Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Join our fun and informative Changing of the Guard walking experience! We'll secure the best viewing spots for the entire ceremony and even walk alongside the guards and band as they march down The Mall. Our expert local guide will bring history to life, share fascinating insights into royal traditions, and ensure you have a fantastic time. After all, there’s a reason we’re called Fantastic Walks!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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.
What‘s Included
Expert local guide
Prime viewing spots
Gratuities/tips
What To Expect
St. James's Palace
If you are visiting London, then you must see the world-renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. With us, you’ll experience the ceremony from the very best viewpoints. You’ll see the Old Guard, the New Guard, St James’s Palace and, of course, the most famous of all palaces, Buckingham Palace. You’ll also get to see Clarence House, the actual home of the King and Queen. You will even march alongside the Guards and the Ceremonial bands as they progress down The Mall. Please be aware that there is a bit of walking involved (about a mile and a half) and some of it is at marching pace. Also, we don’t go up to the gates of Buckingham Palace: it’s too crowded, the views are poor, and you don’t get to see the whole ceremony. With us, though, you get the best views from the best spots at the best times. You’ll also hear the history of this centuries-old ceremony, be told some great stories and have a lot of fun along the way.
Buckingham Palace
Your Changing of the Guard experience concludes outside of Buckingham Palace. From there, it's just a short walk to Green Park or St James's Park tube stations. Alternatively, it's a 15-minute walk to Trafalgar Square or Parliament Square. Please note: the Changing of the Guard ceremony can be cancelled at very short notice by the British Army or Westminster Council. If it's raining, there's likely to be what's called a 'wet change' - in other words, the soldiers will still march but there'll be no ceremonial band.
Options
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience
Reviews
261 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best tour guide!!!
Arlet H,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We took a Changing of the Guard tour at Buckingham Palace, and it was fantastic! Our guide, Robin, was absolutely the best. The meeting point instructions were very clear, and the tour started right on time. He’s actually a history and English teacher, so you can imagine how fun it was listening to him and learning all the amazing information. Robin took us to the perfect spots to see the guards and the band perform. He went above and beyond—explaining every building we passed and sharing so many interesting details throughout the walk. Highly recommended! Thank you
Fantastic tour
514anut,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a brilliant trip. Learnt so much about British history in a fun and friendly manner. Robin is so knowledgeable and a real comedian kept us laughing throughout. Highly recommended 🙏
Great Experience with an Awesome Guide.
SUSAN M,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Judd, our tour guide was wonderful. I can’t believe his father is Michael Fagan. He gives you a real experience and insight not heard on other tours. Can’t say enough about his personality and knowledge. Highly recommend
A tour not to be missed!
Destination746253,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Robin was a wealth of information. He was able to share stories, jokes, and insider information. This was not a scripted tour. It was all Robin, and he did an amazing job. We could've spent the rest of the day with him.
True pro guide with lots to offer
sandra B,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Judd was simply the perfect guide. You’d be wasting your time hiring any other, or trying to go it alone. He was on time, friendly, patient, knowledgeable and engaging. Very enthusiastic to share his excitement for history. It was a small group just 7. We saw every element of the changing (Judd spent 2.5 hr with us) and giving us the full story of the purpose of the ceremony. Judd also had a great sense of humor, relaying a family connection to the infamous Michael Fagan- that is worth taking the tour for that reason alone.
THIS IS A MUST - 10/10 Experience with Robin
shannondanielu,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robin is OUTSTANDING!!! We just got back yesterday and our overall favorite experience was this one right here. My husband and I had the most wonderful morning on Monday walking with him. This tour is incredible, all thanks to Robin! I wouldn’t have imagined being able to be as close as I was to the guards. Walking along side them was incredible. Besides just seeing the changing of the guards, we learned so much about surrounding landmarks that I would’ve walked RIGHT past without knowing the significance. If you think that you don’t need a guide for this, you’re dead wrong. You won’t see much of anything without Robin showing you where to be. I think what sets Robin aside (besides his wonderful personality and excellent sense of humor) is that he is a history teacher as well as a guide. You can tell how much he loves what he is doing by how much care he puts into this company, which he runs and operates entirely on his own. Because of that, we were smiling ear to ear the whole time. I can’t wait for our next trip to London so we can book another tour with Robin. If you don’t book with Robin, you are missing out! He is a treasure!!! Thanks so much for everything! Can’t wait to see you next time! - Your Chicago friends, Shannon and Dan
Best Tour Guide Ever
Carol W,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.0020/10 stars!!!!! Wish we could hire Judd to spend a whole weekend with us in London! So informative, energetic, knowledgeable and funny! Gave us fantastic recommendations after the tour and such a great history lesson that kept us intrigued the entire time! Walking with the Guard was the highlight of the trip! Do yourself a favor if you’re in London and find Judd! We most definitely will any time we are there!
Wonderful tour!
David H,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely incredible tour! Our guide, Robin, was outstanding!!! He was knowledgeable, fun and kept the tour super engaging. This was one of our favorite tours we’ve ever booked. Highly recommend!
Too many people, seen nothing
bibisaretta,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We went on a Friday morning. We tried to arrive early but because of the ceremony many access paths to the palace close and we had to take such a long tour that we arrived at the ceremony started. At least I think, because there were so many people that I saw absolutely nothing! Also, having never been in the area, not knowing how to move and which way the guards were coming, we did not even know where it was better to go. Probably on Mondays and Wednesdays there are fewer people, but on the weekend it is really impossible to see anything except arriving much much earlier.
Very exciting and...
Lukas E,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very exciting and interesting told. Knew where to see the highlights. Friendly and answers all questions
From £21.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Fantastic Walks