Castles · Tour
Changing of the Guard on Foot, from Victoria to Horse Guards
Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
LondonA walking tour built around getting you a front row view of the guard change, and then carrying on afterwards rather than dispersing. The ceremony itself covers the Old Guard, the New Guard, the Household Cavalry and the ceremonial military band, with the marching and the music that go with the handover. What the rest of the walk adds is the context. Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the monarch and a working institution that still hosts state events. St James's Palace, built by Henry VIII with the red brick front that everyone photographs, was the monarch's official residence until the 18th century and still houses royal offices. Clarence House, close by in St James's, is the official residence of King Charles III. The Mall runs from the palace to Admiralty Arch, red-surfaced and used for royal processions. St James's Park covers 57 acres, with a lake, views back to the palace, and pelicans among the wildlife. The walk finishes at Horse Guards Parade, the ceremonial ground where Trooping the Colour takes place, and where the mounted regiment stands for photographs. Meet in front of the Victoria Palace Theatre on Victoria Street, SW1E 5EA. The guide waits by the clock outside the theatre, holding a yellow umbrella.
What's included
- The Mall
- Clarence House
- Guided walking tour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
- St James’s Palace
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- Professional Tour Guide
- Photo with the Royal Horseguards
- Buckingham Palace
Itinerary
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126 Victoria St, London
The tour starts in front of the Victoria Palace Theatre. The address is Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA. Meet your tour guide, who will be holding a yellow umbrella and standing at the clock in front of the theatre.
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is the traditional handover of duties between the King's Guard, carried out with precision marching, music and military pageantry. The guards parade in their tunics and bearskin hats to live music. It is a piece of British tradition that has run for centuries and still works as a functioning routine.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch and a symbol of royal tradition. Gardens and royal parks surround it, and it remains a working institution, hosting state events and standing as the backdrop to national celebrations.
Costo extra
St. James's Palace
St James's Palace is one of Britain's oldest royal residences. Henry VIII built it, and it was the monarch's official residence until the 18th century. Key royal events still take place in its historic rooms, several royal offices sit inside it, and the red brick façade is one of the most recognisable in London.
Costo extra
Clarence House
Clarence House, in St James's, London, is the official residence of King Charles III and his family. Various members of the British monarchy have lived there, and it hosts official events and ceremonies as part of the royal family's public life.
Costo extra
The Mall is a grand ceremonial avenue in central London
The Mall is the ceremonial avenue of central London, running from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch. Trees line it and royal landmarks flank it, and it is where state events and royal processions take place. Its red surface is the giveaway, and royal weddings and national holidays are held along it.
St. James's Park
St James's Park is one of London's finest royal parks. Its 57 acres hold gardens, a lake and a view back towards Buckingham Palace. The wildlife includes pelicans and swans.
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
Horse Guards Parade is the historic ceremonial ground where royal events such as Trooping the Colour take place. The Royal Horseguards are based here, the cavalry regiment that acts as the monarch's personal guard, and you can have a photograph taken beside them.
Whitehall, London
The tour ends at Horseguards Parade.
Not included
- Entrance tickets to sights, landmarks or attractions
- Front gates of Buckingham Palace
- Gratuities
Good to know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour starts in front of the Victoria Palace Theatre. If using Google/Apple maps search 'Victoria Palace Theatre'. The address of the Victoria Palace Theatre is Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA. Please meet your tour guide who will be holding a yellow umbrella. Your tour guide will be standing at the clock in front of the theatre.
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- The tour is not suitable for guests with walking or mobility difficulties.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchairs.
- The tour is not suitable for prams, buggys or strollers.
- The tour covers approximately 3 miles of walking.
- The tour will not go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Most of the ceremony is away from the front gates. If you do wish to go to the front gates of Buckingham Palace then do not book this tour.
- If it is raining or bad weather then the Changing of the Guard ceremony may be a ‘Wet Change’. This is a shortened version of the ceremony without music. This is decided by the British Army at approximately 10.30am on the day of the ceremony.
- Photos with the Royal Horseguards are subject to Guard availability.
- Up to 8 travelers per booking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guiding available in: en.
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