Changing of the Guard Walking Tour: Experience a Classic British Tradition

Experience the classic British tradition of the Changing of the Guard with our fully-guided walking tour. Get the best views and capture amazing photographs as our expert guide navigates the crowds for you.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Changing of the Guard - Your regal tour begins at the Duke of York Column, located in St. James’, where you’ll greet your guide, don a personal headset, and receive a historical overview of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Many tourists make the mistake of viewing the ceremony outside of Buckingham Palace. However on this tour, handpicked vantage points ensure you get the best views of the royal tradition while listening to commentary that explains each part of the performance.

Marvel at the shimmering coats of the household cavalry as their riders control the horses with expert precision; capture photographs of the iconic red and black attire of the King’s foot soldiers; and, move quickly between vantage points in a small group of only 15 people.

  • Buckingham Palace - Your tour concludes outside of Buckingham Palace.

Please note: The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before 11am. Even when cancelled, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music and parade.

What's Included
  • Small-group experience with a maximum of 20 people
  • Complimentary use of headsets when needed
  • Guidance from an expert, English-speaking tour guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience a lively display of British tradition with our comprehensive Changing of the Guard walking tour, guaranteed to offer the most stunning perspectives of this exceptional ceremony. Don’t fall into the common tourist trap of believing the best viewpoint is right outside Buckingham Palace.

Those who do often swiftly end up disappointed when they realize they’ve waited for hours just to witness the tail-end of this singular performance, their view hindered by a dense crowd. Instead, let your guide lead you on an exciting exploration that covers the entire Changing of the Guard from start to finish, adeptly maneuvering through the masses to guide you to the most optimal and photogenic observation points.

  • The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before 11am. Even when cancelled, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music and parade.
  • Please note weather is very changeable in London, please ensure you have rainproof clothing
  • Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either footguards or horseguards
Location
Duke of York Monument
Meeting Point: By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. This is the tall column with a statue on top. Arriving by tube: Take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St James's. Walk south down Regent Street towards St James's Park (do not walk north towards Oxford Street). Waterloo Place is at the end of Regent Street. You will see the tall column with a statue on top. You can also arrive via Charing Cross Station. Walk down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace, you will see the statue on your right at the top of some steps.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(608 Ratings)
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Lisa
Aug 11, 2024
Walking tour- quick paced. Was able to see the guard in two different places. - This is a walking tour. We first saw the guard at St James Palace, then walked by the Clarence House where King Charles lives, stopped at the front of Buckingham Palace and then saw the guard again at the Wellington Barracks. We had a great view of the guard and actually saw them twice. However, we did not see them in front of Buckingham Palace. We actually had a better view but if you are wanting to fight the thousands of other people in front of the Palace, you are better to go in your own and give it your best shot. Evelyn was exceptional. We lived the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dunc_webb
Aug 8, 2024
Changing of the guard - It was great to finally see this live and in person, with crowds bigger than I have ever seen and/or expected for this. Highly recommend trying this if you can work it into your schedule
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Sara_m
Aug 7, 2024
Awesome experience! - Aaron was a fantastic guide! He knew the best soots to stand to get a great view, and his knowledge of the history of England and the royal ceremonies was vast. I had a great time, and I think a big part of that was due to Aaron!
Review provided by Viator
Anita_k
Aug 6, 2024
Great Tour. Worth the money. - The quality of the information provided and the knowledge of the guide. Natalie was friendly and knowledgeable.
Review provided by Viator
Paul_g
Aug 5, 2024
Great views for the changing of the guard - This was so good and I’m so pleased I booked on to this tour. The guide, Natalie, knew all the good spots so we were away from the crowds. I’ve visited Buckingham Palace a few times before to see the changing of the guard but normally hardly see anything because of the crowds. This trip was so worth it and would highly recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
Karen
Aug 2, 2024
Great tour - A fast paced tour that let us see the old guard leaving St James Palace, the new guard marching out of Wellington Barracks, the old guard marching back into Wellington Barracks and one of the bands at Buckingham Palace. David, our guide, gave us lots of history and information.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracy
Aug 1, 2024
David & notes - Davis was funny, inclusive & moved the tour along at a good pace. The Palace was beautiful. Loved the gardens in the area. The English garden was breathtaking!
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Shane_m
Jul 30, 2024
Good day out - Our tour guide Paul was funny and knowledgeable. He gave us an invite on the workings of the guards and able to give us great viewing areas to enjoy the tour…well done Paul
Review provided by Viator
Glenviewil790
Jul 29, 2024
Excellent your from Ian - Ian was patient, entertaining and informative. Found good viewing spots for the changing of the guard; answered questions knowledgeably and enthusiastically. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Avidgolfer927
Jul 27, 2024
Very good walking tour - Paul was our tour guide. Our group size was manageable. There were probably around 15 to 20 of us. He knew the good places to stand for all phases of the changing of the guard. He was very knowledgeable about the whole ceremony. He was very witty and tried to include everyone in the conversation. I would highly recommend this walking tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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