What is the best Changing of the Guard tour in London in 2026?

The award-winning Changing of the Guard tour by See The Sights Tours is officially ranked among the top 20 European experiences for 2026. This expert-led walking tour navigates massive Buckingham Palace crowds, providing front-row views of the King's Guard and Regimental Bands that stationary tourists simply miss.

What time does the Changing of the Guard London 2026 start?

In 2026, the official Changing of the Guard London ceremony begins at 11:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Our guided tour starts earlier at 10:00 AM (9:00 AM Sundays) from Victoria Palace Theatre to intercept the guards at Wellington Barracks before the palace crowds peak.

Is a Changing of the Guard walking tour worth it?

Absolutely. While many visitors wait for hours only to have their view blocked, your professional guide moves 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.

Where is the best place to watch the Changing of the Guard?

The best place to watch the Changing of the Guard is away from the congested palace railings. Our professional guides utilise strategic vantage points allowing you to see the Foot Guards and Household Cavalry marching up close with unobstructed photography opportunities.

Do you need tickets for the Changing of the Guard ceremony?

While the ceremony itself is a free public event, booking a Changing of the Guard walking tour is highly recommended to actually see the pageantry. Most visitors get stuck behind crowds; however, our guided experience ensures expert timing and elite positioning at key ceremonial locations.

How long does the Changing of the Guard tour last?

The Buckingham Palace Guard tour typically lasts 2 hours, covering approximately 3 miles. This immersive experience follows the full military transition, including the Old Guard's departure and the New Guard's arrival, concluding at Horse Guards Parade for a unique photo opportunity with the Royal Horseguards.

Are Changing of the Guard tours suitable for families?

Yes, our Changing of the Guard tour in London is a premier choice for families. The dynamic nature of the walking route keeps children engaged as they follow the rhythmic marching bands through Royal Parks, making it one of the most educational and memorable family activities in London.

Which guards participate in the London ceremony?

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

Does the Changing of the Guard happen in the rain?

The ceremony proceeds in most weather, though heavy rain may trigger a "Wet Change." During a London walking tour in 2026, you'll see the guards in their iconic grey Great Coats. Our tours operate in all conditions, providing an authentic, atmospheric experience regardless of British weather.

Can I take photos with the guards during the tour?

Photography is highly encouraged! While you cannot approach guards on duty at the palace, our London sightseeing tour includes a dedicated stop at Horse Guards Parade. Here, you can capture the "sweet spot" photo standing safely next to the mounted Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry.

Is there a fee for the Changing of the Guard?

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is free to watch, but most visitors see very little due to the crowds. This award-winning tour provides the expert navigation and timing needed to actually see the guards, bands, and cavalry up close.

Where does the Changing of the Guard tour start?

The tour departs from the Victoria Palace Theatre (near Victoria Station). Meeting your guide here, identifiable by a yellow umbrella, allows the group to beat the crowds and secure the best spots of where to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

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

Changing of the Guard London: 2026 Tour Summary

Witness the Changing of the Guard Tour on this award-winning walking tour that is expertly timed to navigate the crowds, offering front-row views of the Foot Guards and the Regimental Band as they march between Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, The Mall and St. James's Palace.

Duration: 2 Hours

Highlights:

Award-Winning Changing of the Guard Tour
Best spots to watch the Changing of the Guard
Royal Palaces including Buckingham Palace
Photo opportunity with the Royal Horseguards

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Price: £14 per person

Start Time & Location: 10am at Victoria Palace Theatre (9am Sunday)

Finish Time & Location: 12pm at Horseguards Parade (11am Sunday)

Experience the pinnacle of British pageantry with this award-winning Changing of the Guard walking tour in London. As the premier choice for a Changing of the Guard tour, you’ll go 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.

This 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.

Read Tour Reviews Here. Or visit our Small Group Changing of the Guard Tour.

Do you have a Go City/London Pass? Click here to book your tour.

What You’ll Experience

Front Row Views

Regimental Musical Band

Household Cavalry

Royal Palaces

Royal Parks

Royal Horseguards Photo

Highlights

⭐ Secure the best vantage points to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony
⭐ Discover Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace & Clarence House
⭐ Get up close to the Old Guard, New Guard, Horseguards & Marching Bands
⭐ Snap a unique photo with the Royal Horseguards that most visitors miss
⭐ Avoid the crowds for an intimate view of the Royal Guards

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
❌ Front gates of Buckingham Palace
❌ Gratuities

Why Choose This Award-Winning Changing of the Guard Tour?

