London: Changing of the Guard Tour by Buckingham Palace

Imagine standing amidst the pomp and ceremony of a centuries-old tradition, feeling the rhythm and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard. This is exactly what this guided walking tour offers—a chance to witness one of London’s most recognizable customs with expert insight and prime viewing spots. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this experience promises a more engaging and less frustrating way to see the guards in action.

What we love about this tour is its focus on getting you close to the spectacle without battling the crowds outside Buckingham Palace, and the knowledgeable guides who turn a simple ceremony into an enlightening history lesson. The small group size makes it intimate enough to ask questions and get personalized attention. A potential consideration is that it’s not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or strollers, so plan accordingly.

This tour is perfect if you want a stress-free way to see the Changing of the Guard, combined with a deeper understanding of its significance. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate a local-guided experience that maximizes their limited time. If you’re after an authentic, insightful, and well-organized visit, this tour should be high on your list.

Key Points

• Expert guides enhance your understanding and help you spot the best views.
• Prime vantage points ensure clear sights of the ceremony, avoiding the crowds.
• The tour is small-group, offering a more personalized experience.
• It lasts between 1.5 to 3.5 hours, flexible with availability.
• The price of around $17 offers good value for a guided, curated experience.
• The tour does not include entry to Buckingham Palace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Changing of the Guard Tour

The Changing of the Guard is arguably London’s most photogenic and quintessential tradition. Yet, many visitors make the mistake of standing outside Buckingham Palace hoping to catch a glimpse, only to find themselves trapped in a sea of fellow travelers with obstructed views. This tour flips that approach on its head, leading you through the streets of London to discover the entire ceremony from start to finish, not just the last few minutes.

Meeting Point & Starting Off

The tour begins at the Duke of York Monument on Waterloo Place, a spot that’s easily accessible via Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross Station. Here, your guide meets you and provides a quick briefing about the tour outline. From this vantage, you’re positioned to start moving toward the best spots for viewing, rather than waiting in a crowd that’s often too dense to see much.

Why Not Just Watch Outside Buckingham Palace?

Many travelers assume the best view of the Changing of the Guard is right outside the Palace gates. But reviews show that this often leads to disappointment. “Spectators’ enthusiasm quickly turns to disappointment when they realize, after waiting for hours, only to see the end of the performance,” one review states. The challenge is that the ceremony can be unpredictable in timing and location, and the crowds tend to block your view when you’re outside.

This tour’s strength is its flexibility and navigation skills. Your guide knows exactly where to position the group—away from the masses—to get clear, unobstructed views. Many reviews praise guides like Katarina, Ian, and Natalie for their ability to “place us in perfect viewing spots,” ensuring everyone captures great photos and gets a good look at the guards.

The Guided Walk & Insights

The core of the experience is an approximately 75-minute walk through key spots, where your guide explains the history and significance of the ceremony. You’ll learn about the King’s Foot Guards, their colorful red tunics, bearskin hats, and the disciplined precision of their marches. The guide also shares stories about the royal family and the traditions behind this spectacle, making it more than just a visual event.

A common theme in reviews is how guides add fun and informative commentary. For example, one reviewer mentioned how their guide, Ian, “provided several stories along the way which made our experience even better.” This storytelling element makes the visit engaging, especially for those interested in British customs.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Photo Stop at Buckingham Palace

After witnessing the guards in action, the tour concludes with a 15-minute photo stop at Buckingham Palace, where you can capture the iconic facade, the royal flags, and if lucky, a glimpse of the residents or the Queen’s Guard leaving or entering. This part is especially appreciated by travelers who want quality photos without fighting the crowds on their own.

Drop-off & Flexibility

The tour ends at either the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace, depending on the day’s schedule. You’re free to explore further or continue your London adventure. The small group size and guided approach make it easy to ask questions and get personalized tips for the rest of your stay.

What’s Included & What’s Not

For around $17, you get an English-speaking expert guide, personal headsets to hear commentary clearly, and access to the best viewing spots, which is a big plus for capturing photos and understanding the ceremony. The small group limit of 20 people ensures you aren’t lost in a horde of travelers, and the personalized attention helps you fully enjoy the event.

However, it’s important to note that entrance to Buckingham Palace is not included—this is a ceremony viewing only. Also, the tour does not accommodate wheelchairs or strollers, and the schedule is subject to change based on British authorities’ decisions, especially during bad weather.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

From real reviews, it’s clear that guides make the difference. Many travelers highlight how knowledgeable and engaging their guides were, often mentioning guides like Katarina, Natalie, and Lee as exceptional. “She managed to place us in perfect viewing spots,” one reviewer said of Katarina, emphasizing the tour’s focus on quality over quantity.

The value for money is recognized by many, especially considering the effort and expertise put into ensuring good views and interesting commentary. “Our guide Natalie was fantastic,” reports another reviewer, “she took us to all the great vantage points instead of being crowded at Buckingham Palace.”

People also appreciate how the tour enhances the experience, transforming it from a simple spectacle into a memorable event with stories, historical context, and insider tips. Some mention how they saw the King leaving his residence or guards practicing, which they wouldn’t have caught if they had tried to watch on their own.

Practical Tips for Future Participants

• Arrive on time at the meeting point, especially since the tour starts promptly.
• Wear comfortable shoes—there’s some walking, but it’s manageable even for casual travelers.
• Bring your camera or smartphone—your guide will help position you for the best shots.
• Be mindful that bad weather may cancel or modify the ceremony; if it’s heavily rainy, the guards may march without music or parade.
• Due to restrictions, strollers and wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
• Check the availability and starting times ahead of your visit, as they can vary.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-organized, insightful way to experience the Changing of the Guard without the frustration of crowds and poor views. With expert guides expertly navigating the streets and crowds, travelers gain a richer understanding of this British tradition. It’s especially valuable for those who want front-row views, engaging commentary, and a relaxed pace.

For first-time visitors and those eager to learn the stories behind the pomp, this tour delivers excellent value. The small group size makes it more personal and less hectic, perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a stress-free experience.

If you’re after an authentic, educational, and visually stunning way to witness one of London’s most iconic ceremonies, this tour is a strong choice. Just remember, it’s not suitable for everyone, especially mobility-impaired travelers or those with strollers. But for most, it’s a smart, enjoyable way to make the most of your time during a busy sightseeing day.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children who can walk and listen attentively, but very young kids or strollers are not accommodated.

Does the tour include entry to Buckingham Palace?
No, the tour only covers the changing of the guard ceremony from outside. Entrance to the Palace itself is not included.

What if the ceremony is canceled due to weather?
If bad weather causes cancellation, a wet change may occur without music or parade. The tour may be affected, but you’ll still see the guards marching.

How long does the tour last?
The duration ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on availability and the pace of the group.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Duke of York Monument on Waterloo Place and ends back at the same location.

Is transportation provided?
No, you need to make your way to the starting point. It’s accessible via Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross Station.

Is it difficult to find the meeting point?
Not at all—it’s at the tall column with a statue on top, a well-known landmark.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?
Unfortunately, no. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility aids or strollers.

Are headsets provided?
Yes, each guest receives a personal headset to clearly hear the guide’s commentary.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

This guided Changing of the Guard tour combines the best of London’s traditions with practical convenience, making for a memorable and well-informed experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: