Guided tour

London: The Changing of the Guard Experience

Activity provider: UTG EXPERIENCE
Guided tour

London: The Changing of the Guard Experience

Activity provider: UTG EXPERIENCE

From US$ 21.56 per person

Buckingham Palace is a must-see when visiting London. Accompanied by a local guide, you will have the opportunity to see the changing of the royal guard in front of the palace doors. This is a world-famous spectacle, truly authentic to the city of London.

About this activity

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
Italian, French, English
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights
  • Learn everything you need to know about the tradition of the changing of the guards
  • Discover the best place to watch the changing of the guards
  • Experience a London tradition with a local guide
Full description
The changing of the guards is definitely something that should be experienced when visiting London. On this tour, your guide will explain to you how the changing of the guard, also known as "Guard Mounting", has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. You will see how the soldiers in place are “relieved” of their position in a very particular way, while accompanied by a military fanfare. The soldiers have protected the King or Queen of England since the reign of Henry VII, who established the Royal Body Guard as a permanent institution. The tradition has since continued for more than 500 years. All of the guards are dressed in a traditional red tunic partnered with an easily recognizable bearskin helmet. The music that accompanies the changing of the guard can be either military or more contemporary, an attraction that is not to be missed.
Includes
  • English-speaking guide
  • Headsets when appropriate
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

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 ⟶
Important information

Know before you go

  • Dates and times can change, sometimes at short notice (when the guards are required for operational or other ceremonial duties, and as a result of road closures)
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 293 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.3/5
  • Value for money
    3.9/5
  • Service
    4.2/5
  • Organization
    4.1/5

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

Morgan, our tour guide was exceptional. She was well versed in her knowledge of history, and brought us to the Wellington Barracks first to watch the preparation, and then back to Buckingham Palace, with a perfect view from the platform. Plus she was entertaining and probably one of the best guides we've ever had.

March 26, 2023

Our tour guide was amazing. She was on time. We walked through a park of which provided the opportunity to provide us with history and facts. Once we arrived at our destination, we were placed in a perfect spot and were able to enjoy the whole experience.

March 26, 2023

Excellente guide qui nous avant la relève de la garde et en traversant les quartiers nous a agréablement raconter l histoire de l Angleterre ses traditions et nous a indiqué différentes habitations historiques. Par contre aucun intérêt d avoir un guide pour le relève de la garde pour regarder comme tout le monde derrière les grilles!

March 26, 2023

Product ID: 195008