About this tour
Follow the Old Guard's procession from St. James's Palace to Buckingham Palace, then taste your way through London's royal warrant holders—food and drink suppliers trusted by the monarchy for centuries. This 3–4 hour walking tour pairs the pageantry of the Changing of the Guard with over 15 tastings from prestigious retailers, finishing with champagne afternoon tea. You'll discover how British institutions have fed and served the royal household across generations.
Highlights
- Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony with prime viewing of military bands
- Walk alongside the Old Guard en route to Buckingham Palace
- Taste 15+ items from Royal Warrant–holding food and drink suppliers
- Learn retail histories dating back centuries
- Sample champagne afternoon tea at tour's end
- Explore St. James's Palace precinct on foot
What to expect
You'll begin near St. James's Palace and position yourself for an excellent view of the military ceremony and marching bands. As the Old Guard departs for Buckingham Palace, you'll join their route on foot, taking in the pomp and pageantry up close. The second half shifts focus to London's oldest provisioners—purveyors of everything from tea and biscuits to spirits and preserves—each with a Royal Warrant displayed proudly. Your guide will narrate the stories behind each supplier whilst you sample their wares. Expect to move steadily through central London, stopping at multiple venues. The tour concludes with a complimentary champagne afternoon tea gift box.
Good to know
Wear comfortable walking shoes; you'll cover central London on foot. The Changing of the Guard happens at set times (check the Palace schedule beforehand). Prams and strollers are welcome. Public transport stations are nearby if you need to leave early. Gratuities for your guide are separate from the tour cost.
Frequently asked
- How long does Changing of the Guard & Royal Food Tour with 15+ Tastings take?
- Changing of the Guard & Royal Food Tour with 15+ Tastings runs for approximately 3 hours – 4 hours.
- How much does Changing of the Guard & Royal Food Tour with 15+ Tastings cost?
- Prices start from AUD $212 per person. Final pricing varies by date, group size and any add-ons — confirmed at checkout via Viator.
- Where does Changing of the Guard & Royal Food Tour with 15+ Tastings run?
- This tour operates around United Kingdom. Specific meeting points and pickup options are listed by the operator at checkout.
- Who runs Changing of the Guard & Royal Food Tour with 15+ Tastings?
- The tour is sold and operated by its supplier through Viator. New Forest National Park earns a small commission on bookings made via the link, which keeps this site free for travellers.
- Is the tour confirmed at the listed price?
- The price shown is the operator's "from" price as of our last sync. Final price, currency conversion, group discounts and cancellation policy are confirmed at checkout — always review before paying.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original New Forest National Park summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.