The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Royal Westminster and Changing of the Guard is an unforgettable walking tour experience offering you the chance to get up close and personal with London’s most famous and impressive Royal sights. Marvel at Buckingham Palace, march down the Mall with the King's Guards and be surrounded by Royal history at Westminster Abbey - the site of every coronation since 1066.
Not only will your guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge and anecdotes, they will also position you in the very best locations to witness the world-famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Without a guide hundreds of people stand in the wrong place every day.
*Please read the additional information below for full information of Changing of the Guard.
One minute be standing in the shadow of London's most iconic sight - Big Ben, and the next be stroking one of the horses of the Household Cavalry. Experience it all on this unforgettable tour.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There will be access to public toilets halfway through the tour.
The Changing of the Guard (Foot Guards) ceremony at Buckingham Palace occurs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the tour will witness the Changing of the King's Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade ..
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony operates at the discretion of the British Army. It can be changed or cancelled without notice. This is beyond our control.
In the event of bad weather the Changing of the Guard Ceremony may be cancelled. The tour will endeavor to watch the Changing of the Horse Guards on these days.
Not recommended for those with walking difficulties as the tour can be a brisk walk in parts.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Guided walking tour with expert guide
No Food or Drink included
Gratuities
Admission Ticket to Westminster Abbey
What To Expect
Changing of the Guard
Begin your tour with a journey through Royal London, witnessing some of the most famous Royal Houses and Palaces such as St. James' Palace, Clarence House and Buckingham Palace. Enjoy the iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony as you march down the Mall with the Queen's footguards or marvel at the impressive horses of the Household Cavalry (daily itinerary is dependent upon the schedule of the British Army). Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful St James' Royal Park to finish the first half of the tour.
Westminster Abbey
Our journey continues through historic Royal Westminster. We pass Churchill's War Rooms and onto Westminster Abbey - the site of every Royal Coronation since 1066, it is the most important church in England. Explore Parliament Square with its array of impressive statues immortalizing such historical figures as Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Overlooking Parliament Square is the most famous sight in London - Big Ben. Admire the stunning gothic architecture of the Houses of Parliament before heading down to 10 Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister. Capture the perfect photograph with the horses of the Queen's Guard before exploring Horse Guards Parade.
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The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace
Reviews
276 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Missed the Changing of the Guard
Faith L,
Oct 4, 2025
- Viator
2.00Went to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard only to find out that does not happen there on the day of the booked tour. The description needs to be more specific as to where the event is happening. Because of that I missed the HMS Belfast tour
We had a fantastic tour !...
Barbara C,
Oct 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a fantastic tour ! John was very entertaining and knowledgeable! He knew all the great spots to view The Changing of the Guard !
Good guide
Rita S,
Sep 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00They should know it’s just about the information about the royals. That you can see the changing of guards without tickets
Beautiful Sunday on the Palace Grounds.
Cristina D,
Sep 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Outstanding tour with Allen on the place grounds. Learned so much nuance about English history and some exceptionally unique facts (like you can get married/renew your wedding vows on Sundays at Princess Diana’s family home—Allen, that better be true!!). Please don’t be late- the meeting point is very easy to find. The tour can’t wait for late comers or anyone who becomes separated because this is a military operation that has a strict schedule and even a few minutes will cause you to miss a lot of important things. As a bonus the Navy was commemorating a historical event, so we also saw their marching band play to honor their veterans.
Peter was a great guide...
LaToria L,
Sep 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Peter was a great guide with a sense of humor. We were unable to experience the changing of the guards due to the protests. However, Peter placed us on the list for the next day of we opt to do so.
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