Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide in London, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide

Outty Ranking 71 5.0 · 16 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $68
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide worth booking?

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $68 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 16 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
5/5 (16)
Duration
2 hours
From
$68 per person

Experience London’s most famous royal ceremony with a guide who shows you the best vantage points and explains every moment of the spectacle whilst avoiding huge crowds. Starting at the Duke of York Column, engage with a trained actor guide who shares captivating stories and insights as you move between key locations like St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace. This tour ensures you see the Guards up close and learn about their history and uniform. This dynamic experience is perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike, offering a fun and informative afternoon in the heart of London. On this tour you will: - Witness one of Britain’s most spectacular royal traditions up close - Stand just feet from the Guards in full ceremonial uniform - March alongside the military bands and processions - See multiple stages of the ceremony from the best vantage points - Visit the exterior of St James's Palace, Wellington Barracks and Buckingham Palace

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience London’s most famous royal ceremony with a guide who shows you the best vantage points and explains every moment of the spectacle whilst avoiding huge crowds. Starting at the Duke of York Column, engage with a trained actor guide who shares captivating stories and insights as you move between key locations like St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace. This tour ensures you see the Guards up close and learn about their history and uniform. This dynamic experience is perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike, offering a fun and informative afternoon in the heart of London. On this tour you will: - Witness one of Britain’s most spectacular royal traditions up close - Stand just feet from the Guards in full ceremonial uniform - March alongside the military bands and processions - See multiple stages of the ceremony from the best vantage points - Visit the exterior of St James's Palace, Wellington Barracks and Buckingham Palace

    What's included

    Included

    • A Local Guide

    Not included

    • Bottled water
    • Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)

    What you'll see and do

    1. King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial

      At the memorial to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, you’ll hear the story of a reluctant king who led Britain through the Second World War, and the Queen who stood firmly by his side, becoming one of the nation’s most beloved figures.

      10 minutes here

    2. St. James's Palace

      Here you'll watch the Old Guard line up for inspection and hear the military band strike up! You’ll discover one of London’s oldest royal residences, built by Henry VIII, and hear how it once served as the official home of the monarch before Buckingham Palace took centre stage.

      25 minutes here

    3. Changing of the Guard

      Follow the action across royal London, learning how the ceremony works, how to distinguish the Guards by their uniforms and learn about the fascinating history of the area. Capture fantastic photographs of the iconic red tunics and bearskin hats of the King’s Foot Guards.

      30 minutes here

    4. Wellington Barracks

      Watch the New Guard march out of Wellington Barracks and towards Buckingham Palace

      15 minutes here

    5. Buckingham Palace

      At Buckingham Palace, you’ll learn how this grand building evolved from a private townhouse into the official residence of the British monarch, and hear how it continues to serve as the centre of modern royal life, so much so that Queen Elizabeth II simply referred to it as “the office.”

      20 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    Meet your expert guide at the Duke of York Column, the starting point for your journey into the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. Conveniently located, the nearest Underground stations are Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour concludes outside St James's Palace, a convenient central location ideal for continuing your exploration of London.

    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 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    London Unscripted

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide in London, photo 2Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide in London, photo 3Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide in London, photo 4Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide in London, photo 5Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide in London, photo 6Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide in London, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 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.

    Traveler reviews

    16 verified traveler reviews for Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    16
    4 star
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    3 star
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    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    Loraine64 · April 2026

    Great day out

    We had a lovely day in London. Seeing Changing of the Guard. Will definitely recommend the tour.

    Response from the operator: Thanks for coming!

    via Tripadvisor

    joellF9432ZS · April 2026

    Deffo recommend!

    Wicked tour! Loved learning about St James’s Palace and the guards + ABA 😉 Highly recommend

    Response from the operator: Ha! glad you remembered ABA

    via Tripadvisor

    W6481ADgeorgeh · April 2026

    Fantastic tour, great guide!

    So happy that I booked this tour, brought my mum who has always wanted to see the changing of the guard and this tour really exceeded expectations. It was great to be able to see the whole thing from multiple vantage points, we went to St James's Palace, Buckingham Palace and Wellington Barracks. We were right up close to the action and the guide was very knowledgeable which really made the tour. Would definitely recommend this tour to anybody.

    Response from the operator: Thanks for bringing your Mum along! Glad you enjoyed it

    via Tripadvisor

    dougwestley567 · April 2026

    Great day out

    Had a lovely day seeing the changing of the guard. Enjoyed our day will definitely recommend.

    Response from the operator: Thanks Doug!

    via Tripadvisor

    dominikn674 · April 2026

    This is the one to book!

    100% recommend this tour, one of the highlights of our London trip! We had super friendly guide Lewis who made this really entertaining and it was just the best way to learn more about London, UK and the history. I m usually not the biggest fan of tours but I would do this one again. Thank you!

    Response from the operator: Glad you enjoyed! Hope to see you on another

    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
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    6
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 71

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)37
    Booking momentum (14% weight)30
    Value for money (12% weight)97
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)69
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide cost?

    +

    Prices start at $68 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 with Local Guide 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 Walking Tour with Local Guide worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 16 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 with Local Guide?

    +

    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 with Local Guide 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 Walking Tour with Local Guide?

    +

    Around 6 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 Walking Tour with Local Guide 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 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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide?

    +

    Included: A Local Guide. Not included: Bottled water; and Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide?

    +

    Meet your expert guide at the Duke of York Column, the starting point for your journey into the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. Conveniently located. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide offered in?

    +

    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 Walking Tour with Local Guide?

    +

    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.

    What happens to Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide?

    +

    Across 16 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Changing of the Guard Walking Tour with Local Guide.

    Pick your date