London
Top activities in London

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour Experience

Greater London, United Kingdom
Likely to Sell Out

From USD 18.85

Select Date and Travellers

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
London Tours
All London Tours
Audio Guides
Kid-Friendly
Likely To Sell Out
Unique Experiences
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Offered in: English

Overview

No visit to England would be complete without experiencing quintessential traditions such as the Changing of the Guard. See British culture come to life from select prime vantage points. In a small group, observe the King's iconic foot guards, clad in red tunics and bearskin hats, and watch the household cavalry put on an impressive display. Follow history-rich guide commentary with ease using a headset.
  • Watch the royal performance from select vantage points only known to experts
  • Witness the iconic foot soldiers clad in red tunics and bearskin hats
  • Admire the precision and gleaming coats of the household cavalry
  • Listen to history-rich commentary with ease using a personal headset

What's Included

  • Expert, English-speaking tour guide
  • Small groups of 20 people or fewer
  • Headsets when appropriate
  • Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • Duke of York Monument
    St. James's, London SW1Y 5AJ, UK

    Meeting Point: 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. 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 (do not walk north towards Oxford Street). Waterloo Place is at the end of Regent Street. You will see the tall column with a statue on top. You can also arrive via Charing Cross Station. Walk down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace, you will see the statue on your right at the top of some steps.

End point

  • Spur Road
    Spur Rd, London SW1A 1AA, UK

    Outside Buckingham Palace

What To Expect

Your regal tour begins at a central location, where you greet your guide, don a personal headset, and receive a historical overview of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Many tourists make the mistake of viewing the ceremony outside of Buckingham Palace. However, on this tour, handpicked vantage points ensure you get the best views of the royal tradition while listening to commentary that explains each part of the performance.

Marvel at the shimmering coats of the household cavalry as their riders control the horses with expert precision; capture photographs of the iconic red and black attire of the King's foot soldiers; and, move quickly between vantage points in a small group.

Your tour concludes outside of Buckingham Palace.

Please note: The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to changes in date, time, and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before 11am. Even when canceled, customers still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music and parade.

Changing of the Guard

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Buckingham Palace (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before 11am. Even when cancelled, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music and parade.
  • Please note weather is very changeable in London, please ensure you have rainproof clothing
  • Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either footguards or horseguards
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday and Thursday, you’ll experience the change of the Household Cavalry.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveller Photos

See more

Traveller Tips

Some running and rushing was required but it was definitely worth it.
We would highly recommend attending on Sundays since you can see both the horse guards changing, as well as, the foot soldiers.
One note, if you have a small child or one who doesn't like adult-sized earbuds, bring a pair of kid headphones; regular headphones will connect to the guide's microphone system.

