Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London

Overview

Available languages

English

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

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

St. James's Palace

We see this 500 year old palace from the outside and wait for the Guards to begin the ceremony.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Changing the Guard Tour

Reviews

4.89

1,776 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1663

Changing of the Guard tour you should take
StF56789,
Nov 2, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Wow! Such a great tour! We enjoyed our time and saw it ALL! Our guide was super knowledgeable and helpful. Glad we went on this tour!
Changing of the Guard walking tour
Cheryl K,
Oct 27, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour led by Angie. She was organized, knowledgeable and informative. We enjoyed the history and stories along the way as she got us in a great location to walk along with the band and Guard on their way to Buckingham Palace. Would highly recommend doing the changing of the guards like this.
Knowledgable Guide
travelingfamily 12,
Oct 26, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Our family of six completed this tour with Angie. She is an excellent guide and was able to place our group in ideal viewing locations for the changing of the gard activity. Angie was also very conscience about making sure the group stayed together with no guest left behind. Highly recommend this tour and all the history facts that were shared along the way.
Tour you don’t wanna miss
M882YAmariam,
Oct 26, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a fantastic time on the Changing of the Guard tour with our guide Paul. He was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and funny. We learned so much while having a great laugh along the way. His stories and insights made the experience really special. Highly recommend this tour and especially Paul!
Angie The Tour Guide is Amazing!
nenedaf,
Oct 26, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent walk from meeting point to premier spot to view the changing of the guard. Angie was FABULOUS! The most amazing London Girl I met on this trip. She explained so much history and answered questions with ease.
Right balance of entertaing and informative
Andrew M,
Oct 26, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Lovely welcome from Paul. Then an informative stroll towards St James Palace. There he filled the time with great anecdotal stories until the changing of the guard. He knew exactly where to be and at what time get best views and photos. Really enjoyed it
Definitely Recommend This Tour
Cindy B,
Oct 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our guide was great and did a wonderful job moving us through the crowds to get some of the best views of this event! He was very knowledgeable.
A must do tour!!
Sharon S,
Oct 21, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Despite the rain, our guide Marc was exceptional. He guided to all the best vantage points. He was a fountain of information. This was one of the best tours we took. Also, Marc is quite the snappy dresser!!
Tour with bonuses
Susan A,
Oct 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our guide Paul was truly engaging, entertaining, and informative, sharing “back stories” as well as critical background for numerous historical events that took place along our route. Paul took us for a front row view of both the changing of the Horse Guard and the promised changing of the Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace, plus many other interesting locations in between.
Wonderful Experience
Julie L,
Oct 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00
David was very informative and entertaining. He knew all the secrets of how and where to place us to get the best view. I would recommend that you do this tour if visiting London.