Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London

Duration2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Overview

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.

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

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

What to expect

Changing of the Guard
1h

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.
Buckingham Palace
10m · Admission ticket not included

Buckingham Palace, 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.
St. James's Palace
15m · Admission ticket not included

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.
Clarence House
10m · Admission ticket not included

Clarence House, 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.
10m

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.
St. James's Park
5m

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.
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
10m

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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting 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.

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.

Reviews

5.0 (280)

From

£19.00 per person

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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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Operated by See The Sights Tours · Booked through Viator

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