London Changing of the Guard: A Review with a Private Guide
Okay, so you’re thinking about seeing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace? Very cool! It’s almost one of those super quintessential London experiences, very much like riding a red bus or seeing a show in the West End. I did it recently, but I actually decided to get a private guide, and I thought I’d share what that was very much like, for you. That way, you can sort of decide if it’s the thing you want to do too.
Why Get a Private Guide?
I’ll be frank; I considered just rocking up and winging it, right? A part of me was very much thinking that how tricky could it possibly be? Then I looked into it a little, you know? Apparently, it is absolutely rammed, usually. We are talking serious crowds, very like sardines in a tin kind of vibe, so that put me off a bit, in a way. Also, turns out that working out the very best place to see it from can be a bit tricky, and the schedule changes depending on the time of year and what the army chaps are up to, which I had no real way of knowing. It seemed that if I wanted to get the best out of it, getting a guide might be worthwhile. So that’s just what I did.
Finding the Right Tour
Finding the ideal tour company wasn’t exactly simple, I have to admit. There are just tons of companies very much offering similar things, and trying to sort the good from the not-so-good seemed a bit of a mission. I went for a company with pretty excellent reviews and, very importantly, one that offered a completely private tour, that’s right. For me, the thought of being herded around with 30 other tourists didn’t sound ideal. What I wanted was something far more personal and the freedom to ask all my silly questions without holding everyone up. And this is basically why I picked them.
Meeting My Guide
The day arrived, and I met my guide, a friendly lady called Sarah, right near Green Park tube station. Straight away, she was extremely easy to get along with and knew her stuff when it came to the royal family. That was immediately clear. Before we even got to the palace, she gave me a pretty good rundown of the history of the ceremony and what to watch out for. And, that made me feel a bit better, because, you see, I didn’t have much of an idea beforehand. I guess I just thought I would turn up, see some soldiers, and that would be that. This was far more educational. What was very good was that she managed to make it engaging. She didn’t just reel off dates; she brought the whole thing to life. So that was all great.
Getting the Best View
Okay, this bit was the killer part. Sarah knew exactly where we needed to be to get an pretty awesome view of the ceremony. We ended up on the side of the palace, near the gates, that, right, where you can actually see the new guard marching in. Because she knew her stuff, we managed to snag a spot right at the front, which was seriously ideal. And, you know, if I had tried to do it myself, I’d probably have been stuck at the back, craning my neck to see over everyone else’s heads. With Sarah, it felt like having a VIP pass.
The Ceremony Itself
Okay, the actual ceremony? Absolutely awesome. Seeing the guards in their bright red tunics and bearskin hats is almost ridiculously British. The music, the precision of the marching… it really is something else. What I really liked, though, was that Sarah kept pointing out various details that I’d definitely have missed if I’d been on my own. So she would tell me little stories about the different regiments and explain what was happening at different stages of the ceremony, too. It made it all so much more engaging and interesting, that’s right. It turned what could have just been a visual spectacle into a very informative experience too. Great, eh?
Beyond Buckingham Palace
One of the things I really liked about this tour was that it wasn’t just about the Changing of the Guard itself, oh no. After the ceremony, Sarah took me for a stroll through St. James’s Park, which, that, in itself, is just stunning. And she kept sharing interesting tidbits about the area and its royal connections, and stuff. She knew tons of facts, very much like when various buildings were built and who lived there, all of that stuff. That kept me entertained. It turned the morning into more of a proper, rounded tour of royal London, I think.
Was it Worth the Money?
So, the million-dollar question: was having a private guide worth the money? In my opinion, definitely yes! The very fact that I got such a great view, learned loads that I wouldn’t have otherwise, and had a much more personal experience made it worthwhile. Okay, it costs more than just turning up, that’s obvious, but for me, it transformed what could have been just another touristy thing into a pretty memorable experience. It definitely made my trip that bit more enjoyable, I’d argue.
Things to note!
Here are some useful tips and tricks to make sure that your visit goes as smooth as possible:
- Timings: Check the official schedule in advance as the ceremony doesn’t happen every day. Weather can also affect it, too, so be prepared.
- What to wear: Comfortable shoes are pretty much a must, as you’ll be doing a fair bit of standing and walking.
- Getting there: Public transport is arguably the best way to get to Buckingham Palace. The nearest tube stations are Green Park, St. James’s Park, and Hyde Park Corner.
- Be prepared for crowds: Even with a guide, it’s almost likely to be busy, so arrive early to secure a good spot.