Historical Tours · City Tours

Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace

4.4(1,121)4.4 out of 5, from 1121 reviews·2h·Shared tour
What you pay forEach travellerChildren are priced in their own age band.
Group sizeUp to 20Per booking.
Minimum ageAll agesinfant 0–3, child 4–14, adult 15–99

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.
  • 5 fares — children priced separately

About this experience

Experience British tradition come to life on this fully guided Changing of the Guard walking tour. Rather than remaining in one single location, your guide will lead you to a series of vantage points to help you follow the ceremony as it unfolds. On this tour, your guide will carefully plan the route and positioning according to the day’s schedule, crowd levels, and the movements of the guards. By moving between key locations, you’ll have the opportunity to see different elements of the ceremony and gain a fuller understanding of this historic tradition. Throughout the experience, your guide will share the history and meaning behind the ceremony, explain the regiments, uniforms, and music, navigate the crowds as efficiently as possible, and adapt the route when necessary to make the most of the day’s conditions.

Description supplied by the operator via Viator Partner API.

What you actually do

Of 7 listed stops, you get out at 1 and see 6 from the vehicle.

  1. 1

    Duke Of York Column

    The tour begins at this impressive column dedicated to Prince Frederick, Duke of York. Your guide will introduce the history of the monument and set the royal context for the tour, explaining its connection to The Mall and ceremonial London.

    Seen from the vehicle

  2. 2

    Changing of the Guard

    As you walk down The Mall, your guide will explain its role as the ceremonial route used for royal processions, state visits, and major national celebrations. Guests will enjoy views toward Buckingham Palace and learn about its royal and political significance.

    Seen from the vehicle

  3. 3

    King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial

    Your regal tour begins at the Duke of York Column, located in St. James’, where you’ll greet your guide, don a personal headset, and receive a historical overview of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Many tourists make the mistake of viewing the ceremony outside of Buckingham Palace.

    You get out here90 minAdmission included

  4. 4

    Clarence House

    While passing the memorial, your guide will briefly explain the importance of King George VI and the Queen Mother, particularly their role during WWII and their impact on modern Britain.

    Seen from the vehicle

  5. 5

    St. James's Park

    The official residence of King Charles III (formerly home to the Queen Mother and Prince Charles). Guests will hear stories about its royal residents and its ongoing importance within the Royal Family.

    Seen from the vehicle

  6. 6

    St. James's Palace

    A relaxing walk through London’s oldest royal park. Guests will enjoy beautiful views of the lake, Buckingham Palace in the distance, and possibly the famous pelicans. The guide can explain the park’s royal origins and wildlife.

    Seen from the vehicle

  7. 7

    Buckingham Palace

    One of the oldest royal palaces in London, dating back to Henry VIII. Your guide will explain its Tudor origins, its role today, and its importance in royal proclamations.

    Seen from the vehicle

Where the day happens

≈ 0.3 km from the city centre. 7 stops shown in visit order.

What is and is not included

The advertised price does not cover other — budget for those separately.

  • Other
  • Other

Before you book

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

Good to know (7)
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before 11am.
  • Please note weather is very changeable in London, please ensure you have rainproof clothing
  • Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either footguards or horseguards
  • On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the "Sunday Parade".
  • Please note that access to the Royal Mews, the official stables of the British Royal Family, and The King’s Gallery for a unique viewing of Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is only available if the 'Upgrade Option'…
Cancellation policy

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

Where this sits

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Details retrieved from the Viator Partner API on 2026-10-21. 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.