Castles · Tour
Changing of the Guard with a Headset, in a Group of 15
Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
LondonThe ceremony moves, so this tour moves with it. Instead of holding one position at the palace railings, the guide takes a group of 15 between vantage points, and a personal headset means the commentary reaches you over the crowd and the band. Where you stand and when is decided on the day, around the official schedule, the crowd and where the guards actually are. Along the way the guide covers the regiments, the uniforms and the music, and what the handover is for. The route starts at the Duke of York Column and goes down The Mall, past the memorial to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Clarence House, St James's Park with its lake and its pelicans, and St James's Palace, which dates to Henry VIII and is still where royal proclamations are made. It ends outside Buckingham Palace. One thing worth knowing, and few listings say it: the ceremony can be changed or cancelled at the discretion of the British authorities, and a weather cancellation is not announced before 11am. Even then you see a wet change, with the guards marching but without the music and the parade. Note also that the meeting point is not Buckingham Palace. It is the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ, the tall column with a statue on top.
What's included
- Changing of the Guard as it unfolds on a fully guided walking tour
- Headsets when appropriate
- Expert, English-speaking tour guide providing live commentary throughout the experience
- If Option Selected: Tickets to the King’s Gallery (Exhibit: Queen Elizabeth II – Her Life in Style)
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- If Option Selected: Entry to the Royal Mews (official horse stables of the Royal Family)
- Learn how tradition, discipline, and pageantry come together in this historic royal event
Itinerary
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London
PLEASE NOTE: the meeting point is not at Buckingham Palace. By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. It is the tall column with a statue on top.
Duke Of York Column
The tour begins at the column to Prince Frederick, Duke of York. Your guide covers the history of the monument and sets the royal context, including how it connects to The Mall and to ceremonial London.
As you walk down The Mall
Walking down The Mall, your guide explains its role as the ceremonial route for royal processions, state visits and national celebrations. There are views towards Buckingham Palace and the account of what the avenue means politically as well as royally.
Changing of the Guard
The tour begins at the Duke of York Column in St James's, where you meet your guide, take a personal headset and get the background to the Changing of the Guard. Most visitors watch the ceremony from outside Buckingham Palace, which is the mistake. Here the vantage points are chosen in advance, with commentary explaining each part of it as it happens. The household cavalry come by with their riders holding the horses steady, the King's foot soldiers in red and black are close enough to photograph, and a group of only 15 can move between positions quickly.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial
Passing the memorial, your guide explains who King George VI and the Queen Mother were, what they did during the Second World War, and what they meant to modern Britain.
Clarence House
The official residence of King Charles III, and formerly home to the Queen Mother and to Prince Charles. Your guide has the stories of the people who lived there and the part it plays in the Royal Family today.
St. James's Park
A walk through the oldest royal park in London. There are views of the lake and of Buckingham Palace in the distance, and the pelicans are often out. Your guide covers the park's royal origins and its wildlife.
St. James's Palace
One of the oldest royal palaces in London, dating to Henry VIII. Your guide explains its Tudor origins, what it is used for now, and why royal proclamations are still made from it.
Buckingham Palace
The tour concludes outside Buckingham Palace. Please note: the Changing of the Guard can change date or time, or be cancelled, at the discretion of the British authorities. A cancellation for bad weather is not announced before 11am. Even when it is cancelled you will still see a 'wet change', in which the guards march but without the usual music and parade.
London
Outside Buckingham Palace.
Not included
- Gratuities
- Entrance to Buckingham Palace
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before 11am. Even when cancelled, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music and parade.
- Please note weather is very changeable in London, please ensure you have rainproof clothing
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- Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either footguards or horseguards
- On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the "Sunday Parade".
- Please note that access to the Royal Mews, the official stables of the British Royal Family, and The King’s Gallery for a unique viewing of Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is only available if the 'Upgrade Option' is selected
- Up to 15 travelers per booking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guiding available in: en.
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