Changing the Guard Walking Tour London

What Can I Expect

Attention - this is the Changing the Guard tour of London! Head to the capital to get an insider view on all the pomp and circumstance of the formal changing of the guard ceremony that culminates at Buckingham Palace.

This tour is totally the Best of British. You meet at Piccadilly Circus, one of the most famous spots in the whole of London. Your host and guide knows exactly where to go to see the best bits of this long-standing military tradition of mounting the guard. And we'll let you into a secret, it's not in front of the gates to Buckingham Palace.

You'll be guided to the hidden spots where all the real action takes place; where the infantry and cavalry soldiers of the Queen's guard prepare for the ceremony with their inspections. Whilst the none-the-wiser tourists are all standing around waiting at those famous metal railings, you'll have an eyewitness view of all the initial action.

There will be times when the tour picks up a pace, as you march alongside the soldiers. It's pretty exhilarating to be walking within six feet of those famous guards, dressed in their formal red blazers and those bearskin hats. This is the moment to get some great, unobstructed close-ups photos.

Nothing beats the sound of the drums and pipes on the Mall as the ceremonial regimental band accompanies the New Guard on their way from Wellington Barracks to the Palace. And on this fascinating tour you'll feel like you are fully immersed in the experience and not just a bystander.

The whole point of the ceremony revolves around the Old Guard being replaced by the New Guard for their foot soldier guard duties at Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace too. Ceremonies take place regularly throughout the year. They are usually every day in June and July and usually four times a week during the rest of the year.

Get a bit of pomp and ceremony in your life and be privy to all the real action before even reaching the Monarch's famous London residence on these guided insider Changing the Guard tours.

Availability

• Available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays throughout the year, subject to availability 
• Due to an earlier start of 9.15am, Sunday's tour allows you to watch the other ceremony in the area as well. This is called Change of the Lifeguard, a 350+ year old ceremony involving horse guards

Suitable For

• Under 16s must be accompanied by a participating adult
• Under 5s free

Spectators

• This tour is not suitable for spectators

Anything Else

• Please bring comfortable shoes and a bottle of water with you
• The tour can be quite fast paced at times
• It is also very crowded near Buckingham Palace, particularly in summer months