Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience in London
London, United Kingdom

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience

Outty Ranking 93 5.0 · 741 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $1990+ Club

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$19
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Outty Ranking

93/100

90+ Club. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 741 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience worth booking?

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $19 per person. It scores 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club, based on a 5/5 rating across 741 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

Outty Ranking
93 / 100
Rating
5/5 (741)
Duration
2 hours
From
$19 per person

This is the highest-rated Changing of the Guard walking tour on Viator and Tripadvisor. Led by a historian and designed with a former Guardsman, this tour gives you the historical context, insider knowledge and the best

What you get

    About this experience

    This is the highest-rated Changing of the Guard walking tour on Viator and Tripadvisor. Led by a historian and designed with a former Guardsman, this tour gives you the historical context, insider knowledge and the best viewing spots for the capital’s most iconic ceremony. Not only that, you'll get to walk alongside the Guards and ceremonial band as they march down The Mall—yes, it is as exciting as it sounds. You'll see Buckingham Palace, of course, but you'll also visit St James's Palace and Clarence House, discovering how these royal residences fit into this world-famous ceremony. If we're lucky—it does happen—you might even catch a glimpse of the King or Queen. Just as importantly, there'll be plenty of fun and laughter along the way. At the end of the tour, as the crowds begin to disperse, you can either go to the gates of Buckingham Palace for some fantastic photo opportunities or walk back to Trafalgar Square with your guide and enjoy some bonus sightseeing along the way.

    What's included

    Included

    • Expert local guide
    • Prime viewing spots

    Not included

    • Gratuities/tips

    What you'll see and do

    1. Trafalgar Square

      We begin in Trafalgar Square, the historic heart of London. Not only is it easy to find, it also has a direct link to the origins of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. While you're here, we'll show you the spot that marks the very centre of London. You'll also discover why Lord Horatio Nelson is one of Britain's greatest heroes, what we did with all the cannons captured from the defeated French, and why it might be worth patting the paw of one of the famous lion statues.

      10 minutes here

    2. St. James's Palace

      This palace rivals Buckingham Palace and is a must-see in its own right. It’s also where the Guards come off duty, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes perspective of the ceremony. One of London’s most historic sites, it’s steeped in centuries of history, scandal and intrigue. Not every tour includes it — but we most definitely do.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Buckingham Palace

      One of the highlights of the tour is marching alongside the King's Guards and their ceremonial band as they make their way down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. Few experiences bring you closer to the spectacle. You'll hear the military music, watch the precision drill at close quarters, and enjoy views that most visitors never even realise are possible.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Wellington Barracks

      This immense Georgian barracks is where the Changing of the Guard both begins and ends, and we will be here to see the new Guard come on duty.

      15 minutes here

    5. Clarence House

      Your Changing of the Guard experience concludes outside Clarence House, the home of the King and Queen - which is just a couple of minutes away from Buckingham Palace. It will also be a final opportunity to see the Guards and the ceremonial band, and we are likely to see the Horse Guards as well. From here, it’s a short walk to Green Park or St James’s Park stations, or around 15 minutes on foot to Trafalgar Square or Parliament Square.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    Your guide will be holding a red Fantastic Walks flag and wearing a Fantastic Walks rucksack. Please be at the meeting point ten minutes before the scheduled start time. If you're late, head along The Mall to Friary Court, St James's Palace.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We finish our walk at Buckingham Palace. From there, it's just a short walk back to Trafalgar Square. Green Park tube station and St James's Park tube station are also very close.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Fantastic Walks

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for those using a motorized cart.

    Photos

    Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience in London, photo 2Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience in London, photo 3Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience in London, photo 4Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience in London, photo 5Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience in London, photo 6Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience in London, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 756 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    756 verified traveler reviews for Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    751
    4 star
    4
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    andrewaQ904IB · August 2026

    Informative, entertaining and a new view of London

    Have been looking forward to this one for a while and finally managed to get on one of Robin’s tours. Worth the hype!

    via Tripadvisor

    saraoconnorf · August 2026

    AMAZING MUST DO TOUR

    10/10, Robin was INCREDIBLE! Loved the tour, great views up and close to soldiers.

    via Tripadvisor

    erolb918 · August 2026

    Best tour in London

    Robin was absolutely amazing!!! You have to take his tour if you come to London. He knows exactly where to be and when. You will have the best views! We loved it.

    via Tripadvisor

    thomaslC7626YS · August 2026

    Best view spots!

    Informative! Very funny! Great fun! He’s brilliant!

    via Tripadvisor

    PantherMD · August 2026

    Fantastic

    Amazing!!!!!!!!!!! Robin is extremely knowledgeable and quite amusing!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
    Price range
    $19 to $29
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    259
    Verdict
    90+ Club

    Why this scores 93

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)99
    Review evidence (18% weight)88
    Booking momentum (14% weight)86
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)90
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.

    How much does Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience cost?

    +

    Prices start at $19 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.

    Is Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 741 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience?

    +

    Around 259 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in London?

    +

    London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit London?

    +

    May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in London?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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