Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘s Included

English Speaking local expert guide

Guided Changing of the Guard experience

Gratuities

Food & drink

Hotel pick-up & drop-off

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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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

20 minutes • Admission Not Included

Options

Changing of the Guard Tour

Small Group Tour - English: Maximum 15 participants in your group

Reviews

4.96

747 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

726

Jude , fabulous.
timm684,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was exceptional. Extremely professional throughout. Jude was born to speak to any audience. Good luck with the Shares & PHD. Tim.🌞
Changing of the Guard with Tour Guide Chris
stevenbF5140US,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Chris was an excellent tour guide. He shared amazing insights about the area. He had us standing at all the best locations to see the horses at every stage of the procession. Chris is the best!
Excellent Tour!
Debra L,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This tour was exceptional! I rate it a 5! The tour guide was exceptional, too! The tour guide had a great passion with educating people. It certainly showed throughout his presentation.
Must Do
alliegilley,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience with Francis as our guide. I loved all the history he provided about the royal family all while making sure the group had great front row spots for an up-close experience of the changing of the guards. A must do while in London! Thank you, Francis!
Great tour and informative guide
Cat23roberts,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour and informative guide. I have an elderly mother and they made all the necessary adjustments to accommodate.
Nathan was the best!!
jasonhB7860PY,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had Nathan as our guide and he was perfect in every way. Offering insight, color and just the perfect amount of humor! Highly recommend!!
Best tour Must see
James H,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very entertaining and knowledgeable brought us to the best vantage spot everytime. Lots of fun!!!!!!
Walking tour of the changing of the guards with a true Londoner!
464gabrielleh,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour looked very good online but our tour guide Francis made it excellent! His local knowledge and insights meant he was able to personalise the tour and ensure we had a truly remarkable experience that would be exceptionally hard to beat! His local network meant he was able to position the tour to see the changing of the guards best, to see the band and the cavalry down Mall. He did an excellent job explaining the processes and what we were seeing as well as adding his own stories and touches to make it fantastic. 10/10 - we would do this tour with Francis again
Better views than any other tour
765kimb,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide was SO good at getting us in the perfect position well ahead of any other group in the crowd of thousands of tourists. He was so prepared and the conversation seemed natural, filled with great facts and intrigue without it sounding rehearsed. It was clear he was an expert, experienced guide that kept everyone at the front of the line better than any other guide in London!
Buckingham Palace Guards
Paulinglee,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Many years ago, I stood outside Buckingham palace on tiptoe to try to catch the changing of the guards, could see very little. This time however, it was like getting front seats (we were standing of course). We had clear line of sight when the guards were moving in or out of the palace. Nathan, was a wonderful guide and during the 2-hour walk, he guided us through historical stories as well as educating me on the soldier's uniform from the different regiments and funny quotes which made us all laugh. The group wasn't huge and was great to meet new people. What I loved most was the song that Nathan sang, which included >40 king/queen names. It was a chilly and windy morning but I think everyone felt warm with Nathan and watching the guards marched by up close. Thank you for the great experience.