Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

London, GB
99% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (581 reviews)

Highlights

  • Small-group Changing of the Guards experience
  • Learn about the origins and significance of the ceremony
  • March alongside the guards to Buckingham Palace
  • Visit St. James's Palace, the oldest royal palace in the UK
  • See the iconic Buckingham Palace up close

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.

Meeting point

London SW1Y 5ER , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

The experience will end around Buckingham Palace

Meeting point

London SW1A 1AA , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1

Changing of the Guard

Join us as we serve a slice of world-famous ceremonial action with this small-group Changing of the Guards experience.

Duration 30 minutes
2

St. James's Palace

Built on the site of an old leper hospital, did you know that St James’s is the oldest royal palace in the whole of the UK? Take in this beauty, still the official royal residence today. Visiting outside

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
3

Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall

Every day, come rain or shine, the Horseguards take part in their very own changing of the guards. Your guide will talk you through the symbolism and importance of this age-old tradition. And hey, the photos are great here too.

Duration 20 minutes
4

Buckingham Palace

The most famous of King Charles III's palaces and housing a whopping 775 rooms, the stories attached to this icon have to be heard to be believed. Visiting outside

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included

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
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Additional information
    We tend to move pretty fast to keep up with the guards, so please wear comfortable shoes and always carry water.
  • Additional information
    We will not stand at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as, due to crowds, you see very little and the experience would be ten times less fun. We want to get you as close as possible with the opportunity to take some amazing snapshots.
  • Additional information
    It is at the discretion of the British Army to change or cancel the Ceremony. The announcement will not be made until after 10.30am so come rain or shine, the Urban Saunters Changing of the Guard experience will go ahead. If the full ceremony is cancelled, there will still be the chance to see the guards marching, just without the music.
  • Additional information
    No videoing of the guide unless they have given permission
  • Additional information
    Ceremony can be altered at the discretion of the British Army, or occasionally due to rain
  • Additional information
    There are no toilet or refreshment breaks on this tour
  • Additional information
    Tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Provided by Urban Saunters

What our experts say

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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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    Bring water; no breaks during tour.
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    Look for best views along the route.
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    Check weather, dress appropriately.
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    Explore nearby St. James's Park after.

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