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The Changing of the Guard: Exclusive Guided Walking Tour for an Authentic British Experience
5.0
28 Ratings
Greater London
This exclusive 2-hour guided walking tour offers the opportunity to learn about and witness the event live with an expert guide. The guide will assist in capturing fantastic photos without the hassle of navigating through large crowds. Experience one of the most iconic British events, the changing of the guards, right in the heart of London.
This exclusive 2-hour guided walking tour offers the opportunity to learn about and witness the event live with an expert guide. The guide will assist in capturing fantastic photos without the hassle of navigating through large crowds. Experience one of the most iconic British events, the changing of the guards, right in the heart of London.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Trafalgar Square - After meeting the guide outside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, the Operator will learn about the history of this public square, which commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain. Over the years, the square has served as a venue for protests and…
- Trafalgar Square - After meeting the guide outside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, the Operator will learn about the history of this public square, which commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain. Over the years, the square has served as a venue for protests and demonstrations that continue to this day.
- Nelson’s Column - Nelson’s Column is a monument in Trafalgar Square built to honour Admiral Horatio Nelson, who lost his life at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
- Admiralty Arch - Next, the Operator will uncover the rich history and heritage of Admiralty Arch, a landmark London building that provides road and pedestrian access between the Mall and Trafalgar Square. It was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria.
- Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall - The Operator will then move on to see the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, where members of the Household Cavalry can be seen protecting the official entrance to St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace.
- St. James’s Palace - Afterwards, the Operator will see the beautiful St James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in the city, known for its impressive lake views, pelicans, and flower beds located in front of Buckingham Palace.
- Clarence House - Surrounding St James’s Park, the Operator will see Clarence House, a British Royal Residence. It was home to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother from 1953 until 2002, and has since served as the official residence of Charles, Prince of Wales, and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
What's Included
- Exclusive Tour Guide
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Experience
- Available Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
- Starting at 9:30 am
- Exclusive Tour Guide
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Experience
- Available Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
- Starting at 9:30 am
What's Not Included
- Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
- Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
Additional Information
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Notes: Changing the Guard can sometimes be cancelled, especially in wet weather. The decision to cancel can be made, by the Captain of the Guard , sometimes as late as 10:45 on the day. This…
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Notes: Changing the Guard can sometimes be cancelled, especially in wet weather. The decision to cancel can be made, by the Captain of the Guard , sometimes as late as 10:45 on the day. This means we cannot update our website in time to help people en-route or already at the Palace. Schedules can and do change from time to time, sometimes without notice, meaning we cannot guarantee the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace will take place on the dates stated or accept any responsibility for loss or inconvenience caused by using the information provided on this website Keep updated: https://www.householddivision.org.uk/changing-the-guard-calendar
Location
National Gallery Shop
National Gallery, London. Meet by the Red telephone booth by the Sainsbury Wing entrance of the National Gallery.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(28 Ratings)
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Yarnluv8
Jul 7, 2026
Informative and intriguing! - We took the tour of the Churchill War Rooms with Nathan and it was spectacular! Nathan did an amazing job of synthesizing a huge amount of information and placing the tour in historical context. We would happily have continued on for a full day instead of a half and would gladly return for another Babylon tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dream17860317195
Jul 4, 2026
Excellent tour with Nathan at the war rooms. Very knowledgeable - We were met with a friendly smile and incredible humor and at the same learned so much about the war rooms
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karmine_d
Aug 16, 2025
Great guide & experience... - Great guide & experience , very knowledgeable & nice. Recommend it, fyi it’s not up to the palace . But still fun
Review provided by Viator
Dennis
Aug 8, 2025
Our guide Andy was incredible. As a PhD he was totally versed in every aspect of the history- much of it beyond the tour - Andy our guide was incredible- having a PhD he knows history- much of what he shared was beyond the scope of the tour. Andy knew exactly where to be and when to be there to obtain the maximum viewing of guards and the band. Truly wonderful experience- thanks to Andy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisa_r
Jul 21, 2025
No changing of the guard but still very interesting - They weren’t doing the changing of the guard on the day we booked and I understand this happens on occasion. They offered an alternate day but we already had plans. Regardless, the walking tour was very interesting!
Review provided by Viator
P2025htstephanieh
Nov 11, 2024
Changing of the Guards - Our guide was passionate and knowledgable about the history on London and took us on a very informative and interesting tour. We had an excellent time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderer47237172362
Jul 16, 2024
Excelent tour - Excellent guide and tour with Andy. He took us to all the great spots to watch the change of guards and a little bit of history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lauren_b
May 4, 2024
Highly recommend a tour guide. - Becky was phenomenal. Even though it was a rainy day and we did not get to see the full change of the guard, we were very happy to see the 'wet change' which is a bit quicker. Becky made sure we arrived at each spot a bit early and picked the best place for us to stand for the best vantage point as both guards and horseguard were coming by. We had an absolutely wonderful time.
Review provided by Viator
Smo12345
Apr 29, 2024
Awesome Private Changing if Guard Walking Tour - Our tour guide, Becky, was amazing. Prompt, organized and very very knowledgeable. She was able to explain ALL aspects of the Changing if the Guard process not just the part taking place at Buckingham Palace. We got to see and experience parts of the process that we could never do on our own. In addition she ‘knew the ropes’ and made sure we had great viewing points and access and explain the process every step of the way! You might be able to do it cheaper but I doubt you could do it better than this tour. 100% recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_g
Jan 27, 2024
Definitely Recommend this changing of the guard tour - Welsey was a great guide. He patiently answered our granddaughter's questions and kept at a good pace for her grandparents! He was extremely knowledgeable and gave us great insight into the changing of the guard plus all the areas we walked by.
Review provided by Viator
