The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Royal Westminster and Changing of the Guard is an unforgettable walking tour experience offering you the chance to get up close and personal with London’s most famous and impressive Royal sights. Marvel at Buckingham Palace, march down the Mall with the King's Guards and be surrounded by Royal history at Westminster Abbey - the site of every coronation since 1066.
Not only will your guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge and anecdotes, they will also position you in the very best locations to witness the world-famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Without a guide hundreds of people stand in the wrong place every day.
*Please read the additional information below for full information of Changing of the Guard.
One minute be standing in the shadow of London's most iconic sight - Big Ben, and the next be stroking one of the horses of the Household Cavalry. Experience it all on this unforgettable tour.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There will be access to public toilets halfway through the tour.
The Changing of the Guard (Foot Guards) ceremony at Buckingham Palace occurs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the tour will witness the Changing of the King's Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade ..
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony operates at the discretion of the British Army. It can be changed or cancelled without notice. This is beyond our control.
In the event of bad weather the Changing of the Guard Ceremony may be cancelled. The tour will endeavor to watch the Changing of the Horse Guards on these days.
Not recommended for those with walking difficulties as the tour can be a brisk walk in parts.
What To Expect
Changing of the Guard
Begin your tour with a journey through Royal London, witnessing some of the most famous Royal Houses and Palaces such as St. James' Palace, Clarence House and Buckingham Palace. Enjoy the iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony as you march down the Mall with the Queen's footguards or marvel at the impressive horses of the Household Cavalry (daily itinerary is dependent upon the schedule of the British Army). Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful St James' Royal Park to finish the first half of the tour.
Westminster Abbey
Our journey continues through historic Royal Westminster. We pass Churchill's War Rooms and onto Westminster Abbey - the site of every Royal Coronation since 1066, it is the most important church in England. Explore Parliament Square with its array of impressive statues immortalizing such historical figures as Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Overlooking Parliament Square is the most famous sight in London - Big Ben. Admire the stunning gothic architecture of the Houses of Parliament before heading down to 10 Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister. Capture the perfect photograph with the horses of the Queen's Guard before exploring Horse Guards Parade. Please note we do not enter Westminster Abbey, all of the above is approx 70mins, we spend about 5 mins at the Abbey.
Options
The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace
What‘s Included
Expert local guide
Exterior commentary on Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, and Clarence House
Vantage-point positioning for the Changing of the Guard ceremony
Guided walking tour of Royal London and Westminster
No Food or Drink included
Gratuities
Admission Ticket to Westminster Abbey
Entrance to Westminster abbey is not included.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
424 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Changing of the Guard front row view
Kathy C,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Peter is an excellent guide. He knew just where to stand for the best front row views at Buckingham Palace. The entire tour was excellent he took his time explaining about each location and its history.
poor - it was no change of the guard and i was charged a feeI paid for this
Ruby F,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Make sure if you pay to see the change of the guards that it's on the day and if not you don't get charged
Ok.
Bethany T,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Cut very short as the guide assumed we didn’t like the rain. (No one was complaining that we heard.) Certainly didn’t spend the time at the Elizabeth Tower, Westminster Abbey, or Buckingham as advertised. Gave us 5 min to take photos with the horseback guards- told to meet at 11:15. We went to the meeting spot at 11:13 and the group was not there. Waited. Waited. At 11:18, we looked up directions to the Abbey as we knew that was the general direction we were traveling- we did find them, approx 2 blocks ahead, talking. The tour was a very small group overall but apparently didn’t even try to wait for the full group. We were there on time and in the correct spot. Nothing was said when we caught up. Nice to hear about the locations (royal residences, etc.) Ok for the money. Not a bad experience but not a superb one.
Don’t miss this tour!
Kirby T,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful tour! Great stories and sites. The tour guide was very well informed. Just the right amount of walking, learning and listening.
Angie did a great job...
mbcallegari,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Angie did a great job explaining everything! We got to see everything we wanted to, that is, the changing of the guard plus a bit more. We ended right outside Westminster Abbey, ready to see more of the area on our own. I would recommend this tour!
Tour not as advertised
Theresa S,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Our guide was phenomenal. It was advertised as Changing of the Guard. We did not get to see it. No one got to see it. If it is advertised as Changing of the Guard, we should get to see it. Not happy about that.
Great tour with unexpected views and info
829lucindah,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Allen gave us the best spots for unique views. Don't expect the usual views from Buckingham palace. We saw the guard up close and from different vantage points. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour and would take it again.
Great experience
Connector557750,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was fabulous! Have a lot of fun history and knew all the best spots for great views.
Tour of Changing of the guards
Robert e,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed our tour and learned great tips on how to tell when the Monarchy were on site. He took us to the best spots at the right time to get the best view. Very informative!
Excellent
Melanie W,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fabulous tour with Peter. Very knowledgeable of everything he showed us. We got to see the changing of the guard and the horse guards. Also, today both of them were fabulous. Peter pointed out many other things along the way.
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