Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace
Overview
Experience British tradition come to life on this fully guided Changing of the Guard walking tour. Rather than remaining in one single location, your guide will lead you to a series of vantage points to help you follow the ceremony as it unfolds.
On this tour, your guide will carefully plan the route and positioning according to the day’s schedule, crowd levels, and the movements of the guards. By moving between key locations, you’ll have the opportunity to see different elements of the ceremony and gain a fuller understanding of this historic tradition.
Throughout the experience, your guide will share the history and meaning behind the ceremony, explain the regiments, uniforms, and music, navigate the crowds as efficiently as possible, and adapt the route when necessary to make the most of the day’s conditions.
What's Included
- Headsets when appropriate
- If Option Selected: Tickets to the King’s Gallery (Exhibit: Queen Elizabeth II – Her Life in Style)
- If Option Selected: Entry to the Royal Mews (official horse stables of the Royal Family)
- Learn how tradition, discipline, and pageantry come together in this historic royal event
- Expert, English-speaking tour guide providing live commentary throughout the experience
- Changing of the Guard as it unfolds on a fully guided walking tour
- Gratuities
- Entrance to Buckingham Palace
Meeting Location
St. James's
London SW1Y 5AJ, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
London SW1A 1AA
UK
Outside Buckingham Palace
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Duke Of York Column (pass by)
The Mall (pass by)
Changing of the Guard
1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial (pass by)
Clarence House (pass by)
St. James's Park (pass by)
St. James's Palace (pass by)
Buckingham Palace (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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
- Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either footguards or horseguards
- On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the "Sunday Parade".
- Please note that access to the Royal Mews, the official stables of the British Royal Family, and The King’s Gallery for a unique viewing of Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is only available if the 'Upgrade Option' is selected
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-6295P26
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Reviews
Average 4.58 out of 5 stars based on 1,017 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- 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.
- Headsets when appropriate.
- If Option Selected: Tickets to the King’s Gallery (Exhibit: Queen Elizabeth II – Her Life in Style).
- If Option Selected: Entry to the Royal Mews (official horse stables of the Royal Family).
- Learn how tradition, discipline, and pageantry come together in this historic royal event.
- Expert, English-speaking tour guide providing live commentary throughout the experience.
- Changing of the Guard as it unfolds on a fully guided walking tour.
- Gratuities.
- Entrance to Buckingham Palace.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If 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 2025Accessibility information for the Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace 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 2024Once 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 2026What's Included
- Headsets when appropriate
- If Option Selected: Tickets to the King’s Gallery (Exhibit: Queen Elizabeth II – Her Life in Style)
- If Option Selected: Entry to the Royal Mews (official horse stables of the Royal Family)
- Learn how tradition, discipline, and pageantry come together in this historic royal event
- Expert, English-speaking tour guide providing live commentary throughout the experience
- Changing of the Guard as it unfolds on a fully guided walking tour
- Gratuities
- Entrance to Buckingham Palace
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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
- Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either footguards or horseguards
- On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the "Sunday Parade".
- Please note that access to the Royal Mews, the official stables of the British Royal Family, and The King’s Gallery for a unique viewing of Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is only available if the 'Upgrade Option' is selected
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
