Changing of the Guard London: Follow the Guards on Foot
Watch the Ceremony from the Best Vantage Points Without the Courtyard Crowds
You arrive at Piccadilly Circus, walk with a local guide to St. James's Palace to watch the guards assemble, then follow the ceremony procession along the Mall toward Buckingham Palace. You march alongside the guards at one point and see the royal parks and Regent Street. The whole thing takes two hours, operates in any weather, and you need to be there ten minutes early for check-in.
Step-by-step itinerary
Changing of the Guard walking tour
- Begin at Piccadilly Circus
- See St. James's Palace exterior
- Wait for Guards' ceremony start
- Follow guards along the Mall
- View Buckingham Palace
- Walk along Regent Street
- Piccadilly Circus 5m
- St. James's Palace 20m
- Changing of the Guard 15m
- Regent Street passing by
What’s included
- Your tour includes a local guide, entry to view the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and the walking route through St.
- James's Palace, the Mall, Regent Street, and the royal parks.
- You march alongside the guards at one point during the procession.
- No meals, drinks, or refreshment stops are included.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday 09:45
- Sunday 09:15
Information
Two-hour walking tour of London's Changing of the Guard with a guide. Visit Piccadilly Circus, the Mall, St. James's Palace and Buckingham Palace.
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The experience
The tour starts at Piccadilly Circus, where your guide meets you ten minutes before departure. From there you walk toward St. James's Palace: a 500-year-old building that sits quietly in the middle of London, and this is where the Changing of the Guard ceremony actually begins. You're positioned to watch the guards assemble, and then the real part happens: you follow them along the Mall as they march toward Buckingham Palace. There's a moment where you walk at the same pace as the guards themselves, which sounds small until you're actually doing it and realizing how precise their steps are, how the whole thing moves like a single organism.
The guide knows where to stand so you see the highlights of the ceremony without fighting through crowds. You won't see the courtyard section at Buckingham Palace itself, that's the trade-off, but what you do see is the procession, the handover, and the route most visitors miss because they're stuck behind barriers. The walk takes in Regent Street and the royal parks, so even if the ceremony timing shifts (which it can, depending on the British Army's schedule), you're still moving through the parts of London that matter. Two hours goes faster than you'd think, especially if you're paying attention to the detail work: the uniforms, the formations, the way the whole thing is choreographed.
Bring comfortable shoes. There are three flights of steps along the route, and the walk happens in all weather, so dress for whatever London throws at you that morning. No toilet breaks on the tour, and no dogs except guide dogs. Children need to be with an adult, and if you have mobility concerns (spinal injuries, cardiovascular issues) this one's not the right fit because of the pace and the stairs. The ceremony itself can change at the discretion of the British Army, or occasionally get rescheduled due to rain, so it's worth checking the schedule before you book.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.
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 time does the Changing of the Guard ceremony happen?
The ceremony schedule varies and is set by the British Army. Check the official schedule before booking, as dates and times change seasonally and can be altered without notice.
Do I see inside Buckingham Palace?
No. You see the palace from outside and watch the ceremony procession. You don't enter the courtyard or the building itself.
Can I bring my dog?
Only guide dogs are allowed. Other dogs cannot join the tour.
Is there time to stop for food or water?
No. There are no toilet or refreshment breaks during the two-hour tour.
What if I'm late?
Arrive ten minutes before the tour starts for check-in. The guide does not wait for latecomers out of respect for other customers.
Can I film the guide?
Only with permission. Ask your guide before recording any video of them.
Operated by Fun London Tours Ltd. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Changing of the Guard London: Follow the Guards on Foot
2h · EN
from £ 20 per person
≈ US$ 27 in your currency
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