About this tour
This intimate London walking tour positions you strategically along the Changing of the Guard procession, catching the full ceremonial sequence without queuing at Buckingham Palace gates. Capped at 12 people and starting early, you'll witness the Horse Guards arriving, the inspection, Old and New Guard formations, and march directly alongside the scarlet-clad soldiers and their bands. The 2-hour outing demands decent fitness—you'll be on your feet navigating London streets and at least one flight of stairs—but rewards you with unobstructed sightlines and genuine connection to this centuries-old pageantry.
Highlights
- Start before dawn to catch Horse Guards arrival on duty
- March alongside ceremonial guards and their brass bands
- Watch inspection and Old Guard relieving New Guard
- Maximum 12 people—avoid the palace gates crush
- Expert guide explains ritual and historical context
- Unobstructed views of the full procession sequence
What to expect
You'll meet your guide in central London well before the main ceremony begins. The walk covers roughly two miles of Westminster streets, following the guards' established route. Expect to stop periodically as different sections of the procession pass—the mounted Horse Guards first, then foot guards in their distinctive uniforms. Your guide positions the group strategically at each vantage point. Deliberately avoiding Buckingham Palace's outer gates means missing the static courtyard portion but gaining mobility to see the ceremonial movement itself. The pace is steady rather than brisk, with pauses for viewing and explanation.
Good to know
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate walking shoes. Start early means potentially 6–7 a.m. arrival. The tour runs most days but verify dates beforehand, as state occasions alter schedules. Prams are fine for infants. Service animals welcome. Limited nearby seating; standing time is significant. Not suitable if you have serious heart conditions or cannot manage stairs.
Frequently asked
- How long does Small Group Changing the Guard Tour take?
- Small Group Changing the Guard Tour runs for approximately 2 hours.
- How much does Small Group Changing the Guard Tour cost?
- Prices start from GBP $32 per person. Final pricing varies by date, group size and any add-ons — confirmed at checkout via Viator.
- Where does Small Group Changing the Guard Tour run?
- This tour operates around United Kingdom. Specific meeting points and pickup options are listed by the operator at checkout.
- Who runs Small Group Changing the Guard Tour?
- The tour is sold and operated by its supplier through Viator. New Forest National Park earns a small commission on bookings made via the link, which keeps this site free for travellers.
- Is the tour confirmed at the listed price?
- The price shown is the operator's "from" price as of our last sync. Final price, currency conversion, group discounts and cancellation policy are confirmed at checkout — always review before paying.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original New Forest National Park summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.