Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace
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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 1,079 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace worth booking?
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $14 per person. It scores 94 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,079 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
- 4.9/5 (1,079)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $14 per person
Enjoy this Changing of the Guard tour in London with unbeatable views of the world famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace! The Changing of the Guard in London is one of Britain's most historic events, with the
What you get
- The Mall
- Clarence House
- Guided walking tour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
- St James’s Palace
- Professional Tour Guide
- Photo with the Royal Horseguards
About this experience
Enjoy this Changing of the Guard tour in London with unbeatable views of the world famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace! The Changing of the Guard in London is one of Britain's most historic events, with the Changing of the Guard ceremony one of the most significant Royal things to do in London. On this award-winning Changing of the Guard tour you will see the best parts of the Changing of the Guard ceremony featuring the Old Guard, New Guard, Household Cavalry and the ceremonial military band - all whilst you enjoy the best front row views of the guard change! Your Changing of the Guard tour will also explore the history behind Royal London sights including Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, The Mall and Horseguards Parade. So if you are looking to enjoy the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with spectacular views, plenty of history, and with memorable photo opportunities, then this is the best Changing of the Guard tour for you!
What's included
Included
- The Mall
- Clarence House
- Guided walking tour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
- 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 Victoria Palace Theatre. The address of Victoria Palace Theatre is Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella. Your tour guide will be standing at the clock in front of the theatre.
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 Victoria Palace Theatre. If using Google/Apple maps search 'Victoria Palace Theatre'. The address of the Victoria Palace Theatre is Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella. Your tour guide will be standing at the clock in front of the theatre.
- 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 1,083 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
1,083 verified traveler reviews for Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A great experience with a humorous guide
We were taken to four different spots from where we could see different parts of the ceremony. Our guide Eric explained what was going on and gave us a crash course in British history. He did that in such an engaging way that the time flew by. I loved his jokes! I would definitely go on a tour again with him!
via Tripadvisor
Changing the guards. Must do!
Erik knew very much about the history of the guards, royal family and house the lived in. Also knew a lot about statues and noticeable places during the walk.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing trip! Erik was amazing!
Erik was amazing and was so well informed! He was so nice and such a bright person, we very much enjoyed our time and our tour was amazing! thank you Erik!!
via Tripadvisor
Awesome tour!
We had an awesome time! Mike was wonderful, knowledgeable and got us the best spots to see the Changing of the Guards. Highly recommend this tour and hopefully you are lucky to get Mike as your guide.
via Viator
Changing of the Guard (and history) tour
Rachel was great! She is a very knowledgeable and engaging guide . She explained where we would walk and the whole process and history of the changing of the guard. We went to a few spots to see the guard at various stages. We saw and learned so much more than if we just tried to stand in front of gates for two hours -we were front and center as the band played and then the guards marched from where they start around to castle- great use of our time dnd saw much more of the guard ceremonies with this tour ! Also enjoyed learning so much about the history of the process, the different guard units , etc. We got to see the house King Charles actually lives in ( not Buckingham Palace) and where Queen Anne lives too .
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 378
- 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 Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace: 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 at Buckingham Palace cost?
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Prices start at $14 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 at Buckingham Palace 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 Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace 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 (4.9/5 across 1,079 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 Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace?
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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 at Buckingham Palace suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 2-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace?
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Around 378 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 Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace 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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