London: Changing of the Guard & Buckingham Palace Walking Tour

Skip the Palace gates. Follow the guards where they actually go.

You get positioned where the guards actually march instead of stuck outside the Palace gates. The 2-hour walk covers Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, Clarence House, Green Park, and Westminster Abbey with an expert guide explaining the history as you move. Small group size means you're not lost in a crowd, and the tour ends near Big Ben and the Underground, so you're set for the rest of your day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Green Park10m
2. St. James's Palace30m
3. Changing of the Guard20m
4. Clarence House15m
5. St. James's Park15m
6. Houses of Parliament and Big Ben15m

Changing of the Guard and Royal Landmarks

• Stroll through Green Park
• Visit St. James's Park
• Observe Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Explore St. James's Palace history
• Admire Clarence House
• See Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• End at Parliament Square near Westminster Station

The experience

The mistake most people make is obvious once you see it: they line up outside Buckingham Palace thinking that's where the Changing of the Guard happens, then spend an hour craning their necks while crowds press in from all sides. Your guide knows the actual route the King's foot guards take (the red tunics and bearskin hats moving with that stiff, deliberate pace), and positions the group where you're not fighting for sightlines. You follow the ceremony from start to finish, watching the guards march through St. James's Palace and down to the Horse Guard Parade, which is where the real pageantry unfolds, not where the tourists cluster.

The walking tour itself covers about two hours and threads through five landmarks without feeling rushed. After the ceremony, you move through Green Park toward Clarence House, then St. James's Park, where the guide fills in the layers: Henry VIII walked these grounds, the palace has housed royalty for centuries, the architecture tells a story if you know where to look. The pace is steady but not punishing. There's time to ask questions and actually absorb what you're seeing instead of just checking boxes. The group stays small, which means you're not herding with fifty other people trying to get the same photo.

One thing to know: the Changing of the Guard only happens Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, so you need to plan your London days around those dates. It's not a daily thing, which is partly why getting the timing and the location right matters so much. The tour wraps up in Parliament Square, right across from Big Ben and near Westminster Underground, so you can head straight into the next part of your day without backtracking across the city. If you're in London for a few days and one of those ceremony days falls during your stay, it's worth blocking out the morning for this rather than trying to wing it on your own.

What’s included

• Your tour includes the full Changing of the Guard ceremony with expert positioning, a 2-hour guided walking route through five royal landmarks (Buckingham Palace, St.
• James's Palace, Clarence House, Green Park, and St.
• James's Park), views of the Horse Guard Parade and Westminster Abbey, and a knowledgeable guide who explains the history and stories behind each stop.
• The group stays small, and you finish near Parliament Square and Big Ben.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2h before

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Best Tours London

Is this one for you?Right for anyone in London on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday who wants to actually see the Changing of the Guard instead of standing in the wrong spot. The 2-hour pace and small group size mean you're learning as you walk, not just collecting photos in a crowd.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What days does the Changing of the Guard happen?

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The ceremony is subject to change, so it's worth confirming the date when you book.

Why is the guide positioning important?

Most visitors wait outside Buckingham Palace where crowds block the view. This tour follows the actual route the guards march, so you see the ceremony from start to finish without fighting for sightlines.

How long is the tour?

Two hours of guided walking, covering five royal landmarks and the full ceremony.

What landmarks are included?

Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, Clarence House, Green Park, St. James's Park, the Horse Guard Parade, Westminster Abbey, and Parliament Square near Big Ben.

Is this suitable for people with mobility concerns?

It's a walking tour, so not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Infants and small children can use a pram or stroller. Public transportation is available nearby if you need an alternative.

Where does the tour end?

Parliament Square, across from Big Ben and near Westminster Underground Station.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are welcome on the tour.

What if I can't make a ceremony day?

The tour only operates on the days the Changing of the Guard takes place. You'll need to adjust your London itinerary to one of those dates.