Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
Overview
England is known for fish and chips, four seasons in a day, warm ale, history in spades and of course, a deeply ingrained age-old love for pomp and ceremony. Join us as we serve a slice of world-famous ceremonial action with this small-group Changing of the Guards experience.
There is so much more to this extravagant shift change than meets the eye though- with your expert guide to lead the way, you’ll soon know your Welsh from your Grenadier guard, understand what the deal is with those fuzzy bearskin hats, hear the astounding origins of this dazzling spectacle and truly get a handle on the significance of every colour, button, mascot, symbol and movement in this most British of traditions.
From the best possible viewing point, your small group will join the guards on their journey towards Buckingham Palace as you march to the beat of their drums... but what will the music be today?
What's Included
- English Speaking local expert guide
- Guided Changing of the Guard experience
- Gratuities
- Food & drink
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Meeting Location
St. James's
London SW1Y 5ER, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
London SW1A 1AA
UK
The experience will end around Buckingham Palace
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Equestrian statue of Edward Ⅶ
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
St. James's Palace
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Clarence House
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Changing of the Guard
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Buckingham Palace
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Wellington Barracks
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We tend to move pretty fast to keep up with the guards, so please wear comfortable shoes and always carry water.
- We will not stand at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as, due to crowds, you see very little and the experience would be ten times less fun. We want to get you as close as possible with the opportunity to take some amazing snapshots.
- It is at the discretion of the British Army to change or cancel the Ceremony. The announcement will not be made until after 10.30am so come rain or shine, the Urban Saunters Changing of the Guard experience will go ahead. If the full ceremony is cancelled, there will still be the chance to see the guards marching, just without the music.
- No videoing of the guide unless they have given permission
- Ceremony can be altered at the discretion of the British Army, or occasionally due to rain
- There are no toilet or refreshment breaks on this tour
- Tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Sundays – From April 2025, the Army is trying out a slightly different version of the usual ceremony on Sundays. It still involves the same number of guard movements and the same locations, but it’s now being called a “Parade” instead of a “Change.” There’s no word yet on how long this trial will last
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- Operated by a business
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Changing of the Guard Walking Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-278452P6
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 838 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Embark on a captivating journey through London's East End, where creativity knows no bounds. Join me as we delve into the colorful world of street...
$29.18
Our driver will meet you in the hotel lobby at your chosen time for a private tour. You will have the vehicle to yourself as...
$416.85
London Private Beatles Taxi Tour
Our Beatles guides are as passionate about the band, their music, and the legacy of their songwriting as you are. Avid music fans, our driver-guides...
$188.27
Step into British royal tradition with a full-day experience covering London’s finest royal sites and ceremonies. From the best vantage point of Buckingham Palace's iconic...
$155.65
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Remarkable London by Night Tour! This London by Night tour will reveal the floodlit splendour of London’s landmarks as dusk falls. When twilight descends upon...
$41.42
Historic Pub Walking Tour of London
This historic London pub tour gives you the chance to enjoy some of the best pubs in London including those dating back over 800 years!...
$21.01
Chelsea FC Stadium Tours and Museum
Chelsea Football Club's most popular product! Take the tour that has been enjoyed by millions of sports fans from all around the world! Chelsea FC's...
$47.21
London Eye Fast-Track Ticket
Fast Track for a perfect London Eye experience! With fast track entry for your flight in a shared capsule, you get to skip the majority...
$34.98
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- English Speaking local expert guide.
- Guided Changing of the Guard experience.
- Gratuities.
- Food & drink.
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Changing of the Guard Walking Tour is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Changing of the Guard Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- English Speaking local expert guide
- Guided Changing of the Guard experience
- Gratuities
- Food & drink
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We tend to move pretty fast to keep up with the guards, so please wear comfortable shoes and always carry water.
- We will not stand at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as, due to crowds, you see very little and the experience would be ten times less fun. We want to get you as close as possible with the opportunity to take some amazing snapshots.
- It is at the discretion of the British Army to change or cancel the Ceremony. The announcement will not be made until after 10.30am so come rain or shine, the Urban Saunters Changing of the Guard experience will go ahead. If the full ceremony is cancelled, there will still be the chance to see the guards marching, just without the music.
- No videoing of the guide unless they have given permission
- Ceremony can be altered at the discretion of the British Army, or occasionally due to rain
- There are no toilet or refreshment breaks on this tour
- Tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Sundays – From April 2025, the Army is trying out a slightly different version of the usual ceremony on Sundays. It still involves the same number of guard movements and the same locations, but it’s now being called a “Parade” instead of a “Change.” There’s no word yet on how long this trial will last
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- Operated by a business
