
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 2 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-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $269 per person. It scores 49 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 49 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 2 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
- Gratuities
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.
1 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
We will meet outside Green Park Underground Station inside Green Park next to the fountain.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- The Great Weekender Experiences
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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






Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Private Changing of the Guard Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A Wonderful Guided Tour!
Alex was a wonderful guide! He knew all the ins and outs of finding spots to watch the Changing of the Guard as well as having a ton of information about the guards, etc. The six of us were on a crazy schedule - we needed to get from the airport to the meeting point with no idea whether we could connect at the designated time. Since it was a private tour (for that timing reason), Alex assured us that he'd wait if necessary. It was our first adventure of our vacation, and set a wonderful tone for the entire trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that Alex made your Changing of the Guard tour such a memorable start to your vacation. Knowing the best spots and timing can make all the difference when experiencing the Changing of the Guard, and we're so pleased that Alex's knowledge and insights brought it all to life for your group. We're also glad that having the flexibility of a private tour took some of the stress out of getting into London from the airport! It means a lot to hear that your tour set such a wonderful tone for the rest of your trip. Thank you for choosing The Great Weekender, and we hope to welcome you back for another London adventure in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience with private tour of changing of the guards
Matt was a great tour guide. He was full of great info and stories of the monarchy and got us to all the great spots to see the changing of the guards and take loads of pics with many famous sites around London. Highly worth it!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so pleased to hear you had a great time with Matt. His knowledge and storytelling really bring the history of the monarchy to life, and it’s great to know he got you to all the viewing spots for the Changing of the Guard - and plenty of photo opportunities along the way! We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon. Best wishes, The Great Weekender Team
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
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 49
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 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 49 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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-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 1 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 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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