How to actually enjoy London as a tourist
When passing by Buckingham Palace, at the right time, you will often see crowds of tourists waiting for a glimpse of the changing of the Guard. That's all well and good, but once they've done that the tourists should really walk 1.2km up the road to see something else...
The Hyde Park Barracks are located on the southern side of Hyde Park (the bit next to Knightsbridge) and house the Household Cavalry. And if you really want a more unique and memorable experience in London then that's where you should go.
If you time it right, you can see the behind the scenes of what goes on in preparation for ceremonial duties. Opposite the barracks is a horse arena (I guess that's what it's called!) where you can see the soldiers and their horses getting ready and training. Chances are you will be the only ones there, and basically have the experience to yourselves.
As a tourist I know I crave these kind of experiences, where you feel like you're getting a sneak peak into what actually goes on in a place so I really wanted to share it.
If you're really lucky (or presumably just look up the timings beforehand) you will also see the horses and soldiers walking down the road, getting ready to head to the Palace or just going for a stretch.
[You get bonus points if you time it in the morning so that you can see the slightly bizarre sight of troops running round the perimeter of Hyde Park - presumably on a drill].
Anyway, all that to say - if you want to see something quite unique and memorable you just have to head to Hyde Park Barracks - a short walk away from the crowds, hidden in plain sight.