Changing of the Guard Walking Tour: Experience a Classic British Tradition
4.4
538 Ratings
Greater London
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
(538 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Kate_y
Jun 6, 2024
Fantastic tour - Lee is one of the best tour guides! Very knowledgeable, very engaging and entertaining, a pleasure to follow his tour! At the busiest time he know just the best place for photos. We have booked another tour the next day with him to Windsor and it was awesome as well! Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
A1644dwmichaelb
Jun 6, 2024
Changing of the Guard was well worth the tour - We had the most fantastic time. Not only did we get all the ins and outs of the Changing of the Guard but along the way we got so much historical information and stories. Katrina was fantastic.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jill_n
Jun 6, 2024
Excellent Tour! - We had a great time. Our guide was so knowledgeable and knew exactly where we should be and when to see the guards a number of times.
Review provided by Viator
Phil_p
Jun 6, 2024
Buckingham Palace Tour - Very good tour guide! Knowledgeable, experienced and enjoyable. Would highly recommend! Changing of the guards.
Review provided by Viator
Cristina_m
Jun 5, 2024
Amazing guide - Lee gave us the most wonderful tour He was entertaining and extremely knowledgeable Wonderful experience
Review provided by Viator
Suzanne_f
Jun 4, 2024
Excellent activity in London - This was a fabulous tour. Our guide was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Without a guide it would be very difficult to understand what was happening. We learned so much about this event.
Review provided by Viator
896gregorym
Jun 4, 2024
Tour guide Paul provided a wonderful experience for the family! - Our guide Paul was outstanding! He was knowledgeable, organized, and fun. He shared a complete history of the Changing of the Guard and St. James Park and the surrounding buildings – mixed with an eclectic mix of related British history. We threw some oddball questions at him, which he had ready answers to. This is the second time I’ve taken the tour and enjoyed it each time (but Paul’s tour was the best of the two!).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peter_j
May 30, 2024
Excellent guide knew best... - Excellent guide knew best locations walk to. Knew when the king and queen might be leaving their residence And they Passed 10 ft away!!
Review provided by Viator
Patricia_f
May 30, 2024
GREAT TOUR - We saw the King and Camilla!!!tour guide Mary was great. Got us to locations to see multiple pageantries. So glad we went with this instead of trying to do it on our own
Review provided by Viator
Chris_g
Jun 5, 2024
Refund please - Honestly not very happy with the communication. Had my reservation changed due to a soccer final match. When I asked for a date change I was then offered a new date of Sunday then canceled again. After asking for a refund I was booked a different tour with only 15 min notice. Honestly not great and would like a refund
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today