Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide

5.0 (16 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 15 travelers

Overview

Experience London’s most famous royal ceremony with a guide who shows you the best vantage points and explains every moment of the spectacle whilst avoiding huge crowds.
Starting at the Duke of York Column, engage with a trained actor guide who shares captivating stories and insights as you move between key locations like St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace. This tour ensures you see the Guards up close and learn about their history and uniform. This dynamic experience is perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike, offering a fun and informative afternoon in the heart of London.

On this tour you will:

- Witness one of Britain’s most spectacular royal traditions up close
- Stand just feet from the Guards in full ceremonial uniform
- March alongside the military bands and processions
- See multiple stages of the ceremony from the best vantage points
- Visit the exterior of St James's Palace, Wellington Barracks and Buckingham Palace

What's included

  • A Local Guide
  • Bottled water
  • Public transportation

What to expect

  1. King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial
    10m
    At the memorial to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, you’ll hear the story of a reluctant king who led Britain through the Second World War, and the Queen who stood firmly by his side, becoming one of the nation’s most beloved figures.
  2. St. James's Palace
    25m
    Here you'll watch the Old Guard line up for inspection and hear the military band strike up! You’ll discover one of London’s oldest royal residences, built by Henry VIII, and hear how it once served as the official home of the monarch before Buckingham Palace took centre stage.
  3. Changing of the Guard
    30m
    Follow the action across royal London, learning how the ceremony works, how to distinguish the Guards by their uniforms and learn about the fascinating history of the area. Capture fantastic photographs of the iconic red tunics and bearskin hats of the King’s Foot Guards.
  4. Wellington Barracks
    15m
    Watch the New Guard march out of Wellington Barracks and towards Buckingham Palace
  5. Buckingham Palace
    20m
    At Buckingham Palace, you’ll learn how this grand building evolved from a private townhouse into the official residence of the British monarch, and hear how it continues to serve as the centre of modern royal life, so much so that Queen Elizabeth II simply referred to it as “the office.”

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your expert guide at the Duke of York Column, the starting point for your journey into the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. Conveniently located, the nearest Underground stations are Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus.

End point

The tour concludes outside St James's Palace, a convenient central location ideal for continuing your exploration of London.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (16)
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