1st Traveler Questions re: Arrival at Night, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace

If the Tower of London jewels are a priority for you, I'd book the first time slot on Saturday, go directly to the jewels, then loop back and join a yeoman tour. Given your arrival time and jet lag (it's a bear) I wouldn't want to have to try and get up and go early the next day.

That arrival time is going to be a challenge for a sit down restaurant situation. You might look at what is available and open after security at the airport in your arrival terminal, then book your car for a sightly later time. But I'm not sure things at the airport are open super late either (even the Pret a Manger says it closes at 10 which you probably won't make after going through immigration and baggage claim). My advice: eat what they serve you on the plane and pack snacks.

Not sure about the changing of the guard, you may have to wait a bit for the schedule to come out (it could also be canceled due to weather or events).

Few thoughts:

Jet lag is real. You are on vacation. Stress shouldn’t be included in your schedule planning.

How many other folks in your group? Are you the person responsible for creating a “ must see “ list?

Don’t exhaust yourself mentally and physically before you get there.

https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/tickets-and-prices/

FYI I’ve been privileged enough to have traveled to and stayed in London numerous times over decades of travel. Last trip was 6 week stay was 2024. Still haven’t seen everything. London is always changing, always the same.

Consider visiting the Tower mid day on Friday. So option B. As far as the Changing of the Guard consider walking over to the Wellington Barracks and watch the guards depart and return from the ceremony.
https://www.householddivision.org.uk/changing-the-guard

As far as food service late at night won’t you be getting served a meal on your flight?

Marks and Spencer is a department store chain that sells groceries and loads of prepared food. M&S has three locations in the airport. The one in Terminal 5 is described as a convenience store that is open 24 hours. The one in Terminal 3 is called M&S Food to Go and is open until 12am. The one in Terminal 2 is called M&S Simply Food and is also open until 12am. If you're arriving to one of these terminals, you should be able to find something that you can take along to the hotel.

I've taken the day flight from Chicago to London (before AA dropped it) arriving 9:30-10pm. No problem starting the next day and no jet lag. Since it's a day flight you probably won't be napping on the plane like you would with an overnight flight.

You want to get used to London time ASAP. I would skip a late night restaurant meal. Your airline will serve a snack of some sort prior to arrival. Grab something at the Tesco or pack a snack if needed and try to go to sleep so your on London time in the morning.

You know your group. If even 1 person is a slow starter in the morning then hold off on the Tower for Saturday.

Regarding Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, it will be super crowded and require getting there early for a good view.

I really like the Changing of the King's Lifeguard. Very colorful, horses, all the pomp. and not nearly as crowded.

I would try for the changing of the horse guards at 11 on Friday. IMO, it's a better show than the regular changing of the guards. That gives you time to have a lie-in or a leisurely breakfast. Then you can do touristy things in the Westminster area (Abbey, Churchill War Rooms, National Gallery, etc) the rest of the day. Then do the Tower first thing on Saturday (Jewel House first, then Beefeater tour).

Re: jet lag - consider using the Timeshifter app (first use of it is free.) My previous experiences with jet lag on European trips were kind of dire. I used the app before my most recent trip, and merely felt tired, while my two traveling companions felt like they'd been whacked on the head for two days. I didn't even follow the app guidance strictly (when to get sunlight, drink caffeine, get some sleep, etc.) but what I did do apparently was helpful.

Your car service idea is great. Navigating tube/taxi/bus with suitcases after a long flight is not fun.

Have a wonderful trip!

Things do close early here compared to e.g. NYC- I agree if you want to eat something best to try the M&S at the airport once you get to arrivals. I wouldn't try to do something big like the Tower of London first thing after arriving so late at night, plus five hour time difference will make you extra tired. I think Saturday first thing makes sense.

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice! We decided to book the Tower of London for Saturday morning, and take the suggestions on Buckingham Palace.

good decisions