Small Group Changing the Guard tour

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!

Small group size of 2 - 12 people per guide to maximise your enjoyment

“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. This tour has been introduced in 2026 to allow our guests to enjoy a more exclusive experience.

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 outside the Central Methodist Hall near St James Park tube station

Finishing Point:

Tour finishes near Buckingham Palace

Times & Date:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday during peak months

Does Changing the Guard occur when its raining?

If the rain is heavy, or the forecast is for rain, the British Army may decide to curtail the ceremony. On such occasions, there will be a ‘Wet Change’ where the soldiers wear light overcoats and march without the ceremonial band. They will also protect their regimental flag (the ‘colour’), and guard movements will vary. However, sometimes the full ceremony goes ahead in the rain, and the decision to curtail the ceremony is usually made at the very last minute.

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.

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.