The London: Changing of the Guard Tour by Buckingham Palace offers an engaging way to witness one of Britain’s most iconic traditions. Priced at $16.97 per person, this 1.5 to 3.5-hour guided walk takes you through the heart of London, starting at the Duke of York Monument, and ensures you see the ceremony from prime vantage points. With small group sizes of 20 or fewer, the tour combines expert commentary with careful navigation through crowds, making it ideal for travelers who want a clear view and interesting context without the hassle of finding the best spots on their own.

What really sets this tour apart is its focus on crowd management and insider insights. Many visitors struggle to find optimal viewing locations, often missing the beginning or only catching the tail end of the ceremony. This tour’s guides know where to position you to see the guards march in full display, clad in their red tunics and bearskin hats, and to catch the guards practicing or even the King leaving his residence—a rare bonus. The combination of expert guidance, personal headsets, and a well-planned route makes this experience both informative and enjoyable, especially for those eager to learn about British traditions while avoiding crowded spots.

Key Points

Affordable and flexible pricing at $16.97, with options to reserve now and pay later.
Guided walk that lasts between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, depending on availability and timing.
Starts at the Duke of York Monument, with a clear plan to avoid the usual crowd congestion.
Expert guides lead you through the entire Changing of the Guard process, highlighting history and details.
Small group size with up to 20 participants, securing better access and personalized attention.
Includes headsets, so you can follow commentary easily without missing important details.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at the Duke of York Monument

The tour begins at the Duke of York Column on Waterloo Place, near the intersection of Carlton Terrace. This prominent location allows the guide to gather the group efficiently, and being close to Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross Station, it’s easy to access using public transport. The starting point is marked by the tall column topped with a statue, making it easy to spot.

Arriving early gives plenty of time to meet your guide and settle in before the ceremony begins. From this point, the guide leads the group along Waterloo Place and towards the main event, ensuring a good view from the start.

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Navigating the Crowds for Prime Viewing

A major advantage of this tour is how it avoids the crowds that typically fill the area outside Buckingham Palace. Instead of waiting for hours in a dense throng, the guide takes you along a dynamic route that leads to the best and most photographable viewpoints. This approach makes sure you see the ceremony clearly and capture photos without blocking or being blocked by other spectators.

Guides are well-versed in crowd management, which means less time spent fighting for space and more time enjoying the spectacle. Many reviews highlight how they manage to secure excellent spots, even during busy times.

Watching the Changing of the Guard

The core highlight of this tour is witnessing the Changing of the Guard in full swing. The ceremony features the Kings foot guards, recognized by their red tunics and bearskin hats, marching with precision. The guide discusses the history and significance of this tradition, making it more than just a parade of soldiers.

The 75-minute walk covers the entire process from start to finish, ensuring you see the guards march in, the changing of duties, and possibly some practice routines or royal departures. This detailed view is often missed when visiting independently, especially if only trying to see from outside Buckingham Palace.

Stop at Buckingham Palace for Photos

After the ceremony, the tour makes a 15-minute photo stop at Buckingham Palace itself. This is an ideal moment for capturing the palace’s grandeur, with the guards possibly still visible in the background. The guide provides context about the palace’s history and the significance of the royal residence, enriching the visit beyond just photos.

This stop is timed to give ample opportunity for pictures while still maintaining the overall pace of the tour.

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Endpoints and Optional Drop-offs at Key London Landmarks

The tour concludes with two drop-off points: the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace itself. This flexibility allows travelers to plan their day conveniently, whether they wish to explore more of the royal area or head towards the historic Tower of London.

The tour’s design ensures you get a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed, and the guided commentary adds depth to the sightseeing.

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Expert Guides and Personal Audio Equipment

A notable strength of this tour is its English-speaking expert guides. As many reviews praise guides like Katarina, Ian, Nathalie, and Lee, for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling skills. The personal headsets ensure you catch every detail without distraction, making it easier to follow along and stay engaged.

Guides often share stories of the royal family, ceremony history, and funny anecdotes, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The meeting point is easy to find, located by the Duke of York Column, with directions to nearby Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross Station. The tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or those using wheelchairs due to the walking nature of the experience and specific tour restrictions.

The tour does not include entrance tickets to Buckingham Palace, so visitors wishing to explore the interior will need additional reservations. The activity ends back at the starting location, allowing for easy continuation of sightseeing.

Considerations and Weather Cancellations

The Changing of the Guard schedule can vary, and cancellations may occur due to bad weather, often announced after 11am. When canceled, observers may still see a wet change without music or parade, but the core ceremony might not be visible.

It’s important to note that strollers and wheelchairs are not accommodated on this tour, and bad weather can impact the experience despite plans.

Reviews and Customer Feedback

This tour enjoys an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 from over 1,380 reviews, with many travelers praising guides like Katarina, Nathalie, and Lee for their knowledge, humor, and attentiveness. Reviewers mention how guides secure perfect viewing spots and tell interesting stories, transforming a simple ceremony into a memorable experience.

Many reviews highlight the value of expert guidance in seeing more of the ceremony than would be possible alone, especially during busy times. The small group size allows more personalized attention and better access.

Changing of the Guard Tour at Buckingham Palace: An In-Depth Look

This tour is a fantastic way to see the Changing of the Guard without the frustration of standing in crowded areas for hours. The guided route ensures you witness the full ceremony with excellent views and insights into its history and tradition.

The expert guides make the experience lively and informative, often sharing stories of the royal family or fun facts about the guards. The small group size enhances the experience, making it easier to ask questions and get closer to the action.

While the price is low, the overall experience is rich, thanks to well-planned logistics and knowledgeable guides. Visitors who value a clear view, local insights, and a convenient schedule will find this tour worth their while.

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London: Changing of the Guard Tour by Buckingham Palace

4.2

(1382)

“Katarina was an amazing guide. She had a wealth of knowledge that she shared. We also lucked onto seeing the guards practicing for the trooping of …”

— Shari, May 23, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?
No, the tour does not accommodate baby strollers or wheelchairs due to walking and access limitations.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes an English-speaking expert guide, headsets for clear commentary, best vantage points, and a small group of 20 or fewer.

Can I see Buckingham Palace interior on this tour?
No, entrance to Buckingham Palace is not included. This tour focuses solely on the ceremony and exterior views.

How flexible is the timing?
The duration varies from 1.5 to 3.5 hours based on availability and scheduling. Check the specific starting times when booking.

What happens in case of bad weather?
Cancellations due to bad weather are announced after 11am. Even if canceled, you may still see a wet change without the usual parade or music.

This Changing of the Guard Tour offers a well-organized, engaging way to experience a key British tradition, combining expert guidance, prime viewing points, and insider knowledge. Suitable for travelers who want a structured experience and better access to the ceremony, it provides great value and memorable sights for anyone exploring London.