Michael H.United States
Jessica was great. She was enthusiastic and fun.
Choose a currency
Private tour in London Jessica O
Changing the Guard and Westminster Highlights with a Royal Historian and Cultural Anthropologist
5.0
(5) reviews
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Jessica O.
5.0
Guide rating
47
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 hrs
Avg. response time
I'm Jessica the Museum Guide, and I take my guests on magical journeys through the past, discussing controversies, art, and the strangest moments in history. I also love to guide for families and children. Let's face it - I'm a museum and culture nerd! I've been fascinated by museums, oddities, and history from a very young age, and I have worked in both curation and engagement at a number of famous museums. I have advanced degrees in Cultural Heritage Studies and Museum Studies from University College London, and I spend my free time travelling and taking tours myself. I am also a licensed Canterbury Green Badge Guide. After guiding London highlights for a decade (which I still love to do!) I started focusing on museums and other cultural experiences. I guide tours of The British Museum, the National Gallery, the East End, and Canterbury (and so much more) on YouTube and in person. I also guide inside many churches, cemeteries, off-the-beaten-track itineraries, and all kinds of pubs, and cover the strange and dark history of London and Canterbury's oldest corners. I am a beer lover, so ask me to include some pubs on your tour! Booking a private tour with me is more than just a few hours of my time. I will help answer all of your questions about planning a trip to London. I live by the sea and love swimming, surfing, and diving, as well as watching scary movies and petting your dog. Bachelor's Degree (BAHons) in History and Communications Studies - Simon Fraser University Masters Degree (MA) in Cultural Heritage Studies - University College London Official Canterbury Green Badge Guide Member of the International Tourist Guiding Association I do not guide inside the paid temporary exhibitions at any of the museums.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jessica O.
Experience the most quintessential British ceremony and explore the Royal parks and palaces
Overview of your London tour
There is nothing quite like experiencing the Changing the Guard in person. But if you're worried about standing in the wrong spots, misunderstanding what's going on, and missing all of the action, then this walking tour is for you. We'll explore many of London's major highlights, including seeing the majesty of the Changing the Guard. This tour is fully customisable. If you have any additional interests or would prefer a different route, I can make it happen for you. Just ask! If you would like to do this tour on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, do note that there will be no Changing the Guard, but I can still make it extraordinary for you and include other Royal sites. Please send me a message if you're interested. ***Do note that the Guard Change is (very rarely) cancelled with no notice - this is rare, but it does happen. We will still have a great tour!
Recent Reviews
John M.United States
Jessica conducted a very interesting and inspired tour of the Royal Palaces, changing of the Guard, St. James, Westminster, Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abby and several other noteworthy sites in London. This was our first trip to London and we need to use our time wisely, Jessica delivered a fantastic tour, provided deep knowledge of so many historical areas and explained the impact these sites have on London today. Jessica is an excellent guide and spent time in the areas that were of most interest to us and answered all our questions from a historical and current perspective. This tour saved us quite a bit of time and really brought these historical landmarks and activities (i.e. Changing of the Guard) to life. I highly recommend the tour and Jessica as a guide.
Neena M.United States
Jessica is truly BRILLIANT! we were completely captivated and enthralled by her knowledge and expertise - and she is kind, funny, and very easy-going! She was incredibly helpful, personable, generous with her knowledge and time, and a stellar story-teller. We have done MANY tours, and she is THE BEST! Brilliant in EVERY WAY. Thank you Jessica for bringing British history and architecture to life for us in the most remarkable way!
Laura D.United States
Jessica was truly amazing. We had limitations of what we could do and she met us and taught us so much about London and the history of the area and many other things. She is kind, interesting, smart, considerate and really, really easy to work with. She is so knowledgeable!! I wanted to listen to her for a few more hours!! She is a terrific guide!!
Brandy B.United States
Jessica is an amazing guide - she knew exactly where to go for the best views of the changing of the guard. Her knowledge of all things royal and the history of London is extensive. It was so much fun to have a private guide to whom you could ask lots of questions. I would definitely hire her again upon returning to London.
Your London tour itinerary
We'll start with the Changing the Guard (which only occurs four times per week other than in the summer months), witnessing it from two vantage points. I'll explain the troop movements, the five regiments of the King's Guard, and the history of this grand ceremony. Next, we'll explore the Royal palaces and parks in depth, and I'll tell you about their most interesting facts and secrets. We'll talk all about the origins of Buckingham Palace, visit the Victoria Monument, and explore the history of St James' Palace. We'll traverse St James' Park before visiting Horseguard's Parade, and then visit Parliament Square to see the Houses of Parliament (the Palace of Westminster), Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. There are some excellent photo opportunities and plenty of time to ask questions! Please note that on this tour, we do not enter any of the buildings. This tour can be fully customised.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
This is a walking tour.
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Piccadilly, England, England, W1J 9DZ, United Kingdom
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Meet me at Green Park Station, just outside of the "Buckingham Palace" exit, at the top of the ramp near the fountain and snack bar. What 3 Words: ///echo.parent.dance
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
Art And Culture
City Highlights
History
Tour reference number
1090675
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in London best suited for?
This private tour in London is perfect for those who want to experience the quintessential British ceremony of Changing the Guard and explore the Royal parks and palaces with a knowledgeable guide. It's ideal for travellers interested in British history and culture, as well as those who prefer a customizable experience. Families, including kids, seniors, and travellers with mobility concerns, will find this tour accessible and enjoyable.
Can this private tour in London be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in London by Jessica O.
Explore more of London
Private Classic 4 hour Tour of Majestic LondonThis is London! Huge Half DayClassic London Highlights Full-Day Tour (7 hour)'Ultimate' Day Tour of LondonFull Day classic Highlights Tour of London - Private Black CabWindsor Castle with a Blue Badge guide in an Executive VehicleStonehenge & Windsor Castle with a Blue Badge guide in an Executive Vehicle Welcome to London! - Your Exclusive Private Blue Badge Guided TourWindsor Castle & Stonehenge: private tour from London, LHR or Southampton with driver~guide in an executive vehicleThe Classic London Tour - All the major sights tailored to youFull day tour of LONDON for first timers with Blue Badge Guide in V Class MercedesLondon Cultural Heritage tour (Full Day)Classic London Highlights TourFirst Time in London Highlights with Blue Badge GuideCanterbury Cathedral, White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle from LondonLondon Highlights in a Day Summer May 2026-Nov 2026From London: Cotswolds Private TourBath & Stonehenge : private tour from London with driver~guide in an executive vehicleStonehenge & Windsor Castle full day trip, (Pick up from multiple locations)Half day British Museum Tour (3hrs)Private Highlights Tour of London's major attractionsPrivate Tour of Royal WindsorThe Tower of LondonPrivate Classic Full Day Tour of Majestic LondonPrivate Full Day Tour of the Cotswolds ExcursionBlack Cab London Private Tour with your very own London Taxi Tour Guide!English Countryside Full Day TourHalf Day London City TourStonehenge and Bath Full Day Tour by Iconic Black CabOxford and the Cotswolds : One Day Private Driving Tour from LondonLondon Highlights in a dayBritish Museum Highlights: A Historian's Private TourFirst Time in London Highlights by Car with Blue Badge GuideHalf Day Churchill War Rooms (Skip the Line Tickets) and London in the Blitz Walking TourHighlights of LondonPrivate Churchill War Rooms Tour with Skip the Line TicketsPrivate Full Day Bath and Stonehenge ExcursionLondon in a nutshell: The Capital in half a day.This is London - One Epic Day!Stonehenge & Bath Full Day Tour
Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.