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Ready to witness the Changing of the Guard on a changing of the Guard tour from London?
You’ve come to the right place, as we’re going to explore the best 7 Changing of the Guard tours in London – all led by expert guides who want to share the beauty of this tradition and help you skip the tourist traps.
If you’re like, just cut to the chase already, then don’t worry.
The best Changing of the Guard tour in London is this small group Changing of the Guard Walking Tour Experience.
It has nearly 300 amazing reviews, so there’s no going wrong.
The Changing of the Guard is a popular English tradition that hundreds of people visit every day.
If you want to see what your other options are for tours in London that include Changing of the Guard, here are 6 more tours that are definitely worth your time.
So let’s get into the list of the best tours of the Changing of the Guard in London so you can book it already!
PS – booking in advance is highly, highly recommended so you don’t miss out.
⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?
The best one is this Changing of the Guard Walking Tour Experience.
Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group, where I can answer more of your questions!
Easy Guide: Best Changing of the Guard Tours from London
| #1 PICK 🏆 | Changing of the Guard Walking Tour Experience | 4.5 out of 5 Stars, 280+ reviews | ▶ Book Here! |
| #2 PICK | Best of Royal London Tour | 4.5 out of 5 stars, 300+ reviews | ▶ Book Here! |
| #3 PICK | Changing of the Guard London Walking Tour | 5 out of 5 stars, 170+ reviews | ▶ Book Here! |
1. Changing of the Guard Walking Tour Experience
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars, 280+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Quality vantage points
- Small groups of 20 people or fewer
- Headsets when appropriate
- No-nonsense tour that makes this experience easy
This 90 minute walking tour will show you the best vantage points to watch the changing of the guard.
This tour company has it down to a science!
You’ll meet your tour guide and group members at the Duke of York Column.
Get a quick rundown about this quintessential British tradition before walking to your first vantage point.
With fewer than 20 people in your group, it will be quick and easy to move around.
This means you will have the best chance at a good view!
The guides are knowledgeable and will be able to answer any questions.
The tour will end outside Buckingham Palace.
This location is a great place to wander around and explore at your own leisure!
The best part?
The price!
Prices for Changing of the Guard tours vary from low to high.
This tour is quite affordable, but you don’t miss out on quality.
2. Best of Royal London including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard and Cruise
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars, 300+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- VIP early-access tickets to Tower of London
- Thames River Sightseeing Cruise
- Guided walking tour of London’s royal sights
- Small groups of 25 people or fewer
Book your tickets fast for this one!
It’s one of the most popular Changing of the Guard Tours in London.
That means it sells out quickly!
You know that is a good tour when tickets are in such high demand.
The tour will begin at the Tower of London.
You will be one of the first people there! See the Crown Jewels, East Wall Walk, Medieval Palace, Traitors’ Gate and the Tower Green.
Then you will go on a Thames River Sightseeing Cruise where you will see sights such as Big Ben and the London Eye!
You will then see the Changing of the Guard from a great vantage point. And you can even witness the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall!
You will end the tour at Buckingham Palace, where you will have an hour to explore and learn about the history here.
Headsets will be provided as needed to ensure that you don’t miss any details!
3. Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 170+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2-3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Guided walking tour
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony
- Big Ben
- Houses of Parliament
This affordable tour is a great way to see the highlights of London in just a few hours!
If you’re only in the city for a short time, you may want to consider this tour.
You’ll start at the Changing of the Guard Ceremony.
You will spend nearly an hour here as you soak in all the pomp and circumstance surrounding this historic tradition.
Then you will tour Buckingham Palace and learn its history.
Then the tour will pick up the pace.
You’ll spend a short time at Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. James’ Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Pall Mall.
You’ll get to snap a few pictures and learn the history of each of these attractions.
Then you’ll pass by the Clarence House and receive one final history lesson!
4. Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade
⭐️ RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars, 1,700+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Tours of the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral
- Private cruise on the River Thames
- Cream tea at Harrods restaurant
- Air-conditioned vehicle with Free Wi-Fi on board
Spend the entire day exploring the best of London!
Start the tour at the Tower of London, where you can see the Crown Jewels!
Then experience the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
You’ll get to take a relaxing cruise down the Thames River and catch a glimpse of many gorgeous attractions!
You’ll see the Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and the view from the Shard. You’ll also get to pass by Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.
There is also time scheduled to explore some other attractions.
Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.
You will drive through Trafalgar Square and the Royal Courts of Justice.
Upgrade your tour to include cream tea at Harrod’s or a ride on the London Eye.
This tour is a great way to see the best parts of London in a day!
It would be perfect for anyone taking a quick trip to this city.
5. Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 780+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Local Guide
- Piccadilly Circus
- St. James Palace
- Walk along Regent Street
This simple tour sells out quickly.
Why is it so popular?
Because it is a no-nonsense way to make sure you have the best experience while watching the Changing of the Guard.
The tour starts at Piccadilly Circus, and iconic London location.
You will then go to St. James’ Palace, which you can admire from the outside.
This is where you will wait for the Changing of the Guard to begin.
You’ll have an amazing view of this quintessential tradition!
Not only do you get to watch the ceremony, but you will also join in the fun to some extent.
This tour walks alongside the Old Guard as they head to the Wellington Barracks.
You will stroll by many beautiful sights, such as Regent Street, Pall Mall, the Duke of York Column, the Royal Society and Marlborough House.
And the best part?
Your knowledgeable guide will share so much information with you during your time together!
6. Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 90+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 45 minutes | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Guided Changing of the Guard experience
- English Speaking local expert guide
- Maximum of 15 people in your group
- Horse Guards Parade
Not only will you witness the Changing of the King’s Guard, but you will also learn all about it.
Learn the history about this ceremony and the interesting bits of trivia regarding all aspects of the tradition.
The tour guide is knowledgeable and entertaining so you won’t become bored while listening to him.
And he’ll tell you all kinds of stuff you’ve never heard before!
After the Changing of the Guard, you will make 3 more stops.
You’ll learn about St. James’ Palace as you walk around outside.
You’ll also watch the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall.
This is another Changing of the Guard ceremony, but for the horseguards!
And lastly, you’ll admire the outside of Buckingham Palace while the tour guide teaches you about its history!
This tour may be quick, but it is full of excitement!
It’s one of the best ways to experience this part of London’s history.
7. Semi-Private Changing of the Guard & Westminster Highlights Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- Downing Street
- Expert English-speaking local Guide & Royal Expert
- Buckingham Palace
- Westminster
This tour has limited availability, but may be well worth it if you’re able to schedule a tour with them.
At least two people must book this tour, but no more than 15 will be allowed.
This makes for a cozy experience.
This walking tour highlights the most interesting things about Westminster and the surrounding area.
This is a great way to get a crash course in Westminster culture and history.
After you experience the pompous Changing of the Guard, you will see many more attractions.
Walk through St. James’ Park. Stroll down Downing Street. Admire Westminster Abbey.
Take a selfie with Big Ben. Cross Westminster Bridge. Catch a glimpse of Westminster Palace.
Look at the iconic London Eye.
Your guide will share information about each of these attractions as you snap pictures and make memories!
Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!
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- 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
- 5 Best London Open Top Bus Tours
- 9 Best Scottish Outlander Tours
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UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs
🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?
Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here, a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.
🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?
Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one, which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.
🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?
The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.
🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?
For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.
📳 Will my phone work in the UK?
Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.
🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?
Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink.
