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Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian

816 Reviews 4.99 out of 5 stars Based on 816 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. London, England
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from $39.51 per person

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Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian Image 1
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian Image 2
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian Image 3
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian Image 4
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

This is the highest-rated Changing of the Guard walking tour on Cool Shore Excursions and Cool Shore Excursions.

Led by a historian and designed with a former Guardsman, this tour gives you the historical context, insider knowledge and the best viewing spots for the capital’s most iconic ceremony. Not only that, you'll get to walk alongside the Guards and ceremonial band as they march down The Mall—yes, it is as exciting as it sounds.

You'll see Buckingham Palace, of course, but you'll also visit St James's Palace and Clarence House, discovering how these royal residences fit into this world-famous ceremony. If we're lucky—it does happen—you might even catch a glimpse of the King or Queen.
Just as importantly, there'll be plenty of fun and laughter along the way.

At the end of the tour, as the crowds begin to disperse, you can either go to the gates of Buckingham Palace for some fantastic photo opportunities or walk back to Trafalgar Square with your guide and enjoy some bonus sightseeing along the way.

What's Included

  • Prime viewing spots
  • Expert local guide
  • Gratuities/tips
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Trafalgar Square
London WC2N 5DS, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

London SW1A 1AA
UK

We finish our walk at Buckingham Palace. From there, it's just a short walk back to Trafalgar Square. Green Park tube station and St James's Park tube station are also very close.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Trafalgar Square

We begin in Trafalgar Square, the historic heart of London. Not only is it easy to find, it also has a direct link to the origins of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. While you're here, we'll show you the spot that marks the very centre of London. You'll also discover why Lord Horatio Nelson is one of Britain's greatest heroes, what we did with all the cannons captured from the defeated French, and why it might be worth patting the paw of one of the famous lion statues.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St. James's Palace (pass by)

This palace rivals Buckingham Palace and is a must-see in its own right. It’s also where the Guards come off duty, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes perspective of the ceremony. One of London’s most historic sites, it’s steeped in centuries of history, scandal and intrigue. Not every tour includes it — but we most definitely do.
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Buckingham Palace (pass by)

One of the highlights of the tour is marching alongside the King's Guards and their ceremonial band as they make their way down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. Few experiences bring you closer to the spectacle. You'll hear the military music, watch the precision drill at close quarters, and enjoy views that most visitors never even realise are possible.
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Wellington Barracks

This immense Georgian barracks is where the Changing of the Guard both begins and ends, and we will be here to see the new Guard come on duty.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Clarence House (pass by)

Your Changing of the Guard experience concludes outside Clarence House, the home of the King and Queen - which is just a couple of minutes away from Buckingham Palace. It will also be a final opportunity to see the Guards and the ceremonial band, and we are likely to see the Horse Guards as well. From here, it’s a short walk to Green Park or St James’s Park stations, or around 15 minutes on foot to Trafalgar Square or Parliament Square.
Read more
Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for those using a motorized cart.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5557183P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.99
816 reviews

Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 816 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
811
4 stars
4
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Prime viewing spots.
  • Expert local guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities/tips.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with Funny Historian will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Prime viewing spots
  • Expert local guide
  • Gratuities/tips

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for those using a motorized cart.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name