About This 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. 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 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.
Photo Gallery
Tour Analysis
Tour Characteristics
Analyze this tour to extract its characteristics (adventure level, structure, food importance, etc.). This is a one-time analysis that enables personalized matching.
One-time analysis • Enables preference matching
What's Included
What's Not Included
Additional Information
Meeting Point
Meeting Point: By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. This is the tall column with a statue on top. Arriving by tube: Take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St James's. Walk south down Regent Street towards St James's Park (do not walk north towards Oxford Street). Waterloo Place is at the end of Regent Street. You will see the tall column with a statue on top. You can also arrive via Charing Cross Station. Walk down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace, you will see the statue on your right at the top of some steps.
Special Instructions
• Be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. • A City Wonders guides will have a City Wonders sign with the name of the tour at the meeting point for easy recognition. • The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before 11am. Even when cancelled, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music and parade. • Please note weather is very changeable in London, please ensure you have rainproof clothing • This tour involves a reasonable amount of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either foot-guards or horse guards. • On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the "Sunday Parade". • Gratuities for your guide/driver that provided excellent service are appreciated!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Tour Operator
City Wonders UK
Official supplier for this experience. Bookings are handled directly through Viator with verified partners.
Viator Certified
Trusted local operator
Are you the tour operator?
Get up to 15× more visibility by linking your tours together. Show travelers all your offerings on each tour page. Just one extra booking per month covers the cost. Starting at just $4.99/month.
Guest Ratings
Based on 919 verified reviews
Average rating
Ready to Go?
Book Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace
Secure your spot instantly through Viator and receive flexible cancellation options plus verified customer support.
Trusted partner • Instant confirmation
