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Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London: Witness Royal Pomp and Pageantry
4.9
560 Ratings
Greater London
Experience the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony in London on this engaging walking tour. Get up close to the Royal guard, learn about British landmarks, and capture fantastic photos!
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Changing of the Guard - Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where the King’s Foot Soldiers and the Household Cavalry showcase one of Britain’s most celebrated and historic traditions in all its grandeur.
- Buckingham Palace - Capture stunning photos and learn about the most renowned of all British Royal Palaces, including the number of rooms, the Royal balcony, and the infamous incident when a man broke into the Queen’s bedroom! Plus, check if The King is in residence!
- Big Ben - View the world’s most famous clock and uncover the reasons behind its construction, the true identity of Ben, and its unique role for troubled politicians!
- Houses of Parliament - Explore the Houses of Parliament, once home to the Royal Family, and learn about the British Parliamentary system and Guy Fawkes’ attempt to destroy it in 1605!
- St. James’s Palace - Visit this historic Royal palace and discover which notorious King built it, the Royal Family member residing there today, and its significant role in the deaths of England’s Kings and Queens!
- Westminster Abbey - Marvel at Westminster Abbey, the site of Royal weddings, funerals, and coronations! Learn about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, Princess Diana’s funeral, and the Queen’s coronation process!
- Pall Mall - Understand the importance of this historic Royal street.
- Clarence House - See this 19th-century building, home to many Royal Family members! Discover the famous London architect who designed it, when the Queen chose to live there, and its history as the former residence of both Prince William and Prince Harry!
What's Included
- Guided walking tour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
- Tour of London attractions: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace & Westminster Abbey
What's Not Included
- Gratuities (optional)
- Entrance Tickets to the Royal Palaces and Landmarks
- This tour does not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace.
Additional Information
Experience the internationally renowned Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace firsthand! The Changing of the Guard signifies the switch of the royal sentinels and, while on this London walking tour, you’ll be positioned in the ideal locations to witness the Changing of the Guard ritual, march alongside the guards, and capture superb photographs!
Throughout the journey, your native guide will elucidate each phase of the Changing of the Guard ceremony as you observe the Royal Guards, the Household Cavalry, and the Regimental Musical Bands proceed towards Buckingham Palace in an event steeped in immense British tradition and magnificence.
You’ll also gain insight into Royal landmarks including Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and Clarence House, as well as uncover the residence of British Royalty and Government at Big Ben, Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament.
The Changing of the Guard represents one of London’s most historical and cultural events, and now you can immerse yourself in it on one of the premier tours in London.
- The tour starts at the Victoria Palace Theatre. This is opposite Victoria Station. The address of Victoria Palace Theatre is Victoria Street, London SW1E 5EA. On arrival please meet your tour guide at the clock in front of the theatre holding a yellow umbrella. If using Google/Apple maps search ‘Victoria Palace Theatre’ (not 79 Victoria Street).
- The ceremony can be altered at any time at the discretion of the British Army. In the event of bad weather the British Army may decide to do a ‘Wet Change’ which is a shortened version of the Changing of the Guard ceremony without any music.
- This tour does not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. No tours go to the front gates due to crowds and because you won’t see much! This award winning tour will take you around the Palaces for the best views of the guards and the ceremony. If you wish to go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace then this is not the tour for you.
- Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins to check-in with your guide
- For security reasons, the police request that no suitcases (big or small) be brought to the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Please arrange storage for these prior to joining the tour. Handbags and Small Backpacks are welcome and can be brought on the tour.
- Due to crowds, uneven surfaces and unavoidable stairs, this tour is not suitable for those with wheelchairs, walking difficulties or large prams/buggys.
Location
Victoria Palace Theatre
Victoria Street
The tour starts at Victoria Palace Theatre. The address of Victoria Palace Theatre is Victoria Street, London SW1E 5EA. Please meet your tour guide at the clock in front of the theatre holding a yellow umbrella. If using Google/Apple maps search 'Victoria Palace Theatre' (not 79 Victoria Street).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(560 Ratings)
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Suzanne_f
Jul 26, 2024
Superb tour! - My husband and I are so happy we have taken this tour. Our guide, Mike, was amazing and so knowledgeable. He brought us to all the best places to stand for a great view of the changing of the guard. We would have never known where to go on our own and would have probably missed most of what we have seen. Don't hesitate to book this tour. You won't regret it! Thanks again, Mike, for this amazing tour!
Review provided by Viator
948lourdeso
Jul 25, 2024
Fantastic, informative tour! - Lots of knowledge about the Changing of the Guard ceremony, we had great views at every stop. My kids enjoyed the tour as well, our guide Griffin was very charismatic and knowledgeable, he answered all of our questions. One of my favorite activities in London so far.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faraway776990
Jul 24, 2024
Informative London Tour - Carolina was a GREAT Guide. Introductions for all, answering questions, enthusiastic & informative. Glad we were able to be in her group.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Margaret
Jul 24, 2024
Great pics! - Rachel, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable of not just the Changing of the Guard, but London in general. She was extremely friendly and we got amazing pictures of the guards. 10/10!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camper24158004942
Jul 21, 2024
Must Do! - Tour guide was Adam. Super informative. Great personality. Awesome pace. Really happy we chose this company. Must do!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessicawheeler
Jul 19, 2024
Great day seeing the guards - Rachel, our tour guide, did a great job! We were able to see the guards and band close up without anyone blocking our view. Rachel took us to three different locations so we could see every aspect of the guards changing ceremony. She was very pleasant, accommodating, and very knowledgeable about the history of the palace and guards. Definitely worth the money to see the changing of the guards this way. If we hadn’t gone on this tour we would have missed most of it.
Review provided by Viator
G9268oochrisk
Jul 19, 2024
Fun and informative tour - Griffin was knowledgeable and a great communicator. Tour route was well thought out, gave a good perspective on the changing of the guard.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Udn3939
Jul 17, 2024
I'd give it more stars if I could! - We had the BEST experience on this tour! Our tour guide was Griff (sp?) and he took us to all of the key spots to see the best action for the Changing of the Guard. Had we tried to see the changing of the guards by ourselves - we would have missed about 85% of it (because it doesn't all just happen in front of Buckingham!). We saw the guards getting ready, doing their inspections, playing a couple of songs and finally starting.
Griff gave us a few history lessons about the ceremony, the uniforms, the importance of the guards, and various other fun facts.
We would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to experience this moment in London!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W925qxsimons
Jul 15, 2024
The Best Tour of London! - This tour of the changing of the guard ceremony in London was fantastic! Our tour guide named Carolina showed us around perfectly. She told lots of stories and made them feel like to us that we were inside them watching as she showed us around lots of old buildings and other places, including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham palace, Big Ben, and lots of other places!! So this was super fun, and if you can, try to get tickets for this fun and amazing journey!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharon_t
Jul 11, 2024
Five Stars! - This was a terrific tour. I managed to take photos and videos that I would never have gotten if I had gone on my own.
Our guide Mike was an excellent guide who took us to spots that were ideal for seeing the marching guards. He also provided a wealth of information and back stories about the guards and places we visited.
Review provided by Viator
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