Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Experience royal London like never before

Go on an immersive tour that unravels the grandeur of British tradition on this English-guided tour to see the Changing the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. These guards, in their distinctive red tunics and faux bearskin hats, make for an unforgettable sight. With a personal headset, your guide's lively commentary brings alive every intricate detail of this tradition.

Engage with history and pageantry

Enjoy a tranquil stroll through St James's Park, the oldest Royal Park in London, known for its resident pelicans. If you opt for the 1.5-hour London walking tour, your journey begins at The Mall where you will admire the majestic view towards Buckingham Palace. Led by an expert English-speaking guide, you'll move onto the vibrant St James's Palace/Horse Guards Parade. Alternatively, you can upgrade your tickets and get access to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms or go on a guided tour of Westminster Abbey.

Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Discover Buckingham Palace and its Changing the Guard ceremony on this guided tour that includes a 1.5-hour walking route through St. James's Park, visits to Westminster Abbey, and access to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms. The tour covers four major landmarks: Buckingham Palace, St. James's Park, Westminster Abbey, and the surrounding areas of London’s historic district. You’ll witness this royal tradition on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays when you see the Changing the Foot Guard ceremony; Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays feature the Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who will point out famous sights such as London’s oldest wine shop while walking through St. James's Park. With 400 acres to explore in St. James's Park, visitors can spend up to two hours strolling and observing wildlife at the lake or feeding ducks. The Changing the Guard ceremony has been a tradition since the early 18th century when King George I established it as part of his security measures for Buckingham Palace. Today, the ceremony involves over 200 participants in vibrant red uniforms who march in formation accompanied by the regimental band playing lively tunes. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, photography lovers, and anyone interested in British culture.

Witness Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Your tour stops at Buckingham Palace where you can witness the Changing the Guard ceremony every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The palace itself covers 16 acres and was originally built in 1703 by Sir Christopher Wren for John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham and Normanby. Since then, it has been expanded to include over 775 rooms and serves as the administrative headquarters of the monarch's household. Visitors can spend up to an hour watching the ceremony which involves around 200 participants in vibrant red uniforms marching in formation accompanied by a band playing lively tunes. The Changing the Guard ceremony has been a tradition since the early 18th century when King George I established it as part of his security measures for Buckingham Palace. This unique spectacle is unlike any other royal guard change seen around the world, making it a must-see event for tourists visiting London.

Explore Westminster Abbey

At Westminster Abbey, guests can delve into over 1000 years of British history as they explore this iconic landmark. Built in the early 12th century and consecrated on December 28, 1065, it has been a coronation site for English monarchs since William the Conqueror’s crowning in 1066. The abbey covers approximately 4 acres with over 300 monuments and tombs inside its walls. Visitors can spend up to two hours exploring the intricate architecture including the Lady Chapel, Poets' Corner, and the Cosmati Pavement. Westminster Abbey stands out from other cathedrals due to its rich history of royal ceremonies and significant political events such as Winston Churchill’s funeral in 1965. This tour provides a unique opportunity to see this historic site up close.

Stroll Through St. James's Park

Your tour takes you through St. James's Park, an expansive green space covering over 400 acres where visitors can spend up to two hours strolling and observing wildlife at the lake or feeding ducks. Established in the early 17th century by King Charles I, it has been a public park since 1637 when King Charles II opened it to the public after expanding its grounds. The park features several notable landmarks including London’s oldest wine shop located on the south side of St James's Park near Trafalgar Square. This tour allows you to enjoy this historic park while learning about its rich history and significance in London.

Tour Highlights

• Witness Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• 1.5-hour walking tour through St. James's Park
• English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Explore Westminster Abbey’s historic sites
• Access to Buckingham Palace State Rooms included
• Visit London’s oldest wine shop along the route
• Convenient meeting point near Trafalgar Square
• Guided entry to Westminster Abbey with skip-the-line access

Perfect for history enthusiasts, photography lovers, and anyone interested in British culture, this guided tour provides a unique opportunity to explore iconic landmarks while learning about their rich history. The 1.5-hour format allows you to witness the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, stroll through St. James's Park, and explore Westminster Abbey’s historic sites, giving you an unparalleled experience of London's royal traditions and cultural heritage.