
Private Changing of the Guard Experience
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September 2026
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Who is going?
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
5.0/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Changing of the Guard Experience worth booking?
Private Changing of the Guard Experience is a 2.5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $269 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (20)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $269 per person
There are few sights more quintessentially British than the Changing of the Guard—a centuries-old ceremony where stoic red tunics, glittering brass, and the rhythmic beat of military drums transform the forecourt of Buck
What you get
- Guide is licensed or certified
About this experience
There are few sights more quintessentially British than the Changing of the Guard—a centuries-old ceremony where stoic red tunics, glittering brass, and the rhythmic beat of military drums transform the forecourt of Buckingham Palace into a living piece of history. On this expertly guided tour, you won’t just watch the ceremony… you’ll understand it. Your experience begins in the elegant streets surrounding St James’s Palace, the oldest royal residence still in use in London. As the Household Division prepares to march, your guide brings to life the origins of this ritual, dating back to the 17th century when King Charles II reinstated the monarchy and formalized the guard’s responsibilities. Every step, salute, and call carries centuries of military discipline—and you’ll have front-row insight into the symbolism behind it. From there, follow your guide through The Mall, the stunning royal boulevard , toward Buckingham Palace itself before heading to Westminster!
What's included
Included
- Guide is licensed or certified
Not included
- Lunch
- You may be required to use a bus and therefore buy Oyster Card tickets beforehand.
What you'll see and do
Changing of the Guard
Experience the Changing of the Guard as you watch this spectacular sight, where your guide gets you up-close to the action. You will hear the story behind the changing of the guards, the traditions and the palaces in the district. You will hear about the King's Guard and their iconic scarlet uniforms including their distinctive bearskin hats. You will get to see the best of this military procedure which in total lasts over 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to ask your guide questions as you hear about Kings and Queens, admire the statues and see the palaces and monuments. You will see every part of the changing of the guard and its process, hearing the most intriguing tale of the Royal family.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
I will meet your group outside the Dian fountain.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 40 minutes before departure.
Ends at
I will meet your group outside the Dian fountain.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Great Weekender
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Private Changing of the Guard Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The tour is well...
The tour is well worthwhile. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and took us to great locations for viewing the ceremony. Just be prepared for a fair amount of walking through crowds
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your great review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed our Private Changing of the Guard tour. It's wonderful to know your guide's knowledge and carefully chosen viewing spots helped make the expe rience so worthwhile. The ceremony does involve navigating busy streets and a fair amount of walking, so we appreciate you mentioning this for future guests. Thank you again for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you back on another The Great Weekender tour soon!
via Viator
Great ecoerience
Our tour guide Wesley was amazing. Took us to all the right spots to see the changing of the guards. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Changing of the Guard tour and that I helped you find the best viewing spots to make the most of this iconic London experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation. It was a pleasure having you on the tour, and we hope to welcome you back for another memorable London adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Our guide was very...
Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I learned a great deal from her. She made it very comfortable to ask questions and she had an answer for every question we asked. She was wonderful with the two young children in our party, as well.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a positive experience with Carolina. She truly has a gift for making tours both informative and welcoming, so it’s wonderful to know you felt comfortable asking questions and got so much out of the experience. It’s especially lovely to hear how well she connected with the younger members of your group too - that’s something we really value in creating enjoyable experiences for everyone. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to Carolina—she’ll be thrilled! Thanks again, and we hope to see you on another tour soon. Best wishes, The Great Weekender Team
via Viator
Matt was great for private changing of guards
Matt was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He was patient with children's questions and did a great job making the explanations relevant to them!
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a thoughtful review! I’m so glad to hear the kids felt engaged and comfortable asking questions—that’s always our goal. We hope to see your family again on another tour!
via Viator
Best tour ever!!!
Wesley was amazing! He showed us all around London that most people do not think to see. We had great spots watching the changing of the guards and walked with them to the palace. He told us great stories along the way. We learned so much in a short period of time. We enjoyed his company so much that we scheduled for a few days later to take us to Stonehenge, Salisbury and Southampton. Couldn’t have asked for a better guide! I highly recommend this tour 100%!!! Thank you Wesley for making our first trip to the UK amazing! Until next time…
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this incredibly kind and generous review! I’m thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed seeing parts of London that often get overlooked, and that the Changing of the Guard experience and stories along the way made it so memorable. It was truly a pleasure spending time with you, and I’m especially grateful you chose to join me again for Stonehenge, Salisbury, and Southampton. Thank you for the enthusiastic recommendation—I’m so glad I could help make your first trip to the UK such a special one. Until next time!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Changing of the Guard Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Private Changing of the Guard Experience cost?
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Prices start at $269 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 Private Changing of the Guard Experience take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 Private Changing of the Guard Experience worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 20 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 Private Changing of the Guard Experience?
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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 Private Changing of the Guard Experience suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Changing of the Guard Experience?
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Around 7 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Changing of the Guard Experience 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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