Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace — landscape

Experiences⭐ 4.2

Royal Walking Tour and the Changing of the Guard

Buckingham Palace · 2 hours · This experience is suitable for all ages, but children under 5 years old are free of charge.

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These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.

About

Duration2 hours

AgeThis experience is suitable for all ages, but children under 5 years old are free of charge.

VenueBuckingham Palace

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About Royal Walking Tour and the Changing of the Guard

Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace Tickets

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of London's most famous traditions, where the Queen's Guard hands over responsibility for protecting the palace in a colourful ceremony. This royal walking tour takes you through the historic heart of London before positioning you for the best view of the ceremony itself.

Your guided walk begins at the Duke of York Column and takes you along The Mall, past St James's Palace, through Horse Guards Parade and St James's Park. You'll learn about centuries of royal history before witnessing the guards in their distinctive red tunics and bearskin hats perform this centuries-old tradition with military precision. The ceremony typically includes a full military band and lasts around 45 minutes.

Highlights

Walk along The Mall, London's grand ceremonial route lined with royal history
Explore St James's Palace, the official residence of various royals throughout history
Experience Horse Guards Parade, where ceremonial events have taken place for centuries
Stroll through St James's Park with views of the palace grounds
Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony with expert commentary from your guide
See the Palace Guard execute the ceremonial handover with military precision

Plan Your Visit to Buckingham Palace

The Changing of the Guard ceremony typically takes place at 11am on scheduled days, though times can vary. If the ceremony is cancelled due to bad weather, you'll see a "wet change" where guards march without music. On days when the ceremony isn't available, your tour will visit Horse Guards Parade instead.

The tour involves a fair amount of walking around central London, so wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Meet your guide at the Duke of York Column in St James's Square, where they'll be holding a City Wonders sign. The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus, just a short walk away.

Allow around 2.5 hours for the complete experience. After experiencing royal London, you might want to explore more of the capital with a Tower Bridge experience or discover the city's theatrical heritage with West End theatre tickets.

Why you'll love it

✓Guided walking tour through the historic heart of London
✓Walk along The Mall from the Duke of York Column to Buckingham Palace
✓Witness the full Changing of the Guard ceremony up close
✓Expert guide positions you for the best view of the procession
✓Covers St James's Palace and the ceremonial route used by the Guard

What’s included

Included

✓Guided walking tour of central London
✓Entry to Changing of the Guard viewing
✓Expert guide throughout the tour
✓Route along The Mall and St James's Park
✓Visit to Horse Guards Parade

Good to know

⏱

Duration

2 hours

👥

Age

This experience is suitable for all ages, but children under 5 years old are free of charge.

↩️

Cancellation

These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.

Know before you go

"[1,[4,\"h2\",null,[5,\"Your Royal Walking Tour with the Changing of the Guard\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[5,\"If the Changing of the Guard ceremony is cancelled due to inclement weather, it will only be announced after 11am. In this case, you will view a “wet change” where the guards march, but without music or a parade.\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[5,\"On days when the Changing of the Guard ceremony is unavailable, a visit to the Horseguards Parade will be arranged in its place.\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[5,\"This tour contains a fair amount of walking. Please be sure you are dressed appropriately for the elements/weather and are wearing comfortable shoes.\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[5,\"Please show your mobile ticket and a valid form of ID to the guide at the designated meeting point.\"]],[4,\"h3\",null,[5,\"Getting to Your Meetup Point\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[5,\"The meetup point for our Royal Walking Tour is the iconic Duke of York Column, situated in St. James's Square. Your guide will be holding a sign or flag that says \"],[4,\"strong\",null,[5,\"City Wonders\"]],[5,\". To ensure a seamless journey to this historic location, consider the following transportation options: \"]],[4,\"p\",null,[4,\"strong\",null,[5,\"Public Transport\"]],[5,\":\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[5,\"Tube/Underground: The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus, conveniently connecting you to the Duke of York Column. Exit the station and head southwest on Regent Street/St James's Street, reaching St. James's Square within a short walk.\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[5,\"Bus: Explore the extensive bus network serving the St. James's area. Several bus stops are strategically located, allowing for easy access to St. James's Square.\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[5,\"Train: If you prefer train travel, Charing Cross Station is a viable option. From Charing Cross, head south on The Mall, leading you to the Duke of York Column.\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[4,\"strong\",null,[5,\"Walking Directions\"]],[5,\":\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[5,\"From Piccadilly Circus Tube Station: Exit the station and turn left onto Regent Street. Continue walking southwest on Regent Street, and then turn right onto Jermyn Street. Finally, enter St. James's Square, where you'll find the Duke of York Column centrally located.\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[5,\"From Charing Cross Station: Exit the station and head south on The Mall. This picturesque route will lead you directly to St. James's Square, where the Duke of York Column awaits.\"]],[4,\"p\",null,[5,\"Ensure a delightful start to your Royal Walking Tour by planning your journey in advance to arrive at the meetup point approximately 15 minutes before your tour is scheduled to begin.\"]]]"

📍

Buckingham Palace

St. James's, London SW1Y 5AJ, United Kingdom

Audience reviews

★★★★★

4.2(114)

“Visitors rave about the Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, praising its pomp, pageantry, and tradition. Many comment on the guards' precision and discipline, as well as the palace's stunning architecture. While some find the crowds and waiting time challenging, most agree that the experience is a must-see for anyone visiting London.”

Summary of 114 visitor reviews aggregated from booking partners.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?▾

The Changing the Guard Ceremony typically lasts around 45 minutes, but you should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance to secure a good viewing spot.

Is it suitable for families?▾

Yes, the Changing the Guard Ceremony is a great experience for families with children. However, please note that the ceremony can be loud and crowded, so it's best to plan for a manageable viewing time.

What's included?▾

Your ticket includes admission to the designated viewing area for the Changing the Guard Ceremony. You'll also receive a souvenir program and a commemorative certificate.

How do I get there?▾

The closest tube station to Buckingham Palace is Green Park, which is a 5-minute walk from the palace. You can also take bus numbers 11, 16, or 52, which stop near the palace.