Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace
by See The Sights Tours
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.£28Overview
This walking tour in London lasts about two hours and covers approximately three miles on foot. It begins in front of the Victoria Palace Theatre, where the guide holding a yellow umbrella meets the group. The tour starts with the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, which lasts around one hour. During this time, visitors watch the formal handover between the King’s Guard units, including the Old Guard, New Guard, Household Cavalry, and the military band performing live music. The ceremony features marching and military pageantry, with guards dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats. After the ceremony, the tour continues with a visit to Buckingham Palace itself, the official London residence of the British monarch, where the guide explains its role and surroundings, including royal gardens and parks. Next, the group walks to St James’s Palace, one of the oldest royal residences built by Henry VIII, which houses royal offices and hosts official events. Clarence House, the current residence of King Charles III and his family, is the following stop. The tour then proceeds along The Mall, a wide ceremonial avenue with a distinctive red surface used for royal processions and state occasions. After The Mall, the tour passes through St James’s Park, a 57-acre royal park featuring gardens, a lake, and wildlife such as pelicans and swans. The final stop is Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, a historic ceremonial ground and home to the Royal Horseguards cavalry regiment. Visitors may have the opportunity to take photos with the guards if they are available. Throughout the tour, the guide provides detailed commentary on each location and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Entrance fees to any landmarks are not included, and the tour does not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. The tour is not suitable for guests with mobility difficulties, wheelchairs, prams, buggies, or strollers. If weather conditions require, the Changing of the Guard may be a shortened 'Wet Change' without music, as determined by the British Army on the day of the tour.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard ceremony features the handover of duties between the King’s Guard units. It includes precise marching, live military band music, and guards in traditional tunics and bearskin hats. The event reflects British monarchy traditions and military discipline and lasts about one hour.
60 min
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. It is surrounded by royal parks and gardens and functions as a working palace hosting state occasions. The palace is recognized as a symbol of British royal heritage.
10 min
St. James's Palace
St James's Palace, built by Henry VIII, is one of the oldest royal residences in Britain. It served as the main royal home until the 18th century and continues to host royal events and offices. Its red brick façade is a noted landmark.
15 min
Clarence House
Clarence House is located in St James’s, London, and serves as the official residence of King Charles III and his family. It has historically housed various royal family members and hosts official events.
10 min
The Mall
The Mall is a wide ceremonial avenue running from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch. It is lined with trees and royal landmarks and is used for state events and royal processions. The street’s red surface is a distinctive feature of British ceremonies.
10 min
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 supports wildlife including pelicans and swans.
5 min
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
Horse Guards Parade is a historic ceremonial ground known for royal events like Trooping the Colour. It is home to the Royal Horseguards, the monarch’s elite cavalry regiment. Visitors can take photos with the guards when available.
10 min
Meeting point
The tour starts in front of the Victoria Palace Theatre. The address of Victoria Palace Theatre is Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella. Your tour guide will be standing at the clock in front of the theatre.
End point
The tour will end at Horseguards Parade.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace
by See The Sights Tours
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.£28Overview
This walking tour in London lasts about two hours and covers approximately three miles on foot. It begins in front of the Victoria Palace Theatre, where the guide holding a yellow umbrella meets the group. The tour starts with the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, which lasts around one hour. During this time, visitors watch the formal handover between the King’s Guard units, including the Old Guard, New Guard, Household Cavalry, and the military band performing live music. The ceremony features marching and military pageantry, with guards dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats. After the ceremony, the tour continues with a visit to Buckingham Palace itself, the official London residence of the British monarch, where the guide explains its role and surroundings, including royal gardens and parks. Next, the group walks to St James’s Palace, one of the oldest royal residences built by Henry VIII, which houses royal offices and hosts official events. Clarence House, the current residence of King Charles III and his family, is the following stop. The tour then proceeds along The Mall, a wide ceremonial avenue with a distinctive red surface used for royal processions and state occasions. After The Mall, the tour passes through St James’s Park, a 57-acre royal park featuring gardens, a lake, and wildlife such as pelicans and swans. The final stop is Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, a historic ceremonial ground and home to the Royal Horseguards cavalry regiment. Visitors may have the opportunity to take photos with the guards if they are available. Throughout the tour, the guide provides detailed commentary on each location and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Entrance fees to any landmarks are not included, and the tour does not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. The tour is not suitable for guests with mobility difficulties, wheelchairs, prams, buggies, or strollers. If weather conditions require, the Changing of the Guard may be a shortened 'Wet Change' without music, as determined by the British Army on the day of the tour.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard ceremony features the handover of duties between the King’s Guard units. It includes precise marching, live military band music, and guards in traditional tunics and bearskin hats. The event reflects British monarchy traditions and military discipline and lasts about one hour.
60 min
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. It is surrounded by royal parks and gardens and functions as a working palace hosting state occasions. The palace is recognized as a symbol of British royal heritage.
10 min
St. James's Palace
St James's Palace, built by Henry VIII, is one of the oldest royal residences in Britain. It served as the main royal home until the 18th century and continues to host royal events and offices. Its red brick façade is a noted landmark.
15 min
Clarence House
Clarence House is located in St James’s, London, and serves as the official residence of King Charles III and his family. It has historically housed various royal family members and hosts official events.
10 min
The Mall
The Mall is a wide ceremonial avenue running from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch. It is lined with trees and royal landmarks and is used for state events and royal processions. The street’s red surface is a distinctive feature of British ceremonies.
10 min
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 supports wildlife including pelicans and swans.
5 min
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
Horse Guards Parade is a historic ceremonial ground known for royal events like Trooping the Colour. It is home to the Royal Horseguards, the monarch’s elite cavalry regiment. Visitors can take photos with the guards when available.
10 min
Meeting point
The tour starts in front of the Victoria Palace Theatre. The address of Victoria Palace Theatre is Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella. Your tour guide will be standing at the clock in front of the theatre.
End point
The tour will end at Horseguards Parade.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.