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Offered languages
- English
Experience London’s most famous royal ceremony with a guide who shows you the best vantage points and explains every moment of the spectacle. Starting at the Duke of York Column, engage with a trained actor guide who shares captivating stories and insights as you move between key locations like St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace. This tour ensures you see the Guards up close and learn about their history and uniform. This dynamic experience is perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike, offering a fun and informative afternoon in the heart of London.
On this tour you will:
- Witness one of Britain’s most spectacular royal traditions up close
- Stand just feet from the Guards in full ceremonial uniform
- March alongside the military bands and processions
- See multiple stages of the ceremony from the best vantage points
- Visit St James's Palace, Wellington Barracks and Buckingham Palace
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet your expert guide at the Duke of York Column, the starting point for your journey into the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. Conveniently located, the nearest Underground stations are Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus.
The tour concludes outside St James's Palace, a convenient central location ideal for continuing your exploration of London.
Itinerary
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1King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial
At the memorial to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, you’ll hear the story of a reluctant king who led Britain through the Second World War, and the Queen who stood firmly by his side, becoming one of the nation’s most beloved figures.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2St. James's Palace
Here you'll watch the Old Guard line up for inspection and hear the military band strike up! You’ll discover one of London’s oldest royal residences, built by Henry VIII, and hear how it once served as the official home of the monarch before Buckingham Palace took centre stage.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Changing of the Guard
Follow the action across royal London, learning how the ceremony works, how to distinguish the Guards by their uniforms and learn about the fascinating history of the area. Capture fantastic photographs of the iconic red tunics and bearskin hats of the King’s Foot Guards.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Wellington Barracks
Watch the New Guard march out of Wellington Barracks and towards Buckingham Palace
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Buckingham Palace
At Buckingham Palace, you’ll learn how this grand building evolved from a private townhouse into the official residence of the British monarch, and hear how it continues to serve as the centre of modern royal life, so much so that Queen Elizabeth II simply referred to it as “the office.”
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience 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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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