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 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
What‘s Included
English Speaking local expert guide
Guided Changing of the Guard experience
Gratuities
Food & drink
Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Options
Changing of the Guard Tour
Small Group Tour - English: Maximum 15 participants in your group
Reviews
784 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Guide
FineDinerTallahassee,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Babs our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable of the history of the monarchy and its traditions. We learned a great deal.
Must book tour!
Kristie M,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Chris was our guide and he was incredible!! He was very knowledgeable and took us to the best locations for photos. Definitely a highlight of our trip. Highly recommend.
Nice Tour
Stefan B,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris was a perfect guide to See so the right spots in the tour with perfect timing to always stand in the first row without feeling stressed at all. He guides to every highlight and told us a lot about history. Everything in a funny way.
Interesting facts
Dream21825608824,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shown around by Paul, with the horses as a bonus.
Things to do if you’re first time here in London
BusakornR1,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended if it’s your first time in London! Nathan was an amazing guide and shared so much interesting information about the British royal family and the Changing of the Guard. We really enjoyed it!
Highly recommend
LilMissPriss,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So glad we decided to do this walking tour. Our guide was a wealth of knowledge. We definitely would have missed out on a lot of the ceremony without this tour.
Brilliant
Daniel N,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was wonderful and our guide Chris was brilliant!! His knowledge and the history he shared made the tour very enjoyable. He got us up close away from the big crowds to witness the changing process Would definitely recommend!
Great tour, very knowledgeable guide!
Nicky M,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Chris was an amazing guide, very knowledgeable and made sure to get us to the best spots for each part of the parade. I highly recommend this tour.
Great if you want to see the whole show of the changing of the guards
Vickib114,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great tour if you are wanting to see the whole performance of the changing of the guards. We would have missed so much if we did not do this tour. Nathan was our tour guide and he was very informative and clear for the whole tour.
Salute the guards
oliverd153,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris was amazing, very knowledgeable in the history, pleasant manor, very astute and took us to all the perfect stops for the best views.
Related Experiences
Operated by Urban Saunters