London Changing of the Guard Fully Guided Walking Tour at Buckingham Palace
by City Wonders UK
Choose from 3 available options
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
Buckingham Palace stands as a central symbol of the British monarchy, where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place regularly. This guided walking tour lasts about 90 minutes and focuses on following the ceremony from multiple vantage points rather than staying in one spot. The guide leads the group through a planned route based on the day’s schedule and crowd conditions, allowing guests to see various parts of the ceremony as it unfolds. The tour starts at the Duke of York Column with an introduction to its historical importance and connection to royal London. Walking down The Mall, the guide explains its role as a ceremonial route and points out views toward Buckingham Palace while sharing its political and royal significance. Throughout the tour, guests observe the ceremonial guards’ uniforms, the household cavalry on horseback, and the foot soldiers’ procession, all with live commentary. Additional stops include the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Memorial, Clarence House, St. James's Park, and St. James's Palace, where the guide offers historical context for each location. The tour ends outside Buckingham Palace. Guests receive headsets when appropriate and live explanations from an English-speaking guide. Optional add-ons include tickets to the King’s Gallery exhibit about Queen Elizabeth II’s life and entry to the Royal Mews, the Royal Family’s stables. The guide adapts the route as needed and manages the group efficiently through the crowds. Note that the Changing of the Guard can be rescheduled or canceled by authorities, with cancellations due to weather not announced until late morning. In such cases, a ‘wet change’ still occurs without music or parade elements. The ceremony varies on Sundays and may feature footguards or horseguards on different days. Visitors should bring rainproof clothing due to London’s variable weather.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Duke Of York Column
The tour begins at this column dedicated to Prince Frederick, Duke of York. The guide provides historical background on the monument and explains its connection to The Mall and ceremonial London.
Walk along The Mall
Walking down The Mall, the guide describes its role as the ceremonial route used for royal processions, state visits, and national celebrations. Views toward Buckingham Palace and its political and royal importance are pointed out.
Changing of the Guard
Starting at the Duke of York Column, guests receive a historical introduction to the Changing of the Guard ceremony and personal headsets. The group moves between selected vantage points to watch different parts of the ceremony, including the household cavalry on horses and the King’s foot soldiers. Commentary explains the details of uniforms, regiments, and movements while navigating crowds with a small group size of 15 people.
90 min
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial
Passing this memorial, the guide briefly discusses the roles of King George VI and the Queen Mother during WWII and their influence on modern Britain.
Clarence House
Guests learn about Clarence House, the official residence of King Charles III and former home of the Queen Mother and Prince Charles, including its continuing importance to the Royal Family.
St. James's Park
A walk through London’s oldest royal park offers views of the lake, Buckingham Palace, and possibly pelicans. The guide explains the park’s royal origins and local wildlife.
St. James's Palace
The guide describes this Tudor-era palace, one of London’s oldest royal palaces, its historical role, and its current use in royal proclamations.
Buckingham Palace
The tour ends outside Buckingham Palace. Visitors are reminded that the Changing of the Guard schedule can change or be canceled by British authorities, with cancellations due to weather announced after 11am. In cancellation cases, a ‘wet change’ occurs without music or parade.
Meeting point
PLEASE NOTE! THE MEETING POINT IS NOT AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE. By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. This is the tall column with a statue on top.
End point
Outside Buckingham Palace
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
London Changing of the Guard Fully Guided Walking Tour at Buckingham Palace
by City Wonders UK
Choose from 3 available options
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
Buckingham Palace stands as a central symbol of the British monarchy, where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place regularly. This guided walking tour lasts about 90 minutes and focuses on following the ceremony from multiple vantage points rather than staying in one spot. The guide leads the group through a planned route based on the day’s schedule and crowd conditions, allowing guests to see various parts of the ceremony as it unfolds. The tour starts at the Duke of York Column with an introduction to its historical importance and connection to royal London. Walking down The Mall, the guide explains its role as a ceremonial route and points out views toward Buckingham Palace while sharing its political and royal significance. Throughout the tour, guests observe the ceremonial guards’ uniforms, the household cavalry on horseback, and the foot soldiers’ procession, all with live commentary. Additional stops include the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Memorial, Clarence House, St. James's Park, and St. James's Palace, where the guide offers historical context for each location. The tour ends outside Buckingham Palace. Guests receive headsets when appropriate and live explanations from an English-speaking guide. Optional add-ons include tickets to the King’s Gallery exhibit about Queen Elizabeth II’s life and entry to the Royal Mews, the Royal Family’s stables. The guide adapts the route as needed and manages the group efficiently through the crowds. Note that the Changing of the Guard can be rescheduled or canceled by authorities, with cancellations due to weather not announced until late morning. In such cases, a ‘wet change’ still occurs without music or parade elements. The ceremony varies on Sundays and may feature footguards or horseguards on different days. Visitors should bring rainproof clothing due to London’s variable weather.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Duke Of York Column
The tour begins at this column dedicated to Prince Frederick, Duke of York. The guide provides historical background on the monument and explains its connection to The Mall and ceremonial London.
Walk along The Mall
Walking down The Mall, the guide describes its role as the ceremonial route used for royal processions, state visits, and national celebrations. Views toward Buckingham Palace and its political and royal importance are pointed out.
Changing of the Guard
Starting at the Duke of York Column, guests receive a historical introduction to the Changing of the Guard ceremony and personal headsets. The group moves between selected vantage points to watch different parts of the ceremony, including the household cavalry on horses and the King’s foot soldiers. Commentary explains the details of uniforms, regiments, and movements while navigating crowds with a small group size of 15 people.
90 min
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial
Passing this memorial, the guide briefly discusses the roles of King George VI and the Queen Mother during WWII and their influence on modern Britain.
Clarence House
Guests learn about Clarence House, the official residence of King Charles III and former home of the Queen Mother and Prince Charles, including its continuing importance to the Royal Family.
St. James's Park
A walk through London’s oldest royal park offers views of the lake, Buckingham Palace, and possibly pelicans. The guide explains the park’s royal origins and local wildlife.
St. James's Palace
The guide describes this Tudor-era palace, one of London’s oldest royal palaces, its historical role, and its current use in royal proclamations.
Buckingham Palace
The tour ends outside Buckingham Palace. Visitors are reminded that the Changing of the Guard schedule can change or be canceled by British authorities, with cancellations due to weather announced after 11am. In cancellation cases, a ‘wet change’ occurs without music or parade.
Meeting point
PLEASE NOTE! THE MEETING POINT IS NOT AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE. By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. This is the tall column with a statue on top.
End point
Outside Buckingham Palace
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.