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
284 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The tour guide, Alan, was...
Lucias K,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide, Alan, was spot on with his walk and shared interesting history of England with his tour group. Highly recommended.
Excellent!
christinebA8332TZ,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very enjoyable tour! It was the perfect amount of time and with excellent viewing spots for both the changing of guards and the ‘sword dance’. Alan was sn excellent guide and I would highly recommend this tour.
highly recommend this tour!!!
SANDRA G,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My daughter and I joined this tour today. It was so brilliant. we had a front row seat. my daughter was overjoyed!!! And every question she or I had he was able to answer. it was quick and the time seemed to go so quickly!
Great tour even in the rain!
Diane S,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour to witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace was an unforgettable experience. We were thrilled to see Prince Charles depart in his Rolls-Royce — an unexpected and exciting highlight! The tour continued with a visit to Westminster Abbey, where our guide, Peter, impressed us with his deep knowledge, engaging storytelling, and warm personality. The entire experience was well organized and truly memorable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting London!
Great fun even in the rain
Dale V,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Peter handled the rainy day with charm. He has tremendous knowledge of the royals - constantly entertaining. Highly recommend.
Bukingam Palace
NorthStar53798201648,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John was the perfect guide! We had a great time and learn a lot! Nice tour to book in London! Me and my daughter we had good time and we saw the King!
John was an exceptional...
Bruce D,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00John was an exceptional tour guide. Very informative. Kept the tour moving at a good pace and put us in the best positions to view the sights
Stellar
Mera O,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Camila is very professional, informative , & knowledgeable. I ll will recommend him to a friend .
Phenomenal - highly recommend
Susan R,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Phenomenal! Our guide, Alan, has been conducting this tour for eleven years - his passion and dedication were outstanding - far surpassing our expectations. This was matched with a brilliant knowledge of the area, as well as interesting insights and facts along the way - and some great intuition and flexibility, allowing us to stop to watch, with a front row view, King Charles leave his residence. A once in a lifetime experience. Brilliant!!
Great tour
nrmonti1,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour! We saw every aspect of the changing guards and horse guard! Lots of history in the Westminster area. John was friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining! We would not have seen all this on our own! Must be ready to walk- and pay attention to the meeting place.The entire group was split up so a manageable size. Highly recommend!
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