London: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

The palace march feels surprisingly close. This two hour walk is built for close-up Changing of the Guard moments without waiting at the gates, and I love that you get to march alongside the guards and band instead of just standing still. I also like how the route delivers strong photo spots for Buckingham Palace and St James Palace. The one catch: it is not for people with walking difficulties, with a few steps and a short stretch marching at the guards’ pace.

You start outside the Criterion Theatre by the Statue of Eros at Piccadilly Circus, then head along the Mall toward St James Palace, Wellington Barracks, and Clarence House before arriving at Buckingham Palace. The guide keeps the group moving so you catch the ceremony in stages, not just one flat view.

You finish on The Mall, near where the action echoes on. For about $26, the price feels fair because you are paying for a guide and a plan that helps you see more in less time.

Key takeaways before you go

• March with the Guards for a brief moment, which beats the usual standing still routine
• Avoid gate crowding by moving to different ceremony stages instead of camping by the barrier
• Band music in the mix so the sights come with sound, not just motion
• Photo-friendly positioning for Buckingham Palace, St James Palace, and the guards
• A route built for timing along the Mall, with stops that help you keep up with what’s happening

Why skip the Buckingham gates for this Changing of the Guard walk

This tour is all about control in a situation that usually feels chaotic. The biggest win is that you are not stuck staring forward for hours while thousands do the same thing. Instead, you get a sequence of viewpoints as the ceremony unfolds.

I love that it is designed to feel active, even though it is ceremonial. You see the inspection, the Old Guard, the New Guard, and the palace phases, and then you get that rare chance to walk in rhythm alongside the guards and the accompanying band. If your idea of a great London morning is motion plus pageantry, this fits.

One important reality check: this is still a crowd event. Even with smart positioning, you have to accept that it is busy, and you need enough mobility for standing, marching, and at least one set of steps.

Meet outside the Criterion Theatre, then step onto the Mall route

Your meeting point is very specific, and that matters in London. Meet outside the Criterion Theatre next to the Statue of Eros on Piccadilly Circus. You will start from a landmark that is easy to find, then the tour moves quickly into the ceremonial corridor.

From there, the route lines up with major royal scenery. You will walk the ceremonial approach via the Mall, with stops along the way that include St James Palace, Wellington Barracks, and Clarence House before reaching Buckingham Palace. It is not just a straight line to the main gate, either. The pacing of the route helps you catch different parts of the ceremony as the guards progress.

The finish location is also useful. You end at 1 The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH, so you are placed right where the parade energy carries on after the ceremony.

The 105 minutes of ceremony, inspection to Old and New Guards

The heart of this experience is the Changing of the Guard segment, listed as guided time of 105 minutes. Rather than treating it like one moment to freeze, the tour treats it like a story with distinct scenes.

Here is what you can expect to follow along with as you watch:

• Inspection: you get the ceremonial setup and the early phase of the exchange
• Old Guard: the outgoing unit does its part with precision
• New Guard: the incoming unit takes over the role
• Palaces: the guards move through the royal setting, and your guide helps you connect what you are seeing to why it matters

This format is more satisfying than the classic gate view because your brain gets something to track. Instead of constantly guessing what part you are missing, you are guided through the sequence.

One thing to note up front: this tour does not include the segment in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace. If you specifically want that inside-looking moment, it takes a very early arrival strategy that this tour does not support due to crowds.

Walking alongside the soldiers, plus band music for your photos

This is where the tour gets memorable fast. You will march in step with the guards for about four minutes, at the same pace. It is not long, but it is long enough to make you feel like you are part of the choreography instead of just an observer behind a fence.

You will also hear the ceremony, not just watch it. A ceremonial band accompanies the guards, and the tour experience includes listening to the band during the event. That sound changes the whole vibe. You feel the ceremony more than you simply see it.

For photos, this moving approach helps. You still need to be realistic about what a crowd allows, but the guide positions the group to give you good angles of the guards and the palaces. You are not just photographing one building face over and over. You are photographing the guards in context, with Buckingham Palace, St James Palace, and the surrounding landmarks coming into frame at different moments.

Buckingham Palace, St James Palace, and Clarence House view stops

A good Changing of the Guard plan is not only about getting close to Buckingham Palace. It is about seeing the royal geometry around it, the way buildings and streets frame the march. This tour gives you multiple strong “look up and look left” moments.

