Changing of the Guard - a Walking Tour and Experience
Our Charging of the Guard tour is great. We have in-depth knowledge of the ceremony, great stories, lots of jokes (some of them are even funny), the best vantage points, and friendly and fun guides. At one point, we even march with the soldiers and the ceremonial band as they head down The Mall.
Our guarantee: if, for some reason, the tour does not live up to your expectations (and so far that’s never happened), then you can have a no-quibble free ticket for any of our other tours.
Options
Changing of the Guard - a Walking Tour and Experience
What's included in Changing of the Guard - a Walking Tour and Experience
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Changing of the GuardPass-by Only
If you are visiting London, then you must see the world-renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. With us, you’ll experience the ceremony from the very best viewpoints. You’ll see the Old Guard, the New Guard, St James’s Palace and, of course, the most famous of all palaces, Buckingham Palace. You’ll also get to see Clarence House, the actual home of the King and Queen. You will even march alongside the Guards and the Ceremonial bands as they progress down The Mall. Please be aware that there is a bit of walking involved (about a mile and a half) and some of it is at marching pace. Also, we don’t go up to the gates of Buckingham Palace: it’s too crowded, the views are poor, and you don’t get to see the whole ceremony. With us, though, you get the best views from the best spots at the best times. You’ll also hear the history of this centuries-old ceremony, be told some great stories and have a lot of fun along the way.
Buckingham PalacePass-by Only
Your Changing of the Guard experience concludes outside of Buckingham Palace. From there, it's just a short walk to Green Park or St James's Park tube stations. Alternatively, it's a 15-minute walk to Trafalgar Square or Parliament Square. Please note: the Changing of the Guard ceremony can be cancelled at very short notice by the British Army or Westminster Council. If it's raining, there's likely to be what's called a 'wet change' - in other words, the soldiers will still march but there'll be no ceremonial band.
Inclusions
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Voice-amplifiers when needed
- Small group (often less than 20)
- Gratuities
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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
- There is about a mile and walking involved in this tour. At one point, we will be marching with the tropps and the ceremonial band down the Mall, so please only take this tour if you have a moderate amount of fitness.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- The meeting point is the Constance Fun Fountain of Diana (also known as Diana of the Treetops). It is in Green Park, adjacent to the Green Park tube station exit/entrance and drinks kiosk. If you coming by tube, use the 'Green Park' exit. Your guide will be holding a small 'Fantastic Walks' flag.
End Points
- We finish our walk at Buckingham Palace. From there, it's just a short walk back to Green Park tube station or Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square. St James's Park tube station is also very close.
