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Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London

278 Reviews 4.96 out of 5 stars Based on 278 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% 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 23 (0) days in advance.

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

Overview

Enjoy the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with this small group walking tour! This walking tour gets you up close for the best views of the Guard change in a historic Royal event filled with classic British pomp and pageantry.

The tour will position you in the best front row spots for the key parts of the Changing of the Guard ceremony as you enjoy memorable views of the Old Guard, New Guard, Household Cavalry and the ceremonial military band. You’ll even finish your tour by getting your photo with the Royal Horseguards!

As well as enjoying unbeatable views of the Guard change, your walking tour is teeming with Royal history as you discover Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, The Mall and Horseguards Parade.

This small group tour is the best way to see the Changing of the Guard in London, filled with memorable views and fascinating history of London’s most historic Royal event that encapsulates British history and heritage in one Royal morning.

What's Included

  • The Mall
  • Clarence House
  • St James’s Park
  • Entrance tickets to sights, landmarks or attractions
  • Front gates of Buckingham Palace
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

66 Broadway
London SW1H 0DB, UK

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

End point

Whitehall
London SW1A 2ET, UK

The tour will end at Horseguards Parade.

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

The Changing of the Guard is a traditional ceremony showcasing the handover of duties between the King’s Guard. The ceremony features a precision display of marching, music, and military pageantry. Guards in iconic tunics and bearskin hats parade to live music. The event symbolizes British heritage and monarchy, blending discipline with centuries-old tradition.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch, is a symbol of the United Kingdom's heritage and royal tradition. Surrounded by lush gardens and Royal parks, the palace remains a working institution, hosting state events and providing a regal backdrop to national celebrations.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St. James's Palace

St James's Palace is one of Britain's oldest royal residences. Built by Henry VIII, it served as the official residence of the monarch until the 18th century. Its historic rooms host key royal events and house several royal offices with its iconic red brick façade being a symbol of British heritage.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Clarence House

Clarence House, located in St James’s, London, is the official residence of King Charles III and his family. It has served as a royal home for various members of the British monarchy and hosts official events and ceremonies, playing a significant role in the British royal family’s public life.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Mall

The Mall is a grand ceremonial avenue in central London, stretching from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch. Lined with trees and flanked by royal landmarks, it serves as the site for major state events and royal processions. Known for its vibrant red surface, The Mall hosts iconic celebrations, such as royal weddings and national holidays, making it a focal point of British culture and history.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St. James's Park

St James's Park is one of London's most beautiful royal parks. Spanning 57 acres, it features lush gardens, a serene lake, and picturesque views of Buckingham Palace. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including pelicans and swans.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall

Horse Guards Parade is a historic ceremonial ground in London, renowned for hosting royal events like Trooping the Colour. It’s home to the Royal Horseguards, an elite cavalry regiment serving as the monarch’s personal guards. Enjoy a photo standing next to the Royal Horseguards.
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10 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
  • The tour is not suitable for prams, buggys or strollers.
  • The tour covers approximately 3 miles of walking.
  • The tour will not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Most of the ceremony is away from the front gates. If you do wish to go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace then do not book this tour.

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour in London?

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-271934P6

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.96
278 reviews

Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 278 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
269
4 stars
8
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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What's Included

Activity name

  • The Mall
  • Clarence House
  • St James’s Park
  • St James’s Palace
  • Photo with the Royal Horseguards
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Small-Group guided walking tour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
  • Entrance tickets to sights, landmarks or attractions
  • Front gates of Buckingham Palace
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The tour starts in front of The Old Star pub in St James's. The Old Star pub is opposite St James's Park Station (Broadway Exit). The address of The Old Star pub is 66 Broadway, London, SW1H 0DB. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella.
  • The tour is not suitable for guests with walking or mobility difficulties.
  • The tour is not suitable for wheelchairs.
  • The tour is not suitable for prams, buggys or strollers.
  • The tour covers approximately 3 miles of walking.
  • The tour will not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Most of the ceremony is away from the front gates. If you do wish to go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace then do not book this tour.
  • If it is raining or bad weather then the Changing of the Guard ceremony may be a ‘Wet Change’. This is a shortened version of the ceremony without music. This is decided by the British Army at approximately 10.30am on the day of the ceremony.
  • Photos with the Royal Horseguards are subject to Guard availability.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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