London: Changing of the Guard & Buckingham Palace Walking Tour
The Ceremony Unfolds: Front-Row Access to London's Changing of the Guard
You meet your guide at Victoria Palace Theatre, then walk three miles through St James's Park and past Clarence House and St James's Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony with clear views of the Old Guard, New Guard, Household Cavalry and military band. The tour includes a photo opportunity with the Royal Horseguards and covers the history of each royal landmark along the way. The whole experience takes you through central London's ceremonial heart without the crowds at the palace gates.
Step-by-step itinerary
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
- Explore Horse Guards Parade area
- Changing of the Guard 1h
- Buckingham Palace 10m
- St. James's Palace 15m
- Clarence House 10m
- Royal Observatory Greenwich 10m
- St. James's Park 5m
- Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall 10m
What’s included
Your tour includes a professional guide who meets you at Victoria Palace Theatre, a guided walk through St James's Park and past Clarence House, St James's Palace, The Mall and Buckingham Palace, front-row viewing of the Changing of the Guard ceremony featuring the Old Guard, New Guard, Household Cavalry and ceremonial military band, and a photo opportunity with the Royal Horseguards. The tour covers approximately three miles on foot.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00
Information
Guided Changing of the Guard tour in London with front-row views, St James's Palace, Clarence House & photo with Royal Horseguards. 3 miles walking, professional guide.
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The experience
The guards are already moving into formation when your guide finds you at the clock in front of Victoria Palace Theatre, yellow umbrella raised. From there, the walk takes you through St James's Park and toward the ceremony itself, not the crowded front gates of Buckingham Palace, but the vantage points where you actually see what's happening: the Old Guard and New Guard meeting, the Household Cavalry in their polished armor, the ceremonial military band playing live. It's precision and pageantry happening in real time, and your guide walks you through the history as it unfolds, so you're not just watching the bearskins and the red tunics move. You understand why they're moving that way.
The route covers about three miles on foot, and it's not a straight line. You'll pass Clarence House, the official residence of King Charles III, then St James's Palace with its red brick façade that Henry VIII built centuries ago. The Mall opens up in front of you, that grand ceremonial avenue lined with trees, and then comes the moment with the Royal Horseguards. They'll stand for a photo if they're available that day, which adds something real to the morning. Your guide knows the timing, knows which spots give you clear sight lines, and knows the stories behind each building you pass. The ceremony itself can shift depending on weather. If it's raining, the British Army calls it a "Wet Change," which means no music and a shorter version, but your guide will have already factored that into the plan.
The whole thing is built around seeing the Changing of the Guard as it actually happens, not as a backdrop. You're walking, you're listening, you're standing where the ceremony plays out in front of you. It's not a museum tour or a coach ride. It's a walking tour through the heart of Royal London, timed to catch one of Britain's most historic events. Meet at the Victoria Palace Theatre on Victoria Street at the agreed time, and bring comfortable shoes. The ground is pavement and park paths, and the pace keeps moving so you don't lose your spot.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (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 tour start?
The tour starts at Victoria Palace Theatre on Victoria Street. The exact start time depends on when the ceremony is scheduled that day. Your confirmation will specify the meeting time.
Where do I meet the guide?
Meet at the clock in front of Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA. Your guide will be holding a yellow umbrella.
How long is the walk?
The tour covers approximately three miles on foot through St James's Park, past royal palaces, and to the ceremony viewpoints.
Will I see the ceremony from the front gates of Buckingham Palace?
No. This tour positions you at vantage points where you see the main parts of the ceremony: the Old Guard, New Guard, Household Cavalry and band. The tour does not go to the front gates, where crowds gather but sight lines are limited.
Can I take a photo with the Royal Horseguards?
Yes, the tour includes a photo opportunity with the Royal Horseguards, subject to their availability on the day.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility difficulties?
No. The tour involves three miles of walking and is not suitable for guests with walking or mobility difficulties, wheelchairs, prams, buggies or strollers.
What's included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided walk past Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Clarence House and The Mall, viewing of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a photo with the Royal Horseguards, and a professional tour guide throughout.
Operated by See The Sights Tours. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
London: Changing of the Guard & Buckingham Palace Walking Tour
2h · EN
from £ 12.60 per person
≈ US$ 17 in your currency
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