Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats at Buckingham Palace ceremony.
Changing of the Guards ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, London.
Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace Image 10
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Up to 168 hours before the experience starts

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Choose your package

Select an option to see its live dates and timings.

Highlights

  • Watch the iconic guard change in front of the royal residence in a small group, with an expert English-speaking guide bringing the pomp, precision, and pageantry to life.
  • Meet your guide near Buckingham Palace, get a quick briefing, and walk together to prime viewing spots so you are ready when the Changing the Guard begins.
  • Enjoy guided access to the Changing the Guard and the Horse Guard ceremonies on their respective days, with your guide ensuring you see key moments and formations.
  • Hear stories about royal traditions, uniforms, and marching bands as your guide uses headsets so you catch every detail without missing the spectacle around you.
  • Upgrade your experience with a 2-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace, get entry to the State Apartments to explore at your pace, or add a Westminster Abbey guided visit.

Your Experience

Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats at Buckingham Palace ceremony.
Changing of the Guards ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, London.
Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace Image 1

Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace in a small-group guided tour with audio headsets for clear commentary.

Getting started

Meet your expert English-speaking guide at the designated starting point near Buckingham Palace. Join your small group and pick up your audio headset if included in your selected option, so you can clearly hear your guide throughout. Your guide will set the scene for the ceremony ahead and outline whether you will see the Foot Guards or the Horse Guards based on the day of your visit.

What to expect

Changing the Guard

Get an up-close look at one of Britain's most iconic royal traditions outside Buckingham Palace, with a guide to help you follow every detail.

Features

  • Expert guided experience: Witness the Changing the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace on, with your guide explaining the history, music, and military precision behind the Foot Guards.

  • Small group tour: Stay with your small group as your English-speaking guide leads you to the best available vantage points and shares stories about the palace, the monarchy, and nearby royal landmarks.

  • Clear commentary: Use the provided audio headsets to hear live commentary clearly, even when the area is crowded and the band is playing.

Extras

  • State Rooms entry: Get exclusive access to the palace interiors after your guided tour, with plenty to time to explore at your own pace.

  • Walking tour: Upgrade your experience with a 2-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace, which lets you explore more of the surrounding royal neighbourhood with your guide.

  • Westminster Abbey tour: You can also choose a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, adding a deep dive into the site of royal coronations and burials to your Changing the Guard experience.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Changing the Foot Guard Ceremony (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
  • Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
  • Expert English-, French-, or German-speaking tour guide
  • Small group tour
  • Audio headsets
  • Additional paid upgrades:**
  • 2-hour walking tour including St James's Park, The Mall and Buckingham Palace from outside
  • Private walking tour of St James's Park, The Mall and Buckingham Palace from outside
  • Entry to Buckingham Palace State Rooms
  • Multimedia guide in 9 languages
  • Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
  • Guided tour of Buckingham Palace State Rooms

This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.

Ticket Delivery

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
  • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 168 hours before the experience starts.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.

Booking FAQs

The Changing the Foot Guards Ceremony happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, you’ll see the Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony instead.

You'll enjoy a 1.5-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace as part of your visit.

Yes, you can choose to upgrade and take a guided tour of Westminster Abbey with an expert English-speaking guide.

Your ticket includes access to either the Changing the Guard or Horse Guard Ceremony, audio headsets, a small group experience, and a walking tour led by an English-speaking guide.

Pets are not allowed due to venue restrictions. No other specific items are mentioned as being prohibited.

You'll start near The Mall, where you’ll meet your guide and collect your headset before heading toward Buckingham Palace.

The experience is offered as a small group tour, ensuring a more personal and engaging visit.

Yes, your English-speaking guide will point out famous sights like London’s oldest wine shop along the way.

There are no specific dress requirements mentioned in the details provided, but comfortable shoes may be helpful due to the walking involved.

The activity is described as a small group experience. There’s no mention of private tours being available for this specific offering.

Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout the year. However, last-minute cancellations can occur without prior notice due to palace or local authority decisions or bad weather. The Changing the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the Sunday Parade. If you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you will experience the Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony instead.

Reviews

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1.7K reviews

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