Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
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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
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London worth booking?
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London is a 2.8-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $22 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 2.8 hours
- From
- $22 per person
Experience London’s most iconic royal tradition with an award-winning Changing of the Guard tour. Get exclusive views of the ceremony from prime vantage points, see the guards and horses up close, and enjoy behind-the-sc
What you get
About this experience
Experience London’s most iconic royal tradition with an award-winning Changing of the Guard tour. Get exclusive views of the ceremony from prime vantage points, see the guards and horses up close, and enjoy behind-the-scenes insights you won’t get on a standard tour. Guided by experts, you’ll explore historic landmarks like Wellington Barracks, St James’s Palace, and Horse Guards Parade while learning about centuries of British pageantry and royal history. Avoid the crowds and capture unforgettable photo opportunities at Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and other key sites. This tour is designed to give you a unique, immersive, and memorable royal London experience from start to finish. - Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours - Maximum group size of 20 for a personalized experience - Personalised headsets for each guest - Meet at Diana Fountain at Green Park - Not wheelchair accessible; suitable for all ages with moderate mobility
What's included
Included
- Get up close for photos of the Royal Horse guards of the Household Cavalry
- Guided walking tour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
- Expert tour guide from an award-winning company
- Capture memorable photos at Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace and Clarence House
Not included
- Gratuities (optional)
- Entrance tickets to Buckingham Palace
- Tour does not go to Buckingham Palace’s front gates
What you'll see and do
General Jan Smuts statue
Your Changing of the Guard Tour begins at the General Jan Smuts statue, the only green statue in Parliament Square — a clear and easy landmark to find. Please arrive by 9:35 am to allow time for your guide to welcome the group. The nearest Underground station is Westminster (served by the District, Circle, and Jubilee lines), just a short walk away. Your expert tour guide will be waiting at the statue holding a placard with the tour name, ready to greet you and provide a brief introduction. They will outline the day ahead, share key historical insights, and answer any questions before you embark on this royal London experience, ensuring your morning starts smoothly and memorably.
10 minutes here
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
From Parliament Square, we continue to the historic Horse Guards Parade in London, home of the world-famous Household Cavalry. Here, you’ll see the troopers and their striking horses take their positions in the sentry boxes on Whitehall, a tradition that has been carried out for centuries. This ceremonial guard change is one of the most photographed sights in London and a highlight of any Changing of the Guard tour. A must-see for anyone interested in British history, pageantry, and iconic landmarks.
25 minutes here
From there, we’ll stroll down The Mall, London’s grand ceremonial boulevard, towards St James’s Palace. Here you’ll watch the palace guards form up and march in striking procession as they make their way towards Buckingham Palace — a truly memorable moment in the Changing of the Guard tradition.
25 minutes here
Wellington Barracks
Visit Wellington Barracks, the historic headquarters of the Foot Guards, where you’ll see the new guards preparing to march to Buckingham Palace. Watch as the soldiers assemble in full uniform, accompanied by a regimental band. This behind-the-scenes moment offers a closer look at the precision and discipline behind the Changing of the Guard ceremony. A unique chance to experience royal tradition before the parade begins.
20 minutes here
Buckingham Palace
From the West Africa Gate, you’ll enjoy views of Buckingham Palace from the outside, taking in its iconic façade and royal surroundings. Please note, we do not access the front gates of the palace — this stop is all about admiring the palace from a perfect vantage point while avoiding the main crowds. Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British sovereign, symbolizes the United Kingdom’s royal tradition and cultural legacy. Constructed in 1703 and expanded over time, it boasts 775 rooms, including the Throne Room and lavish Ballroom. The world-famous Changing of the Guard draws millions annually. Framed by stunning gardens, the palace continues as a working institution, hosting state events and offering a regal setting for national celebrations.
30 minutes here
Clarence House
Clarence House, located in St James’s, London, serves as the official residence of King Charles III and his family. Built during the 1820s, the elegant home has been a royal dwelling for many notable members of the monarchy. The house retains its heritage charm while continuing to function as a working royal residence. Public access is limited, but its historic significance and royal connections remain profound.
10 minutes here
St. James's Palace
We end the tour at St James’s Palace, where the final group of new guards arrive before making their way towards Buckingham Palace. From here, your guide will offer tips and advice if you’d like to explore more of Buckingham Palace and its surroundings on your own. By this time, much of the crowd has begun to leave, giving you a more relaxed chance to take photos and enjoy the royal setting. It’s the perfect way to round off your Changing of the Guard experience at your own pace. St James’s Palace is among the oldest royal residences, established in 1536. Commissioned by Henry VIII, it served as the monarch’s official home until the 18th century. While no longer an active residence, it retains deep ceremonial significance and houses several royal offices today. This historic landmark remains central to important state functions and showcases Tudor architecture in the heart of London.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Meet your guide at the General Jan Smuts statue in Parliament Square, the only green statue. Arrive by 9:35 am. Nearest Tube: Westminster (District, Circle, Jubilee lines). Your guide, holding a placard, will welcome you, give an intro, and prepare you for the Changing of the Guard Tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour concludes at St James’s Palace, where the final new guards arrive. With the crowds dispersed, enjoy relaxed photo opportunities and the royal atmosphere. Your guide will offer tips if you wish to explore Buckingham Palace and its surroundings independently.
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
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- London Strides
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour begins at 9:45 am, with a recommended reporting time of 9:35 am. If you arrive late, the guide will meet you at the next stop along the route, joining you with the group already in progress.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tour was so excellent ,...
Tour was so excellent , our guide had through knowledge about tour and we had a great time watching the guard changing ceremony which was unforgettable....i would definitely recommend ....taking this tour..and guide...
via Viator
An awesome experience !! ...
An awesome experience !! The Gurad change ceremony was a must -see and We had a Wonderful Guide .....
via Viator
Tour was on time , it was...
Tour was on time , it was very informative and increase my knowledge of history.......................
via Viator
It was a fantastic...
It was a fantastic experience. We loved it alot. We have great fun. We enjoyed a lot. One must do this tour.
via Viator
Great Way to see historical Guard Change
Sean made the Changing of the Guards tour unforgettable with his expertise and enthusiasm. Perfect pacing and great insider tips. Absolutely five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Changing of the Guard 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 Walking Tour in London cost?
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Prices start at $22 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 Walking Tour in London take?
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Plan for about 2.8 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 Walking Tour in London worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Changing of the Guard 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 Walking Tour in London suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London?
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Around 2 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 2.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Changing of the Guard 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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