CHANGING OF THE GUARD TOUR

Award-Winning Changing of the Guard Tour & London Walking Tour

Experience our award-winning Changing of the Guard walking tour in London, visiting St James's Palace, Wellington Barracks, and Horseguards Parade for a photo with the Household Cavalry.

Experience the pageantry of London on our award-winning Changing of the Guard walking tour. Unlike standard tours that crowd the Buckingham Palace gates, our expert-led Changing of the Guard tour provides an unobstructed view of the ceremony as it unfolds. We take you to the heart of the action at Wellington Barracks, St James's Palace, and The Mall, passing Clarence House before heading to Horseguards Parade for an exclusive photo with the Household Cavalry. Witness the finest military tradition in the UK without the stress of the crowds.

Why choose this tour?

  • Exclusive Photo Op: Get up close for a photo with the mounted guards at Horse Guards Parade.

  • Elite Vantage Points: We don't just stand still; we move with the ceremony to ensure you see the bands and the guards from the best angles.

  • Expert Storytelling: Learn why this 500-year-old tradition remains the pulse of the British Monarchy.

Most Popular!
Adult £14 | Children £14 + booking fee

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What You’ll Experience

Front row views

Regimental musical band

Get up close to the Household Cavalry

Incredible views of the Royal Palaces

Stroll through the Royal parks

Photo with the Royal Horseguards

Important Information

What’s Included

✅ Changing of the Guard in London
✅ Buckingham Palace
✅ St James’s Palace
✅ Clarence House
✅ The Mall
✅ Photo with the Royal Horseguards
✅ Professional Tour Guide

What’s Excluded

❌ Entrance tickets to sights, landmarks or attractions
❌ Front gates of Buckingham Palace
❌ Gratuities

Things To Know

  • Walking Tour

  • Tour in English

  • Duration: 2 hours

  • Walking Distance: 3 miles / 5 km

  • Not suitable for guests with walking difficulties

  • Not wheelchair accessible

  • Not suitable for strollers

  • Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time

Schedule

Days of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Start: 10am (9am Sunday)
Departure Point: Victoria Palace Theatre
Nearest Underground: Victoria

Finish: 12pm
End Point: Horseguards Parade
Nearest Underground: Westminster

On arrival at the start point please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The best Changing of the Guard Tour is an award winning tour that moves beyond the crowded gates to show you the ceremony from multiple vantage points. Our expert-led Changing of the Guard walking tour ensures you see the regiments at St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks, providing a comprehensive view of the pageantry that most tourists miss.

  • The best place to see the ceremony is not actually at the front gates of Buckingham Palace, where crowds often block the view. Instead, our tour takes you to prime locations such as The Mall, St James's Palace, and Wellington Barracks. By following our specific route, you see the guards forming up and marching in a much more intimate setting.

  • No, this specific Changing of the Guard walking tour does not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. We purposely avoid the main gates to escape the densest crowds, allowing our guests to enjoy a much clearer, unobstructed view of the soldiers as they march between Clarence House, Wellington Barracks, and Horseguards Parade.

  • Yes! A highlight of our Changing of the Guard tour is the opportunity to take a photo with the Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry. While we maintain a respectful distance during the formal ceremony, we visit specific locations like Horseguards Parade where these iconic mounted guards are stationed.

  • Our comprehensive tour covers all the major royal sites. You will visit:

    • Buckingham Palace (Exterior)

    • St James's Palace

    • Clarence House

    • The Mall

    • Wellington Barracks

    • Horseguards Parade

  • The ceremony at Buckingham Palace typically begins at 11:00 am, but the action starts earlier at St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks. Our award winning tour starts ahead of the official time to ensure you are in the perfect position to witness the "Old Guard" and "New Guard" handover.

  • In the event of heavy rain, the British Army may perform a "Wet Change." During a Wet Change, the guards wear grey greatcoats over their scarlet tunics, and the ceremony may be shortened or proceed without the military band. Our tours still operate during rain, as our expert guides provide fascinating historical context that you wouldn't get standing in the rain alone.