Small-Group Changing of the Guards Walking Tour: A Deep Dive into British Traditions

Discover the secrets and significance behind the Changing of the Guards ceremony on this small-group walking tour. Join us for a deep dive into British traditions and experience the pomp and ceremony firsthand.

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Changing of the Guard - Join us as we serve a slice of world-famous ceremonial action with this small-group Changing of the Guards experience.
What's Included
  • English-speaking local expert guide
  • Small group experience with a maximum of 15 people
  • Guided Changing of the Guard experience
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food & drink
  • Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Additional Information

England is celebrated for its fish and chips, unpredictable weather, traditional warm beer, rich historical heritage, and a deeply rooted fondness for grandeur and ritual. Be part of our renowned ceremonial event through this small-group participation in the Changing of the Guards.

This majestic guard shift offers much more than what initially meets the eye- guided by an expert, you’ll distinguish between a Welsh and Grenadier guard, unravel the mystery behind the iconic bearskin hats, discover the amazing history of this flamboyant display and truly comprehend the importance of every colour, button, mascot, symbol, and gesture in this quintessentially British tradition.

From an optimal observation spot, your small group will accompany the guards as they advance towards Buckingham Palace, matching your steps to the rhythm of their drums… but what will today’s musical selection be?

  • We tend to move pretty fast to keep up with the guards, so please wear comfortable shoes and always carry water.
  • We will not stand at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as, due to crowds, you see very little and the experience would be ten times less fun. We want to get you as close as possible with the opportunity to take some amazing snapshots.
  • It is at the discretion of the British Army to change or cancel the Ceremony. The announcement will not be made until after 10.30am so come rain or shine, the Urban Saunters Changing of the Guard experience will go ahead. If the full ceremony is cancelled, there will still be the chance to see the guards marching, just without the music.
  • No videoing of the guide unless they have given permission
  • Ceremony can be altered at the discretion of the British Army, or occasionally due to rain
  • There are no toilet or refreshment breaks on this tour
  • Tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Location
Equestrian Edward Ⅶ
Meet our guide by the Equestrian statue of Edward VII, Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 5ER. 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. Waterloo Place is at the end of Regent Street.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(503 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
H7121tyfional
Aug 30, 2024
Recommend 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 - Richard is a very good tour guide. He is funny and professional. The whole tour was very interesting, informative and well-planned. We could have the best location to watch the guards changing. 2 hours passed so fast!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R4655fdjeremyt
Aug 30, 2024
Changing Of Guard Tour - Great! - Babs was an amazing guide, very knowledgeable about history and accommodated my grandma who has walking difficulties. She brought us to amazing spots for photos and videos. Would recommend 10/10.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nomad52923927905
Aug 29, 2024
This tour is awesome! - Richard was amazing and provided my favorite tour in London. Great knowledge on all the landmarks, very interesting tour and he was very structured on what he showed us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dalyse
Aug 28, 2024
Enjoyable tour guide when in London! - My partner and I really enjoyed this activity. Our tour guide, Bab, was super informative and overall had a great energetic personality that made the tour all the more enjoyable! Would recommend this! :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cagilb2016
Aug 28, 2024
Worth it !! - Babs was an excellent guide. Quite animated and informative. Cute approach. Knew the history and rumours. But you didn’t hear it from her, wink wink. lol
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Runamoking
Aug 28, 2024
Babs is the BEST! Fabulous tour - This was a wonderful walking tour! We really loved Babs she’s an excellent tour guide. She knows her stuff. We would have been lost without her.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amanda_s
Aug 27, 2024
5 stars! - Guide was very entertaining and a great storyteller. We had a great experience. Amazing views! 5 stars!
Review provided by Viator
Alexandra_z
Aug 25, 2024
A Great Guide and Tour for the Changing of the Guard - Jo was a terrific guide. She got us to all the right places at the right time to have the best opportunities for viewing all aspects of the changing of the guard. She was full of information, easy to understand and entertaining. We heartily recommend.
Review provided by Viator
322servaneh
Aug 21, 2024
A beautiful visit to do absolutely during a stay in London - We all (parents and children 15, 17 and 24 years old) loved this walking tour of the changing of the guard. Our Guide Nathan was totally invested and mastered his royal subject. He embellished the visit with distracting anecdotes and knew how to tell us the best places to be well placed. His English was quite understandable to French people who do not practice. We highly recommend this beautiful experience, to do absolutely during a stay in London
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E8911cschriss
Aug 21, 2024
Fun walking tour for the family - Chris was an excellent guide, he avoided the crowds and got us close to the action. Highly recommend and it’s a great way to see the sites
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today