Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace
Description
Experience British tradition come to life on this fully guided Changing of the Guard walking tour. Rather than remaining in one single location, your guide will lead you to a series of vantage points to help you follow the ceremony as it unfolds. On this tour, your guide will carefully plan the route and positioning according to the day’s schedule, crowd levels, and the movements of the guards. By moving between key locations, you’ll have the opportunity to see different elements of the ceremony and gain a fuller understanding of this historic tradition. Throughout the experience, your guide will share the history and meaning behind the ceremony, explain the regiments, uniforms, and music, navigate the crowds as efficiently as possible, and adapt the route when necessary to make the most of the day’s conditions.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The tour begins at this impressive column dedicated to Prince Frederick, Duke of York. Your guide will introduce the history of the monument and set the royal context for the tour, explaining its connection to The Mall and ceremonial London.
As you walk down The Mall, your guide will explain its role as the ceremonial route used for royal processions, state visits, and major national celebrations. Guests will enjoy views toward Buckingham Palace and learn about its royal and political significance.
Your regal tour begins at the Duke of York Column, located in St. James’, where you’ll greet your guide, don a personal headset, and receive a historical overview of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Many tourists make the mistake of viewing the ceremony outside of Buckingham Palace. However on this tour, handpicked vantage points ensure you get the best views of the royal tradition while listening to commentary that explains each part of the performance. Marvel at the shimmering coats of the household cavalry as their riders control the horses with expert precision; capture photographs of the iconic red and black attire of the King’s foot soldiers; and, move quickly between vantage points in a small group of only 15 people.
While passing the memorial, your guide will briefly explain the importance of King George VI and the Queen Mother, particularly their role during WWII and their impact on modern Britain.
The official residence of King Charles III (formerly home to the Queen Mother and Prince Charles). Guests will hear stories about its royal residents and its ongoing importance within the Royal Family.
A relaxing walk through London’s oldest royal park. Guests will enjoy beautiful views of the lake, Buckingham Palace in the distance, and possibly the famous pelicans. The guide can explain the park’s royal origins and wildlife.
One of the oldest royal palaces in London, dating back to Henry VIII. Your guide will explain its Tudor origins, its role today, and its importance in royal proclamations.
Your tour concludes outside of Buckingham Palace. Please note: 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 11am. Even when cancelled, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music and parade.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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 11am. Even when cancelled, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music and parade.
- Please note weather is very changeable in London, please ensure you have rainproof clothing
- Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either footguards or horseguards
- On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the "Sunday Parade".
- Please note that access to the Royal Mews, the official stables of the British Royal Family, and The King’s Gallery for a unique viewing of Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is only available if the 'Upgrade Option' is selected
Reviews(1,047)
The guide was very knowledgeable, and he pointed out things we would not have seen if we were to do this on our own.
An incredible experience. Our guide, Natalie, was amazing! She knew all the best places to stand and was very knowledgeable. And due to her knowledge, she set us up to see and wave to King Charles as he commuted from St. James to Buckingham Palace! Would definitely recommend!
The only disappointment, sort of, was the changing of the guard that we saw. It was a partial observation down the street from St. James Palace. Never got anywhere close to Buckingham palace, so misleading advertising. There was still plenty to see. If we hadn't seen the actual changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace several times over the years this would have been a major disappointment.
Our tour guide, Louise, was awesome! She was so knowledgeable and added touches of humor which was great. She knew exactly when and where to take us to get front row views of activity. Note that it was more walking than expected so if you're considering this, be sure you can walk several miles, including through crowds. Great tour though!
My granddaughter thoroughly enjoyed this tour as our guide ensured she had a good vantage point for viewing all the action. Kevin, our tour guide was very entertaining and imparted a lot of interesting historical information about the changing of the guards ceremony. Luckily he had a strong voice because the whispers we were supposed to wear did not arrive in time to wear during our tour. Kevin guided us to the best places to view the ceremony. We would not have been able to do this on our own, so the tour was well worth it, especially for my granddaughter.
Louise was phenomenal. Lots of information was transferred and in a relatable way.
We did the Changing of the Guards tour with Louise. She was fantastic - energetic, super informative, highly entertaining. The actual changing of the guards was underwhelming (just a band and a few soldiers marching) but the walking tour was fantastic. Learned a lot about the history of London. Louise was one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had.
Aaron was a fabulous guide!
Good views while minimizing crowds
Excellent tour guide in Brenden. He was funny, informative and engaging. He also made sure we had the best viewpoints for each stage of the changing. Truly a great experience. 🏴🤘👍
