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Changing of the Guard Tour in London
London Walking Tours

Changing of the Guard Tour in London

Experience the world's most iconic military ceremony with expert guidance and prime viewing spots

⏱️ 2 hours | 👥 Max 12 people | 💷 From £29 | 🎓 Expert guide

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Tour Essentials

Reserve Your Spot - Maximum 12 People

Discover Royal Pageantry on This Changing of the Guard Tour

Witness centuries of British tradition come alive as the King's Guard performs the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony. This isn't just watching from the back of a crowd—our expert-led tour positions you at multiple strategic locations to see the full spectacle unfold, from the inspection at St. James's Palace to the grand ceremony, complete with military bands and mounted cavalry.

Far too many visitors stand pressed against the palace gates for hours, missing the best parts of this extraordinary ceremony. Your expert guide knows exactly where to position your small group at each stage of the event, ensuring you experience the precision marching, stirring military music, and colorful pageantry up close. You'll march alongside the guards down The Mall, witness the inspection of troops, and discover the hidden viewing spots that most tourists never find.

Perfect for history enthusiasts, photographers, families, and first-time London visitors, this tour transforms a potentially frustrating tourist experience into an unforgettable journey through British royal tradition. With children under 18 paying just £2, a family of four experiences this iconic ceremony for only £62—compare that to other tours charging £25+ per child. Your guide's deep knowledge brings context to every bearskin hat, every synchronized step, every musical selection played by the band.

Our guides aren't just leading you to viewpoints—they're royal history experts who've studied the regiments, the protocols, and the stories behind the scarlet tunics. Many have years of experience navigating this complex ceremony and know how to read the timing of troop movements to keep you one step ahead of the crowds. They'll explain why certain guards wear different colored plumes, what the various drum signals mean, and share fascinating anecdotes about the individuals who've served in these elite regiments.

Tour Highlights

Tour Itinerary

Stop 1: St. James's Palace

Our journey begins at one of London's oldest royal palaces, built by Henry VIII in the 1530s. While tourists crowd around Buckingham Palace gates two hours early, you'll discover the ceremony actually starts here. At St. James's Palace, the Old Guard—those finishing their duty—forms up in Friary Court for inspection. Your guide positions you perfectly to watch this meticulous process as officers examine uniforms, check weapons, and ensure every guardsman meets the exacting standards expected of the King's Guard. The military band plays rousing marches during the inspection, and in this more intimate courtyard setting, you're close enough to see the individual expressions of concentration on the guardsmen's faces. This is where the ceremony truly begins, yet most visitors miss it entirely.

Stop 2: The Mall

As the guards step off from St. James's Palace, we accompany them down The Mall, London's grand ceremonial avenue leading to Buckingham Palace. This tree-lined boulevard has witnessed coronation processions, royal weddings, and state visits for over a century. Walking alongside the guards and their military band, you'll experience the stirring music, the rhythmic cadence of hundreds of boots striking the pavement in unison, and the magnificent sight of scarlet tunics and bearskin hats stretching down the road. Your guide explains the symbolism of the route, the history of the regiments you're watching, and points out architectural features of the grand buildings flanking The Mall. Photo opportunities abound as you capture images impossible from behind crowd barriers.

Stop 3: Wellington Barracks

While many tours rush straight to Buckingham Palace, we make a strategic stop at Wellington Barracks to see the New Guard—the soldiers about to begin their duty—preparing for the ceremony. Here you witness the military precision as the new contingent assembles, receives inspection, and stands at attention awaiting their colors (regimental flags). The band plays a varied program of music during this waiting period, and from our vantage point, you can observe the officers ensuring every detail is perfect before the march to the palace. Your guide explains the significance of the regimental colors, the history of Wellington Barracks (named after the Duke of Wellington), and the rigorous training these guards undergo.

Stop 4: Buckingham Palace

The grand finale takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, where the Old Guard and New Guard meet for the formal handover of duties. Rather than fighting for position at the overcrowded gates where you can barely see anything, your guide positions your small group at carefully chosen spots that offer clear sightlines to the ceremony. Watch as the captains of both guards march forward to exchange symbolic keys, officers inspect the sentries, and the guards perform their intricate drill movements with rifle-wielding precision. The military band provides stirring accompaniment, playing everything from traditional marches to modern pop songs arranged for military instrumentation. Your guide's running commentary helps you understand each phase of the complex ceremony, from the moment the new sentries take their posts to the final departure of the Old Guard.

