Guided tour

London: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Activity provider: Fun London Tours
Guided tour

London: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Activity provider: Fun London Tours
Likely to sell out

From US$ 26.90 per person

Likely to sell out

Marvel at the pageantry of the Changing of the Guard ceremony on a walking tour alongside the Queen's foot soldiers in London. March in step with the soldiers and learn the history of the guards, royals and their palaces.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • See the pomp and circumstance of the Changing of the Guard
  • March in step with the Queen's foot soldiers as they walk to Buckingham Palace
  • Watch the inspection of the guards at St. James's Palace
  • Listen to a ceremonial band as it accompanies the guards
Full description
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. He 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. 
Includes
  • Guide
  • Food and drinks
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meet outside the Criterion Theatre, next to the Statue of Eros on Piccadilly Circus.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • This activity is not suitable for people with walking difficulties. You will march at the same pace as the guards for approximately 4 minutes
  • All tours are conducted in English only
  • It is your responsibility to arrive on time for the tour. The tour starts promptly at the time stated and no refunds may be given for latecomers
  • This tour does not see the section of the ceremony in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace. This is impossible on this tour due to the size of crowds, and would require arrival at the gates at least 2 hours before the ceremony is due to start
  • Dogs are not allowed on this tour unless they are a guide dog
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 272 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5
  • Service
    4.7/5
  • Organization
    4.6/5

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It was unfortunately pretty rainy weather when we went, but the guides knew all the cheats for still getting to see some guards even in the wet weather and offered for us to come back for free next time in London if we weren’t happy with what we’d seen, which I thought was great. Guides gave us lots of interesting information about the guards, ceremonies, royals and more. Can recommend!

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March 26, 2023

Matt our tour guide was very informative and friendly but his main qualities were his clear communication of what was and will be happening to get the best experience of the changing of the guards. He was very smart and astute in his strategy in getting us in the best spot to view the event. Thank you Matt

March 26, 2023

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.

March 26, 2023

Product ID: 64884