You pass through areas tied to the ceremony route, including St James Palace. That matters because St James Palace adds its own visual character compared with Buckingham Palace, and it also helps you break up the event visually as the guards move. Wellington Barracks and Clarence House add architectural variety too, so you are not stuck with one repeating backdrop.

I also appreciate that the tour focuses on the guards at each step. Some tours drift into long narration about buildings. Here, the guide keeps the attention on what the guards are doing, so your eyes always know what to lock onto next.

Pace, stairs, and what you should be ready for

Let’s be practical. This is a walking tour, and the pace is not casual. You need a good level of mobility because you will march at the same pace as the guards for approximately four minutes. There is also at least one set of steps to navigate.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users. If mobility is a concern, this is one you should skip, even if you love the idea of the ceremony. The tour is structured around keeping up with the guards’ movement and group logistics, not around slow sightseeing.

What to bring is simple: comfortable shoes. Beyond that, keep your expectations grounded. You are standing in public spaces with crowds, then moving to new spots. If you are prone to sore feet, plan for that.

Also, this tour starts promptly at the stated time. Arrive on time. Latecomers can miss key positioning, and refunds may not be offered for late arrivals.

Cost of about $26 dollars, and what you really pay for

At about $26 per person for two hours, the price is not just for walking around. This is value through guidance and timing. You are paying for a guide who can keep the group in motion, steer you to the best viewing spots, and explain what you are seeing so it feels like more than a spectacle.

The fact that the ceremony segment alone is guided time of 105 minutes helps justify the cost. You are not paying premium money just to stand at a fence. You are paying for structure: where to stand, when to move, and how to connect inspection, Old Guard, New Guard, and palace moments into one coherent experience.

What is not included also shapes value. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to eat before or after. If you show up hungry, the ceremony timing will feel shorter than it should.

Guide impact, with examples like Paul, Alex G, and Angie

In a crowded royal event, the guide is the difference between good photos and frustrating ones. This tour’s best reviews are consistent about one theme: timing and direction, plus personality.

You may be led by guides who are repeatedly praised by name. Paul is noted for strong professionalism and lots of extra details on the way, plus knowing where to be for both the procession and recession. Alex G shows up in comments for making sure the group ends up in great spots, handling unpredictable day movement, and keeping the energy right. Emily is praised for getting people to excellent locations for views and for making facts stick through humor. Angie is highlighted for getting groups front row for the parade feel and for keeping things fun while moving efficiently.

Even when the guide name changes, the pattern stays similar. A strong guide does three things well:

1) tells you what will happen next

2) guides you to better viewpoints than you would guess on your own

3) keeps the group organized when crowds shift and the guards reposition

One more practical benefit shows up in the feedback. Guides often help with group photo moments, so you are not stuck bargaining for a stranger’s phone.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This is best for you if:

• you want a close-up take on the Changing of the Guard without spending your entire day stuck at one gate
• you enjoy being active, and you do not mind walking with a group
• you care about learning what you are seeing, not just filming it
• you want better photo angles across Buckingham Palace, St James Palace, and the guards

Skip it if:

• you cannot handle at least one set of steps or a short march at the guards’ pace
• you rely on wheelchair access
• you are traveling with luggage or large bags, since these are not allowed

One more note for pet owners: pets are not allowed, and dogs are only allowed as guide dogs.

Should you book this Changing of the Guard walking tour?

If your main goal is a smart, close, photo-friendly Changing of the Guard experience in a short window, I think this tour is a strong match. The value is in the moving plan, the guided sequence of ceremony stages, and the rare chance to march alongside the guards briefly.

The decision hinges on mobility. If you can comfortably walk, stand, and manage some steps, you will likely feel like you got much more out of the time than a standard fence-watching plan. If mobility is limited, save yourself the stress and choose a different option that fits your pace.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet outside the Criterion Theatre, next to the Statue of Eros on Piccadilly Circus.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about two hours, and the guided Changing of the Guard portion is 105 minutes.

What will I see during the Changing of the Guard?

You will see multiple stages, including the inspection, Old Guard, New Guard, the palaces, and you will also march alongside the guards as part of the experience.

Will I march with the guards?

Yes. You will march at the same pace as the guards for approximately four minutes.

Is this tour suitable for people with walking difficulties or wheelchairs?

No. The tour requires a good level of mobility, includes at least one set of steps, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What is included in the price?

A live English tour guide is included. Food and drinks are not included.

Are pets or large bags allowed?

Pets are not allowed. Luggage or large bags are not allowed either. Dogs are only allowed if they are guide dogs.