Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Experience the world-famous Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace with expert commentary.

• Everything you get: Witness the Changing the Foot Guard ceremony on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, or the Changing the Horse Guard ceremony on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, in an intimate small-group setting, with a 1.5-hour guided walking tour around the palace.
• Why choose this: With a knowledgeable English-speaking guide and small group size, you'll gain insights, enjoy the best vantage points, and ask questions.
• Upgrades: Choose to upgrade your experience with a guided tour of Westminster Abbey with insights from an expert guide.

Inclusions #

• Changing the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)

• Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)

• Expert English-speaking tour guide

• Small group tour

• Audio headsets

Additional paid upgrades:

• 1.5-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace

• Guided tour of Westminster Abbey

What's not allowed

• Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Additional information

• The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout the year. However, last-minute cancellations can occur without prior notice due to decisions made by the palace or local authorities, or because of bad weather.
• Changing the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
• On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the "Sunday Parade."
• Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you’ll experience the Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony instead.

Experience the best of British tradition: witness the Changing the Guard and unwind with an afternoon tea cruise.

• Everything you get at Buckingham Palace: Watch the time-honored Changing the Guard ceremony during a 1.5-hour live English-guided walking tour that takes you past royal landmarks like The Mall and St. James’s Palace.
• Everything you get on the Afternoon Tea cruise: Enjoy a 90-min cruise along the River Thames with live or audio commentary, featuring traditional afternoon tea with freshly baked scones, pastries, and a selection of British teas as you sail past Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• Why choose this combo: Immerse yourself in British culture through two quintessential experiences in one seamless package while saving time and money.

Inclusions #

Changing the Guard Ceremony

• Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace

• 1.5-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace

• Expert English-speaking tour guide

• Small group tour at Buckingham Palace grounds

• Audio headsets for the Changing the Guard ceremony

Afternoon Tea Cruise

• 1.5-hour Thames River cruise with British afternoon tea

• Afternoon tea and British snacks (menu [here])

• Live or pre-recorded commentary onboard

What’s not allowed

Changing the Guard

• Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

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Additional information

Changing the Guard

• Changing the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you’ll see the Changing the Household Cavalry Ceremony instead.

Afternoon Tea Cruise

• Infants under the age of 2 will be charged the child rate.
• Some tables are situated in close proximity to other diners and are pre-allocated before boarding. All tables are fixed to the floor and cannot be moved. Window tables are available, which seats up to two people only.
• The boat can cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free people, but is unable to offer menus that are both vegan and gluten-free. Please get in touch with City Cruises on 0207 7400 400 at the time of booking to provide your dietary preferences.

See a historic ceremony and visit the iconic Tower with one ticket.

• Say yes to savings with this combo ticket! Witness the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace and explore the historic Tower of London.
• Experience the Changing the Guard on a 1.5-hour guided walking tour in a small group setting.
• Gain unique insights into the guards' traditions with expert commentary and audio headsets.
• Visit the Tower of London to view the Crown Jewels, including regalia used in coronation ceremonies, and delve into their rich history.
• Explore The White Tower, the Medieval Palace, and the Bloody Tower, uncovering their historical significance and dark tales.

Inclusions #

Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

• Changing the Guard Ceremony (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)

• Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)

• 1.5-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace

• Expert English-speaking tour guide

• Audio headsets

• Small group tour of 20 people or fewer

Tower of London

• Entry to the Tower of London

• Access to The Crown Jewels

Entry to:

- The White Tower

- Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula

- Battlements

- Medieval Palace

- Bloody Tower

- Torture at the Tower exhibition

- Fusiliers Museum

- Royal Mint exhibition

- Access to the children's activity trails and live historical re-enactments

What's not allowed Tower of London

• Keep in mind luggage, large bags, tripods, selfie sticks, and other photographic or recording equipment; smoking, eating, and drinking are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

Accessibility Tower of London

• Not all areas are accessible to wheelchair users.
• Trained assistance dogs are welcome.

Additional information Tower of London

• The Crown Jewels are a working collection and as a consequence, the display is subject to change without prior notice due to security reasons.

Changing the Guard

• Changing the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
• Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, you’ll experience the Changing the Horse Guard ceremony.
• This is a walking tour with a fair amount of walking. Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear.

Join an intimate group tour covering Westminster landmarks plus enjoy Abbey access at your own pace.

• Everything you need: Participate in a guided exploration of Westminster landmarks, entry to the Abbey, two hour self guided visit with audio support, access to the Guard ceremony and a relaxed group limited to fifteen participants.
• Why choose this: Cover Westminster’s top attractions in one organized tour that blends guidance, independence, and live viewing of the country's celebrated Guard ceremony.

Inclusions #

• 3-hour guided walking tour of Westminster

• English-speaking guide

• Entry to Westminster Abbey

• 2-hour self-guided tour of Westminster Abbey

• Audio guide for Westminster Abbey

• Changing of the Guard ceremony

• Small group of 15 people or less

Exclusions #

• Guided tour of Westminster Abbey

What to bring

• Ensure your entry tickets and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.
• Pack earphones for your audio guide experience.

Additional information

• The guide will not accompany you inside Westminster Abbey. You can explore at your own pace with an audio guide.
• The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to changes in date, time, and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities.
• Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. On such occasions, see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music or parade.
• Westminster Abbey is subject to last-minute, unforeseen closures.

See London's famous sights and the Changing of the Guard ceremony from a comfortable coach

• Enjoy a luxury coach ride through London, led by an expert guide who provides insightful stories and anecdotes about the city's landmarks along the way.
• Benefit from an audio headset that lets you listen to your guide's engaging commentary about the ceremony and the rich history behind it.
• Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, a quintessential display of British tradition and pageantry.
• Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to observe the guards wearing their vibrant uniforms and bearskin hats as they march and take on the responsibility of guarding the palace.
• Elevate your experience with the option of a tranquil Thames River cruise or a delightful afternoon tea at the Rubens, overlooking Buckingham Palace.

Inclusions #

• Guided coach tour to Buckingham Palace

• Changing of the Guard Ceremony (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)

• Changing of the Horse Guard Ceremony (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)

• Experienced guide

• WiFi and USB charging on board

• Personal audio headset

• Thames River cruise (as per option selected)

• Afternoon tea at the Rubens overlooking Buckingham Palace. See menu here (as per option selected)