London: Changing Of The Guard Self Guided Tour
London: Changing Of The Guard Self Guided Tour
1 - 2 hours
Daily Tour
10 people
English
Catch London’s Changing of the Guard with a self-guided tour that shows you where to stand and what to watch—on your schedule. This Changing of the Guard tour is perfect for first-time visitors, families, and anyone curious about royal traditions. It takes around 1.5–2 hours with 10+ key stops, offering great views and... Read more
Observe the King's Guard, battle-hardened yet meticulous in their presentation, undergo rigorous uniform inspections. Accompanied by a live band playing military and popular tunes, this ceremony is a blend of tradition, precision, and pride.
Witness the disciplined march of the King’s Guards from Friary Court towards Buckingham Palace, their synchronized steps echoing powerfully. Admire the horse guards' salute, their splendid uniforms, and the grandeur of The Mall, leading to Buckingham Palace.
We find ourselves at a strategic vantage point near Wellington Barracks, less crowded than Buckingham Palace. Position yourself on the corner between the barracks and the palace for an unobstructed view of the guards forming up. Capture the New Guard's march right past you towards Buckingham Palace, an excellent photo opportunity.
Enjoy a splendid view, a strategic choice over joining the crowded Buckingham Palace gates. This vantage point, requiring no hours-long queue, offers a broader perspective of the ceremony's symbolism: the monarchy's continuity, the King's Guard's precision, and the palace's protection. Observe the New Guard's entrance and their respectful exchange with the Old Guard, a formal handover symbolizing the shift in responsibility.
Near Clarence House, witness a unique, smaller guard change ceremony, rich in tradition. Observe the guards receiving new orders and reporting any unusual incidents, a process known as the 'shuffle'.
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