Changing of the Guard Walking Tour: Experience a Classic British Tradition
4.3
498 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
4.3
(498 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Susan_k
Apr 9, 2024
Great Tour - Louise was very good at getting us to the right viewing spot each time. She was also very knowledgeable about all things royal and kept us informed during our tour.
Review provided by Viator
Lynette_n
Apr 9, 2024
Knowledgeable and fun - Great tour guide’s knowledge and humor. She knew exactly where to stand to see the most of the changing of the guards. Learned about the monarchy and the royals.
Review provided by Viator
Donna_q
Apr 2, 2024
Must see! Historic! - Our tour guide LOUISE was EXCELLENT!! She was extremely knowledgeable and engaging and added a delightful touch to our experience!
Review provided by Viator
Jenny_d
Mar 29, 2024
Best way to see the Changing of the Guard - Louise was a fantastic tour guide! She got us to all the best viewing spots and was a wealth of interesting information.
Review provided by Viator
Taylor_c
Mar 26, 2024
Super knowledgeable guides! - Natalie was amazing and got us to all the best spots before other groups. Knew the history too…………..
Review provided by Viator
Ellen_p
Mar 21, 2024
Best thing we did in London! - Having a local guide made the changing of the guards experience better than we could have imagined. She knew so much! We learned, laughed, and even got to see the King drive past us because of her quick thinking to maneuver us into the right spot to see him.
Review provided by Viator
John_m
Mar 18, 2024
Yes, book this Changing of the Guard Tour - This tour worked out very well. The value is in being guided to the best areas to view the various aspects of the changing of the guard from start to finish. You will experience more with this tour than waiting for hours in front of the Palace. Special thanks to our guide, Mark, who made the experience all the better. Good value.
Review provided by Viator
Patricia_n
Mar 14, 2024
A great experience at Buckingham Palace - Seeing changing of the guards. Seeing the Royal standard flying on Buckingham palace. Hearing Dave’s stories. Learning about the ceremony
Review provided by Viator
Mary_a
Mar 18, 2024
Dont go - Ellen walked way too fast and didn’t verify everyone was keeping up with her. She would cross streets not making sure everyone else got across and would just keep walking briskly. It rained a bit so she wasnt sure the Changing would occur.she got us to the spot for the changing at 11:30am. Nothing happened so dont know if we missed it or if it was cancelled. She’s knowledgeable but needs to slow down.
Review provided by Viator
Mary_a
Mar 17, 2024
Dont take the tour - Seeing the guard on horseback and seeing Buckingham Palace. Our guide, Ellen, was knowledgeable BUT she raced through the tour never checking to see if her group could keep up and crossing streets when the group was not caught up and together. AND apparently there was NO changing of the guard today-she said because of the rain.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today