Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
The most fun 1.5-hour tour in London. Watch the Changing of the Guard with an experienced and acclaimed guide, where you'll be taken to the best places to see the ceremony. Along the way you'll see palaces, royal parks, royal residences and even have an opportunity to march alongside the guards. The walk is interesting for adults, fun for kids, and will almost certainly be the highlight of your stay in London.
Please note that you will not see the section of the ceremony on the courtyard of Buckingham Palace, but rather the other highlights of the ceremony.
Sundays - As of April 2025 the army is trialing a slight variation of the usual ceremony on Sundays. It involves the same number of guard movements and locations but is referred to as a Parade rather than a Change. There is currently no indication of how long this trial will go on for.
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 spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
There are no toilet or refreshment breaks on this tour
Tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Ceremony can be altered at the discretion of the British Army, or occasionally due to rain
All tours are dependent on the British Army's schedule
No dogs are allowed on the tour other than guide dogs.
We do not see the section of the ceremony which occurs on the courtyard of Buckingham Palace, but instead we observe the highlights of the ceremony in other locations.
No videoing of the guide unless they have given permission
Arrive ten minutes before the tour for check in. Out of respect for other customers, we do not wait for latecomers.
Travellers should have good mobility as we encounter three flights of steps and march at the same pace as the guards at one point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Gratuities
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
What To Expect
Piccadilly Circus
We begin the tour in this iconic location in Central London
St. James's Palace
We see this 500 year old palace from the outside and wait for the Guards to begin the ceremony.
Options
Changing the Guard Tour
Reviews
1,758 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect!
Tara K,
Oct 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing experience! I cannot imagine trying to figure out the changing of the guard without this tour! Had us in all the right places at the right times!
Even on a rainy day and a...
Christine F,
Oct 7, 2025
- Viator
4.00Even on a rainy day and a wet changing of the guards, our tour guide Paul did a great job setting expectations, flexing the tour, and ensuring we got to see as much as possible.
Definitely a great tour!
Sally H,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00The entire walking tour, from Joe, our knowledgeable entertaining guide, to the walking areas, to the amazing experience of seeing the changing of the guards in person, was wonderful! We were so pleased to have taken this tour.
Disappointed
Jorge R,
Sep 22, 2025
- Viator
3.00Angie, our tour guide, was great — knowledgeable and engaging throughout. However, the tour itself felt lacking. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the actual Changing of the Guard ceremony — only the guards arriving and a few leaving. It felt like we could have done better on our own without a guide. Angie clearly knows her stuff and kept us entertained, but she should consider that, for many of us, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We want to see the main part of the ceremony — not just catch glimpses of it from a hundred yards away.
Excellent choice for seeing the changing of the guard and the troops marching
Michael K,
Sep 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our local guide Angi was very knowledgeable and pleasant. This walking tour is at higher pace so anyone with issues I would not recommend this one. For anyone that can walk distances this is a wonderful tour. We started in Picadilly Circus just across from the underground station and ended up at Buckingham palace. With this tour our guide took us to places away from the crowds for the best view of the guards walking by. This tour does not take you to right in front of Buckingham Palace which is way too crowded.
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Operated by Fun London Tours Ltd