Changing of the Guard

Discover the best of London with a hop-on, hop-off tour on board an open-top, double-decker bus and enjoy a trip on the London Eye as part of your ticket. Enjoy a relaxing river cruise along the Thames as part of your ticket as well. Big Bus 24-hour or 48-hour Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour A hop-on, hop-off tour is the ideal way to discover the best sights, landmarks, and attractions of London at your own pace. The tour gives you unlimited hop-on hop-off access (for 24- or 48-hours depending on the option you choose), with stops strategically placed at top locations including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and St Paul's Cathedral. The London Eye Hop off the bus at Westminster Bridge to take an unforgettable ride on the London Eye Ferris Wheel. From the top, you'll take in the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the city's impressive skyline. See the city's most famous sights including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from an unrivaled bird's eye view. Thames River Cruise With all ticket types, you can enjoy a boat cruise along the River Thames between the Tower of London to Westminster Pier (in either direction). Start your tour at any of the Big Bus stops. Popular starting points include the London Eye, Marble Arch, Victoria Station, and Trafalgar Square. Big Bus route highlights include: Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard Houses of Parliament Big Ben Westminster Abbey 10 Downing Street Whitehall Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street Regent Street Trafalgar Square London Eye London Dungeon Sea Life London Aquarium Madame Tussauds Covent Garden Bank of England Monument St Pauls Cathedral Tower of London Tower Bridge The Shard City Hall Lambeth Palace British Museum Marble Arch Mayfair Green Park Hyde Park Corner Harrods South Kensington Museums Kensington Palace Notting Hill.

Journey through London's royal palaces and verdant parks, where captivating stories await, on this walking tour. Stroll past Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, Clarence House, Whitehall, and Westminster Abbey. You will witness the Horse Guards Parade, an official mounted Changing of the Guard, performed by the Household Cavalry in full ceremonial uniform (takes place daily). See the iconic Foot Guards Changing of the Guard ceremony, featuring the famous red tunics and bearskin hats (takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday - and everyday throughout June and July). Both are official Changing of the Guard ceremonies and part of the same royal tradition. Uncover the Secrets of St. James's Palace and more. Discover the hidden tales of St. James's Palace, once home to the notorious King Henry VIII, and the poignant setting of King Charles I's final night before his fateful execution. Continue to Lancaster House and the world-renowned Buckingham Palace, formerly known as Buckingham House. Additionally, visit Clarence House, the official residence of His Majesty, King Charles III. Walk through Green Park, Whitehall, and Westminster Abbey, concluding near Westminster Station, conveniently located across from the iconic Big Ben. The Changing of the Guard Ceremonies are subject to change beyond our control.

Discover the best of London with a hop-on hop-off bus tour and Thames River cruise. Visit iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and more, with engaging onboard commentary that brings the city’s history and culture to life. Choose from three fantastic routes, each offering a unique perspective on the city. The Red Route takes you past historic highlights like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral. The Blue Route spans central London, from Kensington Palace in the west to the Tower of London in the east, with stops at Harrods, the Natural History Museum, Notting Hill, and more. The Green Route connects King’s Cross and St Pancras stations to Covent Garden, passing the British Museum along the way. Upgrade to a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket to include a Thames River Cruise, featuring live commentary in eight languages and stunning views of attractions like Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Enhance your experience with the 48-hour ticket option, which includes guided walking tours led by expert guides. Discover hidden gems with tours such as The Royal Walk, Tales of the City, or Jack the Ripper. For an unforgettable evening, choose a 48-hour ticket with a Panoramic Evening Tour, offering breath-taking views of London’s illuminated landmarks as the city lights up the night sky. Big Bus route highlights include: Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament Westminster Abbey 10 Downing Street Whitehall Horseguards Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street Regent Street Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column London Eye London Dungeon Sea Life London Aquarium Madame Tussauds Covent Garden Bank of England Monument St Pauls Cathedral Tower of London Tower Bridge The Shard City Hall Lambeth Palace British Museum Marble Arch Mayfair Green Park Hyde Park Corner Harrods Natural History Museum Victoria & Albert Museum Science Museum Kensington Palace Notting Hill

Join the guards as they march towards Buckingham Palace on a unique guided tour in London. Get closer for fantastic photo opportunities and delve deep into the history behind the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Meet your local guide for your private or small group tour (depending on the option booked) and set off on your unforgettable Changing of the Guard experience. As you follow the guards on their march towards Buckingham Palace, your guide will give meaning to one of the oldest and most iconic British ceremonies. You'll soon know your Welsh from your Grenadier, and become an expert in fuzzy bearskin hats. Trace the origins of this dazzling London spectacle and get a handle on the significance of every color, button, mascot, symbol, and movement in this most British of traditions. Feel the thrill as you march to the beating drums of the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony on this one-of-a-kind experience in London.

