Changing of the Guard and Westminster Tour
From£18
3 hours
London, United Kingdom
About this activity
Experience London's royal heritage with a guided tour of Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and Westminster Abbey, delving into British history and traditions.
Highlights
- Explore Buckingham Palace's rich history
- Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard
- Discover Westminster Abbey's architectural beauty
- Learn about British royal traditions
- Enjoy a guided walk through historic London
Full description
Step into the heart of London's royal heritage with this immersive 3-hour walking tour. Begin at Buckingham Palace, where you'll delve into its rich history and architectural splendor. Next, witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, a timeless British tradition. Conclude your journey at Westminster Abbey, exploring its stunning Gothic architecture and centuries-old significance. Led by an expert guide, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into the monarchy's enduring legacy and London's storied past.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey
- Witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony
- Expert commentary on British royal history
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Begin your tour with a journey through Royal London, witnessing some of the most famous Royal Houses and Palaces such as St. James' Palace, Clarence House and Buckingham Palace. Enjoy the iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony as you march down the Mall with the Queen's footguards or marvel at the impressive horses of the Household Cavalry (daily itinerary is dependent upon the schedule of the British Army). Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful St James' Royal Park to finish the first half of the tour.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Our journey continues through historic Royal Westminster. We pass Churchill's War Rooms and onto Westminster Abbey - the site of every Royal Coronation since 1066, it is the most important church in England. Explore Parliament Square with its array of impressive statues immortalizing such historical figures as Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Overlooking Parliament Square is the most famous sight in London - Big Ben. Admire the stunning gothic architecture of the Houses of Parliament before heading down to 10 Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister. Capture the perfect photograph with the horses of the Queen's Guard before exploring Horse Guards Parade. Please note we do not enter Westminster Abbey, all of the above is approx 70mins, we spend about 5 mins at the Abbey.
Duration: 1h 10mAdmission: NO
3
Finish the tour at Trafalgar Square, home of Nelson's Column, one of the most impressive sights in London.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.
- Photography is permitted at most sites; inquire about specific restrictions.
- The Changing of the Guard schedule may vary; check the latest timings.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour's duration.
- Bring a camera to capture the historic sites.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- There will be access to public toilets halfway through the tour.
- The Changing of the Guard (Foot Guards) ceremony at Buckingham Palace occurs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the tour will witness the Changing of the King's Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade ..
- The Changing of the Guard Ceremony operates at the discretion of the British Army. It can be changed or cancelled without notice. This is beyond our control.
- In the event of bad weather the Changing of the Guard Ceremony may be cancelled. The tour will endeavor to watch the Changing of the Horse Guards on these days.
Traveler reviews
4.6441 reviews
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23
Terrible walking tour
This tour was not good at all. the tour guide was not knowledgeable, knew nothing off script, was not engaging, and the walking tour really wasn’t much more than leading us to the back of a crowd watching the changing of the guard with a couple intermediary stops. we would have been better off not paying and using google as our guide.
DavidJul 6, 2026VIATOR
The tour was great, and...
The tour was great, and our tour guide John was the best part by far! Would definitely recommend him
Jeffrey_LJul 6, 2026VIATOR
Wonderful Tour!
Peter was an amazing guide! We got the best spot to see the changing on the guards and the horse guards! He was very informative!
Escape691959Jul 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Outstanding!!!
What an enjoyable morning - we saw so much more than we would have seen on our own. John was outstanding he was so knowledgeable and fun.
Gottarun6Jul 3, 2026VIATOR
Great tour! Angie is very...
Great tour! Angie is very knowledgeable and kept our group together and safe from the many cyclists in the streets. She shared many interesting stories and answered questions as they came up.
Diana_CJul 3, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
There will be access to public toilets halfway through the tour.
The Changing of the Guard (Foot Guards) ceremony at Buckingham Palace occurs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the tour will witness the Changing of the King's Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade ..
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony operates at the discretion of the British Army. It can be changed or cancelled without notice. This is beyond our control.
In the event of bad weather the Changing of the Guard Ceremony may be cancelled. The tour will endeavor to watch the Changing of the Horse Guards on these days.