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Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

4.9 Excellent 74 reviews
|
2h
|
German, English, French, Spanish
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
74 reviews
5
69
4
4
3
0
2
0
1
1
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended by 99% of travellers: 73 four- and five-star reviews

Overview

Guidekin summary

Walk Westminster’s royal sights, including Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and St. James’s Palace, with a guide. This is an outdoor visit with no Buckingham Palace entry; the guard ceremony takes place only on selected days. 4.89 from 74 reviews at €23 per person for 2h.

From the guide

Uncover the rich history of Westminster on this engaging walking tour, showcasing the iconic Buckingham Palace and the historic Changing of the Guard ceremony.

With an expert tour guide, stroll through London’s royal landscapes, taking in stunning views of Clarence House and St. James’s Palace. This outdoor experience highlights the significance of landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Whitehall, known for its WWII history. Enjoy viewing spots for the guard change and captivating storytelling, perfect for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike, this 2-hour tour offers a unique glimpse into Britain’s royal heritage.

- Explore the majestic exterior of Buckingham Palace and other royal residences.
- Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony (takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday).
- Witness the Horse Guards Parade in full ceremonial uniform (takes place daily).
- Guided walk through the scenic Green Park and Westminster district.

Tour options

The operator sells this tour in 5 versions. Prices are the operator's current list for two travellers; the calendar shows the exact figure for your date and party.

French speaking guide

from €23 / person
Guide: French

English speaking guide

from €23 / person
Guide: English

German speaking guide

from €23 / person
Guide: German

Spanish speaking guide

from €23 / person
Guide: Spanish

Upgrade to a private tour!

from €202 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: French, English, Spanish, German

Guided Private tour in English: An exclusive, private experience created solely for your group! This will be led by an English speaking guide.

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departures: 09:45, 10:00
Available year-round

This tour runs daily, departing at 09:45, 10:00. It runs year-round. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked October 1, 2026.

What's Included

Expert tour guide; choose from English, German, Spanish or French
Changing of the guard (takes place on select days; Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday)

What's Not Included

Gratuities
Buckingham Palace entry
On Christmas Day & New Years Day, Changing of the Guard does not take place

Itinerary

Green Park Stop 1
Escape the city bustle and step into the royal greenery where your premium London experience begins. As we stroll beneath the canopy of historic trees, your expert guide will bring the hidden history of the British monarchy to life with fascinating storytelling, no dry textbook lectures here. It’s the perfect, scenic introduction to Royal London.
15 min
Admission included
St. James's Palace Stop 2
Step away from the massive crowds and discover London’s most underrated royal gem. St. James's Palace is rich in Tudor history and royal drama, having been built by King Henry VIII. You'll see the stunning red-brick architecture and the traditional guards on duty. Our guides share gripping, lesser-known stories of royal scandals, marriages, and secrets that shaped British history. It’s a captivating stop that most generic tours skim right past!
15 min
Clarence House Stop 3
Get a glimpse into modern royal history at Clarence House, the much-loved former home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and the official residence of King Charles III. Here, we connect the past to the present, discussing the current Royal Family and daily life behind the palace walls. We keep the pacing relaxed so you can admire the elegant architecture, ask your burning questions about modern royalty and take stunning photos.
15 min
Lancaster House Stop 4
Tucked away in the heart of Westminster, Lancaster House is one of London's most breathtaking architectural masterpieces. Walking past its golden stone facade makes you feel like you've stumbled into a beautifully preserved piece of royal history.
15 min
Buckingham Palace Stop 5
Stand before the world’s most famous royal residence! Your guide knows the best vantage points to see the King's Guard and will share the inside scoop on royal life, palace secrets, and the history of the Changing of the Guard. Our expert guides give you the best views and an unforgettable, interactive experience. Please note, the tour does not go inside Buckingham Palace.
15 min
Whitehall Stop 6
Walk down the political heartbeat of the UK! On Whitehall, you will see the historic Horse Guards, the entrance to Downing Street (home of the Prime Minister), and stunning government architecture. Your guide will effortlessly weave together tales of political power, royal executions, and historic pageantry.
15 min
Westminster Abbey Stop 7
Conclude your royal journey outside the spectacular Westminster Abbey, the epicentre of British royal coronations, weddings, and burials for nearly a thousand years. Marvel at the jaw-dropping Gothic architecture while your guide shares the incredible history of the heroes, poets, and monarchs honored inside. We wrap up our experience right here in the heart of Westminster.
15 min
St. James's Park Stop 8
Strolling through St. James's Park is the perfect way to escape the busy city streets and take in some beautiful greenery. With its peaceful lake and views stretching toward Buckingham Palace, it feels like walking through a postcard.
15 min

Departure & Return

Start point

Please wait outside Santander Bank, where your guide awaits your arrival. If arriving by tube, exit Green Park Station and turn left onto the main road where you will find the bank directly across.

Open in Google Maps
End point

Within a 2 minute walk you will find Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge and Parliament Square.

Additional Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Christmas Day & New Years Day - Changing of the Guard does not take place

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund

Compared with other Walking Tours

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This tour · #53 of 92€232h4.89 (74)shared
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Ranked #53 of 92 in Walking Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €17 to €714, median €31; typical length 2h. 11 of 92 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 92 Walking Tours

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