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The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace

516 Reviews 4.68 out of 5 stars Based on 516 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 92% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
London, England
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Royal Westminster and Changing of the Guard is an unforgettable walking tour experience offering you the chance to get up close and personal with London’s most famous and impressive Royal sights. Marvel at Buckingham Palace, march down the Mall with the King's Guards and be surrounded by Royal history at Westminster Abbey - the site of every coronation since 1066.

Not only will your guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge and anecdotes, they will also position you in the very best locations to witness the world-famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Without a guide hundreds of people stand in the wrong place every day.
*Please read the additional information below for full information of Changing of the Guard.

One minute be standing in the shadow of London's most iconic sight - Big Ben, and the next be stroking one of the horses of the Household Cavalry. Experience it all on this unforgettable tour.

What's Included

  • Exterior view of Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, and Clarence House
  • Vantage-point positioning for the Changing of the Guard ceremony
  • Guided walking tour of Royal London and Westminster
  • No Food or Drink included
  • Gratuities
  • Admission Ticket to Westminster Abbey
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Green Park (Stop H
London W1J 9DZ, UK

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

What To Expect

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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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Changing of the Guard

Begin your tour with a journey through Royal London, witnessing some of the most famous Royal Houses and Palaces such as St. James' Palace, Clarence House and Buckingham Palace. Enjoy the iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony as you march down the Mall with the Queen's footguards or marvel at the impressive horses of the Household Cavalry (daily itinerary is dependent upon the schedule of the British Army). Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful St James' Royal Park to finish the first half of the tour.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Westminster Abbey

Our journey continues through historic Royal Westminster. We pass Churchill's War Rooms and onto Westminster Abbey - the site of every Royal Coronation since 1066, it is the most important church in England. Explore Parliament Square with its array of impressive statues immortalizing such historical figures as Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Overlooking Parliament Square is the most famous sight in London - Big Ben. Admire the stunning gothic architecture of the Houses of Parliament before heading down to 10 Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister. Capture the perfect photograph with the horses of the Queen's Guard before exploring Horse Guards Parade. Please note we do not enter Westminster Abbey, all of the above is approx 70mins, we spend about 5 mins at the Abbey.
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1 hour 10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Trafalgar Square

Finish the tour at Trafalgar Square, home of Nelson's Column, one of the most impressive sights in London.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • There will be access to public toilets halfway through the tour.
  • The Changing of the Guard (Foot Guards) ceremony at Buckingham Palace occurs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
  • On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the tour will witness the Changing of the King's Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade ..

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace?

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).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

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

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Activity code: C-23256P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.68
516 reviews

Average 4.68 out of 5 stars based on 516 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
437
4 stars
39
3 stars
15
2 stars
6
1 star
19
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Exterior view of Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, and Clarence House
  • Vantage-point positioning for the Changing of the Guard ceremony
  • Guided walking tour of Royal London and Westminster
  • Expert local guide
  • No Food or Drink included
  • Gratuities
  • Admission Ticket to Westminster Abbey
  • Entrance to Westminster abbey is not included.

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 poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for those with walking difficulties as the tour can be a brisk walk in parts.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • There will be access to public toilets halfway through the tour.
  • The Changing of the Guard (Foot Guards) ceremony at Buckingham Palace occurs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
  • On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the tour will witness the Changing of the King's Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade ..
  • The Changing of the Guard Ceremony operates at the discretion of the British Army. It can be changed or cancelled without notice. This is beyond our control.
  • In the event of bad weather the Changing of the Guard Ceremony may be cancelled. The tour will endeavor to watch the Changing of the Horse Guards on these days.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers

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