Stop 5: Horse Guards Parade

Before or after the main ceremony (timing depends on the guards' schedule), we visit Horse Guards Parade to see the mounted sentries of the Household Cavalry. These horseback guards in their magnificent uniforms—gleaming breastplates, plumed helmets, and immaculate boots—have stood watch here for centuries. The building itself dates to the 1750s and serves as the official entrance to St. James's Palace from Horse Guards Road. Your guide shares stories of these elite mounted regiments, explains the difference between the Life Guards (red tunics, white plumes) and the Blues and Royals (blue tunics, red plumes), and describes their ceremonial and active military roles. This is also where the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony takes place each June for the monarch's official birthday.

Why Choose Our Changing of the Guard Tour?

👥 Small Intimate Groups

Maximum 12 people ensures you're not just another face in a crowd of 40+ tourists. You can hear your guide's explanations clearly without straining, ask questions freely throughout the tour, and move quickly between viewing locations without the chaos of herding a massive group. Every member of our tours can see, hear, and engage with both the guide and the ceremony. Unlike tours with 30-50 people where participants at the back miss both the guide's commentary and the ceremony itself, our intimate size guarantees a personal experience. You're joining a conversation, not lost in a crowd.

🎓 Expert Local Guides

Our guides are passionate historians who've studied the regiments, royal ceremonies, and British military traditions extensively. They don't just recite facts from a script—they bring the ceremony to life with fascinating anecdotes, little-known details, and the kind of insider knowledge that only comes from years of experience. They understand the intricate timing of troop movements, know which vantage points offer the best views at each moment, and can explain why certain guards wear different colored plumes, what various drum signals mean, and share stories about the individuals who've served in these historic regiments. Many of our guides have backgrounds in British history, military history, or have spent decades exploring London's royal heritage.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for Families

Children under 18 pay only £2, making this an exceptional value for families wanting to experience one of London's most iconic ceremonies. Our guides excel at engaging both adults and children, adjusting their storytelling to captivate all ages while maintaining historical accuracy. Kids love the colorful uniforms, the marching bands, and the horses—and our guides know how to turn these visual spectacles into memorable learning experiences. Parents consistently tell us their children stayed engaged throughout the entire two hours, asking questions and taking photos. A family of four (two adults, two children) pays just £62 total compared to £100+ with most competitors, and unlike "free" tours where you're expected to tip £15-20 per person regardless of age, our transparent pricing means what you see is what you pay.

💷 Transparent Pricing

£29 per adult with absolutely no hidden fees, surprise charges, or pressure to tip. Compare this to "free" tours where you're expected to tip £15-20 per person (and often feel guilty if you don't), or large group tours that charge similar prices but pack in 40+ people where you can't hear the guide or see the ceremony properly. We believe in honest, upfront pricing where the quality of the experience speaks for itself. Your £29 includes expert guidance, prime viewing positions that would take hours to secure independently, and comprehensive historical commentary. No surprises, no pressure, just a fantastic tour at a fair price.

Practical Information

📍 Meeting Point

Address: Constance Fund fountain of Diana, London SW1A 1RN
Nearest Station: Green Park (Victoria, Jubilee, Piccadilly lines) - 3 minute walk
Landmark: The fountain is located in the park, easily visible from Green Park station exit

Constance Fund fountain of Diana - London SW1A 1RN
Constance Fund fountain of Diana - London SW1A 1RN

Getting There:

⏰ Schedule

Days Available: (ceremony schedule varies by day)
Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
Please arrive: 10 minutes before departure time for check-in

Important Note: The Changing of the Guard ceremony operates at the discretion of the British Army. The tour runs in all weather except severe conditions, but the official ceremony may be reduced or cancelled in very bad weather, during state visits, or for other security reasons. If the ceremony is cancelled, our tour still provides excellent royal history and shows you all the significant locations. This is beyond our control, but our guides always ensure you have a memorable experience regardless.

