Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
England is known for fish and chips, four seasons in a day, warm ale, history in spades and of course, a deeply ingrained age-old love for pomp and ceremony. Join us as we serve a slice of world-famous ceremonial action with this small-group Changing of the Guards experience.
There is so much more to this extravagant shift change than meets the eye though- with your expert guide to lead the way, you’ll soon know your Welsh from your Grenadier guard, understand what the deal is with those fuzzy bearskin hats, hear the astounding origins of this dazzling spectacle and truly get a handle on the significance of every colour, button, mascot, symbol and movement in this most British of traditions.
From the best possible viewing point, your small group will join the guards on their journey towards Buckingham Palace as you march to the beat of their drums... but what will the music be today?
Additional Info
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
We tend to move pretty fast to keep up with the guards, so please wear comfortable shoes and always carry water.
We will not stand at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as, due to crowds, you see very little and the experience would be ten times less fun. We want to get you as close as possible with the opportunity to take some amazing snapshots.
It is at the discretion of the British Army to change or cancel the Ceremony. The announcement will not be made until after 10.30am so come rain or shine, the Urban Saunters Changing of the Guard experience will go ahead. If the full ceremony is cancelled, there will still be the chance to see the guards marching, just without the music.
No videoing of the guide unless they have given permission
Ceremony can be altered at the discretion of the British Army, or occasionally due to rain
There are no toilet or refreshment breaks on this tour
Tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Sundays – From April 2025, the Army is trying out a slightly different version of the usual ceremony on Sundays. It still involves the same number of guard movements and the same locations, but it’s now being called a “Parade” instead of a “Change.” There’s no word yet on how long this trial will last
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Changing of the Guard
Join us as we serve a slice of world-famous ceremonial action with this small-group Changing of the Guards experience.
St. James's Palace
Built on the site of an old leper hospital, did you know that St James’s is the oldest royal palace in the whole of the UK? Take in this beauty, still the official royal residence today. Visiting outside
What‘s Included
English Speaking local expert guide
Guided Changing of the Guard experience
Gratuities
Food & drink
Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Options
Changing of the Guard Tour
Small Group Tour - English: Maximum 15 participants in your group
Reviews
769 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Happy we had a tour guide for the experience vs. going by ourselves.
cindylH7225QQ,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic experience! Our guide Jo was full of information and knew exactly where to have us stand to get the best views. So glad we decided to take the tour vs. just trying to figure out what we were seeing on our own. Knowing the background information made it so much better.
Well worth your time
daryns2013,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nathan was a very informative, engaging and enthusiastic guide. He efficiently guided us around to maximize seeing all of the elements of the changing of the guard at the palace. It was a lot of fun. I also appreciated that when we were running a few minutes late, another representative reached out to make sure we knew where our meeting spot was. Very helpful.
Best tour in town
Kristie M,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our experience was incredible! My second year in a row taking this tour, that's how awesome it is! Francis is an exceptional guide. Very well informed and gets you to the best spots. Rock N Roll, iykyk ☺️ Thank you for having us again, Francis. You will always be such a special part of our trip!
Money well spent
James H,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You will see far more on this tour than fighting the crowd at the palace. Much more enjoyable!! Plus you will learn a lot on interesting history!
Absolute must do tour
Lisa P,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolute must do, an excellent walking tour and all the best vantage points for views of the horse guards and marches. Chris was great and a fun tour guide he was engaging and sprinkled all the history in the tour. Really enjoyed myself
Delightful experience
Z2494JHbrookes,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joann (aka Jo) was a phenomenal tour guide. She was very knowledgeable, providing many details of the various portions of the changing of the guard ceremony. She positioned us just right for the best picture/videos. She was pleasant and funny (latest news of the royal family). I highly recommend!
Front row viewing
Denise R,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Babbs was wonderful, very knowledgable and a great storyteller. Unbeknownst to us, our tour was on the busiest day of the year and she was still able to get us front row viewing for everything that was important to see. Wonderful experience for me and my young adult children.
Best ‘seats’ in the house for this walking tour!
437usf,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Jo as our guide for the changing of the guards walking tour. She was fantastic in providing lots of current and historical context for the tour. She had a great sense of humour, and put us in fantastic positions to have an amazing view of the changing of the guard. She was great at answering a whole range of questions from the group and had really insightful things to share. Five stars Jo, thanks so much for making it so memorable.
Good experience
Sunshine55216350094,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good experience. It would have been better if some time was spent in guard parade in the Mall area than waiting near St James Palace for the parade to walk through.
Babs is the best!
Jennifer H,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Babs is an incredible tour guide. She is extremely knowledgeable and kept us entertained with her wit. She made sure that we saw the changing of the guard in all 3 locations and did a great job navigating the crowds.
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