Changing of the Guard - Walking Tour

 

See British tradition come to life on this fully-guided Changing of the Guard walking tour that ensures you get the very best views of this spectacular ceremony. Don’t make the same mistake that so many visitors often – and understandably – make, believing the prime vantage point from where to experience this time-honoured tradition is outside Buckingham Palace.

- Limited groups of 15 people or fewer mean you won’t feel lost in the crowds
- Experience a quintessential London tradition: the Changing of the Guard
- Your expert guide will be there to help you make the most of your experience, sharing enriching stories and making sure you are in the right spot at the right time for the best views

These spectators’ enthusiasm quickly turns to disappointment when they realise that they have waited for hours only to see the very end of this unique performance, their view often blocked by the throngs of people crowding around them. Instead, follow your City Wonders guide on a dynamic journey that takes in the entire Changing of the Guard from beginning to end as they expertly navigate the crowds to take you to the best – and most photographable – viewpoints.

Your guide is an expert on the history of this fascinating ceremony and their knowledge will give you invaluable insight into every detail of this British spectacle. With your own personal headset allowing you to easily follow your guide’s entertaining commentary, you can fully take in the splendour parading past you. Marvel at the precision with which the Queen’s Foot Guards march to Buckingham Palace, clad in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats, or admire the gleaming coats of the Household Cavalry’s horses as they emerge at Horse Guard’s Parade. Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, you’ll experience the change of the Household Cavalry.

Others
On occasional Sundays the changing of the guards may be rescheduled to early morning, meaning that we will not be able to see it.
We will do everything within our power to ensure timings and itineraries are respected; however, due to issues beyond our control, timings and sites are subject to last minute changes on rare occasions.

Redeem information
Voucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
Duke of York column at Waterloo Place
By the Duke of York Column. This is the tall column with a statue on top.

End point: Same as the starting point

Schedule
Duration: 1,5 Hours

Guide options
Guide type: Guide

Requirements
We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or mobility impairments on our tours. We are also unable to accommodate pushchairs or strollers on our tours.
The changing of the Guard will not operate in heavy rain and will be replaced with an extended walking tour.
The participation on this tour will be denied to any guest under the influence of drugs or alcohol or to any guest whose behavior is disorderly, or poses a threat to other guests or staff.

Recommendations
As this tour involves a fair amount of walking, please bring comfortable shoes.
Appropriate clothing for the weather