Private Changing of the Guard Experience
- 2h 30m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
There are few sights more quintessentially British than the Changing of the Guard—a centuries-old ceremony where stoic red tunics, glittering brass, and the rhythmic beat of military drums transform the forecourt of Buckingham Palace into a living piece of history. On this expertly guided tour, you won’t just watch the ceremony… you’ll understand it. Your experience begins in the elegant streets surrounding St James’s Palace, the oldest royal residence still in use in London. As the Household Division prepares to march, your guide brings to life the origins of this ritual, dating back to the 17th century when King Charles II reinstated the monarchy and formalized the guard’s responsibilities. Every step, salute, and call carries centuries of military discipline—and you’ll have front-row insight into the symbolism behind it. From there, follow your guide through The Mall, the stunning royal boulevard , toward Buckingham Palace itself before heading to Westminster!
Inclusions
What's included
- Guide is licensed or certified
What's not
- Lunch will need to be bought for the guide.
- You may be required to use a bus and therefore buy Oyster Card tickets beforehand.
Itinerary
Experience the Changing of the Guard as you watch this spectacular sight, where your guide gets you up-close to the action. You will hear the story behind the changing of the guards, the traditions and the palaces in the district. You will hear about the King's Guard and their iconic scarlet uniforms including their distinctive bearskin hats. You will get to see the best of this military procedure which in total lasts over 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to ask your guide questions as you hear about Kings and Queens, admire the statues and see the palaces and monuments. You will see every part of the changing of the guard and its process, hearing the most intriguing tale of the Royal family.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 523
- 40
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Ratings come from 23 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- I will meet your group outside the Dian fountain.
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- The Great Weekender
- 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
How it compares in London
- Its from-price is 58% above the median of the 4793 experiences we list in London.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 935 of 4793.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About London
London mixes royal ceremony, world-class museums and riverside landmarks with distinct neighbourhoods, markets and parks to explore on foot.
The Thames threads the city together. On its banks stand the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels, Tower Bridge and the long South Bank walk past the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe and Tate Modern. St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey anchor the older skyline, while glass towers crowd the financial district.
Top-ranked sights in London: St. Paul's Cathedral, Stonehenge, Tower of London.
Special offers in London
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
