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‘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.
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
Options
Changing of the Guard Tour
Small Group Tour - English: Maximum 15 participants in your group
Reviews
746 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour and informative guide
Cat23roberts,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great 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
5.00We 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
5.00Very 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
5.00Our 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
5.00Our 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
5.00Many 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.
The best guide and tour, really suggest it
ingakZ8817BF,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really suggest this tour. The best guide ever- Nathan. George didn’t arrive that day, he-he (joking). My teenage daughter was excited.
Nathan was a wonderful guide.
DayTrip28275091614,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide, Nathan, was great! So incredibly informative and funny. He provided so many wonderful pieces of historical and social information. The changing of the guards tour was so much more than described or I had imagined because of Nathan. The pomp, circumstance, and history of the changing of the guards was awe inspiring. I took amazing videos and a few photos.
Beatiful experience
Caridad R,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was the best we had during our trip to London. He was full of knowledge about the royal family and especially about the Changing of the Guard ceremony. He knows every detail and shared the information in a very engaging way — and was sometimes quite funny too. He has a great voice and an excellent tone. We walked with him through St. James’s Park (beautiful!) until we reached the place where the guards get ready and the band starts playing to begin the ceremony. It was a wonderful experience, full of historical details. I highly recommend him 100%. The guide’s name is Natham
Recommended!
lisannev521,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Clear explanations and a beautiful experience to experience. The guide will also be very understanding if you don't understand something immediately
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