Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
England is known for fish and chips, four seasons in a day, warm ale, history in spades and of course, a deeply ingrained age-old love for pomp and ceremony. Join us as we serve a slice of world-famous ceremonial action with this small-group Changing of the Guards experience.
There is so much more to this extravagant shift change than meets the eye though- with your expert guide to lead the way, you’ll soon know your Welsh from your Grenadier guard, understand what the deal is with those fuzzy bearskin hats, hear the astounding origins of this dazzling spectacle and truly get a handle on the significance of every colour, button, mascot, symbol and movement in this most British of traditions.
From the best possible viewing point, your small group will join the guards on their journey towards Buckingham Palace as you march to the beat of their drums... but what will the music be today?
Options
Changing of the Guard Tour
Small Group Tour - English: Maximum 15 participants in your group
What's included in Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Changing of the Guard
Join us as we serve a slice of world-famous ceremonial action with this small-group Changing of the Guards experience.
St. James's Palace
Built on the site of an old leper hospital, did you know that St James’s is the oldest royal palace in the whole of the UK? Take in this beauty, still the official royal residence today. Visiting outside
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
Every day, come rain or shine, the Horseguards take part in their very own changing of the guards. Your guide will talk you through the symbolism and importance of this age-old tradition. And hey, the photos are great here too.
Inclusions
- English Speaking local expert guide
- Guided Changing of the Guard experience
- Gratuities
- Food & drink
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We tend to move pretty fast to keep up with the guards, so please wear comfortable shoes and always carry water.
- We will not stand at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as, due to crowds, you see very little and the experience would be ten times less fun. We want to get you as close as possible with the opportunity to take some amazing snapshots.
- It is at the discretion of the British Army to change or cancel the Ceremony. The announcement will not be made until after 10.30am so come rain or shine, the Urban Saunters Changing of the Guard experience will go ahead. If the full ceremony is cancelled, there will still be the chance to see the guards marching, just without the music.
- No videoing of the guide unless they have given permission
- Ceremony can be altered at the discretion of the British Army, or occasionally due to rain
- There are no toilet or refreshment breaks on this tour
- Tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Sundays – From April 2025, the Army is trying out a slightly different version of the usual ceremony on Sundays. It still involves the same number of guard movements and the same locations, but it’s now being called a “Parade” instead of a “Change.” There’s no word yet on how long this trial will last
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meet our guide by the Equestrian statue of Edward VII, Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 5ER. Arriving by tube: Take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St. James's. Walk south down Regent Street towards St. James's Park. Waterloo Place is at the end of Regent Street.
End Points
- The experience will end around Buckingham Palace
