The iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is a must-see attraction for many visitors to London. The London: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing participants to march alongside the soldiers and witness the ceremonial spectacle up close. With stunning views of St. James’s Park and insights into British military traditions, this 1.5-hour tour provides a cultural and engaging way to witness this time-honored ritual. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, the tour promises to captivate and leave you eager to learn more about this enduring symbol of British pageantry.

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Key Points

Take a 1.5-hour walking tour to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace.
Prices start from $28.46 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Observe the guards’ inspection, listen to the ceremonial band, and capture photos of Buckingham Palace from a raised platform.
The tour is conducted in English and requires comfortable walking shoes, as you will march in step with the guards.
The tour has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 414 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the ceremonial traditions of the British monarchy.

Priced from $28.46 per person, the 1.5-hour tour allows guests to march with soldiers to Buckingham Palace, inspect guards at St. James’s Palace, and listen to a ceremonial band.

Participants can also view St. James’s Park, Horse Guards Parade, and take photos of Buckingham Palace.

The tour is available at various starting times, and reservations can be made online with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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Tour Highlights and Experience

Participants on this tour can witness the renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony, marching with soldiers all the way to Buckingham Palace.

The tour also allows guests to:

Inspect the guards at St. James’s Palace
Listen to the ceremonial band accompanying the guards
View St. James’s Park and Horse Guards Parade, while taking photos of Buckingham Palace from a raised platform.

This immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to observe the British military tradition up close and gain insights into the ceremonial aspects of this iconic event.

Meeting Point and Tour Details

The meeting point for this Changing of the Guard Walking Tour is outside the Criterion Theatre, next to the Statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus. The tour is conducted in English only. Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties. Participants should wear comfortable shoes to march in step with the guards for approximately 4 minutes.

| Tour Details | |

|————–|–|

| Language | English only |

| Accessibility| Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties |

| Attire | Comfortable shoes |

| Marching | Participants will march in step with guards for approximately 4 minutes |

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have rated this Changing of the Guard Walking Tour highly, with an overall score of 4.7 out of 5 based on 414 reviews.

The tour guides received impressive ratings, with a 4.9/5 average. Participants praised the tour for providing excellent value for money, rating it 4.5/5.

Notable reviews include:

Leonard Mark from Malaysia, who complimented guide Judd for his insightful background information.
Sabrina from the United States, who recommended guide Emily for a fun and informative experience.
Kim from the United Kingdom, who commended guide Angie for her knowledge and enjoyable tour.

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Important Information and Restrictions

Although the tour does not include the courtyard ceremony at Buckingham Palace due to crowd size, participants can still witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and march with the soldiers to the palace. Late arrivals will not receive refunds, so it’s crucial to arrive on time. Plus, certain items are prohibited, such as pets (except guide dogs), luggage, and large bags. Participants must march in step with the guards for approximately 4 minutes during the tour.

| Allowed | Not Allowed |

| — | — |

| – Comfortable shoes | – Pets (except guide dogs) |

| – Small bags | – Luggage |

| – Cameras | – Large bags |

| – Enthusiasm! | – Late arrivals |

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What to Expect During the Tour

Participants embark on a captivating experience as they witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony.

The tour guides lead the group through the streets, marching in step with the guards as they make their way to Buckingham Palace.

Highlights of the tour include:

Observing the meticulously choreographed procession and listening to the ceremonial band.
Inspecting the guards at St. James’s Palace and capturing photos of the iconic royal residence.
Enjoying panoramic views of Buckingham Palace and the surrounding St. James’s Park from a raised platform.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the rich pageantry of British tradition.

Tips for an Enjoyable Experience

To make the most of the Changing of the Guard Walking Tour, visitors should arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early. This ensures they can find the guide and secure a good viewing spot.

Wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes is essential, as the tour involves standing and marching alongside the guards. Participants should also bring a camera to capture the ceremony and parade.

It’s essential to follow the guide’s instructions, especially regarding the marching pace and staying together as a group. By heeding these tips, visitors can maximize their enjoyment of this iconic London experience.

Preparing for Your Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Before attending the Changing of the Guard Walking Tour, visitors should ensure they’ve the necessary items and are prepared for the experience.

To make the most of the tour, consider bringing:

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera to capture the Guards and ceremonial band.

Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour runs rain or shine
A camera to capture the Guards and ceremonial band

Arrive at the meeting point, Criterion Theatre near Piccadilly Circus, a few minutes early.

The tour pace matches the Guards’ marching, so punctuality is crucial.

With the right preparation, visitors can fully enjoy the pomp and pageantry of this iconic London tradition.

The Sum Up

The Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London offers an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to witness the iconic ceremony and learn about British military traditions. With stunning views, a knowledgeable guide, and a convenient meeting point, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to explore the rich history and pageantry of Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace.