Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour - Private
About this activity
See London’s Changing of the Guard route on a two-hour private outdoor walk with a dedicated guide, from Trafalgar Square toward Horse Guards and Buckingham Palace.
Highlights
- See the King’s Guard ceremony when scheduled
- View St James’s Palace from outside and visit Horse Guards Parade
- View Buckingham Palace from outside
- Learn about the Household Cavalry and Foot Guards
- Walk Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column
Full description
Follow London’s royal ceremony route on a two-hour private walk with a guide dedicated to your party. From Trafalgar Square, pass Nelson’s Column and Admiralty Arch toward Horse Guards Parade, St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace. Watch guard activity when scheduled; ceremonies can change or be canceled at short notice. Palace interiors are not included.
Begin at Trafalgar Square with your guide and see Nelson’s Column and Admiralty Arch. Follow the royal route toward Horse Guards Parade and St James’s Park while learning about the Household Cavalry and King’s Guard. Pass Clarence House and view Buckingham Palace from outside. The tour is a two-hour outdoor walk that runs rain or shine. Ceremony timing, marching routes and viewpoints depend on the day’s official arrangements, weather, security and crowds, so a particular parade or position is not guaranteed. Food, drinks, transport and palace admission are excluded.
Included / Excluded
- 2-hour private guided walking tour
- Professional local guide dedicated to your party
- Private tour for up to 12 guests
- Route through London’s royal and ceremonial sights
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Luggage or coat storage
Itinerary
National Gallery, Pall Mall East meeting point
Begin outside the National Gallery on Pall Mall East and orient the group at Trafalgar Square.
Nelson’s Column
See Nelson’s Column and hear the history of Trafalgar Square.
Meeting point
Start Location
National Gallery, Pall Mall East meeting point
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, UK
Meet outside the National Gallery on Pall Mall East, London SW1Y. Arrive 10 minutes before the reserved start time.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- Private tour for your party, up to 12 guests; lasts 2 hours.
- The ceremony happens when scheduled and may be canceled or changed.
- Palaces are viewed outside; Buckingham Palace entry is excluded.
Know before you go
- Meet outside the National Gallery on Pall Mall East, London SW1Y, 10 minutes early.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the 2-hour route.
- Dress for London weather; this tour runs rain or shine.
Cancellation policy
Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
Reviews
We booked this tour to get as much as possible out of our time at The Met. What we didn’t know we were getting was a personalized experience full of captivating stories about the artists' lives and the people who brought the art to the museum. Robin was a wealth of knowledge and a highlight of our trip to New York!
Spent a great day with Charlie he was very engaging and shared lots of information and entertaining stories with us. He took great care of us and we would recommend him for any future tours.
Mark, tour guide for the Metropolitan Museum is an outstanding teacher: engaging; entertaining; professional; personable; experienced and deeply knowledgeable as a result of a lifelong passion and relationship with the Met. He loves what he does and cares deeply about sharing his knowledge and insight to spark curiosity and inspire his clients--his students--to understand context and meaning of each piece or work of art reviewed. My wife, a retired professor emeritas and myself both left thoroughly impressed and grateful to have been taught by best and most captivating guides we have had the privilege of meeting on one of our many travels and adventures. Hire the best. Hire Mark. Worth every penny and every minute of your time you can afford at the Met. Like us, you will look forward to coming back for another teaching session from Mark. In my case, hopefully we will be back on my birthday next year! (Thanks again Mark!)
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
Bring an ID or photo of one. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. This private tour is wheelchair-friendly.