Changing of the Guard Tour 2026
The Changing of the Guard in London is one of Britain's most iconic and enduring military traditions and a must-visit spectacle for any visitor to London.
Whilst it is possible to navigate the ceremony by yourself, due to the large crowds and to make sure you are in the right spots at the right times for the best parts of the ceremony, many visitors choose to enjoy a guided Changing of the Guard tour in London. These expert-guided tours come with experienced Changing of the Guard tour guides who navigate the ceremony with ease in keeping with the guards movements, whilst avoiding the crowds, to ensure visitors get a front-row spot to the best parts of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
To see the Changing the Guard ceremony while avoiding the crowds, and end up in the right place at the right time, we recommend the award-winning Changing of the Guard Tour by See The Sights Tours. This walking tour has been named a Top-20 tour in Northern Europe and has over 1000 5-star reviews!
More information on this Changing of the Guard Tour can be found below. Use the booking widget to confirm your spot - it takes less than 60 seconds!
Changing of the Guard Tour Information
When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Time: 10am (9am on Sunday)
Duration: 2 Hours
Meeting Point: Victoria Palace Theatre (opposite Victoria Station)
End Point: Horseguards Parade
Price: £14 per person
Important: Booking Essential. Your confirmation email will be from See The Sights Tours.
*Private Tours are also available to be booked using the calendar
Changing of the Guard Tour Highlights
Front Row Views
This Changing of the Guard tour is the best option for those visitors who want to enjoy a front row view of the Guards as they march to and from Buckingham Palace.
New Guard
The New Guard is the fresh detachment of soldiers that arrives to take over sentry duty from the Old Guard, formally assuming responsibility for protecting the royal residence during the ceremony.
Old Guard
The Old Guard is the outgoing detachment of soldiers being relieved of duty, having completed their watch guarding the royal residence before handing over responsibility to the New Guard.
Household Cavalry
The Household Cavalry are the sovereign's military escort, mounted on horseback in gleaming ceremonial armour. This is the only Changing of the Guard tour offering a photo opportunity with them.
Royal Palaces
This tour unlocks the rich history and secrets of the Royal Palaces, including Buckingham Palace & St James's Palace, while giving guests stunning photo opportunities at these magnificent Royal landmarks.
Experienced Local Guide
Joining an experienced local tour guide secures the best viewing spots, brings the ceremony to life with expert commentary, and ensures you never miss a moment of this iconic royal spectacle.Why Choose A Changing of the Guard Tour?
If you’re dreaming of that perfect London moment, a guided tour of the Changing of the Guard is the secret to turning a potentially stressful morning into an unforgettable highlight. While it’s tempting to just show up, the ceremony is actually a moving puzzle spread across several sites. Doing it solo often means hours of waiting in one spot, only to have the action pass you by in a flash.
By choosing a Changing of the Guard Tour, you gain a strategic advantage. Instead of guessing where to stand, you’ll be guided to the best "secret" vantage points, and crucially at the right times, where you can see the guards marching in full formation, hear the crash of the drums, and snap photos without the crowds in your way. This is something that only comes with experience and which no amount of planning (not even this website!) can give you.
The true magic, however, lies in the storytelling. You won’t just see red tunics; you’ll learn the fascinating distinctions between the five regiments—like why some have buttons in pairs while others are spaced singly. Having an expert narrate the history of the Old and New Guards adds a layer of depth that makes the pageantry feel personal and profound. It’s the difference between merely watching a parade and truly experiencing a living piece of British history.
Should I join a Changing of the Guard Tour or View The Ceremony Myself?
This is up to each individual and what they want to achieve from the Changing of the Guard. If you simply want to see a guard (even if it’s from quite a distance whilst standing in a crowd) and grab a quick photo then it is recommended to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony by yourself. However, if you want to see the best parts of the ceremony, avoid the crowds and enjoy front row views of the Guards as they march then a Changing of the Guard tour is the way to go.
To help you decide whether you should visit the Changing of the Guard ceremony yourself or enjoy a Changing of the Guard tour we’ve compiled this comparison table below.
| Feature | Viewing By Yourself | Guided Tour Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Viewing Environment | Typically involves being stuck within large and excessive crowds at the palace gates, often limiting line-of-sight. | Avoids the main congestion by utilising mobile vantage points and quieter areas to view the procession clearly. |
| Perspective & Movement | Provides a static view of the ceremony, focused primarily on what occurs behind the palace railings. | Offers a dynamic perspective, moving between different barracks and palaces to see the "full story" of the guards. |
| Context & History | Visual experience only; identifying regiments and uniform details must be done independently. | Includes expert narration that explains the 500-year-old traditions and identifies the specific regiments. |
| Logistics | Navigating through high-density pedestrian traffic and road closures must be managed on your own. | Stress-free navigation as a guide leads you through the best routes to stay ahead of the crowds. |
| Ideal For | Those with significant time to spare who do not mind standing in dense crowds for a single viewpoint. | Visitors wanting to maximise their time, see the ceremony from multiple angles, and understand the cultural depth. |
How to Book Changing of the Guard Tour
Booking your Changing of the Guard tour is easy and takes less than a minute!
1) Select your preferred date from the calendar
2) Choose either the Public Tour (General Admission) or Private Tour
3) Enter your number of guests
4) Complete Checkout
Important: Your confirmation email will be from See The Sights Tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The award-winning Changing of the Guard tour by See The Sights Tours is ranked among the top 20 European experiences for visitors to London. This guided walking tour navigates the Buckingham Palace crowds, providing front-row views of the King’s Guard and Regimental Bands that most visitors to the Changing of the Guard ceremony will miss.
-
In 2026, the official Changing of the Guard London ceremony begins at 11:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, with a 10am start on Sundays. This guided tour starts earlier at 10:00 AM Monday, Wednesday & Friday (9:00 AM Sundays) from the Victoria Palace Theatre.
-
Yes. While many visitors wait for hours only to have their view blocked by the crowds, these professional tour guides will move you between multiple vantage points during the ceremony giving you the chance to experience the music, the marching, and the history up close. The tour also includes a photo opportunity with the Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry.
-
Yes. Due to high demand for this Changing of the Guard Tour in 2026, a booking is essential to join the tour.
-
The Changing of the Guard Tour in London in 2026 is £14 for all ages. Children under the age of 5 are complimentary.
-
The Changing of the Guard Tour is in English only.
-
No. Unfortunately this Changing of the Guard Tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties.