Changing Of The Guard - Free Walking Tour

Duration: 1h and 45min
Languages: English
Guru: Richard
Quality Verified Registered on May 03, 2022

Hi, I’m Richard, I have been a tour guide in London for nearly 20 years and still find something new in this amazing city almost every day. I have a real passion for travel and have been fortunate to have visited fascinating destinations all over The World However, something always draws me back to London like a magnet. It’s a unique blend of history and tradition whilst remaining a thoroughly modern vibrant city on the cutting edge of everything new and exciting that there is to offer. I am massively passionate about London and Londoners and hope that my tours can ignite the same in the visitors that I have the pleasure of showing MY City.

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment
    This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description


The Changing Of The Guards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace is iconic and seeing it up close is a once in a lifetime experience for many.

So why spoil it by having to stand for hours in the unpredictable British weather, amongst thousands of others, constantly fighting for the “best spot” only to discover  too late that your view is obstructed?

Take this FREE  (pay what you feel) walking tour with an expert guide who will take you to the “secret spots” (often hidden in plain sight) for unprecedented views of the ceremony. Much,smaller crowds, fewer or no barriers/fences or other obstructions, and an explanation of what is actual going on, so you can understand more of the traditions and pomp of the event as it unfolds in front of you.

GUARANTEED! to be within 10-15ft (3-4.5m) of the guards themselves, as they carry out this long standing tradition. Which traces its origins as far back as the late 17th century under the reign of William III and remains little changed since.

PLUS! this tour will also take you to the CHANGING OF THE HORSEGUARDS to see the mounted regiments of The Household Cavalry carry out their daily guard change and inspection. This is the best place in London to get that iconic photo with a guard in full regalia.

PLEASE NOTE:
All or part of the ceremony may be cancelled, altered or otherwise changed by Buckingham Palace at any time, often at short notice and often without explanation especially in inclement weather. I will do my utmost to give all participants the best experience possible but due to logistics of the ceremony,  the planned route may change, I will endeavour to keep the group informed of any changes if and when they occur. 


The tour will also show you other famous London attractions and monuments such as:

  • Trafalgar Square
  • Nelsons Column
  • The National Gallery
  • Admiralty Arch
  • St James Palace
  • Buckingham Palace 
  • Clarence House
  • Horseguards Parade
  • The Banqueting House
  • Downing Street 

And more…


✍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The walking tour with our guide Richard was G R E A T! We got to see the changing of the guard with great views! He really knew where we needed to be without a crowd in the way. We got great pictures and videos because of him! “

“Richard is such a good guide! We saw all the interesstings thinks very close! Highy recommend to do a tour with him!” - Petra - Austria

“Could not have been any more pleased with the quality of this tour. We never could have produced the same experience had we chose to do this on our own. This was stress-free, extremely informative, and super enjoyable.” - Brennan & Amy - Nashville


“best choice ever! Richard is witty, so be prepared for a fun tour! Highly recommended!”  Millie - Munich

These are just a couple of reviews from the thousands of happy visitors to London that I have had the pleasure of guiding over the past 20 years.

But don’t just take their word for it come and experience it yourselves.



📃THE BASICS📃- What you need to know! (And the boring legal bit)
📍The Tour Starts in Trafalger Sqaure (Nearest underground Charing Cross/Leicester Square) please meet at the top of the steps in the north east corner underneath the statue of George IV on horseback. Please note that there may be several tour groups  here so make sure you find the right one.  I will be wearing a flat cap and carrying a grey and black backpack

📍The tour ends at Horseguards which is around 7 minute walk back to the start point, but also a similar distance from Parliament Square for Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, “Big Ben” The London Eye, The  River Thames and Westminster Station

🧑‍🦽The route is flat on either paved roads with one set of steps, (currently unavoidable due to construction work on the step free route) Some sections on a gravel path/courtyard which may prove difficult for wheelchairs/buggy’s. The route is suitable for those with reduced mobility, however please be aware that at certain parts of the tour the group may need to move quickly to another location in order to secure a suitable vantage point for the next part of the ceremony. A comfortable pair of shoes or trainers is sufficient,  no need for any specific footwear, although it is advised against wearing high heels (sorry Gentleman!!!)

🐕‍🦺The tour is suitable for dogs but they MUST be kept on a lead at all times.

