Changing of the Guard: Best Views Tour

Experience the classic British tradition of the Changing of the Guard with our fully-guided walking tour. Get the best views and capture amazing photographs as our expert guide navigates the crowds for you.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Changing of the Guard - Your regal tour begins at the Duke of York Column, located in St. James’, where you’ll greet your guide, don a personal headset, and receive a historical overview of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
    Many tourists make the mistake of viewing the ceremony outside of Buckingham Palace. However on this tour, handpicked…
What's Included
  • Small group of 20 people or less
  • Expert, English-speaking tour guide
  • Best vantage points and insights with your guide
  • Headsets when appropriate
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance to Buckingham Palace
Additional Information

Experience a lively display of British tradition with our comprehensive Changing of the Guard walking tour, guaranteed to offer the most stunning perspectives of this exceptional ceremony. Don’t fall into the common tourist trap of believing the best viewpoint is right outside Buckingham Palace.
Those who do often swiftly end up disappointed when they…

Location
Duke of York Monument
Meeting Point: By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. This is the tall column with a statue on top. Arriving by tube: Take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St James's. Walk south down Regent Street towards St James's Park (do not walk north towards Oxford Street). Waterloo Place is at the end of Regent Street. You will see the tall column with a statue on top. You can also arrive via Charing Cross Station. Walk down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace, you will see the statue on your right at the top of some steps.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(897 Ratings)
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Alwright2002
Oct 18, 2025
Great tour - Philip was great! He was a wealth of knowledge and gave us some fun facts. He was thorough and explained everything that was happening in full detail.
Review provided by Viator
Grant_t
Oct 16, 2025
Best way to see Changing of the Guard! - This tour was great and our tour guide Aaron was truly exceptional! I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to see the Changing of the Guard, there is so much more to it than I ever knew. Aaron was able to educate us on lots of English history, and help us navigate to the best viewing points. Time and money well spent!
Review provided by Viator
Diane
Oct 12, 2025
Paul Shows You All! - The last time I came to England I tried to see the Changing of the Guard on my own...that was a waste compared to what our leader, Paul, provided to us. We saw the ENTIRE process from beginning to end and it was spectacular! He had fabulous stories each step of the way and knew exactly when to move from one location to the next. I would absolutely use this service again and try to get on Team Paul!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carl_l
Oct 10, 2025
Team Angie! - Angie is a great guide, with tons of knowledge and experience! We were always in place to have excellent views.
Review provided by Viator
Jeanette_h
Oct 10, 2025
Changing of the guards - Wow fantastic experience would recommend totally as the tour leaders know best spots to be totally enjoyed
Review provided by Viator
Joy_l
Oct 8, 2025
Jo was excellent - Fantastic! The tour was perfect for us. We really enjoyed our experience. Thank you viator for the experience.
Review provided by Viator
Andrea_o
Oct 6, 2025
guard parade - Excellent way to see rhe guard. Be aware the guard changing occurs Mon, Wed, Fri.We went on Sun, so it was a parade Very impressive, guide was knowledgeable, and our viewing spot was fabulous
Review provided by Viator
Dawn_w
Oct 1, 2025
Great time...David made... - Great time...David made sure that we had a great spot to be able to see and he also had great things to tell us about what was happening and what to expect
Review provided by Viator
Colleen_p
Oct 14, 2025
Changing of the Guard - This was an enjoyable experience. Our guide, Flora, was very knowledgeable and she really seemed to enjoy sharing her insights. We moved from place to place, finding good locations to observe, and that was helpful.
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_s
Oct 12, 2025
Decent - I think this is a fine tour if you are interested in hearing little stories and some history, but definitely think you can do this on your own. If you're more of an independent traveler and can get around on your own, I think this is something you can skip. Run around to the spots on your own and find yourself a decent area to watch on your own. I don't think that the exclusive viewpoints this advertises is any better than what you can do on your own. I don't see the huge advantage, but for what the cost is, I'm not too disappointed in the time. I'd rather get closer to the gates and move around.
Review provided by Viator
From $19
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).