Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London
by Urban Saunters
Choose from 1 available option
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.£30Overview
This small-group walking tour in London covers the Changing of the Guard ceremony, lasting about 1 hour and 45 minutes. A local English-speaking guide leads the group through key locations connected to the ceremony, explaining the history and meaning behind the guards’ uniforms, symbols, and movements. The tour starts with witnessing the ceremonial action and follows the guards on their route toward Buckingham Palace, providing a good viewing spot away from the crowded forecourt. The itinerary includes a 30-minute introduction to the Changing of the Guard ceremony, followed by a 20-minute stop outside St James’s Palace, the oldest royal palace in the UK and still an official royal residence. Next is a 20-minute visit to see the Horseguards’ own changing ceremony, with explanations on its symbolism and opportunities for photos. Finally, there is a 20-minute stop outside Buckingham Palace, a palace with 775 rooms and many stories tied to King Charles III. The tour moves quickly to keep pace with the guards, so comfortable footwear and water are recommended. The British Army controls the ceremony schedule and may alter or cancel it, but the tour proceeds rain or shine. If the full ceremony is canceled, the guards’ march can still be seen, though without music. Video recording of the guide is not allowed without permission, and there are no restroom or refreshment breaks during the tour. The tour operates in all weather conditions and has noted changes to the Sunday ceremony format starting April 2025.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Changing of the Guard Ceremony Introduction
The tour begins with a 30-minute segment presenting the Changing of the Guard ceremony in a small group setting, focusing on the ceremonial actions and the guards involved.
30 min
St James’s Palace Exterior
A 20-minute stop outside St James’s Palace, built on the site of an old leper hospital. It is the oldest royal palace in the UK and remains an official royal residence.
20 min
Horseguards Changing Ceremony
Spend 20 minutes watching the Horseguards’ own changing of the guard, which occurs daily regardless of weather. The guide explains the symbolism and significance of this tradition, with good photo opportunities.
20 min
Buckingham Palace Exterior
The final 20-minute stop is outside Buckingham Palace, the most famous palace of King Charles III, containing 775 rooms. The guide shares stories connected to this landmark.
20 min
Meeting point
Meet our guide by the Equestrian statue of Edward VII, Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 5ER. Arriving by tube: Take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St. James's. Walk south down Regent Street towards St. James's Park. Waterloo Place is at the end of Regent Street.
End point
The experience will end around Buckingham Palace
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London
by Urban Saunters
Choose from 1 available option
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.£30Overview
This small-group walking tour in London covers the Changing of the Guard ceremony, lasting about 1 hour and 45 minutes. A local English-speaking guide leads the group through key locations connected to the ceremony, explaining the history and meaning behind the guards’ uniforms, symbols, and movements. The tour starts with witnessing the ceremonial action and follows the guards on their route toward Buckingham Palace, providing a good viewing spot away from the crowded forecourt. The itinerary includes a 30-minute introduction to the Changing of the Guard ceremony, followed by a 20-minute stop outside St James’s Palace, the oldest royal palace in the UK and still an official royal residence. Next is a 20-minute visit to see the Horseguards’ own changing ceremony, with explanations on its symbolism and opportunities for photos. Finally, there is a 20-minute stop outside Buckingham Palace, a palace with 775 rooms and many stories tied to King Charles III. The tour moves quickly to keep pace with the guards, so comfortable footwear and water are recommended. The British Army controls the ceremony schedule and may alter or cancel it, but the tour proceeds rain or shine. If the full ceremony is canceled, the guards’ march can still be seen, though without music. Video recording of the guide is not allowed without permission, and there are no restroom or refreshment breaks during the tour. The tour operates in all weather conditions and has noted changes to the Sunday ceremony format starting April 2025.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Changing of the Guard Ceremony Introduction
The tour begins with a 30-minute segment presenting the Changing of the Guard ceremony in a small group setting, focusing on the ceremonial actions and the guards involved.
30 min
St James’s Palace Exterior
A 20-minute stop outside St James’s Palace, built on the site of an old leper hospital. It is the oldest royal palace in the UK and remains an official royal residence.
20 min
Horseguards Changing Ceremony
Spend 20 minutes watching the Horseguards’ own changing of the guard, which occurs daily regardless of weather. The guide explains the symbolism and significance of this tradition, with good photo opportunities.
20 min
Buckingham Palace Exterior
The final 20-minute stop is outside Buckingham Palace, the most famous palace of King Charles III, containing 775 rooms. The guide shares stories connected to this landmark.
20 min
Meeting point
Meet our guide by the Equestrian statue of Edward VII, Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 5ER. Arriving by tube: Take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St. James's. Walk south down Regent Street towards St. James's Park. Waterloo Place is at the end of Regent Street.
End point
The experience will end around Buckingham Palace
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.