London: Changing of the Guard Tour by Buckingham Palace

If you’ve ever stood in a crowd waiting to see the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace, you know how unpredictable and frustrating that can be. This guided walking tour offers a different approach—taking you on a well-planned route to see the ceremony from the best vantage points, with expert guidance to enhance your experience.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the knowledgeable guides who bring the tradition to life and the chance to see the ceremony from crowd-free spots—a real game-changer. But, a possible downside is that the tour isn’t suitable for everyone, particularly if you’re in a wheelchair or traveling with strollers, as those accommodations aren’t available.

This tour is perfect for visitors who want to experience a classic British tradition without the hassle of waiting in crowded spots or missing out on key moments. If you’re someone who values insight, good views, and a relaxed pace, this experience can add a special touch to your London trip.

Key Points

• Expert guides make a huge difference, providing insightful commentary and helping you find the best viewing spots.
• Crowd management is a major plus; you won’t be stuck behind barriers or jostling with other travelers.
• The viewing experience is tailored to give you clear, photo-ready moments of the ceremony.
• Duration flexibility allows you to choose a tour that fits your schedule, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 hours.
• The tour costs less than $20 per person, making it a very affordable way to enjoy a quintessential London event.
• It’s a small-group experience with no more than 20 people, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This fully guided Changing of the Guard walking tour is designed to make sure you don’t miss the show, while also avoiding the crowd-related disappointments many visitors encounter when they try to see the ceremony on their own.

Starting Point: Duke of York Monument

Your adventure begins at the Duke of York Column, located at Waterloo Place. It’s a recognizable tall column topped with a statue, easy to find if you arrive by tube—either at Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross stations. The location is central and well-connected, making it an easy meeting spot.

The Heart of the Tour: Changing of the Guard Ceremony

The core of the experience is the guided walk that lasts about 75 minutes, during which your guide will lead you through the entire Changing of the Guard process from start to finish. Instead of waiting hours in the hopes of catching a glimpse, you’ll follow a route that takes you to optimal spots for viewing and photography.

The guides are well-versed in the ceremony’s history and tradition. They’ll give you details about the guards’ march, their uniform, and the symbolism behind the ceremony, turning a simple spectacle into an engaging cultural lesson. Many reviews praise guides like Katarina, Ian, Aaron, and Natalie for their knowledge, humor, and ability to place guests in prime viewing spots.

Viewing at Buckingham Palace

After the march, you’ll stop at Buckingham Palace for a dedicated photo session lasting about 15 minutes. This is your chance to snap pictures of the palace’s iconic façade, the guards, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the royal residence itself.

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Drop-off Points

The tour concludes with convenient drop-offs at major London landmarks—either the Tower of London or back at Buckingham Palace—allowing you to continue exploring or head to other attractions.

The Experience in Detail

What sets this tour apart is the combination of expert guidance and strategic positioning. Many visitors who try to see the Changing of the Guard on their own often end up with obstructed views or missing the best parts, especially if they arrive later in the day when crowds swell.

According to reviews, guides like Natalie and Louise excel at navigating crowds and finding the perfect spots for photos. One reviewer noted that her guide “took us to all the best vantage points,” ensuring she saw the guards from multiple angles and avoided the typical bottlenecks.

The headphones provided make it easy to hear the commentary without straining or missing out on interesting stories. Many reviewers appreciate how guides share stories about the royal family, the guards’ routines, and the history behind the ceremony, making the experience more meaningful.

The Crowds and Timing

A key advantage of this guided tour is crowd control. Rather than waiting in a long line or being stuck behind barriers, you’ll be led through a route that minimizes jostling and maximizes your chances of a clear view. The guide’s local knowledge often gets you to see the guards in action, even if the schedule is subject to change due to weather or variations in the ceremony.

Price and Value

At just under $17 per person, this tour offers excellent value. The cost includes a knowledgeable guide, headsets, and prime viewing points—expenses you’d likely incur trying to do it solo, especially if you consider the cost of a taxi or extra time spent wandering around without a clear plan.

Many reviews highlight how the guides enhance the experience with their stories, humor, and tips, making the price well worth it. The small-group size also adds a layer of comfort and intimacy, allowing everyone to get close and ask questions.

Limitations and Considerations

On the downside, this tour isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchairs, as the walking involved might be challenging or inaccessible. Also, the schedule of the ceremony can change due to weather or official adjustments, meaning there’s a small chance the timing could shift or be canceled. However, even in bad weather, the guide will show you a wet version of the ceremony—still a spectacle, just without music and parade.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re interested in experiencing the Changing of the Guard without the hassle of waiting around or fighting the crowds, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially good for travelers who want to learn more about the ceremony’s history and symbolism and enjoy quality photos without the usual chaos.

People who appreciate expert guidance and a more relaxed viewing environment will find this tour particularly valuable. It’s also perfect if you’re short on time but still want to see this iconic event, thanks to its efficient route and small-group setup.

However, if you require wheelchair access or have very young children in strollers, you might need to explore other options, as this tour isn’t designed with those accommodations in mind.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who can walk and are interested in the ceremony will likely enjoy it. However, since the tour involves walking and standing, it might not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility challenges.

How long does the tour last?
The length varies from about 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the schedule and pace. You can check the available starting times to plan ahead.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Duke of York Monument at Waterloo Place, near the tall column with a statue on top. The location is accessible via tube stations like Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, personal headsets, prime viewing spots, and a small group of no more than 20 people.

Are tickets for Buckingham Palace included?
No, entrance to Buckingham Palace is not included. This tour focuses on the ceremony and viewing experience.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What happens if the ceremony is canceled due to weather?
If canceled due to weather, you’ll still see a wet change with marching guards, but without the usual music and parade. The tour operates at the discretion of British authorities.

Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
Unfortunately, no. The tour cannot accommodate wheelchairs or guests requiring special assistance.

This Changing of the Guard tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to witness a London tradition without the usual frustrations. With expert guides leading you through the best spots, you’ll avoid the crowds and get clear views of the guards marching past Buckingham Palace. If you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking to make the most of your time in London, this tour is a smart choice.

The affordable price tag, small-group format, and insider tips make it a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. Just keep in mind the limited accessibility if needed, and plan your timing accordingly. Overall, it’s a solid, enjoyable experience that many travelers have raved about—an excellent way to enjoy a royal spectacle with some local insight.

Enjoy your London adventure, and don’t forget your camera!

You can check availability for your dates here: