London: Changing of The Guard Tour

Top rated
4.8036647 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.8036647 out of 5 stars
2292 reviews
chantelle_pang@chantelle_pang
London: Changing of The Guard Tour
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.8036647 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.8036647 out of 5 stars
2292 reviews

Get closer to the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony in London on a private or small-group tour led by a local. Discover the significance behind one of the most iconic British traditions.

About this tour

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Private or small groups available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

R
Rita – United States

This is a great tour! The guide was the best part of the tour. Alex was our amazing guide and had great stories about the guards, the differences in their uniforms, about the Duke of York Prince Augustus, about St James Palace, about the “visitor” to Buckingham Palace, and on and on. He told these stories as he maneuvered our group to optimal positions to see the Changing of the Guards, moving us from in front of Wellington Barracks, to the Mall, to the front of St James Palace, to the Changing of the Horse Guards on Whitehall. He is a great storyteller and kept us entertained as well as being informative. We saw so much more than if we had just planted ourselves in front of Buckingham Palace. You really don’t want to miss this tour to see the Changing of the Guards up close versus a long distance away. And if you get Alex as a tour guide, you will be thoroughly entertained. He is great!

L
Lillian – United States

Alex was our tour guide and the level of knowledge he had about the best spots for viewing the experiences was so appreciated. Alex is really fun and had us laughing while also keeping us informed. If you love the pomp and circumstance associated with the monarchy, this experience is for you.

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Equestrian statue of Edward Ⅶ

  • Timeline stop icon

    Guided tour (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    The Mall, London

    Guided tour (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial

    Guided tour (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    St James's Palace

    Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing (15 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Clarence House, London

    Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing (5 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    St. James's Park

    Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing (5 minutes)

  • Finish at:

    Buckingham Palace

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • March to the beating drum of this world-famous British ceremony
  • Get an in-depth look into British history, tradition, and the royal family
  • Follow the guards on their journey towards Buckingham Palace on foot
  • Uncover the lesser-known symbolism behind every button, gesture, and color
  • Take part in British culture and enjoy an authentic experience in London

Full description

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.

Includes

  • Tour guide
  • Changing of the Guard viewing
  • Private tour (if option selected)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • People with back problems
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with heart problems
  • People with respiratory issues

Meeting point

Meet the guide by the Equestrian statue of Edward VII, Waterloo Place. Look for the statue of a man on a horse and a sign saying "Urban Saunters." 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.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Umbrella
  • Water
  • Comfortable clothes

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • Starting in April 2025, the Army will try out a slightly different version of the usual ceremony on Sundays. It still involves the same number of guard movements and the same locations, but it’s now being called a “Parade” instead of a “Change.” The end date for this trial has not yet been announced
  • This tour takes place rain or shine
  • You will not stand at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as, due to crowds, you would see very little
  • It is at the discretion of the British Army to change or cancel the ceremony. The announcement will not be made until after 10:30 AM
  • If the full ceremony is canceled, there will still be a chance to see the guards marching without the music

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 2292 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

+229
Filter
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R
Rita – United StatesJune 16, 2025 – Verified booking
This is a great tour! The guide was the best part of the tour. Alex was our amazing guide and had great stories about the guards, the differences in their uniforms, about the Duke of York Prince Augustus, about St James Palace, about the “visitor” to Buckingham Palace, and on and on. He told these stories as he maneuvered our group to optimal positions to see the Changing of the Guards, moving us from in front of Wellington Barracks, to the Mall, to the front of St James Palace, to the Changing of the Horse Guards on Whitehall. He is a great storyteller and kept us entertained as well as being informative. We saw so much more than if we had just planted ourselves in front of Buckingham Palace. You really don’t want to miss this tour to see the Changing of the Guards up close versus a long distance away. And if you get Alex as a tour guide, you will be thoroughly entertained. He is great!
L
Lillian – United StatesJune 14, 2025 – Verified booking
Alex was our tour guide and the level of knowledge he had about the best spots for viewing the experiences was so appreciated. Alex is really fun and had us laughing while also keeping us informed. If you love the pomp and circumstance associated with the monarchy, this experience is for you.
C
Chris – AustraliaJune 14, 2025 – Verified booking
Fantastic tour with a highly experienced guide who provided detailed information on the history of the guard and managed to get us to the perfect location each time

Product ID: 413142

Activity provider:Urban Saunters Ltd

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