  
        Experience Feature
        Standard Sightseeing Tours
        Our Award-Winning Walking Tour
      
        Buckingham Palace Visibility
        ✘ Stationary views blocked by palace gates and massive crowds.
        ✔ Strategic vantage points for unobstructed views of the King's Guard.
      
        The Guard Mounting Process
        ✘ Usually limited to just one location (The Palace Front).
        ✔ Follows the ceremony from Buckingham Palace & St James's Palace to The Mall & Wellington Barracks.
      
        Photography Opportunities
        ✘ Rushed shots over the heads of thousands of tourists.
        ✔ Dedicated stops for front-row photos with the Regimental Bands.
      
        Royal Military History
        ✘ Basic facts often provided via recorded audio or scripts.
        ✔ Expert-led storytelling by Professional London Guides.
      
        The Experience
        ✘ You stand still while the guards march away from you.
        ✔ A dynamic walking tour with multiple front-row viewing spots.
      
        Agility & Crowd Control
        ✘ Large groups get stuck in "tourist traps" and traffic.
        ✔ Efficient, well-timed route designed to beat the crowds.

Experience Feature	Standard Sightseeing Tours	Our Award-Winning Walking Tour
Buckingham Palace Visibility	✘ Stationary views blocked by palace gates and massive crowds.	✔ Strategic vantage points for unobstructed views of the King's Guard.
The Guard Mounting Process	✘ Usually limited to just one location (The Palace Front).	✔ Follows the ceremony from Buckingham Palace & St James's Palace to The Mall & Wellington Barracks.
Photography Opportunities	✘ Rushed shots over the heads of thousands of tourists.	✔ Dedicated stops for front-row photos with the Regimental Bands.
Royal Military History	✘ Basic facts often provided via recorded audio or scripts.	✔ Expert-led storytelling by Professional London Guides.
The Experience	✘ You stand still while the guards march away from you.	✔ A dynamic walking tour with multiple front-row viewing spots.
Agility & Crowd Control	✘ Large groups get stuck in "tourist traps" and traffic.	✔ Efficient, well-timed route designed to beat the crowds.

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.

Additional Information

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 gates. If you wish to go to the front gates then please 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

Frequently Asked Questions

The award-winning Changing of the Guard tour by See The Sights Tours is officially ranked among top European experiences for 2026. This expert-led London walking tour navigates Buckingham Palace crowds to deliver front-row views of the King's Guard, Regimental Bands, and Household Cavalry marching up close.
The Changing of the Guard tour in London starts at 10:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 9:00 AM on Sundays from Victoria Palace Theatre. Guided tours intentionally depart before the official ceremony to intercept the guards at Wellington Barracks and beat the palace crowds.
Yes, a guided Changing of the Guard tour is well worth booking. Instead of standing stationary behind 10-deep crowds at Buckingham Palace gates, a professional guide leads you across multiple vantage points to experience the marching band, royal palaces, and military history up close with prime photo opportunities.
A guided Changing of the Guard tour is a dynamic walking experience moving between St. James's Palace, Wellington Barracks, and Buckingham Palace. Watching on your own leaves you trapped stationary behind gates. Guided tours navigate crowd-free vantage points, explain military protocols, and include unique photo stops.
You can book tickets for a Changing of the Guard tour in London directly online via See The Sights Tours. Standard adult tickets cost £14 per person, offering an affordable, highly rated London sightseeing tour with flexible 24-hour free cancellation policies for stress-free travel planning.
A standard Changing of the Guard tour takes approximately 2 hours, covering roughly 3 miles (5 km) of walking through royal London. The route moves smoothly through St. James’s Park and along The Mall, allowing visitors to follow the entire ceremony without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
If it rains, the Changing of the Guard tour still operates, but the British Army may execute a "Wet Change". This shortened military ceremony proceeds without musical bands. Your tour guide seamlessly adapts the walking route to highlight royal palaces, historical landmarks, and covered photo spots.
The Changing of the Guard tour starts at the Victoria Palace Theatre near Victoria Station and finishes two hours later at Horse Guards Parade near Westminster. This convenient route places guests within easy walking distance of London Eye, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey.

Last Updated July 2026