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 20 participants in your group
with Buckingham Palace ticket
Upgrade your experience: with entry tickets to Buckingham Palace during its summer opening.
Reviews
833 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Take this tour it was the highlight of our trip
H6749YWdonnap,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour The detail explained by Jo was a perfect addition to the changing of the guards. There were 3 stops included and each stop we had a perfect view and background information. Also a lot of royal family detailed shared
A must see
Dawne A,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nathan was a phenomenal guide! He was knowledgeable and had very interesting stories about the royals that added to the experience! Highly recommend!
Enjoyable
Verna C,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Must do if you don’t want to be in a huge crowd.
Shannon R,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nathan was a wonderful tour guide. It was great to go to the right places to see the events and not be in huge crowds. I think it would be hard to find these areas on your own and know the right time to show up.
Fantastic tour! 2 hours...
carol l,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour! 2 hours goes by fast. Educational and interesting experience. Richard Cross was a GREAT tour guide….extremely knowledgeable, informative and interesting.
Superb Guide
abramh765,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Richard was excellent! He knew all the best stops to get a view of the action, and he shared interesting info without the tour becoming a history lecture; it was the perfect balance! At the end, he also recommended a nearby pub and fish and chips shop; was SPOT ON with both. So glad we did this tour!
Wonderful tour
Linda C,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. Chris was very friendly and patient. He made the facts he gave interesting. We had a good time.
Great tour
Lorraine M,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, tour guide Chris very knowledgeable about all the places we stopped at. Plenty of stops at landmarks finishing with band marching up for changing of the guards.
Tour with Jeremy
Tour03325811212,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with Jeremy. Recommend.
Great experience, highly recommend for a chance to see the guards
Jeannie A,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My visit was the day after the London Marathon and many of the streets were still closed. Our guide, Aaron did a great job of guiding us through the maze and getting us in position to see the guards. He also provided fun facts and history. Great guide and tour!
From £15.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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