London: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Highlights

• See the pomp and circumstance of the Changing of the Guard
• March in step with the Queen's foot soldiers as they walk to Buckingham Palace
• Watch the inspection of the guards at St. James's Palace
• Listen to a ceremonial band as it accompanies the guards
• Unpack the greatest murder mystery of all and the reasons why it was unsolved

Description

Meet your guide at Piccadilly Circus and get an introduction to the background of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Hear what you will be doing for the next 1 hour and 45 minutes. Then proceed as a group toward The Mall. Pass by Pall Mall and Waterloo Place. Here you will learn more about the British Army and its greatest general, the Duke of Wellington.

Once on The Mall, see the extraordinary monuments to royals and generals. Get a view of St. James's Park. Admire the most beautiful of the royal parks and look at the majestic open space of Horse Guards Parade. Continue toward St. James's Palace. On the way, you might see the Household Cavalry en route from their barracks in Hyde Park. The main focus, however, will be to watch the foot soldiers emerge from St. James's Palace ready for their uniform inspection. They will then march to Buckingham Palace, sometimes accompanied by a band. If you're lucky, they may even play a song!

One of the highlights of your tour will be to march in step with the guards as they leave St. James's Palace. Then watch as the New Guard emerges from Wellington Barracks. They will often be accompanied by a full ceremonial band. Take a photo of Buckingham Palace from a raised platform. The tour ends with a flourish as the band plays in the palace courtyard. Marvel as the cavalry and guardsmen march past. Your guide will then help you get to your next port of call. 

Please note that the army amends the itinerary on occasion. Your guide will use their know-how to ensure you enjoy the best possible experience.

Sundays - As of April 2025 the army is trialing a slight variation of the usual ceremony on Sundays. It involves the same number of guard movements and locations but is referred to as a Parade rather than a Change. There is currently no indication of how long this trial will go on for.