The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace in London, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom

The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace

Outty Ranking 80 4.6 · 528 traveler reviews2.3 hoursFrom $24
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Outty Ranking

80/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 528 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace worth booking?

The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace is a 2.3-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $24 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 528 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
80 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (528)
Duration
2.3 hours
From
$24 per person

Royal Westminster and Changing of the Guard is an unforgettable walking tour experience offering you the chance to get up close and personal with London’s most famous and impressive Royal sights. Marvel at Buckingham Palace, march down the Mall with the King's Guards and be surrounded by Royal history at Westminster Abbey - the site of every coronation since 1066. Not only will your guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge and anecdotes, they will also position you in the very best locations to witness the world-famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Without a guide hundreds of people stand in the wrong place every day. *Please read the additional information below for full information of Changing of the Guard. One minute be standing in the shadow of London's most iconic sight - Big Ben, and the next be stroking one of the horses of the Household Cavalry. Experience it all on this unforgettable tour.

What you get

    About this experience

    Royal Westminster and Changing of the Guard is an unforgettable walking tour experience offering you the chance to get up close and personal with London’s most famous and impressive Royal sights. Marvel at Buckingham Palace, march down the Mall with the King's Guards and be surrounded by Royal history at Westminster Abbey - the site of every coronation since 1066. Not only will your guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge and anecdotes, they will also position you in the very best locations to witness the world-famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Without a guide hundreds of people stand in the wrong place every day. *Please read the additional information below for full information of Changing of the Guard. One minute be standing in the shadow of London's most iconic sight - Big Ben, and the next be stroking one of the horses of the Household Cavalry. Experience it all on this unforgettable tour.

    What's included

    Included

    • Exterior view of Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, and Clarence House
    • Expert local guide
    • Vantage-point positioning for the Changing of the Guard ceremony
    • Guided walking tour of Royal London and Westminster

    Not included

    • No Food or Drink included
    • Gratuities
    • Admission fees
    • Entrance to Westminster abbey is not included.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Changing of the Guard

      Begin your tour with a journey through Royal London, witnessing some of the most famous Royal Houses and Palaces such as St. James' Palace, Clarence House and Buckingham Palace. Enjoy the iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony as you march down the Mall with the Queen's footguards or marvel at the impressive horses of the Household Cavalry (daily itinerary is dependent upon the schedule of the British Army). Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful St James' Royal Park to finish the first half of the tour.

      60 minutes here

    2. Westminster Abbey

      Our journey continues through historic Royal Westminster. We pass Churchill's War Rooms and onto Westminster Abbey - the site of every Royal Coronation since 1066, it is the most important church in England. Explore Parliament Square with its array of impressive statues immortalizing such historical figures as Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Overlooking Parliament Square is the most famous sight in London - Big Ben. Admire the stunning gothic architecture of the Houses of Parliament before heading down to 10 Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister. Capture the perfect photograph with the horses of the Queen's Guard before exploring Horse Guards Parade. Please note we do not enter Westminster Abbey, all of the above is approx 70mins, we spend about 5 mins at the Abbey.

      70 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Trafalgar Square

      Finish the tour at Trafalgar Square, home of Nelson's Column, one of the most impressive sights in London.

      5 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    The tour starts from the Goddess Diana fountain in Green Park, next to the Colicci refreshment stand. Enter Green Park via the entrance gates next to the Ritz Hotel. If taking the underground, disembark at Green Park Station. The Green Park/Buckingham Palace exit will lead you to the fountain.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    The tour usually ends at Trafalgar Square, however occasionally it ends at Parliament Square. Ask your guide at the beginning of the tour for the exact end location.

    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
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    secret chamber tours ltd

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • There will be access to public toilets halfway through the tour.
    • The Changing of the Guard (Foot Guards) ceremony at Buckingham Palace occurs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
    • On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the tour will witness the Changing of the King's Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade ..
    • The Changing of the Guard Ceremony operates at the discretion of the British Army. It can be changed or cancelled without notice. This is beyond our control.
    • In the event of bad weather the Changing of the Guard Ceremony may be cancelled. The tour will endeavor to watch the Changing of the Horse Guards on these days.
    • Not recommended for those with walking difficulties as the tour can be a brisk walk in parts.

    Photos

    The Changing of the Queen's Life Guards at Horse Guards Parade, The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace in LondonGetting ready for the Guard Change at St James' Palace, The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace in LondonCapturing the perfect selfie with the Queen's Guard, The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace in LondonWestminster Abbey, The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace in LondonThe new guard from the Irish Regiment marching to the Palace, The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace in LondonThe group in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace in London

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 512 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    512 verified traveler reviews for The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    425
    4 star
    40
    3 star
    13
    2 star
    5
    1 star
    29
    Sort
    John_T · October 2026

    Peter is a fantastic...

    Peter is a fantastic guide! The tour allowed us to see everything we wanted to in London. If we were to fumble around on our own It would have taken us a lot more to to see what we were able to see on this tour.

    via Viator

    Tamathy_K · October 2026

    You get to see all...

    You get to see all portions of the changing of the guards except the actual change of the keys, but it was an excellent tour. Our tour guide was very friendly and full of great information.

    via Viator

    Sara_H · October 2026

    Great tour

    Great tour with some stops on the way to Buckingham palace. The changing of the guard was fun to watch and the changing of the horse guards. Peter our tour guide was very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend this tour.

    via Viator

    Tina_R · October 2026

    Our walking Tour in London

    It was brilliant . John was excellent and made the tour really interesting and fun . I would say the ticket said meet at green park bus stop at H . This is very confusing as no one waited there and everyone met by the fountain and coffee shop . Also my name wasn’t on Johns list but he could see I had booked and had confirmation . Great tour guide and so interesting xx

    via Viator

    misty_n · October 2026

    Buckingham Palace

    Excellent information and tour guide, Peter. Had an excellent time! Lots of great photos to take. Very informative.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2.3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    185
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by secret chamber tours ltd, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.5.

    See everything secret chamber tours ltd runs

    Why this scores 80

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)83
    Booking momentum (14% weight)80
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)42
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace cost?

    +

    Prices start at $24 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 Tour and Buckingham Palace take?

    +

    Plan for about 2.3 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 Tour and Buckingham Palace worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 528 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 Tour and Buckingham Palace?

    +

    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 Tour and Buckingham Palace suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace?

    +

    Around 185 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 2.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace 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 The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace?

    +

    Included: Exterior view of Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, and Clarence House; Expert local guide; Vantage-point positioning for the Changing of the Guard ceremony; and Guided walking tour of Royal London and Westminster. Not included: No Food or Drink included; Gratuities; Admission fees; and Entrance to Westminster abbey is not included. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace?

    +

    The tour starts from the Goddess Diana fountain in Green Park, next to the Colicci refreshment stand. Enter Green Park via the entrance gates next to the Ritz Hotel. If taking the underground. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace 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 The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace?

    +

    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 The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace 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 The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace?

    +

    Across 528 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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