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

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

Check Dates

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday • Start Time: 10am • Duration: 2 hours • Price: £14 per person • Meeting Point: Victoria Palace Theatre • Walking Distance: 3 miles • Language: English

*Please note that Sunday Tours start at 9am.

Top Experiences On Your Changing Of The Guard Tour

Front-Row Access

Your expert guide leads you to selected vantage points around the palaces, giving you front-row views while avoiding the largest crowds.

Royal Photo Moment

Enjoy a memorable photo opportunity with the mounted Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry, a moment most visitors miss.

Living Royal History

Your guide brings the ceremony to life with fascinating stories about the King's Guard, royal traditions and centuries of British history.

Royal Palace Route

Walk between Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Clarence House and Wellington Barracks, following the Guards on their historic royal route.

Changing Of The Guard Tour Highlights

💂‍♂️ Watch the King's Guard, Foot Guards and Household Cavalry march through Royal London.

💂‍♂️ Discover the history and traditions behind Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Clarence House.

💂‍♂️ Enjoy an expert-guided route to the best vantage points, avoiding the biggest crowds.

💂‍♂️ Get front-row views of the Foot Guards and the Regimental Band as they perform.

💂‍♂️ Capture a memorable photo opportunity with the mounted Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry.

💂‍♂️ Learn fascinating stories about royal ceremony, military precision and centuries of tradition.

💂‍♂️ Experience London's most iconic royal ceremony on an award-winning, Top 20 Europe walking tour.

Award-Winning Changing Of The Guard Tour

Join this award-winning Changing of the Guard Tour, voted a Top 20 Tour in Europe and widely regarded as the best Changing of the Guard tour in London.

This expertly guided Changing of the Guard walking tour follows the King's Guard, Foot Guards and Household Cavalry as they march between Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Clarence House and Wellington Barracks, revealing the history, traditions and military precision behind Britain's most celebrated royal ceremony.

As a Royal London walking tour, it goes far beyond simply watching the spectacle: your local expert guide selects the best vantage points along the route, helping you avoid the crowds while offering front-row views of the Foot Guards, Regimental Band and mounted Royal Horseguards, plus a memorable photo opportunity with the Household Cavalry.

Ideal for first-time visitors, families and royal history enthusiasts, this Changing of the Guard guided tour brings London's royal heritage to life through engaging storytelling, fascinating historical insight and unrivalled local knowledge.

Recognised by travellers worldwide, it's consistently rated as the best Changing of the Guard tour in London for combining exceptional access, expert commentary and authentic British pageantry into one unforgettable Royal London experience.

Inclusions

✓ Front-row viewing of the Changing of the Guard ceremony in London

✓ Expert local guide providing professional commentary throughout

✓ Guided walk past Buckingham Palace and along The Mall

✓ Visit to St James's Palace and Clarence House

✓ Wellington Barracks and Horse Guards Parade

✓ Sightings of the King's Guard, Foot Guards and Regimental Band

✓ Photo opportunity with the mounted Royal Horseguards

✓ Carefully planned route to the best viewing locations, avoiding the biggest crowds

What To Know Before Your Changing Of The Guard Tour

This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs
This tour is not suitable for strollers
This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties
Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time
Please note that Sunday tours will see the Sunday Parade version of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Sunday tours start at 9am. Tours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday start at 10am.
This Changing of the Guard walking tour will not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Most of the Changing of the Guard in London is away from the Palace gates. Instead of remaining behind large crowds at the palace railings, your guide uses strategic locations around Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Wellington Barracks and The Mall to experience different stages of the ceremony. If you wish to go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace then we recommend not booking this tour.

Changing Of The Guard Tour Schedule & Meeting Point

Days of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

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

Finish: 12pm (11am Sunday)
End Point: Horseguards Parade
Nearest Underground: Westminster

Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella.

Changing Of The Guard Tour FAQ

The award-winning Changing of the Guard Tour by See The Sights Tours is widely regarded as the best Changing of the Guard tour in London and has been voted a Top 20 Tour in Europe. This Changing of the Guard tour follows the King's Guard between Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Clarence House and Wellington Barracks.
The Changing of the Guard walking tour starts at 10am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 9am on Sundays, giving guests time to reach the best viewing points before the ceremony begins.
The Changing of the Guard tour meets outside Victoria Palace Theatre, near Victoria Station. Guests should look for their tour guide holding a yellow umbrella.
This Changing of the Guard guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours, covering around 3 miles (5km) through the heart of Royal London.
The Changing of the Guard tour finishes at Horse Guards Parade, close to Westminster, after exploring Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Clarence House and The Mall.
While the Changing of the Guard ceremony itself is free to watch, tickets are required to join a Changing of the Guard tour, currently priced at £14 per person.
The Changing of the Guard walking tour runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with Sunday tours featuring the Sunday Parade version of the ceremony.
This Royal London walking tour is conducted entirely in English by a professional local guide.
Yes, this Changing of the Guard tour is well suited to children and families, offering an engaging way to see the King's Guard, Foot Guards and Household Cavalry together.
The Changing of the Guard tour suits active seniors comfortable walking around 3 miles over two hours, but it's not suitable for guests with walking difficulties and isn't wheelchair or stroller accessible.
The Changing of the Guard tour still operates in wet weather. If conditions affect the official ceremony, the military may perform a shorter "Wet Change" without music, and your guide adapts the tour accordingly.
No, this Changing of the Guard guided tour does not visit the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Instead, your guide uses strategic locations around Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Wellington Barracks and The Mall to see the ceremony from better vantage points.

Book A Changing Of The Guard Tour or Watch It Yourself?

The Changing of the Guard is a public ceremony but watching the Changing of the Guard on your own often means arriving early, standing in large crowds and hoping you've chosen a good viewing spot.

On our Changing of the Guard walking tour, your expert local guide leads you to carefully selected locations around Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Clarence House, Wellington Barracks and Horse Guards Parade, allowing you to enjoy multiple viewpoints instead of remaining in one place. You'll follow the Guards' route, gain excellent photo opportunities and even have the chance to enjoy a photograph with the mounted Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry.

More importantly, you'll understand what you're watching. Your guide brings the ceremony to life with fascinating stories about the King's Guard, Foot Guards, the Household Division, royal traditions and centuries of British military history. Rather than simply seeing a parade, you'll discover the history, symbolism and precision behind one of London's most iconic royal ceremonies.

Whether you're visiting London for the first time or returning to explore its royal heritage, this Changing of the Guard guided tour offers a richer, more immersive experience. It's no surprise that many guests consider it the best Changing of the Guard tour in London and one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy a Royal London walking tour.

Fantastic Changing of the Guard experience

“Our guide Eric explained what was going on and gave us a crash course in British history.”

Great royal history tour

“Erik knew very much about the history of the guards, royal family and house they lived in.”

Amazing and informative tour

“Erik was amazing and was so well informed!”