Book Now

Changing the Guard Tour

1.75 HOUR TOUR
Piccadilly Circus
4-25 PEOPLE
From £18

The most exciting way to see the ceremony!

This is the London walking tour which will ensure you are in the best position possible to see the extraordinary Changing the Guard ceremony while avoiding the crowds at the gates of Buckingham Palace. Rather than standing still for hours, we see various stages of the ceremony, including the inspection, Old Guard, New Guard, Palaces, and even march alongside the Guards and Ceremonial Bands!
Please note this tour requires a good level of mobility as we will be marching alongside the guards, and there is at least one set of steps to navigate.
Witness a ceremony whose history and splendour is beyond compare
Have an acclaimed tour guide to lead you around
Stand within 6 feet of the Guards
March alongside the Band!
Have a group size anything from 4-25 but no more. Preferable to the excessively large groups of other tour companies!

“You know you’re with the right tour guide when other tour guides are asking him what is going on.”

Fun London Tours is renowned for providing the very best experience of seeing this famous ceremony. Each of our guides knows the ceremony inside out, so will always be one step ahead of our competitors.

It is no coincidence that since 2013 we have been endorsed by the website www.changing-guard.com and so have the backing of the most knowledgeable people out there.

Sadly, a great number of people go to see this world famous ceremony and leave disappointed. They stand at the gates of Buckingham Palace and wait uncomfortably for the action to happen, but are unaware that they have missed the majority of the pomp, ceremony, music and marching that takes place elsewhere. And that is why a Fun London Guide is invaluable in getting you around.

Given the tricky logistics, this is the one tour in London where you will benefit hugely from a professional and experienced London Tour Guide.

If you like a fast paced tour, with plenty of action, excitement and fun, come on this walk. In order to stay ahead of the crowds we do have to move quickly at times – at one point we will even be marching alongside the band! We will also encounter at least one flight of steps so unfortunately it is the only one of our tours which is not suitable for people with walking difficulties.

Please note we will not stand near the gates of Buckingham Palace on this tour so you will not see the part of the ceremony which is on the courtyard. It is unfortunately impractical to take a group there and wait for two or more hours packed in like sardines in a can, but we can guarantee the tour will be a far more enjoyable and informative experience! For our own experience of ‘how not to see the changing the guard’ – standing at the gates of Buckingham Palace – you may wish to read this short article.

Starting Point:
Meet your guide outside the Criterion Theatre by the statue of Eros at Piccadilly Circus tube station 10 minutes before the tour starts to check in. Your guide will be carrying a flag for easy identification. .
Finishing Point:
Tour finishes near Buckingham Palace.
Times & Date:
Ceremony is usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays. Times & dates may vary, so check live booking calendar below.
This tour requires a good level of mobility as we will be marching alongside the guards, and there is at least one set of steps to navigate.

Tickets are from £18 - a small booking fee is added. Your guide will meet you 10 minutes before the tour to check you in.

They will be carrying a flag for easy identification. The British Army can occasionally cancel or change the ceremony at the last minute - if so, we will offer you a refund or a chance to reschedule.

For some of the year we have two tour start times. The tours are very similar, though on the earlier tour you will have more chance to see the Old Guard, while the later tour gives you an opportunity to see more of the New Guard. Both tours last around 1hr50mins.
Are your tours suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility?

The Changing of the Guard Tour requires a good level of mobility as we will be marching alongside the Guards and there is at least one set of steps to navigate, so it is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

All our other tours can be adapted to suit wheelchair users or those with limited mobility – just let us know ahead of time so the guide can prepare a suitable alternative step-free route.

Will the walk ever be cancelled?

It is very unlikely. The main reason for a tour being cancelled would be a major transportation issue, although this is extremely rare. The Guides live in London, so can make use of the tube and bus network and will follow up to date transport information to try to prevent any problems. Very rarely extreme weather conditions could prevent a tour going ahead, but even in heavy rain or snow tours generally continue (bring your umbrellas and ponchos if bad weather is predicted!)

There are a few rare occasions through the year where the Guard Change fails to take place for reasons out of the hands of the Tour Guide. Sometimes this will not become apparent until after the walk starts (usually due to weather conditions). In such a case the Tour Guide will continue with a modified tour. If you are not 100% satisfied with this, we will endeavour to provide you with an alternative date, tour or discount.

If a total of fewer than four people are booked onto the tour then we reserve the right to cancel. In such cases you will be sent an email/SMS and given prior notice, with the offer of a refund or alternative date.

In the event of cancellation, we will endeavour to let you know with as much notice as possible by either email or SMS and provide a full and prompt refund or offer an alternative date/tour if preferable.

How early should I arrive for the walk?

Please come 10 minutes before the allotted time so that we are ready to go promptly, especially if you have decided to come without booking online. Please note that in London there are regular road closures, engineering works on the tube and other events which can easily delay your journey. Ensure you make allowances for this as we do not wait for latecomers.

What do I need to bring? Are there any toilet/refreshment breaks?

We would suggest dressing sensibly for the predicted weather conditions. So a raincoat or small umbrella can be a good idea with the notoriously changeable weather in England! As the tours usually last a maximum of two hours, we will not be stopping for breaks, although we will endeavour to start and finish near to public facilities and shops. We would recommend bringing some water, and using the public facilities before coming on the tour.

Will the tour always be the same?

The theme of the tour will not deviate from what is advertised, although the guide reserves the right to alter the content and route.

How far do we walk?

This depends on the tour. All of the walks will have between 5 and 15 stops, with a 3-5 minute walk between them. The Changing The Guard tour has a three minute burst where we march at the same pace as the guards, but otherwise all our walks are rather easily paced!

Can I turn up for a walk without booking first?

It is very possible that our tours will be full so if you turn up without booking you may well miss the tour. This is particularly relevant on the Changing The Guard which is extremely popular. We limit numbers on our tours to make them more personable and to maximise enjoyment, so we would have to turn you away if this number has been reached. However, those who booked online will be prioritised, followed by a first to arrive basis.

If you don’t book in advance you will not get any notification of changed locations or cancellations. We will always turn up for the tour if someone has booked, but if there have been no bookings for a tour it is very likely that it will be cancelled. And don’t forget, some of the walks are discounted for those who book online.

What happens if I don’t turn up on time?

The Guide will leave promptly at the designated time. Although there may be an introduction to the tour, this will be brief and your guide will not answer the phone once the tour has started.

Are there any discounts for students, Senior Citizens or those on benefits?

Currently we have discounted tickets for children under 18 and also sell family tickets on some tours. All under 5s come for free. Please check each individual tour for further details.

How do I recognise the Guide?

Our guide will be carrying a Fun London Tours flag.

Tips & Gratuities

This is of course at your discretion. However, tipping is a feature of the tourist industry, and if you feel the Tour Guide has done a good job then it is appropriate.

You might also like...

If you’d like to unearth the colour, mystery and
magnificence of this great city, join one of our Walking Tours!
London Icons