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
275 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
Catherine V,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. Great tour guide. Would definitely recommend this. Tour guide very knowledgeable and gave lots of great and interesting information
Wonderful Storytelling, Great Viewing Locations, and a Really Fun Time!
ArtThrapyAmy,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family enjoyed this tour so much! Starting in Trafalgar Square, Robin shared many historical details that helped us have significantly more understanding of the different guards, their uniforms, their purpose and their origin stories. He also made sure that we had fantastic viewing spots and photo opps for several different parts of the ceremony. He is incredibly knowledgeable and also very funny, which made for great storytelling and an overall wonderful experience!
Great especially Robin
dany j,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Pray your guide is Robin .. he is the best in the world. ..this was amazing . I have travelled all over but never met a guide like this
Best guide you can find in London
142 innv,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding experience – a must-do in London This Changing of the Guard experience was truly excellent and far better than trying to see it on our own. The organization was smooth and professional, and the guide was exceptional—knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fascinating insights about the British monarchy, the guards, and the history behind the ceremony. Thanks to the guide’s planning, we had great viewing spots and never felt overwhelmed by the crowds. The explanations added so much depth and meaning to the ceremony, making it far more memorable and enjoyable. We went as a couple and found it to be the perfect mix of culture, history, and atmosphere. Everything was well paced, informative, and enjoyable from start to finish. Highly recommended for anyone visiting London—absolutely worth it!
Great tour
sk123,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed the "Changing of the Guard" tour with Robin. He knew the best viewing locations for every stage, and was amazingly knowledgeable and entertaining throughout - it is clear from his enthusiasm that he loves what he does. He calls his business "Fantastic Walks" - and it certainly lived up to the name. Thank you Robin!
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!
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