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Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace

4.9 Excellent 1099 reviews
|
2h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
1099 reviews
5
1054
4
26
3
4
2
8
1
7
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended by 98% of travellers: 1080 four- and five-star reviews

Overview

Guidekin summary

Follow the Changing of the Guard on foot via The Mall and St James’s Palace, with a guide explaining the ceremony. The route avoids Buckingham Palace's front gates and is unsuitable for guests with walking or mobility difficulties. 4.92 from 1,099 reviews at €17 per person for 2h.

From the guide

Enjoy this Changing of the Guard tour in London with unbeatable views of the world famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace! The Changing of the Guard in London is one of Britain's most historic events, with the Changing of the Guard ceremony one of the most significant Royal things to do in London.

On this award-winning Changing of the Guard tour you will see the best parts of the Changing of the Guard ceremony featuring the Old Guard, New Guard, Household Cavalry and the ceremonial military band - all whilst you enjoy the best front row views of the guard change!

Your Changing of the Guard tour will also explore the history behind Royal London sights including Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, The Mall and Horseguards Parade.

So if you are looking to enjoy the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with spectacular views, plenty of history, and with memorable photo opportunities, then this is the best Changing of the Guard tour for you!

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
Guided walking tour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
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 Victoria Palace Theatre. The address of Victoria Palace Theatre is Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella. Your tour guide will be standing at the clock in front of the theatre.

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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 Victoria Palace Theatre. If using Google/Apple maps search 'Victoria Palace Theatre'. The address of the Victoria Palace Theatre is Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella. Your tour guide will be standing at the clock in front of the theatre.
  • 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

Compared with other Walking Tours

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This tour · #20 of 92€172h4.92 (1099)shared
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Ranked #20 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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