The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour
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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 28 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour worth booking?
The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $10 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 28 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (28)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $10 per person
This 2 hour exclusive guided walking tour will allow you to learn about and witness the event live with an expert guide, who will help you score excellent photos without having to navigate the heaving crowds. Experience
What you get
About this experience
This 2 hour exclusive guided walking tour will allow you to learn about and witness the event live with an expert guide, who will help you score excellent photos without having to navigate the heaving crowds. Experience one of the most quintessential British events, the changing of the guards, in the heart of London.
What's included
Included
- Duration 2 Hours
- Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
- Guided Walking Tour
- Available 9:30 am Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
Not included
- Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
What you'll see and do
Trafalgar Square
After meeting your guide outside the National Gallery, in Trafalgar Square, you will learn all about the history of this public square which commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain. During its history, the square has been a place for protests and demonstrations which continue to this day.
10 minutes here
Nelson's Column
Nelson's Column is a monument in Trafalgar Square, built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
10 minutes here
Admiralty Arch
Next you will discover the rich history and heritage of Admiralty Arch, a landmark building in London, providing road and pedestrian access between the Mall and Trafalgar Square. It was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria.
10 minutes here
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
You will then move on to see the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, where you will see members of the Household Cavalry, there to protect the official entrance to St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace.
60 minutes here
St. James's Palace
Afterwards, you will see the beautiful St. James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in the city which is known for its impressive lake views, pelicans and flower beds located in front of Buckingham Palace.
10 minutes here
Clarence House
Surrounding St. James’s Park, you will see Clarence House, a British Royal Residence. It was the home to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother from 1953 until 2002, and it has since been the official residence of Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
National Gallery, London. Meet by the Red telephone booth by the Sainsbury Wing entrance of the National Gallery.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
SEMI-PRIVATE 12ppl Max English
SEMI-PRIVATE 8ppl Max. English: Save money by booking a small group tour of 12 guests max. per guide This option NOT FOR WHEELCHAIRS.
Private Spanish Tour 9:30am
Private Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Available 9:30AM;Duration 2 Hours
Private English Tour 9:30am
Private Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Available 9:30AM;Duration 2 Hours
Private French Tour 9:30am
Private Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Available 9:30AM;Duration 2 Hours
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Babylon Tours London
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Notes: Changing the Guard can sometimes be cancelled, especially in wet weather. The decision to cancel can be made, by the Captain of the Guard , sometimes as late as 10:45 on the day. This means we cannot update our website in time to help people en-route or already at the Palace. Schedules can and do change from time to time, sometimes without notice, meaning we cannot guarantee the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace will take place on the dates stated or accept any responsibility for loss or inconvenience caused by using the information provided on this website Keep updated: https://www.householddivision.org.uk/changing-the-guard-calendar
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 28 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
28 verified traveler reviews for The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Informative and intriguing!
We took the tour of the Churchill War Rooms with Nathan and it was spectacular! Nathan did an amazing job of synthesizing a huge amount of information and placing the tour in historical context. We would happily have continued on for a full day instead of a half and would gladly return for another Babylon tour.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour with Nathan at the war rooms. Very knowledgeable
We were met with a friendly smile and incredible humor and at the same learned so much about the war rooms
via Tripadvisor
Great guide & experience...
Great guide & experience , very knowledgeable & nice. Recommend it, fyi it’s not up to the palace . But still fun
via Viator
Our guide Andy was incredible. As a PhD he was totally versed in every aspect of the history- much of it beyond the tour
Andy our guide was incredible- having a PhD he knows history- much of what he shared was beyond the scope of the tour. Andy knew exactly where to be and when to be there to obtain the maximum viewing of guards and the band. Truly wonderful experience- thanks to Andy.
via Tripadvisor
No changing of the guard but still very interesting
They weren’t doing the changing of the guard on the day we booked and I understand this happens on occasion. They offered an alternate day but we already had plans. Regardless, the walking tour was very interesting!
via Viator
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
- Price range
- $10 to $519
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $10 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 The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour 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 The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 28 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 The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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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 The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour 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 The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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Around 10 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 The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour 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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