personal possessions. Neither the guide or Guru Walks accept any liability for loss or damage to personal possessions or any personal injury or death whist taking part on the tour.
📩 If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via the tour guru website
I look forward to welcoming you
PLEASE NOTE : If a tour is unavailable it normally means that there is no guard change scheduled for that day. You can check the latest schedule here…
https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html
However due to personal circumstances there is no availability at weekends, and limited availability from 23rd July-1st September. If a tour is showing as unavailable please look at alternative dates if possible. If there is a guard change scheduled but nothing available on dates that are convenient for you please check other providers.
⌚Total tour time Approx 1 hour 40 minutes
At the top of the steps underneath the statue of George IV (on horseback) in the North East Corner of Trafalger Square.I will be wearing a flat cap and carrying a black/grey backpack and holding a sign with “Guru Tours London” written on it
One of London’s most famous areas dotted with statues and fountains.
The royal prosessinial route from Buckingham Palace instantly recognisable from large scale events such as royal weddings, the jubilee and coronation ceremony and witness close up the world famous changing of the guards ceremony.
Ornate giant archway standing at one end of The Mall
Needs no introduction the London home of His Majesty the King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and famous around the world.
Walk through the magnificent 17th century St James park, how to dozens of species of wildfowl, look out for the parks famous pelicans and grey squirrels who will eat from your hand.
Get up close and personal with the Kings official guards as we check out the guard change ceremony and get your iconic photo with one of the guards and horses
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).
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