The Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace is a quintessential London experience. This guided walking tour offers visitors a front-row seat to witness the meticulous precision of the iconic guards’ parade. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour also explores nearby landmarks, providing historical insights into the British Royal Family. Whether you opt for a 2-hour, 3-hour, or 4-hour excursion, this is a must-do activity for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of London’s rich royal traditions.

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Key Points

This tour offers a 2-hour, 3-hour, or 4-hour experience to witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
The tour is available in multiple languages, wheelchair accessible, and has flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The 3-hour and 4-hour tours include guided exploration of the City of Westminster and skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey, respectively.
All tours are led by 5-star guides who provide the best photo opportunities at iconic landmarks.
The tour prices start at $275.80 per person and cater to varying visitor preferences and schedules.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The London: Changing of the Guards Ceremony Guided Walking Tour offers visitors an exclusive opportunity to witness the iconic ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Priced from $275.80 per person, the tour is available in multiple languages and is wheelchair accessible.

Booking is flexible, allowing you to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour duration ranges from 2 to 4 hours, catering to varying interests and schedules.

Regardless of the option chosen, guests will enjoy insightful commentary from 5-star guides and the chance to capture the best photos at key landmarks.

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Tour Options

The London: Changing of the Guards Ceremony Guided Walking Tour offers three distinct options to accommodate visitors’ preferences and schedules.

The 2-hour tour allows guests to witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony and explore key landmarks.

A 2-hour tour that allows guests to witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony and explore key landmarks.

The 3-hour tour adds a guided exploration of the City of Westminster, including iconic sites like Westminster Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster.

The 4-hour tour further includes a visit to the interior of Westminster Abbey with skip-the-line tickets, providing access to the Royal Tombs and Poet’s Corner.

All tours are led by 5-star guides and offer the best photo opportunities.

2-Hour Tour

2-Hour Tour offers visitors the chance to witness the renowned Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

This guided experience provides:

Insight into historical facts and anecdotes about the British Royal Family.
Exploration of key landmarks like Admiralty Arch and Victoria Memorial.
An up-close view of the meticulously coordinated military parade.
Opportunities to capture the best photos at the palace, gardens, and parade grounds.

This comprehensive 2-hour tour is a must for anyone seeking an exclusive, insider’s look at this iconic London tradition.

3-Hour Tour

The 3-Hour Tour includes all the features of the 2-Hour Tour, along with a guided exploration of the City of Westminster.

Visitors will see iconic sites like Westminster Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster. The tour takes guests through the historical heart of London, providing insight into the city’s fascinating past.

With expert commentary from the guide, travelers will gain a deeper understanding of the architecture, politics, and cultural significance of these landmark locations.

This extended tour offers a comprehensive experience for those seeking a more in-depth look at London’s royal and parliamentary history.

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4-Hour Tour

A 4-Hour Tour expands on the 3-Hour Tour, providing visitors with an even more comprehensive experience of London’s royal and parliamentary history.

This extended itinerary includes:

Skip-the-line access to Westminster Abbey, allowing deeper exploration of its interior and notable features like the Royal Tombs and Poet’s Corner.
Guided discovery of the Abbey’s significance, from its medieval origins to its role in royal coronations and weddings.
Fascinating insights into the history and architecture of the Palace of Westminster, home to the British Parliament.
Ample time to capture the grandeur of these iconic landmarks through exceptional photo opportunities.

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Highlights

Exclusive experience with a 5-Star Guide allows visitors to witness the pageantry of the Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace from the best photo spots.

Guests will gain insight into the royal customs and traditions that make this event so captivating. They’ll learn about the historical significance of key landmarks like Admiralty Arch and the Victoria Memorial.

Guests will gain insight into the royal customs and traditions that make this event so captivating. They’ll learn about the historical significance of key landmarks.

The tour also provides opportunities to capture stunning images at the most picturesque locations.

This comprehensive experience ensures travelers leave with a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and ceremony surrounding the British Royal Family.

Important Information

Travelers will meet the group under the Guards Crimean War Memorial, the designated meeting point.

Group sizes are limited to 1 licensed guide per 1-20 people, with additional guides incurring extra costs.

Punctuality is crucial, as skip-the-line tickets for Westminster Abbey are time-specific.

The tour may be canceled last minute due to changes in the Changing of the Guards ceremony, but alternative routes will be provided.

Key details:

Meeting Point: Guards Crimean War Memorial
Group Size: 1 guide per 1-20 people
Timeliness: Westminster Abbey entry is time-specific
Cancellation: Alternative routes provided if ceremony is canceled

Customer Feedback

Based on the reviews, this tour has garnered an overall rating of 5/5 from travelers.

Customers praise the tour’s exclusive 5-star guide, who provides invaluable insight into royal customs and traditions during the Changing of the Guards ceremony. The guide’s expertise enables visitors to capture the best photos at Buckingham Palace, its gardens, and the parade grounds.

Reviewers highlight the tour’s comprehensive nature, covering significant historical sites like Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster.

Despite the ceremony’s potential for last-minute cancellations, the tour’s alternative routes ensure a rewarding experience for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Changing of the Guards Ceremony?

Yes, you can take photos during the Changing of the Guards ceremony. The tour guide will point out the best photo spots for capturing the ceremony and the iconic landmarks around Buckingham Palace.

What Is the Attire Requirement for the Tour?

The tour has no specific attire requirements. Participants can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Business casual or smart casual attire is appropriate, but not mandatory. The focus is on enjoying the tour experience, not formal dress.

Do We Get to Interact With the Guards?

Unfortunately, participants don’t get to directly interact with the guards during the tour. The focus is on observing the ceremonial Changing of the Guards from designated viewpoints and learning about the traditions and history behind the event.

Is There a Discounted Rate for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer discounted rates for children or seniors. The price of $275.80 per person is fixed regardless of age. However, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing participants of all ages and abilities to enjoy the experience.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include time for purchasing souvenirs. However, there are plenty of shops and street vendors near the tour sites where you can buy souvenirs before or after the guided walking tour.

The Sum Up

The Changing of the Guards ceremony in London is a must-see for visitors. This guided walking tour provides an engaging and informative experience, offering insights into British royal traditions and excellent photo opportunities. Whether you choose the 2-hour, 3-hour, or 4-hour option, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for this iconic tradition.