The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace

4.6 (528 reviews) London, England
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Duration2h 15m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 35 travelers

Overview

Royal Westminster and Changing of the Guard is an unforgettable walking tour experience offering you the chance to get up close and personal with London’s most famous and impressive Royal sights. Marvel at Buckingham Palace, march down the Mall with the King's Guards and be surrounded by Royal history at Westminster Abbey - the site of every coronation since 1066.

Not only will your guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge and anecdotes, they will also position you in the very best locations to witness the world-famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Without a guide hundreds of people stand in the wrong place every day.
*Please read the additional information below for full information of Changing of the Guard.

One minute be standing in the shadow of London's most iconic sight - Big Ben, and the next be stroking one of the horses of the Household Cavalry. Experience it all on this unforgettable tour.

What's included

  • Exterior view of Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, and Clarence House
  • Expert local guide
  • Vantage-point positioning for the Changing of the Guard ceremony
  • Guided walking tour of Royal London and Westminster
  • No Food or Drink included
  • Gratuities
  • Admission Ticket to Westminster Abbey
  • Entrance to Westminster abbey is not included.

What to expect

  1. Changing of the Guard
    1h
    Begin your tour with a journey through Royal London, witnessing some of the most famous Royal Houses and Palaces such as St. James' Palace, Clarence House and Buckingham Palace. Enjoy the iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony as you march down the Mall with the Queen's footguards or marvel at the impressive horses of the Household Cavalry (daily itinerary is dependent upon the schedule of the British Army). Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful St James' Royal Park to finish the first half of the tour.
  2. Westminster Abbey
    1h 10m · Admission ticket not included
    Our journey continues through historic Royal Westminster.
    We pass Churchill's War Rooms and onto Westminster Abbey - the site of every Royal Coronation since 1066, it is the most important church in England.
    Explore Parliament Square with its array of impressive statues immortalizing such historical figures as Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Overlooking Parliament Square is the most famous sight in London - Big Ben. Admire the stunning gothic architecture of the Houses of Parliament before heading down to 10 Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister.
    Capture the perfect photograph with the horses of the Queen's Guard before exploring Horse Guards Parade.
    Please note we do not enter Westminster Abbey, all of the above is approx 70mins, we spend about 5 mins at the Abbey.
  3. Trafalgar Square
    5m
    Finish the tour at Trafalgar Square, home of Nelson's Column, one of the most impressive sights in London.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour starts from the Goddess Diana fountain in Green Park, next to the Colicci refreshment stand. Enter Green Park via the entrance gates next to the Ritz Hotel.
If taking the underground, disembark at Green Park Station. The Green Park/Buckingham Palace exit will lead you to the fountain.

End point
End point

The tour usually ends at Trafalgar Square, however occasionally it ends at Parliament Square. Ask your guide at the beginning of the tour for the exact end location.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • There will be access to public toilets halfway through the tour.
  • The Changing of the Guard (Foot Guards) ceremony at Buckingham Palace occurs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
  • On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the tour will witness the Changing of the King's Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade ..
  • The Changing of the Guard Ceremony operates at the discretion of the British Army. It can be changed or cancelled without notice. This is beyond our control.
  • In the event of bad weather the Changing of the Guard Ceremony may be cancelled. The tour will endeavor to watch the Changing of the Horse Guards on these days.
  • Not recommended for those with walking difficulties as the tour can be a brisk walk in parts.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.6 (528)
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