That is really the only easy way for a group to view the C o t G (I was going to search for that link when I posted #5 up thread but got interrupted and forgot)

TPAYT, that is great information about the C of the G. I will definitely look at that. I assume they refund you if it is cancelled because of rain.

it doesn't completely cancel because of rain. The band may not march/play if its pouring down, which may be a last minute decision. But the Guard does 'change' no matter the weather.

Only you and your group can decide whether to include a tour of Elizabeth Tower in your plans. (Personally, I'd rather do this than watch the Changing of the Guard.) My comment was more about booking reservations as soon as they become available if this is something you want to do in your limited time because tours sell out within minutes. The restoration of the Elizabeth Tower and overhaul of the clock mechanism were completed in 2022.

I just noticed that I referred to "Victoria" Tower in my previous post. The clock with Big Ben is in the Elizabeth Tower. It was built in Victoria's time, and she had a beacon installed to be lit when Parliament was in session after dark. Originally called the Clock Tower, it was renamed for Elizabeth II at her Diamond Jubilee. The Victoria Tower is at the opposite end of the Parliament buildings.

thanks for clarification about Victoria Tower and also that the changing of the guard info when it rains. Another option is to see the changing of the guards at Windsor when we go. Maybe that is not as difficult. any thoughts???

"changing of guards is a waste of your time, just pretend you have never heard of it and move on..."

LOL. So true. And even worse, The Changing Of the Royal Horse Guards. I'm still trying to get that hour back.

1. Time needed at Tower Bridge depends whether you just want to walk across it or do the tour. I think I spent 1.5-2 hours inside when I was there in 2019 if memory serves correctly. The Tower of London needs much more time if you want to see everything. My first visit I was there for around 4 hours in November 2019 compared to 6 hours I spent there last July on a stinking hot day where we took our sweet time. If you want to avoid the crowds, get there at opening and b-line for the Crown Jewels! We had no queue by doing that whereas a few hours later the queues were almost to the end of the section they gate off for lines.

2. I can't speak for St Paul's but Westminster depends on how much you want to see. We spent 3 hours there including with a Verger tour (highly recommend it but you can't pre-book and have to secure a spot on the day of at the ticket desk).

3. + 4. Can't speak to this.

As an aside, depending on the kids, I would recommend Churchill's War Rooms but book ahead! I have zero interest in wartime history generally but I thoroughly enjoyed the Churchill War Rooms far more than I would have thought.