🥤🥪Please note that there are very limited Toilet facilities or refreshments on this tour (there are public toilets and a several cafes at the start point) You may eat and drink on the tour (please no alcohol) but please be responsible and take any rubbish with you until you can find a bin. Smoking and vaping is forbidden on this tour for the comfort of all participants.

👉Please be aware that the ceremony is on selected days only and can be cancelled, amended or rearranged at short notice for any number of reasons, particularly inclement weather conditions.

👉Also please note that the tour will come across wild animals particularly wild birds and waterfowl, as well as horses and other animals. I ask all visitors to exercise caution when around these animals as they can bite, all participants are responsible for their own safety at all times. This also includes crossing any roads or cycle paths.

👉Please follow any instructions given to you by myself, police officers or any other person in an authoritative position whilst on the tour.

🎒Please take basic precautions with your personal belongings. All visitors are responsible for any personal possessions. Neither the guide or Guru Walks accept any liability for loss or damage to personal possessions or any personal injury or death whist taking part on the tour.

📩 If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via the tour guru website

I look forward to welcoming you



PLEASE NOTE : If a tour is unavailable it normally means that there is no guard change scheduled for that day. You can check the latest schedule here…

https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

However due to personal circumstances there is no availability at weekends and limited availability of this tour from 23rd July-1st September if a tour is showing as unavailable please look alternative dates if possible. If there is a guard change scheduled but nothing available on dates that are convenient for you please check other providers.

Total tour time Approx 1 hour 40 minutes 

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Trafalgar Square Station (Stop C, Lon...
    Trafalgar Square Station (Stop C, London WC2N 5DP, UK
    View on map

    At the top of the steps underneath the statue of George IV (on horseback) in the North East Corner of Trafalger Square.I will be wearing a flat cap and carrying a black/grey backpack and holding a sign with “Guru Tours London” written on it

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Trafalgar Square

    One of London’s most famous areas dotted with statues and fountains.

  • 2
    Outside visit
    The Mall

    The royal prosessinial route from Buckingham Palace instantly recognisable from large scale events such as royal weddings, the jubilee and coronation ceremony and witness close up the world famous changing of the guards ceremony.

  • 3
    Outside visit
    Admiralty Arch

    Ornate giant archway standing at one end of The Mall

  • 4
    Outside visit
    Buckingham Palace

    Needs no introduction the London home of His Majesty the King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and famous around the world.

  • 5
    Outside visit
    St James's Park

    Walk through the magnificent 17th century St James park, how to dozens of species of wildfowl, look out for the parks famous pelicans and grey squirrels who will eat from your hand.

  • 6
    Outside visit
    Horse Guards Parade

    Get up close and personal with the Kings official guards as we check out the guard change ceremony and get your iconic photo with one of the guards and horses

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

128 ratings
4.6
By category
Professionalism
4.61
Fun
4.32
Expression
4.31
Quality
4.53
Route
4.6
Generic
5 stars
95
4 stars
18
3 stars
10
2 stars
1
1 star
4
Wei Li 22 Sep 2023
Fitzroy

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Sep 2023
Going on this tour gets you a behind the scenes look of multiple spots that form part of the changing of the guards ceremony. Richard timed it perfectly and we'd never be able to experience this on our own. If we'd muddled through, we'd have stood outside buckingham palace at 11 with the rest of the crowds and seen the tail end of things. Instead our tour started at 10 and we we walked to experience different parts of the ceremony. 5 stars, thanks Richard!
Emma 05 Sep 2023

Verified booking
Travelled in family - Sep 2023
Great tour. Nice to experience some of the sites and also see the guards change , horse change and the squirrels! Thank you Richard ☺️
sofia 01 Sep 2023
Washington

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Sep 2023
Really enjoyed our tour and got a great view of the changing of the guard. Also learnt a lot.
Laura 01 Sep 2023
Gaston

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Sep 2023
Richard was very informative and led us to great viewing spots. We went to all of the spots that the expensive tour guides were taking their guests to. We got up close looks at all the points along the route of the guards. Great experience
Lisa 23 Aug 2023
Stoke-on-Trent

Verified booking
Travelled in family - Aug 2023
This was so good as we would never have had the depth of knowledge and locations that Richard introduced us to. Thanks so much!
Show 128 reviews

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Accepts reservations up to 20 people.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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