Private Changing the Guard Tour in London, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom

Private Changing the Guard Tour

Outty Ranking 65 5.0 · 32 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $232
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 32 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Changing the Guard Tour worth booking?

Private Changing the Guard Tour is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $232 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 32 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
5/5 (32)
Duration
2 hours
From
$232 per person

This is the best way to maximise your time in London and witness highlights of both changing the guard ceremonies in London. First up, we will witness the amazing moment when the King's Lifeguard - aka the Household Cavalry - come on duty. Our expert guide will ensure you're super close to the action. If you love horses, this is perfect! Then we make a beeline for the main event - Changing the Guard. This is where we will see the iconic guards with their bearskin hats marching along the Mall. If your group are keen, we will march alongside the band! We'll then see a second group of guards marching from their barracks, and get the perfect photo of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the monarchy, before taking in Clarence House (home of King Charles) and the 500 year old St James Palace. We will adapt the pace and content of the tour to your wishes, with our royal and changing the guard expert able to answer all your questions about these incredible ceremonies.

What you get

    About this experience

    This is the best way to maximise your time in London and witness highlights of both changing the guard ceremonies in London. First up, we will witness the amazing moment when the King's Lifeguard - aka the Household Cavalry - come on duty. Our expert guide will ensure you're super close to the action. If you love horses, this is perfect! Then we make a beeline for the main event - Changing the Guard. This is where we will see the iconic guards with their bearskin hats marching along the Mall. If your group are keen, we will march alongside the band! We'll then see a second group of guards marching from their barracks, and get the perfect photo of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the monarchy, before taking in Clarence House (home of King Charles) and the 500 year old St James Palace. We will adapt the pace and content of the tour to your wishes, with our royal and changing the guard expert able to answer all your questions about these incredible ceremonies.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Changing of the Guard

      We will move between different locations in order to see as many highlights of the Changing the Guard ceremony in London as possible without going to the gates of Buckingham Palace.

      90 minutes here

    2. St. James's Palace

      We'll hear of the incredible history of this famous Tudor Palace known to King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn

      15 minutes here

    3. Buckingham Palace

      Your guide will show you the perfect place to stand for the best photo of Buckingham Palace. Hear about it surprising history... (Please note we do not go inside the palace)

      15 minutes here

    4. Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall

      Get right up close to the horse guards as they begin their daily duty. An incredible sight for everyone, especially horse lovers!

      15 minutes here

    5. St. James's Park

      Check out our most ornate park, home to swans, ducks, squirrels and pelicans!

      15 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    Your guide will be carrying a Fun London Tours flag and will meet you outside the Methodist Central Hall, SW1H 9NH. Arrive 10 minutes early for check in.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We will finish near St James Palace. Closest tube station will be Green Park.

    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
    Fun London Tours Ltd

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • No dogs are allowed on the tour other than guide dogs.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

    Photos

    Household Cavalry, Private Changing the Guard Tour in LondonTravellers at Buckingham Palace, Private Changing the Guard Tour in LondonGuards at Buckingham Palace, Private Changing the Guard Tour in LondonBagpipers, Private Changing the Guard Tour in LondonHorse Guards Parade, Private Changing the Guard Tour in LondonEntertaining Tour Guide, Private Changing the Guard Tour in London

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 31 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    31 verified traveler reviews for Private Changing the Guard Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    31
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    H2844QRjohny · July 2026

    Lee private tour of changing of the guard

    Lee was great! Very knowledgeable and fun guide to have!

    Response from the operator: We’re very happy to hear you had a wonderful experience seeing the guards with Lee and we hope you’ll join us again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    michaelwE6347SV · May 2024

    Amazing, fantastic and worth every penny.

    What an amazing tour with Marnie. I am so sorry it took me so long to rate and review this incredible experience with Marnie. My wife and I toured the Xtra Changing of the Gaurd tour and they were practicing for the King’s birthday. We saw the most incredible sight and Marnie felt like family. She was incredibly knowledgeable and we toured at our own pace. If you want to treat yourself while in London book a tour with these people. You will experience a once in a lifetime experience that you won’t get anywhere else. Thank you Marnie you were the perfect end to a great trip.

    via Tripadvisor

    tartan · July 2023

    Great tour!

    We did the Changing of the Guard EXTRA tour with Paul last Monday. It ended up taking quite a few diversions from the "normal" tour as President Biden was in town and ended up "parading" in his car up the Mall that same morning. Paul still went out of his way to make sure we had a great tour! We enjoyed marching along with the band and guards, got great pics at Buckingham palace; stopped along St James's Palace and the Park as well. We were very pleased with our time with Fun london Tours. Excellent guide!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the lovely review. President Biden's arrival was not going to stop our guide Paul finding the best spots for you to see the guards!

    via Tripadvisor

    Curious764395 · May 2023

    Great spot to see horses

    Matt was excellent on knowledge and the best spot to view the changing of the guard on horses. We did not have long wait times.

    Response from the operator: So glad Matt was able to give you the best view of the horses - they're one of our favourite parts of the Extra tour!

    via Tripadvisor

    Ambassador523964 · May 2023

    Changing the Guard Extra -a definite “must do”

    Excellent experience. Matt was an excellent guide and so informative. He answered all of our questions and explained everything in such detail. Highly recommend to anyone planning a visit to London.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for joining our tour and for the recommendation! Hope to see you with us again soon!

    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, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    11
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Fun London Tours Ltd, who run 12 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Fun London Tours Ltd runs

    Why this scores 65

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)46
    Booking momentum (14% weight)38
    Value for money (12% weight)13
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)76
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Changing the Guard Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Private Changing the Guard Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $232 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 the Guard Tour 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 Private Changing the Guard Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 32 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 the Guard Tour?

    +

    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 the Guard Tour 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 Private Changing the Guard Tour?

    +

    Around 11 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 Private Changing the Guard Tour 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 Private Changing the Guard Tour?

    +

    Included: Professional guide. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Private Changing the Guard Tour?

    +

    Your guide will be carrying a Fun London Tours flag and will meet you outside the Methodist Central Hall, SW1H 9NH. Arrive 10 minutes early for check in. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Private Changing the Guard Tour 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 Private Changing the Guard Tour?

    +

    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.

    Is Private Changing the Guard Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Changing the Guard Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Private Changing the Guard Tour?

    +

    Across 32 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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