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

755 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

734

Nathan the best guide for this tour
Sk T,
Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
In all our many travels, Nathan stands out as one of the best tour guides we've ever encountered—if not the best. He is incredibly knowledgeable, and he makes every moment both exciting and laugh-out-loud funny. He’s the kind of guide you never forget, and we will cherish the memory of this tour for years to come. We are already looking forward to our next adventure with him!
More than Changing of the Guard and well worth it.
billwP8287MP,
Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour guide Nathan, was fantastic. His knowledge of the military and the various components of the ceremony were very informative. He also shared many interesting stories about the monarchally and the relationships which typically are not taught in school. It was very entertaining as well as informative. Nathan has a keen knowledge of the ceremony and where to place tourists for the best view of each phase. Really well done. The tour lasted 2 hours. Well done Nathan!
Excellent tour of the history and area related or the changing of the guards and Buckingham Palace
Jeremy R,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent tour and guide! Great knowledge of the history and the area and good views of the guards as they depart and arrive. You won’t be right up against the palace gates so if that’s important to you, you’ll have to do that on your own instead and fight the insane crowds to do so.
Tour guide Jeremy was great!
Sightseer708665,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great tour! Our host Jeremy was very knowledgeable and funny! My daughter and I got lost and couldn’t find the group. We were called and directed to the location. Jeremy just kept talking while we bought up. Soooo nice!
GREAT
Travel315427,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a GREAT tour! The guide, Nathan, was so knowledgeable and knew exactly where we needed to be for an up close experience. It was a very low price with a good return.
Great tour and well worth it
923shand,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is a great way to see everything. They have you in the correct place at the right time. Tell you all the history. Have done it once before as well as gone to the changing of the guard. This is worth the money for something you will only do once. Thanks Chris
Would use same guide again. She was great.
S2496JEpattic,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent guide and great tour. Worth the cost and tour guide was full of interesting information. We also saw Princess Anne being driven away from her home. That was cool.
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.