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(1,083)
Our guide Voytek was incredibly knowledgeable and gave great insights. Great tour but be prepared to walk some distance and the tour goes for approx 2 hours before you enter the palace.
The tour guide (Jay) was totally AMAZING!🤩
Our tour guide, Louise, was knowledgeable and fun! She ensured we had a great spot to view the changing of the guard by Clarence House and then again at the Royal Barricks.
Excellent tour!!! Highly recommend. Our guide Michael was incredible...extremely knowledgeable and funny.
Jay expertly navigated our group through a very busy area managing to park at great vantage points to take in the action.
Cecily was not a good guide. She seemed bored, did not get us into position to see the first part of the morning changing activities, and had no idea what to do and seemed to not care when a member of our group sustained a trip and fall injury on the tour. At the entrance to the Royal Mews, which we and the rest of the group had paid for as part of the tour, we all had to stand around waiting for about a half hour while somebody else from the tour company came down to exchange vouchers for tickets. I would not recommend this company/experience.
Dear Gia_S, Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointing experience you and your group had on the tour. We are truly sorry for the lack of engagement and support from the guide. We also recognize how frustrating it must have been to wait outside the Royal Mews for voucher exchanges, as this is certainly not the seamless experience we strive to provide. We greatly appreciate your comments, as they bring important areas for improvement to light. Please rest assured that we will follow up directly with the guide and our operations team to address these issues. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we hope you will give us another opportunity in the future to provide you with the exceptional experience you deserve.
Sooo worth it! tour guide was great, so knowledgeable and helped us find the perfect spot for the best views. so much fun!
Louise was a great guide. We had a fun & informative experience stopping at great vantage points. Louise made sure that we maintained front row positions at all times. I walk with a cane & another gentleman also had a mobility issue, but we were able to keep up easily. The tour is a great value & I definitely recommend it.
Very good and clear in the presentation.
Great tour Gide, very clear and forming commentary, truly enjoyable tour and you will get many chances to take great pictures.
