Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide
+46 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $68 / person
- Location
- London, United Kingdom
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 16 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 15
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- London Unscripted
- Meeting point
- Meet your expert guide at the Duke of York Column, the starting point for your journey into the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. Conveniently located, the nearest Underground stations are Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus.
Description
Experience London’s most famous royal ceremony with a guide who shows you the best vantage points and explains every moment of the spectacle whilst avoiding huge crowds. Starting at the Duke of York Column, engage with a trained actor guide who shares captivating stories and insights as you move between key locations like St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace. This tour ensures you see the Guards up close and learn about their history and uniform. This dynamic experience is perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike, offering a fun and informative afternoon in the heart of London. On this tour you will: - Witness one of Britain’s most spectacular royal traditions up close - Stand just feet from the Guards in full ceremonial uniform - March alongside the military bands and processions - See multiple stages of the ceremony from the best vantage points - Visit the exterior of St James's Palace, Wellington Barracks and Buckingham Palace
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Wed, and Fri
- Start times
- 9:45 AM
- Adult (ages 18+)
- $68
- Child (ages 5–17)
- $68
In demand: 13 of the next 13 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 29.
Tour Options
Itinerary
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial
At the memorial to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, you’ll hear the story of a reluctant king who led Britain through the Second World War, and the Queen who stood firmly by his side, becoming one of the nation’s most beloved figures.
St. James's Palace
Here you'll watch the Old Guard line up for inspection and hear the military band strike up! You’ll discover one of London’s oldest royal residences, built by Henry VIII, and hear how it once served as the official home of the monarch before Buckingham Palace took centre stage.
Changing of the Guard
Follow the action across royal London, learning how the ceremony works, how to distinguish the Guards by their uniforms and learn about the fascinating history of the area. Capture fantastic photographs of the iconic red tunics and bearskin hats of the King’s Foot Guards.
Wellington Barracks
Watch the New Guard march out of Wellington Barracks and towards Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace
At Buckingham Palace, you’ll learn how this grand building evolved from a private townhouse into the official residence of the British monarch, and hear how it continues to serve as the centre of modern royal life, so much so that Queen Elizabeth II simply referred to it as “the office.”
What's included
Included
A Local Guide
Not included
Bottled water
Public transportation
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
16 reviews
How it compares in London
- Rated higher than 80% of 1,343 reviewed tours in London
- Starting price $68 is close to the typical $68 for tours of similar length in London
Excurgo comparison of 4,746 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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 Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide take?
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide cost?
Prices start at $68 per person for this London experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, starting at 9:45 AM.
How much does Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide cost for children?
Children aged 5–17 pay from $68, adults from $68.
Does Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide sell out?
It can: 13 of the next 13 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide 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 Meet your expert guide at the Duke of York Column, the starting point for your journey into the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. Conveniently located, the nearest Underground stations are Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide 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 15 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by London Unscripted.
Reviews(16)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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from$68
5.0(16) Free cancellation