Changing of the Guard Tour London: Small Group Walking Tour

Discover the true essence of British pageantry on our small group Changing of the Guard walking tour in London. As the leading choice for a small group Changing of the Guard tour, we move with the action to ensure you witness the spectacular Changing of the Guard ceremony from the most coveted vantage points. This is the definitive small group Changing of the Guard walking tour, expertly designed to get you closer to the King’s Guard and the Foot Guards throughout the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, and Clarence House.

This small group Changing of the Guard in London experience provides unrivalled views of the Changing of the Guard ceremony and features a unique photo with the Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry, a Royal highlight often missed by most visitors to London. Escape the crowds and book your Changing of the Guard walking tour in London now for a truly memorable Royal experience.

Small Group Tour!
Adult £19 | Children £19 + booking fee

What You’ll Experience

Small group tour

Front row views of the Guards

Explore the history of the Royal parks

Photo with the Royal Horseguards

Regimental musical band

Photos at the Royal palaces

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
✅ Small Group Tour
✅ 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: The Old Star pub
Nearest Underground: St James’s Park

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 small group tour is strictly limited to 15 guests, ensuring an intimate and agile experience. Unlike larger groups, our small size allows your expert guide to navigate the London crowds efficiently, securing front-row views of the King’s Guard and military bands that most tourists simply miss.

  • The best place to watch the Changing of the Guard is away from the stationary crowds at the palace gates. Because we are a small group, we use our agility to reach strategic vantage points at St. James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks to see the Foot Guards marching up close.

  • To provide a premium and conversational atmosphere, we limit our small group Changing of the Guard walking tour to just 15 guests. This ensures you have direct access to your guide for questions and a much clearer view of the Buckingham Palace Guards throughout the ceremony.

  • Yes! A highlight of our small group experience is the dedicated opportunity for a photo with the Royal Horseguards. Because our group is small, we can move through the Royal Quarter quickly to reach the iconic mounted guards at Horse Guards Parade before the massive crowds arrive.

  • Yes, this is strictly a London walking tour. We do not use transport, which gives our small group the flexibility to follow the Guard Mounting ceremony as it moves between locations. This allows our group of 15 to stay at the heart of the action throughout the event.

  • This immersive small group experience covers the exterior of Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, Clarence House, and The Mall. Your guide will share the royal history of each site as we follow the rhythm of the military bands through the historic ceremonial grounds of the Royal Quarter.

  • With a maximum of 15 guests, we can stand in smaller, prime spots along the parade route. This ensures you see the precision of the King’s Guard and the detail of the scarlet tunics and bearskin hats without being obstructed by larger, slower-moving tour groups.

  • If the military declares a "Wet Change," the ceremony is shortened. However, our small group tour proceeds, and your guide will provide in-depth storytelling about the Old Guard and the New Guard while ensuring you still see the soldiers in their iconic grey greatcoats.

  • Choosing a small group (max 15) is the best way to experience London’s royal history. It offers a "front-row" feel and ensures a high-value connection to the pageantry of the Guard Mounting without the stress or lack of visibility associated with navigating massive tourist crowds alone.

  • Yes! Our small group Changing of the Guard tour is designed for photography. Whether it is the military bands playing on The Mall or a personal photo with the Household Cavalry, our limited group size ensures you have the time and space to capture perfect memories.