Small-Group Changing of the Guards Walking Tour: A Deep Dive into British Traditions
5.0
392 Ratings
Greater London
Discover the secrets and significance behind the Changing of the Guards ceremony on this small-group walking tour. Join us for a deep dive into British traditions and experience the pomp and ceremony firsthand.
Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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.
What's Included
  • English-speaking local expert guide
  • Small group experience with a maximum of 15 people
  • Guided Changing of the Guard experience
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food & drink
  • Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Additional Information

England is celebrated for its fish and chips, unpredictable weather, traditional warm beer, rich historical heritage, and a deeply rooted fondness for grandeur and ritual. Be part of our renowned ceremonial event through this small-group participation in the Changing of the Guards.

This majestic guard shift offers much more than what initially meets the eye- guided by an expert, you’ll distinguish between a Welsh and Grenadier guard, unravel the mystery behind the iconic bearskin hats, discover the amazing history of this flamboyant display and truly comprehend the importance of every colour, button, mascot, symbol, and gesture in this quintessentially British tradition.

From an optimal observation spot, your small group will accompany the guards as they advance towards Buckingham Palace, matching your steps to the rhythm of their drums… but what will today’s musical selection be?

  • 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
Location
Equestrian Edward Ⅶ
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.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(392 Ratings)
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X6625ftjackw
Jun 21, 2024
Chris did a very good job - Chris did an incredible job on the tour! He explained so many fun and memorable facts, and made the whole experience so fun and something I will remember for life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sachind346
Jun 19, 2024
Chris - The Royal Family whisper! - Chris was truely amazing. While the sheep flocked to the less interesting parts of the ceremony, Chris expertly got is to the front row of the most interesting parts of the event so we could see the guards matching AND made a great audible so we could be front to to see Kong Charles in his motorcade. Without this experience was 4/10... With him, it felt like a VIP experience with memories for a lifetime.
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S2067pokimw
Jun 19, 2024
Awesome tour with Lee…great history…great pics - Lee was awesome. We got a great explanation about the history of the guard, all the different guards, the royal family, the buildings surrounding the palace, and much more. He even stopped us when there was an unexpected King Charles drive by so we could see him. Great tour, knew where to get great pics. Definitely a highlight of the day!
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Averye135
Jun 19, 2024
Excellent tour - Lee was excellent, did a great job sharing numerous stories and keeping time. We got to see everything and had great spots to view.
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W7051ghsalvadors
Jun 17, 2024
Walked to changing of the guards and Buckingham palace - Richard the guide was great very knowledgeable. Lots of information about all that was going on and reason for the certain ceremonies
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Leonardos1960
Jun 17, 2024
Exceptional! - Excellent very nice guide! Well done Richard, kind, engaging and competent! Absolutely worth trying!
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Calliedimos
Jun 17, 2024
Excellent Changing of the Guards Tour - Great tour! Paul did an excellent job finding the post spots to view things and great descriptions. Very accommodating and kind.
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10siddhartht
Jun 17, 2024
Awesome tour - Lee amazing guide was simply awesome. I guess not just our group but also others around may have benefited by his comments and overview of the tour . We had a lovely time and loads of fun with Lee. Wish him the best and to the company he represents.
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W2211xsrosao
Jun 16, 2024
Great Tour! - Even though we unfortunately did not get to see the changing of the guard, Ms. Amber made the updated tour very enjoyable. She was so lovely and the information she shared was not only educational but also very entertaining. Overall amazing experience!
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Suzan
Jun 17, 2024
Changing the guard - The walking tour was very nice , we had an excellent guide , Rachel , she is vibrant, knowledgeable and very helpful, she shared fun facts all the way There is a lot of waiting though and because it depends on when the guards are ready you may end up lining up more than you would expect, and it is within a crowd so this was physically stressful part that we did not expect But Rachel stories did make it easier ,
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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