Changing of the Guard

Your morning begins at the Duke of York Column in St James’s, where you’ll meet me and receive a captivating introduction to the history and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard. While many visitors gather outside Buckingham Palace and struggle with crowded views, this tour takes you to carefully selected vantage points that allow you to see the ceremony clearly while understanding every moment.

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As the experience unfolds, you’ll follow the action across royal London, learning how the ceremony works, how to distinguish the Guards by their uniforms and learn about the fascinating history of the area. You’ll hear stories of St James's Palace and its Tudor past, explore the ceremonial route along The Mall, and capture fantastic photographs of the iconic red tunics and bearskin hats of the King’s Foot Guards.

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Rather than standing in one place for hours, this dynamic walking tour allows you to move between key locations to witness different stages of the ceremony. You’ll see the inspection of the Old Guard, follow the ceremonial movements between palaces, and even march alongside the Guards and military bands as they process through the streets.​

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This experience involves brisk walking, keeping pace with the Guards, and climbing two flights of stairs, so a good level of mobility is required. Due to crowd size, access to the Buckingham Palace courtyard is not possible. But this tour ensures you experience the ceremony from excellent viewing positions while avoiding the busiest areas.

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On this tour you will

• Witness one of Britain’s most spectacular royal traditions up close

• Stand just feet from the Guards in full ceremonial uniform

• March alongside the military bands and processions

• See multiple stages of the ceremony from the best vantage points

• Visit St James's Palace, Wellington Barracks and Buckingham Palace

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What's not included 

• Entrance into Buckingham Palace/St James's Palace/Wellington Barracks

• Food and Drinks

• Transportation

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Additional Information

• ​Please arrive 15 minutes early. We will begin the walking tour at the scheduled time.

• Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.

• The tour will be in English.

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Disclaimer

​This tour operates come rain or shine, and it is England... So please dress appropriately and layer up!