The Changing of the Guard - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour
Description
This 2 hour exclusive guided walking tour will allow you to learn about and witness the event live with an expert guide, who will help you score excellent photos without having to navigate the heaving crowds. Experience one of the most quintessential British events, the changing of the guards, in the heart of London.
Tour Options
Itinerary
After meeting your guide outside the National Gallery, in Trafalgar Square, you will learn all about the history of this public square which commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain. During its history, the square has been a place for protests and demonstrations which continue to this day.
Nelson's Column is a monument in Trafalgar Square, built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Next you will discover the rich history and heritage of Admiralty Arch, a landmark building in London, providing road and pedestrian access between the Mall and Trafalgar Square. It was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria.
You will then move on to see the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, where you will see members of the Household Cavalry, there to protect the official entrance to St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace.
Afterwards, you will see the beautiful St. James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in the city which is known for its impressive lake views, pelicans and flower beds located in front of Buckingham Palace.
Surrounding St. James’s Park, you will see Clarence House, a British Royal Residence. It was the home to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother from 1953 until 2002, and it has since been the official residence of Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Notes: Changing the Guard can sometimes be cancelled, especially in wet weather. The decision to cancel can be made, by the Captain of the Guard , sometimes as late as 10:45 on the day. This means we cannot update our website in time to help people en-route or already at the Palace. Schedules can and do change from time to time, sometimes without notice, meaning we cannot guarantee the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace will take place on the dates stated or accept any responsibility for loss or inconvenience caused by using the information provided on this website Keep updated: https://www.householddivision.org.uk/changing-the-guard-calendar
Reviews(28)
We took the tour of the Churchill War Rooms with Nathan and it was spectacular! Nathan did an amazing job of synthesizing a huge amount of information and placing the tour in historical context. We would happily have continued on for a full day instead of a half and would gladly return for another Babylon tour.
We were met with a friendly smile and incredible humor and at the same learned so much about the war rooms
Great guide & experience , very knowledgeable & nice. Recommend it, fyi it’s not up to the palace . But still fun
Andy our guide was incredible- having a PhD he knows history- much of what he shared was beyond the scope of the tour. Andy knew exactly where to be and when to be there to obtain the maximum viewing of guards and the band. Truly wonderful experience- thanks to Andy.
They weren’t doing the changing of the guard on the day we booked and I understand this happens on occasion. They offered an alternate day but we already had plans. Regardless, the walking tour was very interesting!
Our guide was passionate and knowledgable about the history on London and took us on a very informative and interesting tour. We had an excellent time!
Excellent guide and tour with Andy. He took us to all the great spots to watch the change of guards and a little bit of history.
Becky was phenomenal. Even though it was a rainy day and we did not get to see the full change of the guard, we were very happy to see the 'wet change' which is a bit quicker. Becky made sure we arrived at each spot a bit early and picked the best place for us to stand for the best vantage point as both guards and horseguard were coming by. We had an absolutely wonderful time.
Our tour guide, Becky, was amazing. Prompt, organized and very very knowledgeable. She was able to explain ALL aspects of the Changing if the Guard process not just the part taking place at Buckingham Palace. We got to see and experience parts of the process that we could never do on our own. In addition she ‘knew the ropes’ and made sure we had great viewing points and access and explain the process every step of the way! You might be able to do it cheaper but I doubt you could do it better than this tour. 100% recommend.
Welsey was a great guide. He patiently answered our granddaughter's questions and kept at a good pace for her grandparents! He was extremely knowledgeable and gave us great insight into the changing of the guard plus all the areas we walked by.
