Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience

5.0
(319 reviews)
London, England

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Led by a historian and designed by a former Guardsman, this walking tour is the best way to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony. You’ll get historical context, insider knowledge and great vantage points. You’ll also walk alongside the New and Old Guards as they march along The Mall. If you are wondering, it is as exciting as it sounds.

You’ll see Buckingham Palace, of course, but you’ll also visit St James’s Palace and Clarence House, and understand how these royal residences fit into this world-famous ceremony. If we’re lucky (it sometimes happens), you might even catch a glimpse of the King and Queen.

Finally — and just as importantly — there’ll be plenty of fun and laughter along the way, as confirmed by the many five-star reviews.

What's Included

Expert local guide
Prime viewing spots
Gratuities/tips

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Major General Sir Henry Havelock statue

Your guide will be holding a red Fantastic Walks flag and wearing a Fantastic Walks rucksack. Please be at the meeting point ten minutes before the scheduled start time. If you're late, head along The Mall to Friary Court, St James's Palace.

End point
Buckingham Palace

We finish our walk at Buckingham Palace. From there, it's just a short walk back to Trafalgar Square. Green Park tube station and St James's Park tube station are also very close.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Trafalgar Square

    We start at Trafalgar Square. It’s the most important square in London, easy to find, and it has a direct link to why the ceremony first began

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • St. James's Palace (Pass by)

    This palace rivals Buckingham Palace and is a must‑see in its own right. It’s also where the Guard come off duty

    Admission ticket free
  • Buckingham Palace (Pass by)

    We will march beside the Guards and the ceremonial band as they make their way down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Wellington Barracks

    This immense Georgian barracks is where the Changing of the Guard both begins and ends, and we will be here to see the new Guard come on duty.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Clarence House (Pass by)

    Your Changing of the Guard experience concludes outside Clarence House, the home of the King and Queen - which is just a couple of minutes away from Buckingham Palace. It will also be a final opportunity to see the Guards and the ceremonial band, and we are likely to see the Horse Guards as well. From here, it’s a short walk to Green Park or St James’s Park stations, or around 15 minutes on foot to Trafalgar Square or Parliament Square.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Fantastic Walks

Tags

Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Excellent Quality
Best Conversion
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 319 319 reviews
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