Reviews

4.0
322 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
0
0
0
0
0
Reviews by Viator travellers.
Showing 1-10 of 322 reviews
Less than pleased
sarah_k, May 2023
We were waiting around with 3 other families, and no guide showed up. Booked this a month in advance, and they sent an email through the app 1.5 hours before the event stating it was cancelled. No one in 4 different groups saw the email, so there were 20 of us waiting around for a tour that was cancelled last minute. Then 20 minutes AFTER the tour was suppose to start, a guide came rushing up stating he was sorry, but the tour was cancelled. They did issue a refund, but we wasted our last morning in London on a tour that didnt happen.
Disappointed
Philip_P, May 2023
Loved our tour guide Sophie but a bit disappointed with the tour, we were not even close to see the changing of the guards, I was under the assumption to book a tour to get a closer look but that wasn’t the case.
Awesome experience!
Emily_H, May 2023
Our guide, Mary, was incredible! The tour was fun and we learned so much from our guide. We would definitely book again.
Jo’s amazing tour
Gregoire_C, May 2023
Jo was Amazing!! We got awesome pictures of the guards and the band. She changed things up to give us the best experience. Would love to do another tour with her!
Horrible
Mitchell_S, May 2023
Absolutely worst company to deal with. I am still searching for the Redemption Center. Outside the Post Office (by Ryman Stationer) and two mail carriers never heard of them. phone calls go unanswered . Viator is equally unresponsive’
Response from Host, May 2023
Hello Mitchell_S, We are disappointed to read your comments. Upon booking, you should have received a booking voucher from Viator on behalf of us at City Wonders. This contained your experience details and meeting instructions. Please contact us directly via email at edgar.chavero@citywonders.com with your booking reference number so we can take a closer look at what happened. Kind regards, Edgar J, Communications Manager City Wonders
Wonderful tour guide
Deborah_W, May 2023
Lucia, our tour guide from Italy, was extremely knowledgeable and went above and beyond to share numerous facts regarding the history of the guards, the royalty figures and all of the important buildings we passed as we walked. However, my partner couldn't walk fast enough to keep up with the group and we became separated, thus not hearing the ending of the presentation. Lucia did a wonderful job though and her efforts were very much appreciated.
The best changing of the guard experience
Manuel_C, May 2023
Seeing and understanding all that is going on with the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is only possible on a tour like this. The guide was incredible, knowledgeable and funny at the same time.
Great for pictures and video
Richard_W, May 2023
Jo our tour guide was exceptional. Full of anecdote's about the royal family and very knowledgeable about all of the different aspects of the COTG.
Worth it!!
Glenise_H, May 2023
Amazing experience. Our tour guide Lucia was pleasant and very knowledgeable about royal history. Great day!
Excellent tour !
Monica_C, May 2023
The tour was very explanatory. Our guide (RAFA) was very attentive and knowledgeable about many interesting history points. We had a great time with him. This tour is worth going.
Take the tour!
Dana_H, May 2023
This was excellent! We had prime viewing for 2 changing of the guards and the final walk to their residence! We learned so much and our guide was extremely knowledgeable! Worth every penny and we have beautiful pictures that captured our experience!
Disappointed
Susan_R, May 2023
Tour did not provide meet place and so I had to cancel. So disappointed. Don’t bother wasting your time with any tour unless they give a departure/ meet spot.
Response from Host, May 2023
Hello Susan_R, We are disappointed to read your comments. Upon booking, you should have received a booking voucher from Viator on behalf of us at City Wonders. This contained your experience details and meeting instructions. Please contact us directly via email or social media if this was not the case so we can understand what you are referring to. Kind regards, Edgar J, Communications Manager City Wonders
Excellent tour
Kris_S, May 2023
Our guide, Sophie, was very knowledgeable and entertaining. She did a fabulous job getting us in all the right spots to see the guards.
An outstanding experience.
Joe_R, May 2023
Outstanding tour with key insights and commentary by our tour director (Ms. Mary). Truly got to see the purpose, prompt and protocols of the changing of the guard. Highly recommended 👌.
Do not waste your money.
John_P, May 2023
Audio was almost worthless, cutting in and out ( mostly out); I was not able to see anything more than helmets of the changing of the guard (we paid, and wasted, money for what we presumed would be premium viewing sites).
Response from Host, May 2023
Hello John_P, Thank you for sharing your feedback about your experience with our Changing of the Guard Walking Tour. We apologize for the issues you encountered and the disappointment you experienced during the tour. We deeply regret that the audio quality during the tour was not up to the expected standard and that it hindered your overall experience. Our aim is to provide clear and uninterrupted audio commentary to enhance the tour. We apologize for any frustration caused by the audio issues and assure you that your feedback will be shared with our team to improve the quality of our audio equipment. We also apologize if the viewing sites did not meet your expectations. We strive to provide premium viewing opportunities for our guests, and we regret that this was not achieved during your tour. We appreciate your feedback and will reassess our approach to ensure a better viewing experience for future tours. We understand your disappointment and would like to make it right. Please reach out to our customer service department or email us at [email address] with your booking details, and we will review your case and explore possible resolutions. Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your feedback. We value your patronage and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for a more enjoyable experience in the future. Best regards, Edgar J. Communications Manager City Wonders
