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Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London

5.0 Excellent 275 reviews
|
2h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

5.0
275 reviews
5
265
4
8
3
1
2
0
1
1
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended by 99% of travellers: 273 four- and five-star reviews

Overview

Guidekin summary

Follow the Changing of the Guard around The Mall, Clarence House and St James’s Palace. Guided walking and a photo with the Royal Horseguards are included; the route skips Buckingham Palace's front gates, and bad weather can shorten the ceremony. 4.95 from 275 reviews at €23 per person for 2h.

From the guide

Enjoy the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with this small group walking tour! This walking tour gets you up close for the best views of the Guard change in a historic Royal event filled with classic British pomp and pageantry.

The tour will position you in the best front row spots for the key parts of the Changing of the Guard ceremony as you enjoy memorable views of the Old Guard, New Guard, Household Cavalry and the ceremonial military band. You’ll even finish your tour by getting your photo with the Royal Horseguards!

As well as enjoying unbeatable views of the Guard change, your walking tour is teeming with Royal history as you discover Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, The Mall and Horseguards Parade.

This small group tour is the best way to see the Changing of the Guard in London, filled with memorable views and fascinating history of London’s most historic Royal event that encapsulates British history and heritage in one Royal morning.

Schedule & Availability

Runs Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
Departs: 10:00
Available year-round

This tour runs Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun, departing at 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

The Mall
Clarence House
Small-Group guided walking tour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
St James’s Park
St James’s Palace
Professional Tour Guide
Photo with the Royal Horseguards
Buckingham Palace

What's Not Included

Entrance tickets to sights, landmarks or attractions
Front gates of Buckingham Palace
Gratuities

Itinerary

Changing of the Guard Stop 1
The Changing of the Guard is a traditional ceremony showcasing the handover of duties between the King’s Guard. The ceremony features a precision display of marching, music, and military pageantry. Guards in iconic tunics and bearskin hats parade to live music. The event symbolizes British heritage and monarchy, blending discipline with centuries-old tradition.
1h
Buckingham Palace Stop 2
, the official London residence of the British monarch, is a symbol of the United Kingdom's heritage and royal tradition. Surrounded by lush gardens and Royal parks, the palace remains a working institution, hosting state events and providing a regal backdrop to national celebrations.
10 min
St. James's Palace Stop 3
St James's Palace is one of Britain's oldest royal residences. Built by Henry VIII, it served as the official residence of the monarch until the 18th century. Its historic rooms host key royal events and house several royal offices with its iconic red brick façade being a symbol of British heritage.
15 min
Clarence House Stop 4
, located in St James’s, London, is the official residence of King Charles III and his family. It has served as a royal home for various members of the British monarchy and hosts official events and ceremonies, playing a significant role in the British royal family’s public life.
10 min
The Mall is a grand ceremonial avenue in central London, stretching from Buck... Stop 5
The Mall is a grand ceremonial avenue in central London, stretching from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch. Lined with trees and flanked by royal landmarks, it serves as the site for major state events and royal processions. Known for its vibrant red surface, The Mall hosts iconic celebrations, such as royal weddings and national holidays, making it a focal point of British culture and history.
10 min
St. James's Park Stop 6
St James's Park is one of London's most beautiful royal parks. Spanning 57 acres, it features lush gardens, a serene lake, and picturesque views of Buckingham Palace. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including pelicans and swans.
5 min
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall Stop 7
Horse Guards Parade is a historic ceremonial ground in London, renowned for hosting royal events like Trooping the Colour. It’s home to the Royal Horseguards, an elite cavalry regiment serving as the monarch’s personal guards. Enjoy a photo standing next to the Royal Horseguards.
10 min

Departure & Return

Start point

The tour starts in front of The Old Star pub in St James's. The Old Star pub is opposite St James's Park Station (Broadway Exit). The address of The Old Star pub is 66 Broadway, London, SW1H 0DB. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella.

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End point

The tour will end at Horseguards Parade.

Additional Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The tour starts in front of The Old Star pub in St James's. The Old Star pub is opposite St James's Park Station (Broadway Exit). The address of The Old Star pub is 66 Broadway, London, SW1H 0DB. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella.
  • The tour is not suitable for guests with walking or mobility difficulties.
  • The tour is not suitable for wheelchairs.
  • The tour is not suitable for prams, buggys or strollers.
  • The tour covers approximately 3 miles of walking.
  • The tour will not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Most of the ceremony is away from the front gates. If you do wish to go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace then do not book this tour.
  • If it is raining or bad weather then the Changing of the Guard ceremony may be a ‘Wet Change’. This is a shortened version of the ceremony without music. This is decided by the British Army at approximately 10.30am on the day of the ceremony.
  • Photos with the Royal Horseguards are subject to Guard availability.

Cancellation Policy

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

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund

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Ranked #14 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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