🎒 What to Bring

Not Needed:

♿ Accessibility

This tour involves approximately 2 miles of walking at a moderate to brisk pace (we need to move between locations to follow the guards). The route uses paved sidewalks and park paths with occasional curb cuts. There are no stairs required, making much of the route wheelchair accessible. However, please note that during the ceremony itself, securing good viewing positions may involve standing in crowds where maneuvering a wheelchair could be challenging.

Mobility considerations:

If you have specific accessibility needs or concerns, please contact us before booking so we can discuss whether this tour is suitable and what accommodations we can provide.

☔ Weather Policy

Rain or Shine: Our tours run in all weather conditions except severe weather warnings. The Changing of the Guard ceremony itself may be reduced or cancelled in very bad weather (this is the British Army's decision, not ours), but our tour proceeds and still provides excellent value with comprehensive royal history and sightseeing.

Severe Weather: In case of extreme weather warnings, we will contact you at least 2 hours before the tour to discuss rescheduling options.

What to expect in different seasons:

🎫 Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 48 hours before the tour start time for a full refund, no questions asked.

Less than 24 hours: Cancellations within 48 hours of the tour start time are non-refundable. However, you may reschedule to another available date if you contact us immediately.

No-shows: Failure to arrive at the meeting point results in forfeiture of your booking fee.

Ceremony cancellations: If the British Army cancels the official Changing of the Guard ceremony (due to weather, state events, etc.), our tour still proceeds with full royal history, sightseeing, and we show you all the locations. No refunds are offered for Army-cancelled ceremonies, but you'll still have a fantastic tour.

How to cancel: Contact us

What Our Guests Say

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Changing of the Guard tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours and covers approximately 2 miles. We maintain a moderate to brisk walking pace as we move between locations to follow the guards' movements. The tour includes multiple stops where you'll stand and watch different phases of the ceremony while your guide provides commentary. We time our movements strategically to arrive at each location just before the action happens, maximizing viewing time and minimizing waiting.

What's included in the tour price?

Your £29 tour fee includes:

Not included:

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes! Children under 18 pay only £2, making this an excellent family activity. Our guides are experienced at engaging children while keeping adults interested too. Kids typically love the colorful uniforms, marching bands, horses, and the pageantry of the ceremony. We recommend this tour for children aged 5 and up who can walk comfortably for 2 miles and follow along with a group. Younger children are welcome, but please consider whether they can manage the walking distance and occasional brisk pace. Parents know their children best—if your child enjoys stories, history, and outdoor activities, they'll love this tour.

What happens if it rains?

We run our tours rain or shine! The Changing of the Guard ceremony itself may be reduced or cancelled by the British Army in very bad weather, but our tour proceeds regardless. London weather is unpredictable, and locals learn to embrace it. We recommend bringing an umbrella or rain jacket. Even if the official ceremony is scaled back, you'll still see the guards, visit all the key locations, and receive comprehensive historical commentary about the palaces and royal traditions. Only in cases of severe weather warnings (storms, dangerous conditions) will we reschedule, and you'll be notified at least 2 hours in advance.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Absolutely! The Changing of the Guard is one of the most photogenic ceremonies in London. We encourage you to capture your memories and your guide will point out the best photo opportunities at each location. The colorful uniforms, magnificent horses, Buckingham Palace backdrop, and marching bands create incredible photo subjects. Your guide is happy to pause for pictures at key moments and will often take group photos of you and your companions. Please be mindful of other tour participants when taking photos.

Do I need to book in advance?

We highly recommend booking in advance. Our tours are limited to 12 people and often sell out, especially during peak tourist season (May-September) and on ceremony days. Booking ahead guarantees your spot and allows you to choose your preferred date. Additionally, the Changing of the Guard doesn't happen every day, and the schedule changes throughout the year, so booking in advance ensures you're coming on the right day. Last-minute bookings are sometimes available, but we cannot guarantee spaces.

What if I'm late to the meeting point?

Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled 9:45 AM departure time. The tour departs promptly because the guards' ceremony runs on a precise military schedule—we must be at specific locations at specific times. Unfortunately, we cannot wait for late arrivals as it's unfair to other participants and would cause everyone to miss critical parts of the ceremony. If you arrive after departure, we cannot offer refunds, but please contact us to discuss rescheduling options.

Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?

Yes, with free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour start time. For cancellations less than 48 hours before the tour, we cannot offer refunds, but we'll do our best to help you reschedule if you contact us immediately. See our full cancellation policy above for details.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Mostly yes, with some considerations. The walking route uses paved sidewalks and park paths with no required stairs, making it physically accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices. However, during the ceremony itself, crowds gather at viewing points, and securing optimal positions may be challenging with a wheelchair. The pace is also moderate to brisk as we move between locations. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns, please contact us before booking so we can discuss your specific needs and ensure this tour is suitable for you.

What language is the tour conducted in?

This tour is conducted entirely in English. Our guides speak clearly and are happy to repeat information if needed. For visitors whose first language isn't English, the visual spectacle of the ceremony combined with the guide's explanations provides a fantastic experience. The ceremony itself has no spoken elements—it's all visual pageantry, music, and precision marching.

When does the Changing of the Guard ceremony take place?

The ceremony schedule varies throughout the year.

The schedule can change, and ceremonies may be cancelled for state visits, bad weather, or other official reasons. When you book with us, we ensure you're coming on the right day and provide up-to-date information about any schedule changes. Our tours are timed to arrive at each location just before the action begins.

Will we actually see the ceremony at Buckingham Palace?

Yes, but with an important distinction: we position you at strategic viewing points where you can see the ceremony clearly, rather than joining the massive crowds pressed against the palace gates. Most independent visitors stand at the gates for 2+ hours and end up seeing very little because of the crowds. Our approach shows you the full ceremony—the inspection at St. James's Palace, the march down The Mall, the assembly at Wellington Barracks, and the handover at Buckingham Palace—from multiple vantage points that most tourists never discover. You'll see more of the ceremony than the crowds at the gates, we promise.

What if the ceremony is cancelled?

The British Army occasionally cancels or reduces the ceremony due to bad weather, state events, security concerns, or other official reasons. This is beyond our control. However, our tour still proceeds and provides excellent value—you'll visit all the key locations (Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, Horse Guards Parade, Wellington Barracks), learn the comprehensive history of the guards and royal ceremonies, and enjoy expert commentary on royal London. Many guests tell us the historical information and sightseeing are valuable regardless of whether the full ceremony takes place. We do not offer refunds if the Army cancels the ceremony, but you'll absolutely still have a memorable tour.

Can I bring food or drinks on the tour?

Yes, please bring water to stay hydrated, especially in summer. Small snacks are fine if you need them, but please be discreet and dispose of any litter properly. The tour pace doesn't allow for meal breaks, but there are excellent cafés and restaurants near our finish point if you'd like to grab lunch afterward. Your guide can provide recommendations.

What should I wear?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential—you'll cover about 2 miles on paved surfaces. Dress for the weather (layers are always smart in London) and consider that you'll be outdoors for the entire 2 hours. There's no dress code, but we recommend avoiding clothing that restricts movement. If visiting in summer, sun protection is wise. In winter, warm layers, gloves, and a hat make the experience much more comfortable.

Is tipping expected?

No, gratuities are not expected or required. Your tour price includes everything. That said, if you feel your guide provided exceptional service and significantly enhanced your experience, tips are always appreciated but never obligatory. Unlike "free" tours where tipping is essentially mandatory, we believe in transparent pricing where the cost is clear from the start.

How close will we get to the guards?

Much closer than you'd expect! At St. James's Palace, Wellington Barracks, and while marching down The Mall, you'll be within a few feet of the guards. At Buckingham Palace, viewing distances vary depending on crowd sizes, but our guides position you at the best available spots. You'll definitely get close enough for excellent photos of the uniforms, horses, and ceremony. Unlike standing at the palace gates where you might be 50+ feet away, our strategic positioning throughout the ceremony gets you much better views.

Ready to Experience Royal Pageantry?

Join us for an unforgettable journey through one of Britain's most iconic ceremonies. Small groups, expert guides, and prime viewing positions ensure you experience the Changing of the Guard the right way—not pressed against palace gates but moving strategically to see every magnificent moment. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a London regular, you'll discover the history, precision, and pageantry that make this ceremony legendary.

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