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Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience

5.0 Excellent 805 reviews
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2h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

5.0
805 reviews
5
800
4
4
3
1
2
0
1
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Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Overview

Guidekin summary

Walk alongside the Guards and ceremonial band down The Mall on a guided route built around the Changing of the Guard, with selected viewing spots included. Moderate fitness is required, and motorized carts are not suitable. 4.99 from 805 reviews at €34 per person for 2h.

From the guide

This is the highest-rated Changing of the Guard walking tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Led by a historian and designed with a former Guardsman, this tour gives you the historical context, insider knowledge and the best viewing spots for the capital’s most iconic ceremony. Not only that, you'll get to walk alongside the Guards and ceremonial band as they march down The Mall—yes, it is as exciting as it sounds.

You'll see Buckingham Palace, of course, but you'll also visit St James's Palace and Clarence House, discovering how these royal residences fit into this world-famous ceremony. If we're lucky—it does happen—you might even catch a glimpse of the King or Queen.
Just as importantly, there'll be plenty of fun and laughter along the way.

At the end of the tour, as the crowds begin to disperse, you can either go to the gates of Buckingham Palace for some fantastic photo opportunities or walk back to Trafalgar Square with your guide and enjoy some bonus sightseeing along the way.

Schedule & Availability

Runs Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
Departs: 09:30
Available year-round

This tour runs Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun, departing at 09:30. 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 local guide
Prime viewing spots

What's Not Included

Gratuities/tips

Itinerary

Trafalgar Square Stop 1
We begin in Trafalgar Square, the historic heart of London. Not only is it easy to find, it also has a direct link to the origins of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. While you're here, we'll show you the spot that marks the very centre of London. You'll also discover why Lord Horatio Nelson is one of Britain's greatest heroes, what we did with all the cannons captured from the defeated French, and why it might be worth patting the paw of one of the famous lion statues.
10 min
St. James's Palace Stop 2
This palace rivals Buckingham Palace and is a must-see in its own right. It’s also where the Guards come off duty, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes perspective of the ceremony. One of London’s most historic sites, it’s steeped in centuries of history, scandal and intrigue. Not every tour includes it — but we most definitely do.
Pass by
Buckingham Palace Stop 3
One of the highlights of the tour is marching alongside the King's Guards and their ceremonial band as they make their way down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. Few experiences bring you closer to the spectacle. You'll hear the military music, watch the precision drill at close quarters, and enjoy views that most visitors never even realise are possible.
Pass by
Wellington Barracks Stop 4
This immense Georgian barracks is where the Changing of the Guard both begins and ends, and we will be here to see the new Guard come on duty.
15 min
Clarence House Stop 5
Your Changing of the Guard experience concludes outside Clarence House, the home of the King and Queen - which is just a couple of minutes away from Buckingham Palace. It will also be a final opportunity to see the Guards and the ceremonial band, and we are likely to see the Horse Guards as well. From here, it’s a short walk to Green Park or St James’s Park stations, or around 15 minutes on foot to Trafalgar Square or Parliament Square.
Pass by

Departure & Return

Start point

Your guide will be holding a red Fantastic Walks flag and wearing a Fantastic Walks rucksack. Please be at the meeting point ten minutes before the scheduled start time. If you're late, head along The Mall to Friary Court, St James's Palace.

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End point

We finish our walk at Buckingham Palace. From there, it's just a short walk back to Trafalgar Square. Green Park tube station and St James's Park tube station are also very close.

Additional Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for those using a motorized cart.

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 Pub Tours & Pub Crawls

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #4 of 47€342h4.99 (805)shared
Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour€382h 30m4.99 (2355)shared
London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs€423h 30m4.98 (11782)shared
Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour in London€382h4.99 (995)shared

Ranked #4 of 47 in Pub Tours & Pub Crawls by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €17 to €407, median €38; typical length 2h 30m. 5 of 47 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 47 Pub Tours & Pub Crawls

From € 34 / person