Marvel at the pageantry of the Changing of the Guard ceremony on a walking tour alongside the Queen's foot soldiers in London. March in step with the soldiers and learn the history of the guards, royals and their palaces.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 105 minutes
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- See the pomp and circumstance of the Changing of the Guard
- March in step with the Queen's foot soldiers as they walk to Buckingham Palace
- Watch the inspection of the guards at St. James's Palace
- Listen to a ceremonial band as it accompanies the guards
Full description
Meet your guide at Piccadilly Circus and get an introduction to the background of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Hear what you will be doing for the next 1 hour and 45 minutes. Then proceed as a group toward The Mall. Pass by Pall Mall and Waterloo Place. Here you will learn more about the British Army and its greatest general, the Duke of Wellington.
Once on The Mall, see the extraordinary monuments to royals and generals. Get a view of St. James's Park. Admire the most beautiful of the royal parks and look at the majestic open space of Horse Guards Parade. Continue toward St. James's Palace. On the way, you might see the Household Cavalry en route from their barracks in Hyde Park. The main focus, however, will be to watch the foot soldiers emerge from St. James's Palace ready for their uniform inspection. They will then march to Buckingham Palace, sometimes accompanied by a band. If you're lucky, they may even play a song!
One of the highlights of your tour will be to march in step with the guards as they leave St. James's Palace. Then watch as the New Guard emerges from Wellington Barracks. He will often be accompanied by a full ceremonial band. Take a photo of Buckingham Palace from a raised platform. The tour ends with a flourish as the band plays in the palace courtyard. Marvel as the cavalry and guardsmen march past. Your guide will then help you get to your next port of call.
Includes
- Guide
- Food and drinks
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meet outside the Criterion Theatre, next to the Statue of Eros on Piccadilly Circus.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Pets
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- This activity is not suitable for people with walking difficulties. You will march at the same pace as the guards for approximately 4 minutes
- Please note, all tours are conducted in English only
- Please note that it is your responsibility to arrive on time for the tour. The tour starts promptly at the time stated and no refunds may be given for latecomers
- This tour does not see the section of the ceremony in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace. This is impossible on this tour due to the size of crowds, and would require arrival at the gates at least 2 hours before the ceremony is due to start
- No dogs allowed on this tour, unless they are a guide dog
- Please note that the tour on Sunday will start at 9:15 AM rather than 9:40 AM
