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

Experience the pinnacle of British pageantry with our award-winning Changing of the Guard walking tour in London. As the premier choice for a Changing of the Guard tour, we take you beyond the crowds to witness the spectacular Changing of the Guard ceremony with expert precision. This is the definitive Changing of the Guard walking tour, specifically designed to provide the best vantage points of the King’s Guard and the Foot Guards as they march through the heart of the capital.

Our Changing of the Guard in London experience ensures you see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and Clarence House. This Changing of the Guard tour also includes a unique photo with the Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry, a Royal highlight most visitors miss. Avoid the crowds and book your Changing of the Guard tour in London now for the ultimate Royal experience.

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

Do you have a Go City/London Pass? Click Here to confirm your tour.

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

  • The tour will not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Most of the ceremony is away from the front gates. If you do wish to go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace then do not book this tour.

  • In wet weather the tour will see a ‘Wet Change’ - a shorter version of the ceremony without music.

  • 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 (11am Sunday)
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

  • Our award-winning walking tour is officially ranked among the Top 20 tours in Europe. We provide an immersive, expert-led experience that navigates the crowds to ensure you see the full pageantry of the Household Division. Join us for a world-class journey through British history and royal ceremony.

  • The ceremony takes place across the Royal Quarter, moving between St James’s Palace, Wellington Barracks, and the area near Buckingham Palace. Our guided walking tour ensures you are in the perfect position to witness the precision of the King’s Guard as they march through these historic London locations.

  • Absolutely. While many visitors wait for hours only to have their view blocked, our professional guides move you between multiple vantage points. You will experience the music, the marching, and the history up close, including a unique photo opportunity with the Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry.

  • The full ceremonial process lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Our walking tour is expertly timed to capture the most significant moments of the parade. We ensure you witness the transition between the Old Guard and the New Guard without the frustration of standing in one crowded spot.

  • Yes, photography is highly encouraged! Our guides lead you to the most photogenic spots along the route. A highlight of our experience is the chance to take a photo with the Royal Horseguards. You will capture incredible memories of the iconic bearskin hats and gleaming breastplates in action.

  • The ceremony usually proceeds in the rain, though it may be modified to a "Wet Change." Our walking tours operate in all weather conditions, ensuring you still experience the atmospheric sight of the guards in their greatcoats. Your expert guide will adapt the route to keep the experience engaging.

  • Our walking tour is perfect for all ages, offering an engaging way for families to see London’s royal traditions. Because we move between different locations, children stay entertained by the changing scenery and the rhythmic marching bands. It is a dynamic, educational, and memorable way to explore royal London.

  • The ceremony features the Foot Guards in their famous red tunics and bearskin hats, along with the Household Cavalry. On our tour, you will learn the distinctions between the regiments. We also ensure you get a close-up look and a photo with the impressive Royal Horseguards during the experience.

  • The ceremony itself is free to watch, but the best way to see it is through our award-winning guided walking tour. We provide the expertise needed to navigate the massive crowds. Our guides ensure you don’t miss the intricate details of this historic royal event while visiting key landmarks.

  • The best viewing locations are away from the main palace gates where crowds are thinnest. Our tour takes you to strategic vantage points along the parade route. This allows you to see the bands clearly and walk alongside the soldiers, providing a much more intimate view than stationary spectators.