Changing of the Guard Tour
Discover London’s Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace on this award winning Changing of the Guard tour. Led by a knowledgeable London tour guide, this Changing of the Guard walking tour takes you to the perfect vantage points of where to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony in all its royal pomp and pageantry. The Changing of the Guard in London is one of the great British traditions, and this Changing of the Guard tour will give you the chance to see the best parts of this world famous ceremony up close. Join this Changing of the Guard walking tour and witness the best of British history, heritage and culture all in one royal morning.
Tour Details
📅 When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
⏰ Time: 10am
⏳ Duration: 2 - 2.5 Hours
📍 Start: Victoria Palace Theatre
🔊 Language: Tour in English
💰 Price: £14 per person
Highlights
⭐ The best views of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
⭐ Front row view of the Royal Guards.
⭐ All four locations involved in the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
⭐ Uncover the royal history of Buckingham Palace.
⭐ Find out if the King is home at Clarence House.
⭐ Discover Henry VIII’s historic St James’s Palace.
⭐ Get a photo next to the Royal Horseguards!
Inclusions
WHAT IS INCLUDED
✅ Walking tour
✅ Professional tour guide
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
❌ Admission tickets to attractions
❌ Gratuities
❌ Front gates of Buckingham Palace
Please Note:
Sunday bookings may see the ‘Sunday Parade’ version of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
In wet weather the Guards may do a ‘Wet Change’ - a shortened version of the ceremony without music. This decision is made by the Royal Guards at 10:30am.
This tour will not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Most of the Changing of the Guard ceremony is away from the gates. If you wish to go to the gates of the Palace then do not book this tour.
Your tour guide will be able to assist with purchasing any attraction tickets at the end of the tour.
Do you have a Go City/London Pass? Please book on our dedicated Go City/London Pass booking page instead!
About Changing of the Guard Tour
Discover the iconic Changing of the Guard in London with this award-winning Changing of the Guard tour. Full of traditional pomp and pageantry, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of the best things to do in London, with this Changing of the Guard walking tour giving you the best spots to view this world famous ceremony full of incredible British history and culture.
Your Changing of the Guard walking tour is led by an experienced and knowledgeable London tour guide who will ensure you see the Changing of the Guard ceremony in the right way (most people do it the wrong way!). Moving between each Changing of the Guard location, you'll get incredible up-close photos of the Buckingham Palace guards as they march between London’s Royal palaces accompanied by a full military band.
As you discover London’s royal history, you’ll be following the best Changing of the Guard route ensuring you see all of the best parts of the Changing of the Guard ceremony in a way that is easy to understand and avoids the majority of the crowds, making this the best Changing of the Guard tour for all visitors to London including families, solo travellers, first time visitors and returning guests. From the origins of the Royal guards to fascinating royal anecdotes, every moment of this Changing of the Guard walking tour deepens your understanding of British history and will further your appreciation for this centuries-old London tradition.
The Changing of the Guard in London is one the best things to do in London for those wanting to experience the heart of Britain’s royal heritage. By witnessing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace you’ll be seeing the very best that Royal London has to offer. With knowledgeable tour guides, engaging storytelling, and perfectly timed viewing spots, this award-winning experience is the best Changing of the Guard tour for those wanting to get the best photos of the Changing of the Guard ceremony whilst discovering Britain’s royal history, heritage, culture and tradition at its finest.
Starting Point
📍Victoria Palace Theatre
Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA
Your Changing of the Guard Tour will start at the Victoria Palace Theatre. This is located near Victoria Station. On arrival at the start point please meet your tour guide holding the yellow umbrella at the clock in front of the theatre.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Please note that our Changing of the Guard tour must be booked in advance. Due to high demand we cannot accept walk up guests.
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Yes. All children aged 5+ years old are required to have a ticket and must be included in your booking.
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If your preferred date is not available on the booking calendar then the tour is either sold out or not running on that date.
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All of your guests must be included in the same booking. We often run multiple tours and each booking is allocated to a tour guide before you arrive for the tour. If you make separate bookings then it is likely your guests will be split up with different tour guides. Once a booking has been allocated to a tour guide then it cannot be changed.
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Please note that our tours have a limited capacity. Please only make a booking if there are enough spots available for all of your guests. Please do not make separate bookings. Please note that we cannot welcome any additional guests that are not included in your booking.
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Please note that our tours are not suitable for those with wheelchairs, prams/strollers, or those with walking difficulties.
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For policy reasons Groups or Travelling Parties of 9 or more people must contact us before booking the tour. Failure to do so will result in bookings being cancelled or being turned away from the tour without refund.
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Please note that school/college/university groups or corporate/business groups are not able to join our public tours. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
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This Changing of the Guard tour! Our tours are award winning and have been named amongst the best 20 tours in Europe. We’ve also won the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award 3 years in a row!
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The Changing of the Guard in London takes place across Westminster’s Royal residences of Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House and the Wellington Barracks.
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Our Changing of the Guard tour guides are all experienced guides and are always kept updated with the latest Changing of the Guard schedule, Changing of the Guard route and Changing of the Guard times.
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The Changing of the Guard ceremony goes for approximately 1 hour. Our Changing of the Guard tour goes for approximately 2 hours so you can get the best spots before the crowds, take incredible photos of the Royal palaces and finish with a photo standing next to the Royal Horseguards!
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The Changing of the Guard ceremony usually takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. We usually receive the confirmed Changing of the Guard schedule from the British Army approximately 2 - 6 weeks in advance.
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The Changing of the Guard route incorporates the Royal residences of Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House and the Wellington Barracks.
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Your Changing of the Guard tour will start at 10am with the first guards appearing from approximately 10:30am.
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Your Changing of the Guard walking tour will finish with a photo of you standing next to the Royal Horseguards!
Reviews which make this the best Changing of the Guard Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rachel was an outstanding tour guide, bringing a perfect blend of knowledge and enthusiasm. She got us some great views of the guards.
(Tripadvisor, 2025)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Erik was very knowledgeable! Thoroughly enjoyed this tour and recommend for anyone wanting to experience the changing of the guard with a historical view.
(Tripadvisor, 2025)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was so much more than just the changing of the guards. We got all kinds of historical information and saw so much and our guide. Eric was amazing!
(Tripadvisor, 2025)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Matt was our tour guide and he was fantastic! His stories were very entertaining! We had a great view of the guards changing and enjoyed the whole tour.
(Tripadvisor, 2025)
How to book a Changing of the Guard Tour
Book your Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in just 4 easy steps!
1) Select your date from the calendar
2) Select number of people
3) Accept the terms and conditions
4) Complete booking
It’s that easy!
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