London: Changing of the Guard Walk with Best Viewing Spots

Summary

Walk The Mall for the Changing of the Guard with a local’s eye

You’ll walk The Mall with a local guide, catch every detail of London’s Changing of the Guard ceremony from smart viewing spots, and hear stories behind royal traditions. March alongside soldiers and bands, skip crowded gates, and end right outside Buckingham Palace feeling like you’ve really been part of it.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to feel so giddy about a bunch of soldiers in red coats, but as soon as we met our guide near St. James’s Palace, there was this buzz in the air — not just tourists, but Londoners too, waiting for that first note from the band. Our guide (I think her name was Sarah?) had this way of pointing out little things I’d never have noticed: the way one guard’s boots squeaked on the pavement or how everyone seemed to hush for a second when the gates opened. You could smell coffee from a nearby cart mixing with that crisp morning air — honestly, it felt more alive than I thought a royal tradition would.

We walked (well, sometimes half-marched) alongside the guards as they headed down The Mall. There’s something about matching their pace that makes you feel part of it — even if my stride was nowhere near as sharp. Sarah kept us moving at just the right time so we always ended up in these perfect spots to actually see what was happening, not just people’s phones in front of me. She told stories about St. James’s Palace and Clarence House — apparently King Charles really does live there; who knew? At one point, I tried to mimic one of the band’s tunes and got a laugh from some kids nearby. It wasn’t all stiff upper lip — people were joking around and waving at the guards too.

The best part? We didn’t get stuck in that massive crowd by Buckingham Palace gates (I saw them packed in like sardines). Instead, we got these open views where you could watch both the old and new guard do their thing without craning your neck or standing on tiptoes. If you’re after those classic photos or just want to actually see what’s going on during your day trip to Buckingham Palace, this is honestly how I’d do it again. The whole thing wraps up outside Buckingham Palace and then you’re free to wander off into Green Park or grab lunch somewhere nearby — which is exactly what we did after all that marching.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Changing of the Guard ceremony experience

• See Changing of the Guard ceremony
• View Old Guard and New Guard
• See St James’s Palace and Clarence House
• March alongside Guards and band
• Hear history and stories of ceremony
• Conclude outside Buckingham Palace
• Walk to nearby tube stations or squares

Top questions

How long is the Changing of the Guard walking tour?

The experience covers about a mile and a half and lasts roughly two hours.

Does this tour go up to Buckingham Palace gates?

No, you’ll view from less crowded spots for better views instead of being at the packed gates.

Is there much walking involved in this tour?

Yes, expect about 1.5 miles including some stretches at marching pace.

Are public transportation options nearby after the tour?

Yes, Green Park and St James's Park tube stations are both close by at the end.

What happens if it rains during the ceremony?

If it rains, there may be a ‘wet change’—the soldiers still march but without full ceremony or band.

Can service animals join this Changing of the Guard tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this experience.

Is this suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

No, it isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to walking requirements.

What’s included

Your day includes an expert local guide who knows all the best viewing spots along The Mall and around St James’s Palace. You’ll get real-time stories behind royal traditions while walking alongside guards and ceremonial bands before finishing outside Buckingham Palace — no extra tickets needed.