London: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour & March

Summary

Changing of the Guard up close with laughter, marching and royal stories

You’ll follow a local guide through central London as you watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony up close, march along the Mall beside soldiers, and catch unique views of royal landmarks. Expect laughter, small surprises, and details you’d never spot alone—plus stories that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I thought we’d just stand behind a crowd and squint at fuzzy hats from a distance. But right from Piccadilly Circus, our guide (Simon—he wore this bright scarf, hard to miss) had us weaving through side streets like we were in on a secret. There was this moment outside St. James’s Palace when the guards started lining up—boots thudding on stone, brass glinting in that moody London light. Someone’s phone went off with a ringtone that sounded suspiciously like “God Save the King,” and Simon just grinned.

We actually got to walk along the Mall while the guards marched. Not next to them exactly (they’re all business), but close enough to hear their boots hit in perfect rhythm. The air smelled faintly of wet leaves from Green Park, and I kept catching bits of chatter in half a dozen languages around us—felt very London. Simon pointed out how each guard’s uniform meant something different; I tried to repeat one of the regimental names back and probably mangled it because he laughed and said even locals get it wrong sometimes.

You don’t see the courtyard bit at Buckingham Palace on this day trip Changing of the Guard tour from London, but honestly? Seeing it unfold from these angles felt more real. There was a little girl in our group who saluted every guard she saw—one actually winked at her, which set off a ripple of giggles down our line. It drizzled for about five minutes (classic), but nobody seemed to mind much. By Regent Street, my feet were tired but I couldn’t stop replaying that moment outside St. James’s Palace—still makes me smile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided Changing of the Guard tour

• Start at Piccadilly Circus
• See St. James's Palace exterior
• Wait for Guards' ceremony
• Follow guards along the Mall
• View Buckingham Palace
• Walk along Regent Street

Top questions

Do you see Buckingham Palace courtyard during this tour?

No, this tour observes highlights elsewhere but not inside Buckingham Palace’s courtyard.

How long is the Changing of the Guard walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at Piccadilly Circus.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; infants can use strollers.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes, tours operate in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or sun.

Can I bring my dog?

No dogs are allowed except for guide dogs or service animals.

Is there time for toilet or refreshment breaks?

No scheduled breaks are included during this 1.5-hour tour.

Will we march with the guards?

You’ll walk alongside them on part of their route—not directly with them—but at their pace for one section.

What’s included

Your morning includes a guided walk starting at Piccadilly Circus with an experienced local guide who leads you past St. James’s Palace and along royal routes for prime views of the Changing of the Guard ceremony before finishing near Regent Street—all logistics handled so you can just follow along and enjoy every detail.