Changing of the Guard Tours and Activities

No visit to England would be complete without experiencing quintessential traditions such as the Changing of the Guard. See British culture come to life from select prime vantage points. In a small group limited to 15, observe the Queen’s iconic foot guards, clad in red tunics and bearskin hats, and watch the household cavalry put on an impressive display. Follow history-rich guide commentary with ease using a headset.

Delve into London’s rich royal heritage during a visit to Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Marvel at the traditional Changing of the Guard performance, which involves meticulously dressed soldiers marching to the rhythm of military drums. Then, enjoy an exclusive experience as you enter the opulent State Rooms of Buckingham Palace for an independent audio tour. See lavish chambers during a tour only available for two months of the year, and gain fascinating insight into the history of the British monarchy.

Get up close to the iconic Royal Guards on this interactive walking tour of London. Learn about London’s royal heritage as you pass sights like Pall Mall, the Duke of York Column, the Royal Society and Marlborough House, then enjoy a prime view of the famous Changing of the Guards ceremony. Not only do you see the military bands and marching guards, you also get to march alongside the Old Guard, as they head from St. James Palace to Wellington Barracks.

Discover the grandeur of London aboard the open-top, double-decker Big Bus on this hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. With your 1-, 2-, or 3-day ticket, design a personal itinerary with stops including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, St. Paul’s Cathedral and more. Enjoy unobstructed views and onboard commentary as you view the city’s highlights and upgrade to the fast-track London Eye option to get an aerial view of the city aboard the London Eye giant observation wheel. Hop off at Westminster Pier or Tower of London stop to enjoy a Thames River cruise.

Don’t just watch the Changing of the Guards; get as close as you can to the action. On this exclusive Buckingham Palace tour, you’ll discover the best vantage points and most secluded spots for a close-up peek at London’s most popular spectacle. Witness two different ceremonies from four different angles, and listen to an in-depth background on the history of the iconic tradition.

Discover London’s royal history and sights on a London tour by foot and boat. Start with an early access visit to the Tower of London to see the opening ceremony and Crown Jewels without the usual daytime crowds. Then, take to the water on a half-hour River Thames sightseeing cruise. Stroll to Horse Guard’s Parade or Buckingham Palace to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, and learn all about the British Royal Family from a knowledgeable local guide.

See the English capital’s top landmarks on this most comprehensive of London magical tours. Take a tour of beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral, then make a photo stop at Westminster Abbey. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and visit the Tower of London, where you'll have free time for lunch (own expense). Enjoy an extended river sightseeing cruise, and upgrade to cap everything with a London Eye flight or cream tea at Harrods.

See the best of London without the stress of rigid tour times and massive crowds on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. With your flexible pass, hop aboard the double-decker, open-top bus for a comfortable sightseeing excursion. Great for kids and adults, your pass offers multiple route options with stops at main attractions like Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and more. Bonus features include a free city walking tour, a Thames River cruise, and local discounts.

Experience London’s royal highlights on this sightseeing tour by coach, including the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Take a panoramic tour of the city with your guide, passing Kensington Palace and Westminster Abbey. You'll also see Trafalgar Square and Big Ben, and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Upgrade to include an open-date ticket for the London Eye.

See British tradition come to life on this private or a small-group fully-guided Changing of the Guard and City of Westminster walking tour, where you get to experience two iconic London experiences combined in one morning with a local expert guide. Witness the age-old tradition of the Changing of the Guard from the best and the most photographable viewpoints, and explore the magnificent Westminster Abbey from outside, accompanied by your guide’s expert commentary.

Discover the spectacular sights of London by walk according to your own personal itinerary on a private custom tour of the vibrant capital with a knowledgeable guide. Opt to enjoy a half- or full-day tour and customize your itinerary according to your cultural and historical interests. Allow your expert guide to pre-plan logistics like public transportation and reservations, and then delve into the capital’s rich history by listening to illuminating commentary. See iconic attractions like Big Ben and the Tower of London, and stray from the conventional tourist trail for a unique experience of London.

Discover the history and diversity of London by bike on a sightseeing tour. Led by a guide, pedal past the city's top sites, including Covent Garden, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Trafalgar Square. Along the way, learn about the city’s colorful history — the glorious, the infamous, and everything in between.  

Delight in the regal majesty of royal London on a private half- or full-day tour by black cab. Accompanied by a courteous driver, climb aboard your traditional Hackney black cab and set out to explore London’s most opulent attractions. Cruise past Buckingham Palace, official residence of her Majesty the Queen, and gaze at the stolid turrets of the Tower of London. Delve deep into the rich history of the British monarchy and visit lesser-known sites linked to the royal family while receiving undivided attention from your private guide.

