Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

5.0 (905 reviews) London, England
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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 20 travelers

Overview

England is known for fish and chips, four seasons in a day, warm ale, history in spades and of course, a deeply ingrained age-old love for pomp and ceremony. Join us as we serve a slice of world-famous ceremonial action with this small-group Changing of the Guards experience.

There is so much more to this extravagant shift change than meets the eye though- with your expert guide to lead the way, you’ll soon know your Welsh from your Grenadier guard, understand what the deal is with those fuzzy bearskin hats, hear the astounding origins of this dazzling spectacle and truly get a handle on the significance of every colour, button, mascot, symbol and movement in this most British of traditions.

From the best possible viewing point, your small group will join the guards on their journey towards Buckingham Palace as you march to the beat of their drums... but what will the music be today?

What's included

  • Guided Changing of the Guard experience
  • English Speaking local expert guide
  • Gratuities
  • Food & drink
  • Hotel pick-up & drop-off

What to expect

  1. 15m · Admission ticket not included
    Your experience begins at the Equestrian statue of Edward VII on Waterloo Place, where you’ll meet your expert guide before heading to enjoy the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony.
  2. King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial
    10m
    Visit the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Memorials and hear the story of the royal couple who inspired the nation during World War II.
  3. St. James's Palace
    25m · Admission ticket not included
    Built on the site of an old leper hospital, did you know that St James’s is the oldest royal palace in the whole of the UK? Take in this beauty, still the official royal residence today.
    Visiting outside
  4. Clarence House
    10m · Admission ticket not included
    Stop by Clarence House, the official London residence of King Charles III, and hear stories of royal life behind its historic walls
  5. Changing of the Guard
    30m
    Join us as we serve a slice of world-famous ceremonial action with this small-group Changing of the Guards experience.
  6. Buckingham Palace
    20m · Admission ticket not included
    The most famous of King Charles III's palaces and housing a whopping 775 rooms, the stories attached to this icon have to be heard to be believed.
    Visiting outside
  7. Wellington Barracks
    10m · Admission ticket not included
    End your tour at Wellington Barracks, where the guards conclude the Changing of the Guard and return to their quarters.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet our guide by the Equestrian statue of Edward VII, Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 5ER. Arriving by tube: Take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St. James's. Walk south down Regent Street towards St. James's Park. Waterloo Place is at the end of Regent Street.

End point

The experience will end around Buckingham Palace

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • We tend to move pretty fast to keep up with the guards, so please wear comfortable shoes and always carry water.
  • We will not stand at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as, due to crowds, you see very little and the experience would be ten times less fun. We want to get you as close as possible with the opportunity to take some amazing snapshots.
  • It is at the discretion of the British Army to change or cancel the Ceremony. The announcement will not be made until after 10.30am so come rain or shine, the Urban Saunters Changing of the Guard experience will go ahead. If the full ceremony is cancelled, there will still be the chance to see the guards marching, just without the music.
  • No videoing of the guide unless they have given permission
  • Ceremony can be altered at the discretion of the British Army, or occasionally due to rain
  • There are no toilet or refreshment breaks on this tour
  • Tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Sundays – From April 2025, the Army is trying out a slightly different version of the usual ceremony on Sundays. It still involves the same number of guard movements and the same locations, but it’s now being called a “Parade” instead of a “Change.” There’s no word yet on how long this trial will last

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (905)
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Operated by Urban Saunters · Booked through Viator
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