London Changing of the Guard walking tour

Free cancellation

Place: London

Duration: up to 1 hour 30 minutes

Language: English

Mobile voucher accepted

Instant confirmation

Do this because

Get views of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
Hear about the history of this event from an expert guide
Visit stunning Buckingham Palace

What to expect

See British tradition come to life on this fully-guided Changing of the Guard walking tour that ensures you get the very best views of this spectacular ceremony. Don’t make the same mistake that so many visitors often, and understandably, make, believing the prime vantage point from where to experience this time-honoured tradition is outside Buckingham Palace. These spectators’ enthusiasm quickly turns to disappointment when they realise that they have waited for hours only to see the very end of this unique performance, their view often blocked by the throngs of people crowding around them. Instead, follow your guide on a dynamic journey that takes in the entire Changing of the Guard from beginning to end as they expertly navigate the crowds to take you to the best viewpoints.

Your guide is an expert on the history of this fascinating ceremony and their knowledge will give you invaluable insight into every detail of this British spectacle. With your own personal headset allowing you to easily follow your guide’s entertaining commentary, you can fully take in the splendor parading past you. Marvel at the precision with which the King's Foot Guards march to Buckingham Palace, clad in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats, or admire the gleaming coats of the Household Cavalry’s horses as they emerge at Horse Guard’s Parade. Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, you’ll experience the change of the Household Cavalry.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to changes in date, time, and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before 11.00am. Even when cancelled, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music and parade
Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, you’ll experience the change of the Household Cavalry
Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates you will see either foot guards or horse guards
Unfortunately, this tour is unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance as well as strollers or baby carriages
Please note weather is very changeable in London, please ensure you have rainproof clothing
This tour involves a reasonable amount of walking thus, comfortable shoes for all guests are recommended
The tour operator reserves the right to refuse participation on its tours to any guest under the influence of drugs or alcohol or to any guest whose behavior is disorderly, or poses a threat to other guests or staff
Everything will be done to ensure timings and itineraries are respected; however, due to issues beyond control, timings, and sites are subject to last minute changes on rare occasions
Infants (0-3 years): free

What’s included

Expert guide

Headsets when appropriate, so that you can always hear your guide

What’s not included

Hotel pick-up/drop-off

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton Terrace, London SW1Y

Meeting point:

You will meet your guide at Duke of York column at Waterloo Place. This is the tall column with the statue on top. Your guide will have a sign with the tour name for easy recognition. Arriving by tube: Take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St James's. You can also arrive via Charing Cross Station.