Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour

Get up close to London’s Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace on this Changing of the Guard walking tour. This Changing of the Guard walking tour with a small group (maximum 15 people) will ensure you see the best of Royal London, including 3 royal residences, as well as taking you to the best spots of where to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This Changing of the Guard tour will give you the chance to see the best parts of the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony up close with the Changing of the Guard in London being one of the great British traditions, and one of the must-do things for any visitor to the British capital. Join this Changing of the Guard walking tour and witness the best that Royal London has to offer and experience the very best of British culture, history and heritage.

Tour Description

See the best of Royal London and get up close to the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace on this small group Changing of the Guard tour. The Changing of the Guard in London is one of London’s must see spectacles that is full of history, culture and traditional British pomp and pageantry, with this Changing of the Guard walking tour giving you the best spots to view this world famous ceremony.

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is just one part of the ceremony with your knowledgeable and experienced Changing of the Guard tour guide also leading you to the best spots to view the Changing of the Guard ceremony across both Clarence House and St James’s Palace. Moving between each Changing of the Guard location means you’ll see the Changing of the Guard in London in the right way (instead of the wrong way as most people do!) ensuring you’ll get within touching distance of the Buckingham Palace Guards as they march between the palaces accompanied by a full military band.

As you discover the Royal history of London, you’ll be stopping at each Changing of the Guard location ensuring you follow the best Changing of the Guard route and see the Changing of the Guard ceremony that is easy to understand and follow whilst also avoiding the majority of the crowds. Furthermore, this Changing of the Guard tour is also a small group walking tour (maximum 15 people) meaning you’ll get an even more personable experience and more opportunities to ask questions of your Changing of the Guard tour guide. As you walk you’ll hear incredible stories of British Royal history whilst discovering the origins of the Changing of the Guard and the key parts of the ceremony that make this centuries old British tradition one of the worlds must see events before finishing your tour with a photo with the Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry.

Tour Highlights

⭐ The best spots for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

⭐ Stand within touching distance of the Royal Guards.

⭐ Visit all four locations of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

⭐ Fantastic photos of Buckingham Palace & Clarence House

⭐ Hear the Tudor history of St James’s Palace.

⭐ Get a photo next to the Royal Horseguards!

⭐Dedicated small group with a maximum of 15 people (plus guide).

Tour Schedule

Days of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Start: 10am
Departure Point: The Old Star Pub (St James’s)
Nearest Underground Station: St James’s Park Station

The London Sightseeing Walking Tour (Westminster) will start at 10am at in front of The Old Star Pub opposite St James’s Park Station. On arrival please meet your tour guide holding the yellow umbrella.

Finish: 12pm approx.
End Point: Horseguards Parade
Nearest Underground Station: Westminster

The tour will finish at approximately 12pm at Horseguards Parade.

Tour Itinerary

Your Changing of the Guard Walking Tour will include stops at the following locations:

📍 Buckingham Palace

📍 Clarence House

📍 St James’s Palace

📍 Wellington Barracks

📍 The Mall

📍 Horseguards Parade

📍 St James’s Park

*Itinerary subject to change.

Tour Price

Adults (18+ years old) - £19 per person

Children (5 - 17 years old) - £19 per person

Infants (0 - 4 years old) - Free

The Changing of the Guard Small Group Tour is not available with a Go City/London Pass

Make it a private tour
This tour is also available as a private tour. Click here to book a private tour.

Important Information

WHAT IS INCLUDED

✅ Walking Tour
✅ Professional Tour Guide
✅ Photo with the Royal Horseguards (subject to availability)

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

❌ Entrance Tickets
❌ Front gates of Buckingham Palace
❌ Gratuities

ACCESSIBILITY

♿ This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties.

PLEASE NOTE:

The tour is available in English only.
The total distanced walked on this tour is approximately 3 miles.
This tour will not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Most of the ceremony is away from the gates. If you wish to go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace then do not book this tour.
In wet weather the Royal Guards may do ‘Wet Change’ - a shorter version of the ceremony without music. This is decided by the British Army at approximately 10.30am on the day.
Photos with the Royal Horseguards are subject to Guard availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Please note that a booking is required to be able to join our Changing of the Guard walking tour. Please note that we cannot accept walk ups due to high demand.
Yes. Please note that all children aged 5+ years old will need to have a ticket for the tour and must be included in your booking.
Unfortunately if your preferred date is not available on the booking calendar then the tour is either sold out or will not be running on that date.
Please note that each of our tours has a limited capacity. There please do only make a booking if there are enough spots available for all of your guests. Unfortunately we cannot welcome onto the tour any additional guests that are not included in your booking.
Please note that our tours are not suitable for those with wheelchairs, prams/strollers, or those with walking difficulties.
This Changing of the Guard walking tour is a small group tour with a maximum of 15 guests plus your Changing of the Guard tour guide.
For policy reasons Groups or Travelling Parties of 9 or more people must contact us before booking the tour. Failure to do so will result in bookings being cancelled or being turned away from the tour without refund.
Please note that school/college/university groups or corporate/business groups are not able to join our public tours. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Tour Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A very good guide, I recommend Rachel without hesitation. She is smiling and welcoming to the audience, always ready to take a photo or answer questions. (Tripadvisor, 2025)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Carolina was a wonderful tour guide. She was very professional and got us to the best places to see the changing of the guards. (Tripadvisor, 2025)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rachel was excellent. She was very knowledgeable gave some good times visiting attractions. She kept the group engaged and was great with the kids. (Tripadvisor, 2025)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Eric was an awesome tour guide! This tour provided more viewing of parades and guards at not just Buckingham palace but other Royal residences in the area. (Tripadvisor, 2025)

Book a Tour

Book your Changing of the Guard Tour in just 4 easy steps!

1) Select your date from the calendar

2) Select number of people

3) Accept the terms and conditions

4) Complete booking

It’s that easy!

What is the Waitlist? If you see ‘Join Waitlist’ on the calendar then the tour is sold out on that date. Join the waitlist for free and we will contact you by email if spots become available to book.