Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at the Ferdinand Foch Statue near Victoria Station, close to Buckingham Palace Road.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?

No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs, individuals with walking difficulties, or those using prams or strollers.

What happens if it rains on the day of the ceremony?

In bad weather, the British Army performs a 'Wet Change,' a shorter version of the ceremony without music.

Can I get photos with the Royal Horseguards?

Photo opportunities with the Royal Horseguards depend on their schedule and availability during the tour.

Does the tour go inside Buckingham Palace?

No, the tour does not go inside Buckingham Palace; it focuses on viewing the ceremony and surrounding landmarks from the outside.

How large are the tour groups?

Groups are limited to a maximum of 15 people, ensuring a more intimate experience and better viewing spots.

Changing of the Guard Walk with See The Sights Tours London | Events | History Tour

Located in the heart of London, the Changing of the Guard & Royal London Walking Tour offered by See The Sights Tours delivers an intimate vantage point on one of Britain’s most enduring traditions. Set just steps from Buckingham Palace at 97 Buckingham Palace Rd, this 2.5-hour journey immerses visitors in both military ceremony and royal history with exclusivity and detail often lost in larger crowds. The ceremony itself unfolds along the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, where precision drill and red-coated Foot Guards create a striking visual contrast against the iconic palace façade. See The Sights Tours keeps group sizes small — capped at 15 participants — ensuring prime viewing spots and room to savor each moment. Beyond the parade’s cadence, the route threads through Royal London neighborhoods, showcasing St James’s Palace and Clarence House, two key royal residences steeped in political legacy and architectural grandeur. This tour strikes a balance between active walking and thoughtful storytelling, with knowledgeable guides filling in the significance of each location and ceremony detail. Guests gain access to lesser-known perspectives on Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Palace of Westminster, capturing essential parts of London’s historical and political epicenter. Photo opportunities abound, including the chance to capture the Royal Horseguards, whose participation is schedule-dependent. See The Sights Tours stands out in London’s vibrant walking tour scene by blending ceremonial spectacle with manageable group sizes and focused narratives. Its location near Victoria Station makes it accessible for travelers looking to experience authentic British pageantry without the press of large crowds. The company’s care for visitor engagement and timing means you not only witness the Changing of the Guard but come away with a richer understanding of London’s royal fabric and vibrant history. The tour’s commitment to respectful, detailed storytelling and premium viewing positions makes it an ideal outing for visitors who want to witness British tradition through both spectacle and substance in central London.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2.5 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for participants comfortable with standing and walking at a moderate pace on city streets.

Wildlife

Grey squirrels often seen darting through St James's Park
Various waterfowl inhabiting the park's ponds and lakes

History

The Changing of the Guard dates back to the 17th century as a royal tradition symbolizing the handover of palace security between regiments.

Conservation

Efforts are underway to manage crowds sustainably in central London to minimize environmental impact on green spaces like St James’s Park.

See The Sights Tours is a London-based tour operator offering a wide range of guided walking tours across the city. The company runs themed and general sightseeing tours that showcase London’s history, culture, music scene, food, and royal traditions. Popular public offerings include the Jack The Ripper Tour, the Harry Potter Walking Tour & Platform 9 3/4, the Free London Music Walking Tour, Free London Landmarks Tours (East and West), the London Sightseeing Walking Tour with 30+ sights, the Historic London Pub Tour (18+ only), the Changing of the Guard Tour, the Churchill & World War 2 Walking Tour, and a variety of neighbourhood tours such as Camden and the London Theatre Walking Tour. See The Sights Tours also provides private tour options, including private sightseeing, private food tours, private pub tours, private Camden tours, and private Jack The Ripper experiences. Several free, tips-only walking tours are part of the program, and full-day sightseeing itineraries cover more than thirty landmarks in a single day. Tour formats include themed walks, historical tours, and food and pub-focused experiences. All listings and trip summaries are available through the company’s public schedules and booking channels. Visitors can choose from both free and paid walking tours in central London to match interests in history, music, film locations, wartime heritage, royal ceremonies, or local cuisine. Trip descriptions list durations and focus areas, and the schedule includes free and paid options, allowing visitors to select tours that match time availability and personal interests across London neighborhoods today.

Base locationLondon, England

Tours offered21+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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Changing of the Guard Walk with See The Sights Tours London

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