Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian
+46 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $40 / person
- Location
- London, United Kingdom
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 834 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Up to 35 people
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Fantastic Walks
- Meeting point
- Your guide will be holding a red Fantastic Walks flag and wearing a Fantastic Walks rucksack. Please be at the meeting point ten minutes before the scheduled start time. If you're late, head along The Mall to Friary Court, St James's Palace. Look for a guide with a red flag.
Description
This is the highest-rated Changing of the Guard walking tour on Viator and Tripadvisor. Led by a historian and designed with a former Guardsman, this tour gives you the historical context, insider knowledge and the best viewing spots for the capital’s most iconic ceremony. Not only that, you'll get to walk alongside the Guards and ceremonial band as they march down The Mall—yes, it is as exciting as it sounds. You'll see Buckingham Palace, of course, but you'll also visit St James's Palace and Clarence House, discovering how these royal residences fit into this world-famous ceremony. If we're lucky—it does happen—you might even catch a glimpse of the King or Queen. Just as importantly, there'll be plenty of fun and laughter along the way. At the end of the tour, as the crowds begin to disperse, you can either go to the gates of Buckingham Palace for some fantastic photo opportunities or walk back to Trafalgar Square with your guide and enjoy some bonus sightseeing along the way.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sun
- Start times
- 9:30 AM
- Next available
- Sun, Nov 1
- Adult (ages 18+)
- $40
- Child (ages 5–17)
- $26
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 31.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Trafalgar Square
We begin in Trafalgar Square, the historic heart of London. Not only is it easy to find, it also has a direct link to the origins of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. While you're here, we'll show you the spot that marks the very centre of London. You'll also discover why Lord Horatio Nelson is one of Britain's greatest heroes, what we did with all the cannons captured from the defeated French, and why it might be worth patting the paw of one of the famous lion statues.
St. James's Palace
This palace rivals Buckingham Palace and is a must-see in its own right. It’s also where the Guards come off duty, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes perspective of the ceremony. One of London’s most historic sites, it’s steeped in centuries of history, scandal and intrigue. Not every tour includes it — but we most definitely do.
Buckingham Palace
One of the highlights of the tour is marching alongside the King's Guards and their ceremonial band as they make their way down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. Few experiences bring you closer to the spectacle. You'll hear the military music, watch the precision drill at close quarters, and enjoy views that most visitors never even realise are possible.
Wellington Barracks
This immense Georgian barracks is where the Changing of the Guard both begins and ends, and we will be here to see the new Guard come on duty.
Clarence House
Your Changing of the Guard experience concludes outside Clarence House, the home of the King and Queen - which is just a couple of minutes away from Buckingham Palace. It will also be a final opportunity to see the Guards and the ceremonial band, and we are likely to see the Horse Guards as well. From here, it’s a short walk to Green Park or St James’s Park stations, or around 15 minutes on foot to Trafalgar Square or Parliament Square.
What's included
Included
Expert local guide
Prime viewing spots
Not included
Gratuities/tips
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
834 reviews
How it compares in London
- Rated higher than 80% of 1,341 reviewed tours in London
- Starting price $40 is 43% below the typical $69 for tours of similar length in London
- Price over the last 29 days: $39–$40
Excurgo comparison of 4,741 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for those using a motorized cart.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $40 per person for this London experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting at 9:30 AM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 5–17 pay from $26, adults from $40.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Your guide will be holding a red Fantastic Walks flag and wearing a Fantastic Walks rucksack. Please be at the meeting point ten minutes before the scheduled start time. If you're late, head along The Mall to Friary Court, St James's Palace. Look for a guide with a red flag. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 35 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 834 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Fantastic Walks.
Reviews(834)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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from$40
5.0(834) Free cancellation