Explore the state rooms of Buckingham Palace and see the Changing of the Guard. Gain a deeper understanding of royal protocol from your tour guide and enjoy audio commentary inside the palace. First, watch the Changing of the Guards in the company of a guide, who will explain the history and meaning behind the ceremony. See the precision of the King's Guards up close as they march to the sounds of a military band. Depending on the schedule of the Household Cavalry, you may experience either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Changing of the Horse Guards in London. Finally, step inside Buckingham palace and admire the lavish apartments and sparkling chandeliers. View some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including exquisite Sèvres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. While inside, enjoy commentary from the official audio guide and learn the history behind the sumptuous furnishings and family history. New for 2025: The King’s Tour Artists Exhibition Step inside the majestic Ballroom of Buckingham Palace and explore The King’s Tour Artists—a brand-new exhibition debuting in 2025. Personally chosen by His Majesty The King, this extraordinary collection features over 70 carefully selected masterpieces from the Royal Collection, offering a rare and intimate look at the artistic preferences of the monarch.

The Royal Westminster and Changing of the Guard (English) guided walking tour offers you the ability to get up close and personal with London’s most famous and impressive sights. Beginning with Buckingham Palace, the most famous residence of the King, we will explore the iconic buildings, parks and monuments of Royal London.  Witness parades by the world-famous King's Guards before continuing along the corridor of power which includes Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and 10 Downing Street.  You'll be led by an expert in London’s political, royal, and cultural history, who knows the best places to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, allowing you the best views and photo opportunities away from the crowds. Along the way, be entertained and enthralled by your tour guide’s in-depth knowledge, memorable anecdotes, and unique take on London's history, as you discover the Kings, Queens, rogues, and villains behind this incredible city, and witness iconic buildings and mesmerizing parades along the way. Suitable for all ages and encompassing multiple different experiences in a single two-and-a-quarter-hour period, this Westminster and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour is the best way to experience Royal Westminster all in one day. 

See the Changing of the Guard ceremony 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.  Marvel at the precision that the King’s foot guards march to Buckingham Palace, clad in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats.

Combine two of London's bucket list attractions in one morning by joining our local expert on a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, followed by attending the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony at the square adjacent to Buckingham Palace! Kickstart your day with skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey. Explore this imposing Gothic Cathedral and walk where many kings and queens have before you. Learn about the royal weddings that have taken place here, visit Charles Dickens' tomb in Poets' Corner, and immerse yourself in the extensive history of London. After your visit, we'll head to Buckingham Palace, home to the Royals and the administrative headquarters of the British Monarchy. Marvel at the iconic palace balcony and learn about its current residents while awaiting the commencement of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The soldiers of the King's Guard are renowned for their iconic bearskin hats, striking tunics, and military precision. As the guards exchange places, enjoy the unfolding grandeur while your guide explains the historical significance of the ceremony. Opt to extend your experience by choosing the full-day option. Take a break to enjoy some free time for lunch before meeting up with your guide again. Then, relax on a scenic river cruise before exploring the Tower of London and its Crown Jewels. *Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead.

Discover the highlights of London in a truly unique way with our exclusive walking tour. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben to the majestic Buckingham Palace, you'll immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture. But that's not all ! Our tour goes beyond the ordinary by including a visit to Westminster Abbey, where you will discover the fascinating stories and history behind this iconic site. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to witness the traditional Changing of the Guard and Mounted Guard, a century-old ceremony that adds a touch of royal splendor to your experience. Led by a licensed guide, you'll delve into the heart of central London, exploring its historic streets and discovering hidden gems along the way. From the glitz of Buckingham Palace to the political hub of Westminster, each stop offers a deeper understanding of this dynamic city. So join us on an unforgettable journey through London, where every step reveals a new story and every corner hides a piece of history.

Meet your guide at Piccadilly Circus and get an introduction to the background of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Hear what you will be doing for the next 1 hour and 45 minutes. Then proceed as a group toward The Mall. Pass by Pall Mall and Waterloo Place. Here you will learn more about the British Army and its greatest general, the Duke of Wellington. Once on The Mall, see the extraordinary monuments to royals and generals. Get a view of St. James's Park. Admire the most beautiful of the royal parks and look at the majestic open space of Horse Guards Parade. Continue toward St. James's Palace. On the way, you might see the Household Cavalry en route from their barracks in Hyde Park. The main focus, however, will be to watch the foot soldiers emerge from St. James's Palace ready for their uniform inspection. They will then march to Buckingham Palace, sometimes accompanied by a band. If you're lucky, they may even play a song! One of the highlights of your tour will be to march in step with the guards as they leave St. James's Palace. Then watch as the New Guard emerges from Wellington Barracks. They will often be accompanied by a full ceremonial band. Take a photo of Buckingham Palace from a raised platform. The tour ends with a flourish as the band plays in the palace courtyard. Marvel as the cavalry and guardsmen march past. Your guide will then help you get to your next port of call.  Please note that the army amends the itinerary on occasion. Your guide will use their know-how to ensure you enjoy the best possible experience. Sundays - As of April 2025 the army is trialing a slight variation of the usual ceremony on Sundays. It involves the same number of guard movements and locations but is referred to as a Parade rather than a Change. There is currently no indication of how long this trial will go on for.