Changing of The Guard Walking Tour
Get closer to the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony in London on a private or small-group tour led by a local. Discover the significance behind one of the most iconic British traditions.
From £15
Tour Highlights
- Maximum of 20 people in your group
- Get the lowdown as you take in the highlights of this world famous ceremony with an expert guide
- Family friendly
Description
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 Urban Saunters as we serve a slice of world-famous ceremonial action with this small-group Changing of the Guard 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?
Places You’ll See
King George VI Memorial
Buckingham Palace
King's Guard
- Included
- Guided Changing of the Guard experience
- English Speaking local expert guide
- Excluded
- Gratuities
- Food & drink
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Meeting point
Important information
- Please arrive fifteen minutes before the start time on your voucher.
- The experience will end at around 12:00pm
- 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 10:30 AM so come rain or shine, the Urban Saunters Changing of the Guard experience will go ahead. If the full ceremony is canceled, there will still be the chance to see the guards marching, just without the music.
- 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
FAQ?
The Changing of the Guard tour by Urban Saunters is a guided walking experience in London that allows visitors to watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace while learning the history of the British monarchy, royal traditions, and London landmarks.
Your guide positions the group at the best viewing locations to see the guards, military bands, and ceremonial movements while explaining what is happening during the ceremony.
The main ceremony takes place around Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch.
During the tour you will also see parts of the ceremony along The Mall, St James’s Palace, and St James’s Park where the guards march.
The Changing of the Guard is a traditional military ceremony where the soldiers currently guarding Buckingham Palace are replaced by a new group of guards.
The ceremony includes:
- British Army foot guards in traditional uniforms
- Marching bands playing music
- Formal inspection and guard handover
It is one of the most famous royal ceremonies in London.
Urban Saunters offers a small-group guided experience, which allows guests to:
-
Avoid the biggest crowds
-
Understand the ceremony step-by-step
-
See multiple parts of the event, not just the palace gates
-
Hear stories about British royal traditions and history
The tour focuses on finding the best viewing spots and explaining the ceremony in real time.
Most Urban Saunters Changing of the Guard tours last approximately 2 hours.
This includes:
-
A guided walk through royal London
-
Viewing the guard ceremony
-
Historical commentary from your guide
No. The ceremony usually takes place on selected days depending on the season and operational schedule of the British Army.
It is recommended to book a guided tour so your guide can ensure you are there on a day when the ceremony takes place.
During the Urban Saunters tour you may see:
-
Guards marching with the military band
-
Royal cavalry or ceremonial units
-
Historic royal buildings and parks
Because the ceremony is a live military event, the exact route and details can occasionally change.
Yes. The tour is suitable for families, couples, solo travellers, and small groups.
Children often enjoy seeing:
-
The soldiers’ iconic red uniforms
-
The marching bands
-
The ceremonial traditions
Urban Saunters specialises in small group tours of max 15-20 people so that guests can hear the guide clearly and move easily through the crowds.
Private tours are also available.
The tour starts at the Equestrian Statue of King Edward VII on Waterloo Place, just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross stations
This bronze statue of King Edward VII stands in the middle of Waterloo Place, directly in front of the Duke of York Column, making it an easy and recognisable meeting point.
📍 Meeting point: Equestrian Statue of King Edward VII
Waterloo Place, St James’s, London SW1
Guests can view the exact meeting location here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6di1yaSN22LZoxpR6
Full meeting instructions and directions will be provided after booking.
Recommended items include:
-
Comfortable walking shoes
-
Weather-appropriate clothing
-
A camera or smartphone
-
Water
London weather can change quickly, so an umbrella or light rain jacket is helpful.
Yes. The ceremony can be cancelled or altered at short notice due to weather, security, or official royal events.
When this happens, Urban Saunters guides will still provide a royal London walking tour with historical explanations of the ceremony and the guards.
No. The Changing of the Guard tour focuses on the ceremony around Buckingham Palace, where you will watch the guards and experience the pageantry of one of London’s most famous royal traditions.
Your guide will explain the history of Buckingham Palace, the role of the Household Guards, and how the Changing of the Guard ceremony works.
If you would like to go inside Buckingham Palace, Urban Saunters also offers a special tour that includes entry to the State Rooms during the summer opening (usually July–September).
👉 Urban Saunters Changing of the Guard Tour with Buckingham Palace Visit
This experience combines the Changing of the Guard with a visit inside the palace when the State Rooms are open to visitors. 👑
Watching the ceremony independently can be difficult due to crowds and changing routes.
A guided tour helps visitors:
-
Find the best viewing locations
-
Understand the history and symbolism of the guards
-
Follow the movement of the soldiers and band
-
Learn about royal landmarks in the surrounding area
Small-group tours also allow guests to hear the guide clearly and move easily through the crowds.
Customer Reviews
From £15
Book With Extra Flexibility
Choose new departure dates if your plans change.
Reach out to us anytime via online chat, phone or email.
Get credit for future trips if you need more time to decide.
Change to a different tour run by the same tour operator.
Related Tours
Best Seller
Be the first in line to explore the crown jewels and witness the opening ceremony at the Tower of London. Take part in an adventure that will see you travel from the old City regal city of Westminster.
