Find the best viewpoints with a knowledgeable guide to capture every moment of this British tradition. March in step with the soldiers and learn the history of the guards, the royals and their palaces.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Duration options: 2 - 3 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: Italian, English
Small group available

Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Umbrella
Sunscreen
Water

Not allowed

Pets
Baby strollers
Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

Occasionally there may be no Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Highlights

Experience a quintessential London tradition
Let your guide take you quickly through the crowds for the best views
Learn all about the history of the ceremony with explanations and commentary

Full description

Find the prime vantage points that most people miss and see this time-honored tradition from outside Buckingham Palace. Follow your guide on a dynamic journey that will take you through each stage of the entire Changing of the Guard ceremony from beginning to end. Navigate the crowds easily and quickly. Let your guide take you to the best spots with unobstructed views for taking photos of the palace, gardens, and parade grounds. Marvel at the precision with which the Queen’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. As you watch, hear about the history of this fascinating ceremony and gain invaluable insight into every detail of this British spectacle.

Includes

Live tour guide

Meeting point

Meet your guide by the Statue of the Goddess Diana: just outside Green Park Tube station (Piccadilly South Side Exit). On the left side there is a wooden food stall.

Open in Google Maps ⟶

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 847 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.5/5
Value for money
4.2/5
Service
4.6/5
Organization
4.5/5

Sort by:

We are from Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean. Our guide, whose name is Jeff if I'm not mistaken, was very good. In all his explanations and even sung. We liked it a lot... Although you can't really appreciate the view from the front with the guards, we went to the pal with them and we were able to enjoy it. We watched up close as they get ready to check their uniforms so we can walk by them. It is not easy because there are many people. Still we enjoyed it.

July 7, 2022

You must be a fast walker!! Our guide took us to a few lesser known locations to observe the changing of the guards. It was fun to walk alongside the guards on their way to Buckingham Palace. Learning some history of area buidlings was also a plus! The area is incredibly crowded, so you must be quick.

June 21, 2022

Mike was amazing, funny, and knowledgeable. Make sure you have to leave a well-earned tip. Sadly, I had just come from the airport and had no cash on me. I highly recommend this group and this tour. Super-entertaining. It was a great time and I’m so happy I did it.

June 16, 2022

London: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

London: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

About this activity

Select participants and date

Overall rating

Review summary

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating: