Changing of the Guard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in London

London, GB

Included

  • inclusion
    Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • inclusion
    Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • inclusion
    VoiceMap app for Android and iOS

Excluded

  • exclusion
    food and drinks
  • exclusion
    Smartphone and headphones
  • exclusion
    Transportation

Meeting Point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Meeting point

London SW1H 0BB , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

The tour ends in front of Banqueting House.

Meeting point

Whitehall, London SW1A 2ER , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1
St. James's Park

Starting outside St. James‘ Park, you‘ll see the iconic guards in their bright red jackets and black bearskin helmets, supported by their regimental bands which provide a tuneful backdrop to your walk.

2

The Mall

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Stand on the Mall, where the world comes to get a grandstand view of royal events like weddings, coronations, and funerals.

3
Admiralty Arch

As you witness the ceremony, you’ll learn to identify the different guards, by looking at the feathers in their caps and the buttons on their jackets.

4

Pall Mall

You‘ll also walk in the footsteps of Charles I on his way to being executed, and see a statue of the famous French General, Charles De Gaulle, in the very square where he set up his government while in exile during World War II.

5
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial

By the end of this hour-long tour, you‘ll have witnessed the Changing of the Guard from a different perspective, and gained a new appreciation for the ceremony.

6

Duke of York Column

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On this tour, you'll hear the stories behind the Duke of York Memorial.

7

The National Police Memorial

Take in the National Police Memorial while learning about it on this self-guided audio tour.

8

The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London

The changing of the guard ceremony in London is known around the world for its precision and spectacle. Most visitors view the event from Buckingham Palace, but on this walking tour with Context Travel and London-based scholar and royal expert, Sean Moran, you‘ll experience it from three less common vantage points.

9
Banqueting House

The tour ends with a visit to the Household Cavalry where you‘ll be able to get up close to the guards and their stunning black horses. You’ll also find out what the requirements are for a horse to join the cavalry!

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Please Note: Tickets or entrance fees are not included in the price of this tour.
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by VoiceMap Audio Tours

What our experts say

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    Start early for the best views!
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    Visit nearby St. James's Park.
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    Check the guard schedule online.
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    Bring your own headphones for comfort.
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    Consider a coffee at a local café.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Immerse yourself in London's iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony with the Changing of the Guard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in London. This affordable and flexible walking tour allows you to explore the ceremony at your own pace while learning from the expertise of local guide and producer, Sean Moran.

What to expect?

During this self-guided tour, you can anticipate a duration of 75 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace and the level of detail you wish to delve into. The tour begins at the picturesque St. James's Park, where you'll witness the iconic guards in their vibrant red jackets and black bearskin helmets, accompanied by regimental bands adding a tuneful backdrop to your walk. As you make your way through various stops, you'll learn to identify the different guards and discover the meaning behind their distinctive uniforms.

Who is this for?

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a fan of royal ceremonies, or simply looking to experience a quintessential London tradition, this self-guided audio tour is perfect for you. It appeals to both solo travelers and groups who want the freedom to explore at their own pace while still benefiting from expert insights.

Why book this?

This tour goes beyond the usual viewpoint of Buckingham Palace, offering three lesser-known vantage points to experience the Changing of the Guard ceremony. With complete control over when you start and finish, you can take your time immersing yourself in the rich history and traditions of this iconic event. By using the VoiceMap app, you'll enjoy automatic GPS playback with turn-by-turn directions, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. Plus, you'll have unlimited use of the tour before and after your booking date, allowing you to revisit the experience at your leisure.

Good to know

Apart from witnessing the ceremony, this tour also provides opportunities to explore notable landmarks and attractions along the way. From the grand Admiralty Arch to the impressive King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial, you'll discover hidden gems and lesser-known stories of London's history. The tour culminates with a visit to the Household Cavalry, where you can get up close to the guards and their stunning black horses, a truly unforgettable experience.

Reviews

Travelers who have taken this self-guided audio tour rave about the unique perspectives it offers on the Changing of the Guard ceremony. They appreciate the flexibility and convenience of being able to explore at their own pace while still benefiting from expert commentary. Visitors commend Sean Moran's knowledge and enthusiasm, which adds an extra layer of engagement to the tour. Overall, this experience has left many satisfied, offering a deeper appreciation for London's rich traditions and history.

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