Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
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
What To Expect
Your experience begins at the Equestrian statue of Edward VII on Waterloo Place, where you’ll meet your expert guide before heading to enjoy the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial
Visit the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Memorials and hear the story of the royal couple who inspired the nation during World War II.
What‘s Included
Guided Changing of the Guard experience
English Speaking local expert guide
Gratuities
Food & drink
Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
with Buckingham Palace ticket
Upgrade your experience: with entry tickets to Buckingham Palace during its summer opening.
Changing of the Guard Tour
Small Group Tour - English: Maximum 20 participants in your group
Reviews
838 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Do this tour!
Laura S,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nathan was a wonderful tour leader. He was engaging, knowledgeable, and funny. He had us in the perfect locations! He led us at a comfortable pace. You will learn about the Changing of the Guard and the history of the Royal Family.
Totally worth it
Getaway18905704749,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul did a great job. Good information. Easy to hear. Easy to understand. Got us to all the right places at all the right times
Amazing
T284KWstaceyc,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul was a great tour guide. His passion for London is evident and contagious. He was very knowledgeable and overall a great experience.
We travel a lot , and recommend this tour!
Julia P,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun, interesting and educational. Our guide, Jeremy, did a great job, patient, full of information and funny.
A Very Enjoyable and Entertaining Experience
793joseo,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the Changing of the Guard ceremony. He made the tour a very enjoyable and entertaining experience.
Excellent tour and guide with Richard!!
Mark L,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Richard was an excellent tour guide providing detailed information and mixed with good humor. We got to see everything we wanted with the Changing of the Guard!!
Changing of the Guards
cecilias921,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris was Fantastic as our tour guide- best tour to take for Changing of the Guards. It was very educational and also totally enjoyable.
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour - excellent!
LoveTravel384388,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a GREAT tour, and I am so glad we decided to book it. You truly get a behind-the-scenes look, and I can’t say enough wonderful things about our guide, Paul. He was funny, incredibly knowledgeable, and an excellent tour guide. Don’t think twice about booking this tour!
One of the highlights of our trip
Robyn R,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Paul, our tour guide, was incredible! Very nice and informative. It was a hot day and he made sure to let us stop and purchase water, if needed. The guards were practicing for the King’s birthday so that was a treat to see. Would recommend this tour with Paul over and over again.
We got lucky
L6321KJbarbaraw,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were booked for the changing of the guard tour but when we arrived Paul, our tour guide extruadanaire, informed us that there was to be no changing of the guard as the guards were practicing for the trouping of the colours for the Kings upcoming birthday celebration. He then took us to watch 1000 soldiers completing precision marching drills with full military bands. It was an extraordinary sight and a momentous experience.
From £15.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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