The 15 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London

1.Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,793 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $25Our pick

Walk from Piccadilly Circus to Buckingham Palace with a guide such as Joe, Angie, Paul, or Alex. Follow the guards along the Mall, see St. James’s Palace, and learn how the ceremony works. Expect three flights of steps, a brisk pace, crowds, and no palace-courtyard viewing.

“Nick was engaging, knowledgeable, and fun! He made our trip to Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guards a memorable experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,720 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $98

Meet at the Duke of York Column for a guided walk through St. James’s Park, a Changing of the Guard viewing stop, and entry to Buckingham Palace. Guides such as Louise, Aaron, and Carla bring the royal setting to life, while an audio guide leads you through the State Rooms independently.

“Marilyn was fabulous!! She shared so much neat and interesting information. My hubby and I could tell she so enjoyed doing her job! Great time with Marilyn, so appreciated her time and wealth of history.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 941 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $19Best value

Meet at the Duke of York Column for a 90-minute walk through St. James’s and around Buckingham Palace. Your English-speaking guide uses headsets, moves you between viewing spots, and explains the footguards, horseguards, royal buildings, and ceremony. Royal Mews and King’s Gallery entry require an upgrade.

“Tour guide Louise was brilliant … excellent knowledge and delivery. She was entertaining as well and so helpful for other tourist tips at end of the tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $19

Follow a professional guide from Victoria Palace Theatre through royal London, watching several parts of the Changing of the Guard from carefully chosen spots. You’ll see Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, The Mall, and Horse Guards Parade. Guides include Rachel, Mike, Matt, Betsy, and Connor.

“This was a great way to view the changing of the guards ceremony, know where to stand to get the best view, and learn more about the ceremony and "behind the scenes". The tour lasted for closer to 2 hours. Erik was a great guide.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 776 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $26

Follow an English-speaking Urban Saunters guide through London’s ceremonial heart for about 1 hour 45 minutes. You’ll track the guards across several viewing points, hear royal trivia, visit St James’s Palace and Horse Guards Parade, and finish at Buckingham Palace. Guides such as Babs, Nathan, Alex, and Jeremy are often praised for timing and storytelling.

“This was an informative and entertaining walking tour. Jeremy our tour guide was witty and knowledgeable and made this a very enjoyable tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 326 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Follow an English-speaking guide from Green Park through St. James’s, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and Trafalgar Square. Watch either the Foot Guards or King’s Horse Guards, depending on the day, and hear royal stories from guides such as Alan, John, and Peter. Palace and abbey interiors are not included.

“It was a must book tour for the changing of the guard. Our guide Alan knew exactly where to stand to get us the best view and even got us feet away from the KING AND QUEEN who waved to us as we were the only tourists in the area because of his knowledge. Alan also knew a great deal of information about the ceremony and was able to answer all questions.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 234 reviews · from $151

Join a two-hour guided walk from Green Park to Westminster, passing Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, Clarence House, Whitehall, and Westminster Abbey. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, or Sundays, weather permitting, your guide positions you for the Changing of the Guard.

“Eyhtian (I hope I got the name right) our tour guide was great. He spoke loud enough for everyone to hear and understand clearly and he also was very informative while keeping the tour fun. Thank you for a great tour. Cheers”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Royal London Guided Tour with Changing of the Guard

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 175 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $68

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Victoria Coach Station past Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, and Buckingham Palace. Your English-speaking guide uses Vox headsets, and on select days you’ll watch the Changing of the Guard or Horse Guards Parade.

“Truly a fabulous tour and an extraordinary guide. Weve been to London many times and this tour made our latest visit really special. A real insiders view of the changing of the guard well always cherish”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $26

Meet your guide under a yellow umbrella at The Old Star pub, then walk about 3 miles through St James’s Park, past royal residences and along The Mall before watching the Changing of the Guard. Guides such as Carolina, Ian, and Rachel help you find strong viewing spots and finish at Horse Guards Parade.

“Carolina was an amazing tour guide! She made all of the information on the trip fun and engaging. My family of four, including two teenagers, loved the entirety and were sad when it ended. Once again, Carolina was amazing and stayed after to answer all of our questions and to guide us to the nearest pubs, markets, and other sites to see. 10/10 experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.London Tour: Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey & Tower

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 134 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $68

Spend about seven hours touring London with an English-speaking guide, from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. Expect a long walking day, priority entry, a Thames clipper ride, free lunch time, and guides such as Dan, Jeremy, Toby, and Warren.

“We took about 7 hrs walking tour A very cold day with rains Guide was good and showed almost everything Prepare to walk for 7 hrs ,almost tiring . But should opt for the activity”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour Semi-Private 12ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Meet your guide at the National Gallery at 9:30 am for a two-hour walk through Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, St. James’s Park, and royal London. Guides such as Becky, Andy, Luis, Wesley, and Jamie position you for strong views of the Household Cavalry and changing guard ceremony.

“The guide didn't show and didn't even call or text until after we had reached out to Babylon tours and her via phone. It was too late for them to find a substitute so were on our own.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Buckingham Palace Visit & Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 98 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $100

Follow an English-speaking guide through the Changing of the Guard, St. James’s Palace, and Clarence House before entering Buckingham Palace. Guides such as Nathan, Babs, Chris, and Jo have led past tours, positioning groups well for the ceremony. Inside, you use the official palace audio guide at your own pace.

“The walking tour of the changing of guards was very good. We were taken to the closest locations where we could watch the guards very well. The guide (Nathan) was very informative and helpful. After the event, he gave us the tickets for the palace entry and took us to the line with proper instructions. Amazing Experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Skip the Line Westminster Abbey & Changing of The Guard Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 49 reviews · from $121

Begin at Westminster Abbey with skip-the-line entry and a guided look at coronations, royal weddings, tombs, and the Coronation Chair. Then follow the guards near Wellington Barracks before crossing St. James’s Park to see the mounted King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards Parade. English tour, 3.5 hours, maximum 20 people.

“We thought Geoff was an excellent guide and the tour was very informative. The access was quick and easy.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Westminster Small Group Guided Tour with Changing of the Guard

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $142

Walk from Covent Garden to Westminster with a guide, taking in Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, Big Ben, and palace views before following the Changing of the Guard. Luke is one guide named for this tour. Expect 2 hours 45 minutes on foot, with sights seen from outside.

“Wonderful! Very informative tour that kept teenagers engaged. First part of the tour leading up to the changing of the guard is fun. Our guide Luke went out of his way to give us fun tidbits and facts. Arrived at just the right time and spots to see the changing of the guard from several locations. Worth the time and $!”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.The Changing of the Guard – Exclusive Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Meet your guide at the National Gallery at 9:30 am for a two-hour walk through Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, St. James’s Park, and royal London. Guides such as Becky, Wesley, and Tony help you find good viewing points, explain the ceremony, and adjust the pace for your group.

“Becky was phenomenal. Even though it was a rainy day and we did not get to see the full change of the guard, we were very happy to see the 'wet change' which is a bit quicker. Becky made sure we arrived at each spot a bit early and picked the best place for us to stand for the best vantage point as both guards and horseguard were coming by. We had an absolutely wonderful time.”

Check availability →Read our full review