
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 829 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian worth booking?
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $39 per person. It scores 94 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 829 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
- 94 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (829)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $39 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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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 30 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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 818 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
818 verified traveler reviews for Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Well worth it
Excellent chap. Very knowledgeable and funny.
via Tripadvisor
Changing of the Guard Tour 💂🏽
So great! My husband and I went on this tour with Robin in October. It was awesome. Not only was he knowledgeable but he was funny, kind, and answered any and all questions. He told fantastic stories and kept everyone’s attention. We had a few young children in the group, he was so good with them. The tour was amazing. He knows how to work a crowd and move through, we had the best vantage point for everything we saw. Book with Robin! I would definitely give him a 10.
via Tripadvisor
The guide made the tour
Probably the best guide I have ever had.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome tour
Robin did an awesome tour. He was informative, funny, and engaging. Definitely worth every dollar. Our 10 an 7 year-old also enjoyed.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
Robin was a fantastic tour guide even in the rain. Bring a history teacher he explained a lot about the parks, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square where we be began the tour. I would highly recommend booking this tour.
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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 290
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 94
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian: 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 with Funny Historian cost?
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Prices start at $39 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 with Funny Historian take?
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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 with Funny Historian worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 94 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 829 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular 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 with Funny Historian?
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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 with Funny Historian suitable for kids and families?
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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 with Funny Historian?
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Around 290 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?
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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 with Funny Historian start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian?
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Included: Expert local guide; and Prime viewing spots. Not included: Gratuities/tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian?
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Across 829 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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