Changing of the Guards is definitely something that should be experienced when visiting London. Your guide will explain how the Changing of the Guard, also known as Guard Mounting, has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. You will see how the soldiers in place are “relieved” of their position in a very particular way while accompanied by a military fanfare. The soldiers have protected the King or Queen of England since the reign of Henry VII, who established the Royal Body Guard as a permanent institution. The tradition has continued for more than 500 years. All of the guards are dressed in a traditional red tunic and an easily recognizable bearskin helmet. The music that accompanies the changing of the guard can be either military or more contemporary. It is definitely an attraction that is not to be missed.

Don’t visit London landmarks and listen to commentary that doesn’t interest you. Set your own itinerary and explore London your way on a private half- or full-day tour of England’s capital. Tick off all of the attractions on your personal checklist and take advantage of your private guide’s local insight by visiting hidden gems and unknown corners of the city. Choose the start time and meeting point of your tour and receive the undivided attention of your guide throughout. 

See London from the streets, water, and sky with this great-value package that lets you explore London at your own pace. Easily reach top sights without spending a fortune on cab fare with a hop-on hop-off bus ticket valid for 1, 2, or 3 days. You’ll also get an aerial view of the city aboard the London Eye giant observation wheel and glide past Parliament and Big Ben on a Thames River cruise (Fri-Sun only).

Have only a short stay in London? See the best of the city—and enjoy a variety of sightseeing experiences—with this convenient package. Begin with a hop-on hop-off bus tour: pick from 24-, 48-, or 72-hour passes, and cruise around town at your own pace. Then, head to the London Eye, where you’ll enjoy fast-track entry and sky-high views. This package also includes a river cruise which currently operates Friday to Sunday.

Discover the regal residences and rich royal history of London on a sightseeing tour and Thames River cruise. With an accomplished guide, travel by luxury coach through the capital’s most opulent areas to see majestic landmarks like Big Ben and Kensington Palace. Gaze at a traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and then climb aboard a boat for a tranquil cruise on the River Thames. Glide past iconic sights like the London Eye and the Tower of London and enjoy illuminating commentary as you sail.

You can explore London with the complete attention of your guide on this family-friendly citywide adventure, including a flexible itinerary and stops at top attractions around the city. Travel comfortably in your private Mercedes tour vehicle with up to seven of your guests, and let your guide whisk you to must-see sights like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Hyde Park. You can hop out and visit the landmarks, stop for tours and photos, or just enjoy the charming city from the comfort of your van.

Optimize your time in the British capital on a private full-day tour, zipping between landmarks by traditional black cab for an authentic London experience. Discover iconic highlights such as the London Eye, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace and enjoy plenty of stops for pictures or a closer look. Benefit from your guide’s personalized recommendations to add additional stops according to your interests.

Make like a VIP in London with a private guide, personal chauffeur, and an itinerary tailor-made for you. Choose between a 3- or 6-hour tour and admire landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London; hit the shops at Harrods or Oxford Street; or explore the local neighborhoods. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Get up close to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace! The Changing of the Guard is the changeover of the Queen's guard and, on this London walking tour, you'll stand in the best spots to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, march next to the Buckingham Palace guards and get the best Changing of the Guard photos! Along the way your local tour guide will explain the Changing of the Guard process as you watch the Queen's Foot Guards, the Household Cavalry and the Regimental Musical Bands march towards Buckingham Palace in one of the most inspiring British events in all its pomp and pageantry. With a small group, you'll also learn about landmarks including St James's Palace and Clarence House, and visit the heartland of British Royalty and Government to learn about Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. The Changing of the Guard offers the best London sightseeing opportunities, with this walking tour being one of the must-do sightseeing tours in London.

Don’t visit London landmarks and listen to commentary that doesn’t interest you—set your own itinerary and explore London your way on this private tour of England’s capital. Tick off all of the attractions of your personal checklist and take advantage of your private guide’s local insight by visiting hidden gems and unknown corners of the city. Choose the start time and meeting point of your tour and receive the undivided attention of your guide throughout.  

Make the most of your flexible itinerary and private guide on this 3-hour sightseeing walking tour of London — a great choice for first-time visitors or families. Make your way to Buckingham Palace for the famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony, then enjoy a tour of some of London’s most renowned landmarks. Pass Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, admire the architecture of Westminster Abbey and get a glimpse of No.10 Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister, as you walk up Whitehall.