London: Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour

Summary

Marching bands red coats & royal history in central london

You’ll walk from St James’s Park past Clarence House and St James’s Palace with a local guide who knows every royal story worth telling. Get close to London’s Changing of the Guard ceremony along The Mall — not just at Buckingham Palace gates — then end with a photo beside a Royal Horseguard. It’s lively, sometimes strange, always memorable.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re early!” That’s what our guide, Tom, said as he waved his yellow umbrella outside The Old Star pub — I was nervous I’d be late, but turns out everyone else had the same idea. There were maybe ten of us, all shuffling our feet on the pavement, trying to look casual while secretly peering down Broadway for any hint of the guards. Tom started off by pointing out Clarence House across the street, and I’ll admit I barely knew what it was before this. He told us about King Charles living there and how the windows sometimes flicker with movement if you’re lucky (we weren’t, but still).

We followed him through St James’s Park — honestly, that place smells like wet grass and coffee in the morning. You could hear ducks squabbling somewhere behind us and a pelican just kind of gliding along like it owned the whole city. Tom kept up this steady stream of stories about Henry VIII and St James’s Palace; at one point he stopped to show us a bit of old brickwork and said something about “centuries-old secrets” which made me laugh because it sounded so dramatic for a Tuesday morning. The group was quiet for a minute after that, just taking in the view toward Buckingham Palace — gold-tipped gates shining even though the sky was doing its best London grey impression.

The actual Changing of the Guard ceremony surprised me. It’s not all at the palace gates like you see on TV — we got these close-up spots along The Mall where you could feel the ground vibrate when those boots hit in sync. The band played something unexpectedly cheerful (I think it was an ABBA song?) and people around us started grinning at each other. Tom explained which regiment was which by their buttons and plumes; I pretended to remember but mostly just stared at those giant bearskin hats wobbling past. There’s a weird mix of strictness and silliness about it all — very British.

Afterward, we wound up at Horse Guards Parade for photos with one of the Royal Horseguards. The horse looked bored; I probably did too (I’m not great with animals), but my partner managed to get a picture where we both look almost regal. The whole thing took about two hours but felt longer in that good way, like your brain is still catching up to everything you saw. Sometimes when I hear marching band music now, I remember that odd mix of ceremony and real life colliding on a damp London morning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Changing of the Guard and Royal Sights

• Watch Changing of the Guard ceremony
• See Buckingham Palace exterior
• Visit St James's Palace facade
• View Clarence House residence
• Walk along The Mall avenue
• Stroll through St James's Park
• Take photo with Royal Horseguards

Top questions

Where does the Changing of the Guard walking tour start?

The tour starts outside The Old Star pub at 66 Broadway, opposite St James's Park Station (Broadway Exit).

How long is the Changing of the Guard small-group tour?

The tour lasts around two hours and covers approximately three miles on foot.

Does this tour go to Buckingham Palace gates?

No, most of the ceremony is viewed away from Buckingham Palace gates; if you want to be right at the gates, this isn’t your tour.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at The Old Star pub in St James's.

What happens if it rains during the Changing of the Guard?

If there is bad weather or rain, there may be a ‘Wet Change’—a shortened version without music decided by the British Army on that day.

Are photos with Royal Horseguards guaranteed?

Photos with Royal Horseguards are subject to guard availability; sometimes they may not be present for photos.

Is this walking tour suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?

No, unfortunately it isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to route accessibility.

What attractions are included in this London walking tour?

You’ll see St James’s Park, Clarence House, St James’s Palace, The Mall, Buckingham Palace (from outside), and Horse Guards Parade.

What’s included

Your morning includes meeting your small group outside The Old Star pub in St James's before heading out with your professional guide past Clarence House and through St James's Park toward Buckingham Palace. You’ll have front-row views for key moments in London’s Changing of the Guard ceremony along The Mall (not at palace gates), visit historic sites like St James’s Palace and Horse Guards Parade, and finish with an optional photo beside a Royal Horseguard—if they’re available that day.