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 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.
What‘s Included
Expert local guide
Prime viewing spots
Gratuities/tips
Options
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience
Reviews
272 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Loved our tour with...
Jessica P,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved our tour with Robin! He knew exactly where to stand for the best views, and it was wonderful hearing the stories behind the places along our walk from Trafalgar Square and the Battle of Waterloo to Horatio Nelson and fun royal family anecdotes. It added so much context and made the significance of the Changing of the Guard really come alive. There are a few moments of brisk walking. I was a bit concerned since my older parents don’t walk very fast, but we were still able to catch up. Just something to keep in mind if you’re with anyone who prefers a slower pace. Well worth the fee for the experience. I’m so glad we chose to do this with a guide rather than navigating it on our own!
Fantastic changing of the guard walking tour
nikki391,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is my second time joining Robin for one of his walks, having done the rock n roll walk, which I loved I really wanted to join the changing of the guard walk, which was brilliant. He is so friendly, so knowledgeable and makes it so interesting and relevant. I would highly recommend signing up for a walking tour with Robin. Thanks so much Robin.
Phenomenal experience
charlesjL4940HG,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Robin was very amazing and was full of knowledge. Got a front row view of the changing of the guards. We even saw the king of England as well.
A Tour Worth Taking
Journey56439174563,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Took the tour “Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience” hosted by Robin. Being my first time in London, I was looking to get an inside history lesson of the Changing of the Guard instead of just watching it from the sidelines. Robin was spot on. His knowledge of history as we walked the tour was extremely informative and it was presented in an entertaining and enthusiastic manner. The tour route was timed out exceptionally well, giving enough time to present the historic relevance at each location as well as picture taking time. The success of a tour is directly proportional to the knowledge, personality, and commitment of the guide. Robin did a fantastic job and gave a fantastic tour. I highly recommend this tour.
Don’t dawdle! Book this experience!
Sarah W,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was so knowledgeable! As an English history teacher he brought fun facts and information to the tour. He knew exactly where to stand to have the best view and stay ahead of the crowd! We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and highly recommend!
Brilliant and Full of Humour
mgriggs2024,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I fully recommend Robin as he was a superb guide for our “Changing of the Guard” tour. He knew the best spots to get the perfect view and photographs. His humour and deep knowledge of history made the tour even more memorable. I’m a Londoner and he showed us many things that I did not know! His fun, energy driven personality is infectious. Thank you Robin, hope we can hire you again some time in the future. Martyn G.
Great Tour!!!
ArleneBeckerman,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robin was so informative and fun! He made sure we were where we needed to be to get the best experience!!!! Would highly recommend his tour!!
Brilliant Robin!
Alison G,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A fun and very informative tour spent with Robin, our Guide! He knows his history and presents the event, Changing of the Guard, so seamlessly. We loved it and 2 of us are Brits!
Energetic, Entertaining, and Educational!
Catherine S,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Robin is very fun, energetic, and knowledgeable. We had such a great tour with him and great views of the guards as they marched to and from Buckingham Palace. My kids (ages 17, 14, 10, and 7) all really enjoyed our tour. Robin then gave us a recommendation for a great pub for fish and chips for lunch. We would definitely do another tour with him in the future.
Great Guide, Highly Entertaining and Informative Experience
UbaidD,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We viewed the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, St. James' Palace and the Guards' Chapel - it was a terrific morning and we greatly enjoyed the session with our tour guide Robin. Robin is funny, knowledgeable and full of interesting anecdotes that made the experience entertaining and informative. We'd highly recommend Robin and Fantastic Walks - great value for money.
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