Lucia was a Great tour guide.
Nancy_T, May 2023
Tour was not what was planned because of streets and areas being blocked off due to coronation, but Lucia did a very good job improvising to get us to the best areas available. I think we probably also got more of the local history than usual because of the restraints on logistics. We enjoyed that very much.
City wonders uk needing to get facts right
Sylvia_H, Apr 2023
Booked changing of the guards through Viator for 24/04/23. Arrived at 10am to get told changing if the guards wouldn’t happen due to marathon and coronation but they would still take us the tour without changing of the guards. We declined as that is what we paid for and was our last day in London so couldn’t go on the Wednesday, I contacted Viator immediately to let them know of situation…… got email this morning to say not entitled to refund as changing of guards went ahead. Maybe someone needing to get facts right before telling people different information
Response from Host, May 2023
Hello Sylvia_H, We are sorry to hear that your Changing of the Guard Experience was negatively affected by the Coronation. We understand your frustrations and here to help. Pleas reach out to us via email at edgar.chavero@citywonders.com with your booking reference number and we'd be happy to accomodate you. At City Wonders we are dedicated on improving our overall service and our guests’ feedback allows us to locate the exact areas that need special attention. We look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Edgar J. Communications Manager Feel free to contact our customer service department or reach out to us on social media. 
Facebook: City Wonders Twitter: @City_Wonders Instagram: citywonderstours
A truly Royal Experience - more than I ever expected!
Yvonne_S, Apr 2023
We booked this tour last year to see the Changing of the Guard. But when we met our guide, we were informed that due to preparations for the Queen's Jubilee, Buckingham Palace was inaccessible. Instead, we were treated to a most historic event - the opening day of Parliament with (former) Prince Charles presiding over Parliament for the first time. Our guide - I believe his name was Michael - then took us along the route where the Royal Family would make their way to the day's festivities, and he explained the significance of all that we saw. We saw the Royal Band, the Royal Horses, and the Royals themselves - and we had a front row view - and commentary - throughout the event. Michael was fabulous! His knowledge of both the ceremony, the history of the UK, and current events was extraordinary! Although most tourists will never be able to wander into anything quite this historic, I am sure that even during the more traditional Changing of the Guard, Michael would make the event much more meaningful and memorable. . . This was truly a highlight of our trip. I'm just sorry that it has taken me so long to write a review.
Two big thumbs up!
Tonya_B, Apr 2023
The most memorable part of the tour was the stories shared by our guide. The changing of the guards came to life as she shared details of the Royals. I cannot imagine this experience with her knowledge!
Lack of Checking
Horace_P, Apr 2023
I booked the changing of the Guard early for our trip. Was never contacted by Viator or the tour provider, City Wonders until the day before the tour(April 16th) that they, City Wonders would have to cancel the tour. This was after Viator sent me the tickets to down load for the tour. City Wonders had to cancel because they was no Changing of the Guard scheduled that day. That leaves me to question who checked to verify that there was a changing of the guard that day when I originally booked. This shows a great lack of management at all levels from both parties. I could not reschedule because I had already make reservations for other tours. I will state that City Wonders has given me a full refund with an apology for this error. However, it does not fix an obvious problem with the system.
Response from Host, May 2023
Hi Horace_P, We appreciate your understanding and acknowledgment of the full refund provided by City Wonders, along with our apology for the error. We take this feedback seriously and will use it to improve our internal management processes and communication channels to avoid similar issues in the future. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention, and we apologize once again for any inconvenience caused. We hope that you had a positive experience with the other tours you had booked, and we would be more than happy to assist you with any future travel plans. Best regards, Edgar J. Communications Manager Feel free to contact our customer service department or reach out to us on social media. 
Facebook: City Wonders Twitter: @City_Wonders Instagram: citywonderstours
...

Compare Similar Experiences

1 / 3
Current
Likely to Sell Out
No Photo
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour Experience
322
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
USD 18.85
No Photo
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London
196
2 hours 40 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
USD 12.57
No Photo
Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London
835
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
USD 27.65
Special Offer
No Photo
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
103
1 hour 45 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
USD 23.88
USD 21.49

Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Explore Similar Things to Do

Attractions in Greater London, United Kingdom

Help CentreCustomer CarePrivacy PolicyAbout ViatorNewsViator blog
© 1997-2023 Viator, Inc.
Terms & Conditions