Walking Tours

Private Changing of the Guard Experience

5.0(23)5 out of 5, from 23 reviews·2h 30m·Private group
What you pay forThe bookingThe price does not change with the size of your group.
Group sizeUp to 15Per booking.
Minimum ageAll agestraveler 0–120

Will this work for your group?

Checked against the limits the operator publishes. Nothing here is a booking guarantee — availability and prices live on Viator.

  • All 5 of you can be booked together.
  • Open to all ages, including your youngest.
  • One price for all 5 of you

About this experience

There are few sights more quintessentially British than the Changing of the Guard—a centuries-old ceremony where stoic red tunics, glittering brass, and the rhythmic beat of military drums transform the forecourt of Buckingham Palace into a living piece of history. On this expertly guided tour, you won’t just watch the ceremony… you’ll understand it. Your experience begins in the elegant streets surrounding St James’s Palace, the oldest royal residence still in use in London. As the Household Division prepares to march, your guide brings to life the origins of this ritual, dating back to the 17th century when King Charles II reinstated the monarchy and formalized the guard’s responsibilities. Every step, salute, and call carries centuries of military discipline—and you’ll have front-row insight into the symbolism behind it.

Description supplied by the operator via Viator Partner API.

What you actually do

You get out at all 1 stops.

  1. 1

    Changing of the Guard

    Experience the Changing of the Guard as you watch this spectacular sight, where your guide gets you up-close to the action. You will hear the story behind the changing of the guards, the traditions and the palaces in the district.

    You get out here60 min

Where the day happens

≈ 1.1 km from the city centre. 1 stop shown in visit order.

What is and is not included

The advertised price does not cover lunch will need to be bought for the guide., other — budget for those separately.

  • Other
  • Lunch will need to be bought for the guide.
  • Other

Before you book

The operator’s own practical notes — the things people usually discover at checkout.

Good to know (4)
  • 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
Cancellation policy

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

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Where does everyone sleep?

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Details retrieved from the Viator Partner API on 2026-10-09. We publish no availability, and every price is the operator’s advertised from-price with its check date — the exact total is on the operator’s page. How we research this.