Booking Wolf
Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London with Royal Horseguards Photo
cultural

Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London with Royal Horseguards Photo

by See The Sights Tours

2 hours
London
£17.10£19 on ViatorSave 10%/person
From
£17.10£19 on ViatorSave 10%per person

Choose from 1 available option

2 hours
Starting time
Friday 11 September 2026
Language
English
Free cancellation until 10 Sept 2026.
£34.20£38Save 10%
2 adults × £17.10
All taxes and fees included

How do you want to book?

Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.

Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.£38

Overview

This small-group walking tour lasts about two hours and provides close views of the Changing of the Guard ceremony in London. The guide leads the group to front-row positions to watch the Old Guard, New Guard, Household Cavalry, and the military band during the ceremony. After the guard change, the tour concludes at Horseguards Parade, where guests may have the chance to take a photo with the Royal Horseguards, depending on their availability. Along the route, the guide points out several royal landmarks including Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, The Mall, and St James’s Park. The tour covers around three miles on foot and does not include access to the front gates of Buckingham Palace, as the main parts of the ceremony take place elsewhere. In rainy weather, the Changing of the Guard may be shortened and performed without music, as decided by the British Army on the day. This walking tour is not suitable for guests with mobility difficulties, wheelchairs, prams, buggies, or strollers.

Highlights

Front-row views of Changing of the Guard ceremony
Photo opportunity with the Royal Horseguards
Visit Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace
See Clarence House, The Mall, and St James’s Park
Walk approximately three miles in central London

What's included

Guided small-group walking tour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
Visit to The Mall
Visit to Clarence House
Visit to St James’s Park
Visit to St James’s Palace
Visit to Buckingham Palace exterior
Photo with the Royal Horseguards
Professional tour guide

What's not included

Entrance tickets to any sights, landmarks, or attractions
Access to the front gates of Buckingham Palace
Gratuities

Itinerary

1

Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard is a traditional ceremony marking the handover of duties between the King’s Guard. It features precise marching, live military band music, and guards dressed in red tunics and bearskin hats. This event represents British monarchy and heritage through disciplined, longstanding tradition.

60 min

2

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. It is surrounded by royal gardens and parks and serves as a working royal palace hosting state occasions and national celebrations.

10 min

3

St. James's Palace

St James’s Palace is one of the oldest royal residences in Britain, built by Henry VIII. It was the monarch’s official residence until the 18th century and currently hosts royal offices and events. Its red brick façade is a symbol of British history.

15 min

4

Clarence House

Clarence House, located in St James’s, is the official residence of King Charles III and his family. It has housed various members of the royal family and is used for official events and ceremonies.

10 min

5

The Mall

The Mall is a ceremonial avenue in central London running from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch. It is lined with trees and royal landmarks and is used for major state events and royal processions, known for its distinctive red surface.

10 min

6

St. James's Park

St James’s Park covers 57 acres and is one of London’s royal parks. It features gardens, a lake, and views of Buckingham Palace. The park is home to wildlife such as pelicans and swans.

5 min

7

Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall

Horse Guards Parade is a historic ceremonial ground in London, known for events like Trooping the Colour. It is the base of the Royal Horseguards cavalry regiment, who serve as the monarch’s personal guards. Guests may have a photo opportunity with the Royal Horseguards here.

10 min

Meeting point

The tour starts in front of The Old Star pub in St James's. The Old Star pub is opposite St James's Park Station (Broadway Exit). The address of The Old Star pub is 66 Broadway, London, SW1H 0DB. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella.

End point

The tour will end at Horseguards Parade.

Languages

English (guide)

Cancellation policy

  • Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.

Additional info

1–8 travelers per booking
Mobile ticket
Service animals are welcome
Reachable by public transport
Suitable for all fitness levels
The tour starts in front of The Old Star pub at 66 Broadway, London, SW1H 0DB, opposite St James’s Park Station (Broadway Exit). The guide will hold a yellow umbrella.
The tour is not suitable for guests with walking or mobility difficulties.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchairs.
The tour is not suitable for prams, buggies, or strollers.
The walking distance of the tour is approximately three miles.
The tour does not include access to the front gates of Buckingham Palace, as most of the ceremony occurs elsewhere. Guests wishing to visit the front gates should not book this tour.
If it is raining or the weather is bad, the Changing of the Guard ceremony may be a ‘Wet Change’, which is a shortened version without music. The British Army decides this at approximately 10.30 AM on the day of the ceremony.
Photos with the Royal Horseguards depend on their availability.
Total
£34.20Save 10% vs Viator