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London Changing of the Guard Walking Tour 2 hr

TourTruth score 9.2 out of 10

ExcellentTop 2% in London

914 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score

  • London, United Kingdom
  • 2 hrs
  • Updated November 2, 2026

Follow the guards toward Buckingham Palace and uncover the history, symbols, and spectacle of London’s famous ceremony.

About this tour

See one of London’s most recognizable traditions from a fresh perspective on this Changing of the Guard walking tour. Rather than gathering at the crowded Buckingham Palace forecourt, follow the guards along their route toward the palace from a viewing spot chosen to bring you closer to the action.

An English-speaking local expert explains the ceremony as it unfolds, from the history behind the spectacle to the meaning of its uniforms, colors, buttons, and symbols. Learn to tell the different guards apart, discover the story behind their famous bearskin hats, and listen for the drums as the procession moves through the streets. The brisk-paced walk lasts 120 minutes, so comfortable shoes and water are recommended; there are no toilet or refreshment breaks.

Ceremony details can change at the British Army’s discretion, but the tour runs in all weather. If the full ceremony is canceled, guards may still march without music. Join this London Changing of the Guard walking tour for a closer look at the pageantry, people, and history behind a celebrated British ritual.

Highlights

  • Follow the guards toward Buckingham Palace from a carefully chosen viewing spot
  • Learn the history behind the ceremony, uniforms, symbols, and bearskin hats
  • Hear the guards’ drums as the procession moves through London

What's included

Included

  • Guided Changing of the Guard experience
  • English-speaking local expert guide

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Food and drink
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

Important information

  • Meet by the Equestrian Statue of Edward VII, Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 5ER
  • The nearest listed Tube station is Piccadilly Circus; use Exit 3 toward Regent Street and walk south to Waterloo Place
  • The tour moves at a brisk pace; wear comfortable shoes and bring water
  • No toilet or refreshment breaks are provided
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  • The ceremony may be changed or canceled at the British Army’s discretion, including due to rain; the tour still operates, and guards may march without music if the full ceremony is canceled
  • The tour operates in all weather; dress appropriately
  • The Sunday ceremony is being trialed as a Parade from April 2025, with the same guard movements and locations
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Service animals are allowed; public transportation is available nearby
  • Do not record the guide without permission

Frequently asked questions

Where is the meeting point?

Meet the guide by the Equestrian Statue of Edward VII at Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 5ER.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 120 minutes.

What happens if the ceremony is canceled?

The tour still goes ahead. If the full ceremony is canceled, you may still see the guards march without music.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour operates in all weather, and the ceremony may be altered at the British Army’s discretion.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

Travelers should have moderate physical fitness. It is not recommended for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How this score is calculated

This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 4.96 from 914 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.

How the score works and rating distribution in London
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 9.2. Top 2% in London means it ranks in the top 2% of tours in London by this score.

Provider rating distribution in London

How many tours in London have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • Viator

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