Guided tour

London: Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Activity provider: City Wonders Ltd. UK
Guided tour

London: Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Activity provider: City Wonders Ltd. UK
Likely to sell out

From US$ 18.49 per person

Likely to sell out

See British tradition come to life on this fully guided Changing of the Guard Walking Tour to ensure you get the best views of this spectacular ceremony.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Marvel at the rhythm and precision of the march of the King’s foot guards
  • Experience a quintessential London tradition at Buckingham Palace
  • Navigate the crowds with the help of a guide to get to the best viewing points
Full description

See the Changing of the Guard ceremony or the changing of the Household Cavalry clearly from a crowd-free vantage point during this guided walking tour in London. Experience a quintessential London tradition with a guide leading the way.

Don’t make the same mistake that many visitors so often and understandably make, believing the prime vantage point to experience this time-honored tradition is from outside Buckingham Palace.

Spectators' enthusiasm quickly turns to disappointment when they realize, after waiting for hours, only to see the end of this unique performance, their view is often blocked by a throng of crowds.

Instead, follow your guide on a dynamic journey that will take you through the entire Changing of the Guard from beginning to end. Your guide will navigate the crowds taking you to the best and most photographable viewpoints.

With an expert on the history of this ceremony, you'll be given invaluable insight and knowledge into every detail of this British spectacle. Use your own personal headset to easily follow your guide’s commentary and fully take in the splendor parading past you. 

If you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you’ll experience the changing of the Household Cavalry. Marvel at the precision that the King’s foot guards march to Buckingham Palace, clad in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats. Admire the gleaming coats of the Household Cavalry’s horses as they emerge at Horse Guard’s Parade.

Includes
  • Guide
  • Headsets when appropriate
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Not suitable for
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton 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.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Baby strollers

Know before you go

  • 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 that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either foot guards or horse guards
  • Regretfully, guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance cannot be accommodated – the tour operator is also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on group tours
  • Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday and Thursday, you’ll experience the change of the Household Cavalry.
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 468 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.1/5
  • Service
    4.5/5
  • Organization
    4.4/5

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Star rating:

Louise was delightful! My friend thought it silly to have a guide to watch the guard march past, BUT she told us history and stories, knew the best spots, and we even waved to the King as he passed just a few feet in front of us! (my friend will never doubt me again!)

November 4, 2022

Informative and engaging tour that gave good background on the process and moved around to the best vantage points. Tour guide was knowledgeable and funny and engaged all members of the tour group. The guide ensured that we stayed with the group (the tour size is small but the area is very crowded). Highly recommend!

April 20, 2022

Amber was terrific. Tour was exactly as described. Great way to see the changing of both guards while minimizing “stand and wait” time. Nice to have some history of various building and of the guards themselves along the way. Started exactly on time and wrapped right at noon. Highly recommend.

January 1, 2022

Product ID: 77131