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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
Options
Changing of the Guard Tour
Small Group Tour - English: Maximum 15 participants in your group
with Buckingham Palace ticket
Upgrade your experience: with entry tickets to Buckingham Palace during its summer opening.
Reviews
808 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Making family memories 2026
Charlene F,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jo was the best tour guide yet. She was very informative and made the history very relatable and fun. This was truly the best.
Natalie - Highly Recommend
G4023SHsarahr,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Natalie was amazing! Knew exactly where to place us for theeeeee best videos and pics of the changing of the guards.
Fantastic changing of the guards experience
merediths842,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jeremy provided us with an amazing experience. It was the perfect amount of time to see the changing of the guards and we had a much better understanding of what we were seeing with him as our guide.
Great tour
Sightsee595307,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience and great guide
Great Tour
Carson W,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Richard was an excellent guide on our Changing of the Guard Tour. He was very personable, easy to understand, and made the tour very enjoyable!
Great Tour
Matthew P,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jeremy was extremely knowledgeable and funny, he made the tour very enjoyable! Would recommend the walking tour.
Book This Tour! Alex was great!
Wanderer798750,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We highly recommend this tour if you want to be sure to see the Changing of the Guard Parade. Alex was an amazing guide. Not only did he get us front row viewing at each location of the parade, he explained the history, procedure and meaning of each part of the ceremony, down to each part of the uniform. He shared an enormous amount of history that went beyond just the guards. We had the stories behind the statues, the palaces, the reason the road was painted red, etc. I was not expecting to learn so much. Alex answered questions, was easy to follow and most importantly, he was so welcoming and fun. I’m so happy I booked this tour!
Great walking tour put us in all the right spots
vacationalliwanted,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul was the best ! Knew all the right spots to be and very entertaining ! 10/10 he clearly enjoys what he does and would love to take another tour with Paul.
Living history at its finest
T5615VKandrewf,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun trip with a lot of history. Our tour guide was wonderful also!
Richard is elite!!
S6835IClaurenh,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Richard was the BEST guide!! He had a never ending knowledge of the ceremony as well as interesting tidbits about British history in general. He was so entertaining but also super helpful. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone!
From £15.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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