Experiencing the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony in London is a must-do for any visitor. The Changing of the Guard Tour offers an immersive look into this longstanding British tradition. Guests witness the ceremonial handover firsthand while learning about the symbolic elements that make it so captivating. With excellent photo opportunities and insightful commentary from local experts, this tour provides a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of the city. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned Londoner, this experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Contents show

Key Points

This guided tour provides an up-close experience of the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
The tour is led by local experts who offer insights into the ceremony’s symbolism and traditions.
Guests have the opportunity to discover hidden meanings in the guards’ colors, buttons, and gestures.
The tour includes visits to other royal landmarks like St James’s Palace and Clarence House.
Customers rate the tour highly for its excellent value, knowledgeable guides, and unique culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The London: Changing of The Guard Tour offers visitors an opportunity to witness the iconic ceremony up close.

Priced between $21.75 and $27.19 per person, the 105-minute to 3.5-hour tour is led by local experts and provided in English. Guests can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

On top of that, the tour allows for a unique chance to participate in British culture and provides fantastic photo opportunities as the guards march towards Buckingham Palace.

With a flexible booking policy, this experience caters to various travelers’ needs and schedules.

Looking for more options in London? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Tour Highlights

This tour offers visitors the chance to experience the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony up close. Led by a local expert, the tour provides insights into the symbolism and traditions behind this quintessential British ceremony. Guests will discover the hidden meanings in the colors, buttons, and gestures of the guards as they march to Buckingham Palace. The tour also offers fantastic photo opportunities, allowing you to follow the guards and capture the ceremony from unique vantage points. This is a truly immersive experience, inviting you to participate in British culture.

| Tour Highlights |

| — | — | — | — |

| Experience the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony up close | Guided tour led by a local expert | Discover symbolism behind the ceremony | Enjoy fantastic photo opportunities |

| Insights into British history and traditions | Follow the guards towards Buckingham Palace | Unique chance to participate in British culture | –

Itinerary

Starting from the equestrian statue of Edward VII, the tour takes guests on a 105-minute to 3.5-hour journey through the heart of London.

Along the way, visitors explore The Mall, admire the George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial, and visit St James’s Palace and Clarence House.

Visitors explore The Mall, admire the George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial, and visit St James’s Palace and Clarence House.

The tour culminates at the main event – the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Throughout the itinerary, guests are treated to fascinating historical insights and have ample opportunities to capture stunning photos of the iconic British traditions.

Important Information

Guests meet at the equestrian statue of Edward VII, located in Waterloo Place, which is accessible via the Piccadilly Circus tube station.

They’ll need to bring comfortable shoes, an umbrella, water, and loose, comfortable clothing. Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed on the tour.

The tour operates rain or shine, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony may change at the discretion of the British Army. Guests should be prepared for the weather as the tour continues regardless of conditions.

The meeting point is easy to find, and the tour’s experienced guides will provide all the necessary information for a memorable experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Changing of the Guard tour, awarding it an impressive 4.8/5 overall rating based on over 2,171 reviews.

The Changing of the Guard tour has earned an impressive 4.8/5 overall rating from over 2,171 traveler reviews.

The tour’s guides receive particular acclaim, earning a 4.9/5 rating for their excellent explanations and deep knowledge.

Reviewers also highlight the tour’s exceptional value for money, with a 4.7/5 rating.

The tour’s key advantages include:

Providing a better viewing experience compared to standing at Buckingham Palace alone.
Offering unique insights into the ceremony’s symbolism and traditions.
Delivering an immersive, participatory experience in British culture.

There's plenty more to explore in London

The Iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony

The iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is a time-honored British tradition that draws admirers from around the world. Soldiers in vibrant red uniforms and bearskin hats perform a precise, choreographed routine with incredible discipline. The ceremony holds deep symbolism, from the colors and buttons to the precise gestures. Onlookers can witness this spectacle up close, gaining insights into the ceremony’s significance thanks to the knowledgeable tour guides. The tour offers fantastic photo opportunities and a unique chance to participate in British culture, making it a must-see for any visitor to London.

| Element | Symbolism |

|———|———–|

| Red Uniform | Courage and sacrifice |

| Bearskin Hat | Guardianship and tradition |

| Buttons | Discipline and order |

| Marching | Unity and precision |

| Rifle Maneuvers | Military heritage |

Exploring the Sights and Symbols

As visitors follow the tour guides towards Buckingham Palace, they’ll have a chance to explore the sights and symbols that make the Changing of the Guard ceremony so captivating.

Along the way, they’ll learn about:

The significance of the guards’ distinctive bearskin hats and scarlet tunics, which represent the British Army’s long history and tradition.
The symbolism behind the guards’ precise, synchronized movements, which convey discipline, precision, and loyalty to the Crown.
The important role of the Queen’s Life Guard and their iconic mounted procession, a visual representation of the monarchy’s power and authority.

Capturing Memorable Moments

Why not make the most of the fantastic photo opportunities the Changing of the Guard tour provides? As the guards march towards Buckingham Palace, you’ll have ample chances to capture memorable moments.

The tour follows the guards’ procession, allowing you to get up close and snap stunning shots. With the iconic architecture as a backdrop, you’ll come away with postcard-worthy photos.

The knowledgeable guide can even offer tips on the best angles and techniques to make the most of your camera. Don’t forget to take some group photos too – this is an event you’ll want to remember forever.

The Sum Up

The London: Changing of the Guard Tour is a must-do experience for anyone wanting to enjoy British culture. With expert guidance, travelers can witness the iconic ceremony up close, learn about its symbolism, and capture unforgettable moments. Whether you have 105 minutes or 3.5 hours, this tour offers an engaging and informative way to explore London’s rich history.