Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 264 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London worth booking?
Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $19 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 264 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (264)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $19 per person
Enjoy the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with this small group walking tour! This walking tour gets you up close for the best views of the Guard change in a historic Royal event filled with classic British po
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with this small group walking tour! This walking tour gets you up close for the best views of the Guard change in a historic Royal event filled with classic British pomp and pageantry. The tour will position you in the best front row spots for the key parts of the Changing of the Guard ceremony as you enjoy memorable views of the Old Guard, New Guard, Household Cavalry and the ceremonial military band. You’ll even finish your tour by getting your photo with the Royal Horseguards! As well as enjoying unbeatable views of the Guard change, your walking tour is teeming with Royal history as you discover Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, The Mall and Horseguards Parade. This small group tour is the best way to see the Changing of the Guard in London, filled with memorable views and fascinating history of London’s most historic Royal event that encapsulates British history and heritage in one Royal morning.
What's included
Included
- The Mall
- Clarence House
- Small-Group guided walking tour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
- St James’s Park
- St James’s Palace
- Professional Tour Guide
- Photo with the Royal Horseguards
- Buckingham Palace
Not included
- Entrance tickets to sights, landmarks or attractions
- Front gates of Buckingham Palace
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is a traditional ceremony showcasing the handover of duties between the King’s Guard. The ceremony features a precision display of marching, music, and military pageantry. Guards in iconic tunics and bearskin hats parade to live music. The event symbolizes British heritage and monarchy, blending discipline with centuries-old tradition.
60 minutes here
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch, is a symbol of the United Kingdom's heritage and royal tradition. Surrounded by lush gardens and Royal parks, the palace remains a working institution, hosting state events and providing a regal backdrop to national celebrations.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
St. James's Palace
St James's Palace is one of Britain's oldest royal residences. Built by Henry VIII, it served as the official residence of the monarch until the 18th century. Its historic rooms host key royal events and house several royal offices with its iconic red brick façade being a symbol of British heritage.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Clarence House
Clarence House, located in St James’s, London, is the official residence of King Charles III and his family. It has served as a royal home for various members of the British monarchy and hosts official events and ceremonies, playing a significant role in the British royal family’s public life.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
The Mall is a grand ceremonial avenue in central London, stretching from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch. Lined with trees and flanked by royal landmarks, it serves as the site for major state events and royal processions. Known for its vibrant red surface, The Mall hosts iconic celebrations, such as royal weddings and national holidays, making it a focal point of British culture and history.
10 minutes here
St. James's Park
St James's Park is one of London's most beautiful royal parks. Spanning 57 acres, it features lush gardens, a serene lake, and picturesque views of Buckingham Palace. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including pelicans and swans.
5 minutes here
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
Horse Guards Parade is a historic ceremonial ground in London, renowned for hosting royal events like Trooping the Colour. It’s home to the Royal Horseguards, an elite cavalry regiment serving as the monarch’s personal guards. Enjoy a photo standing next to the Royal Horseguards.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
The tour starts in front of The Old Star pub in St James's. The Old Star pub is opposite St James's Park Station (Broadway Exit). The address of The Old Star pub is 66 Broadway, London, SW1H 0DB. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour will end at Horseguards Parade.
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 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- See The Sights Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour starts in front of The Old Star pub in St James's. The Old Star pub is opposite St James's Park Station (Broadway Exit). The address of The Old Star pub is 66 Broadway, London, SW1H 0DB. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella.
- The tour is not suitable for guests with walking or mobility difficulties.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchairs.
- The tour is not suitable for prams, buggys or strollers.
- The tour covers approximately 3 miles of walking.
- The tour will not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Most of the ceremony is away from the front gates. If you do wish to go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace then do not book this tour.
- If it is raining or bad weather then the Changing of the Guard ceremony may be a ‘Wet Change’. This is a shortened version of the ceremony without music. This is decided by the British Army at approximately 10.30am on the day of the ceremony.
- Photos with the Royal Horseguards are subject to Guard availability.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 264 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
264 verified traveler reviews for Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Interesting and informative
Erik was a great guide and gave us lots of information and interesting details about the guards. He made sure we had front row views as the guards passed and easily answered all inquiries. We would highly recommend Erik as yiur changing od the guards tour guide.
via Tripadvisor
Erik’s Guide was AMAZING
Erik was an amazing, accurate and funny guide! e loves touring with him ! Thanks Erik !
via Tripadvisor
Awesome experience
The tour was awesome. Our guide, Matthew was great, very knowledgebake and professional.
via Tripadvisor
Changing of guard tours
Matt was really friendly and knowledgeable! Would recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Changing of the Garde
It was amazing Thank you Betsy
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
- 92
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London cost?
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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 Small-Group Walking Tour in London 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 Small-Group Walking Tour in London worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 264 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.
Can I cancel or reschedule Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London?
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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 Small-Group Walking Tour in London 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 Small-Group Walking Tour in London?
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Around 92 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 Small-Group Walking Tour in London 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 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?
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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.
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