The Changing of the Guard

Few civic ceremonies are more famous than the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. First established during the Restoration of the British Monarchy, this ceremony is still conducted three times a week in the heart of Royal London, ensuring the ongoing protection of the world’s most famous royal family.

But for the uninitiated, the Changing of the Guard can be an underwhelming experience. Most assume that the ceremony is a singular event occurring in one spot (in front of Buckingham Palace). Folks will stand in front of the fence for hours in hopes of seeing all the action, but as any London tour guides will tell you — this is not the best way to witness this fascinating ceremony.

Led by a published historian and expert tour guide, this tour will take you through the many moving pieces of this centuries-old ceremony, offering a full experience of the Changing of the Guard (with no shortage of pristine photo and video opportunities).

Beginning at the Royal Palaces, you will see as many guards as is humanly possible to see and learn about the fascinating history of this tradition and the locales where it occurs, before taking photos with the Household Cavalry (the Horse Guards) and concluding in Parliament Square.

Sites Included

• Buckingham Palace

• Wellington Barracks

• Whitehall & Downing Street

• The Horse Guards Parade

• St. James’s Park

• St. James’s Palace

• Clarence House

• Big Ben (The Elizabeth Tower)

• The Palace of Westminster (The Houses of Parliament)

• Westminster Abbey