Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Most visitors stand behind the crowds at the gates of Buckingham Palace and miss what’s really happening. This tour takes you beyond the spectacle to understand the Changing of the Guard as a living military tradition and places you where the action truly unfolds.
The ceremony isn’t just pageantry. It’s a 350-year-old operational ritual, and your expert guide decodes every detail: why the Welsh Guards wear a leek on their buttons, how to distinguish a Coldstream from a Grenadier, and what the drum major’s mace signals actually mean.
You’ll begin away from the tourist masses at a strategic meeting point. Before the ceremony starts, learn to identify the day’s regiment by their insignia turning what looks like random marching into a meaningful, structured story. Then move purposefully through London’s ceremonial quarter.
Watch the Old Guard emerge from St. James's Palace, the monarch’s official residence since the 1500s, and march alongside the procession as the New Guard arrives.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Changing of the Guard
Decode the secrets behind every uniform, button, and bugle call. March alongside the King's Guard to prime viewing spots.
Options
Private Tour in English
Private Tour in English
Standard Group
What‘s Included
Choose between Two options : Standard or Private Tour
Move alongside the Guard procession
Qualified guide
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Title - 3 palaces 2 guard changes!!
A390OUzahram,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our guide was Lisa, she super fun!! history of the guards was interesting and learning secrets and fun facts about the royal family was really cool. We saw three palaces and two guard changes. We marched alongside the Soldiers (wear comfy shoes) Changing of the guard was one of our favourite things when visiting London. Definitely do it !
Must-do London experience
cordeliac361,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this experience. It was awesome to see the palace and march alongside the guards :) Our guide (Lisa) was brilliant and gave us great insider info, making sure we had the best viewing spots and understood the history and hidden nuances of the ceremony. We got so much more out of the experience than we would have alone! Lisa made it so fun and interesting for us, and it's definitely one of our London highlights. 10/10 would recommend.
🙌
alannas666,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Changing of the guard is a must see when visiting London. We never knew there were so many ways to see it! Our guide (Lisa) took us round to the palaces and best places to see all of the parade. We learnt about history and the royal family. Marching alongside the Soldiers was great! The children loved that the most. Highly recommend!
Best Views!
lisa303,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best view! Lisa our Guide knew exactly where to go and the timings. Best way to do this is with a local guide.
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