Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London
Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London
Duration: Varies (1.5 hours to 2.5 hours)
Varies (1.5 hours to 2.5 hours)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Expert local tour guide
Expert local tour guide
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Experience the Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London, a vibrant display of tradition and precision that highlights the city's royal legacy. Walk along The Mall with an expert guide, receiving clear commentary as you take in this historic event from prime viewing spots. This is a must-see moment for anyone visiting London’s heart.
Experience the Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London, a vibrant display of tradition and precision that highlights the city's royal legacy. Walk along The Mall with an expert guide, receiving clear commentary as you take in this historic event from prime viewing spots. This is a must-see moment for anyone visiting London’s heart.
Join a small group and witness a royal tradition, the Changing the Foot Guard on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, you’ll see the Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony on the Buckingham Palace grounds.
Watch the Old Guard, in their vibrant red uniforms, stand at attention, as the regimental band plays a lively tune and the New Guard marches in formation.
Take a 1.5-hour walking tour and stroll through St. James's Park while your English-speaking guide points out famous sights like the city’s oldest wine shop.
Upgrade to enjoy a guided tour of Westminster Abbey with an expert English-speaking guide leading you.
Changing the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
Expert English-speaking tour guide
Small group tour
Audio headsets
1.5-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace
Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats at Buckingham Palace ceremony.
Step into the heart of British heritage with an unforgettable experience that showcases the pomp, pageantry, and tradition of London’s iconic Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Getting started
Your journey begins near The Mall, a grand ceremonial avenue that leads you through the heart of royal London. Meet your expert English-speaking guide, collect your personal headset for clear commentary, and set off on a picturesque walk through the capital's historic center.
What to expect
Changing the Guard Ceremony
Enjoy front-row views of the world-famous Changing the Guard Ceremony, where disciplined soldiers in bright red tunics and bearskin hats march to the sound of military bands. As you follow your guide past landmarks such as St James’s Palace, insightful narration brings centuries of tradition and royal history to life.
Features:
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Prime viewing: Get the best vantage points for watching the meticulously choreographed Changing the Guard, avoiding the crowds and confusion of solo exploration.
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Expert guided experience: Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of a local English-speaking guide who unpacks the ceremonial significance of every move, uniform, and note of music.
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Personal audio headsets: Stay connected with your guide at all times through a personal audio headset, allowing you to hear every detail, even in crowded spaces.
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Stroll through St James’s Park: Wander through the oldest Royal Park in London, famed for its greenery, lake, and resident pelicans, offering a peaceful contrast to the ceremonial grandeur nearby.
Extras
- Westminster Abbey guided tour: Opt for a guided tour of Westminster Abbey for a deeper dive into royal and religious history.
Changing of the Guards ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, London.
Tour guide leading a group on the Royal Walking Tour, Changing of the Guard in London.
Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats at Buckingham Palace ceremony.
Changing of the Guards ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, London.
Tour guide leading a group on the Royal Walking Tour, Changing of the Guard in London.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms with ornate chandeliers and gilded decor.
What's not allowed
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Additional information
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The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout the year. However, last-minute cancellations can occur without prior notice due to decisions made by the palace or local authorities, or because of bad weather.
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Changing the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
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On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the "Sunday Parade."
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Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you’ll experience the Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony instead.
Tourist using audio guide in Pisa with Baptistery and Cathedral in background.
Pathway through a park with benches and trees, part of the Westminster guided tour.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms with ornate chandeliers and gilded decor.
Tourist using audio guide in Pisa with Baptistery and Cathedral in background.
Pathway through a park with benches and trees, part of the Westminster guided tour.
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Operating hours
Buckingham Palace
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