Tap to WhatsApp

Changing of the Guard

Private Changing of the Guard & Royal London Walk

A private walk through Royal London, with palace stories, regimental know-how, and a guide who knows where to stand for the Guard movements scheduled on your date.

  • Private group
  • 2.5 hours
  • Up to 8
4.97/5 · 5,095 Tally Ho reviews

“The perfect mix of royal pageantry and local secrets. Our guide knew every shortcut and every great photo spot. Felt like seeing London with a friend who knows all the good gossip.”

Lisa D. · New York, USA

Private group pricing £295 for 1–4 guests · £325 for 5–8 guests

See all dates & bookBuy a gift voucher
Instant confirmationFree cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Gift vouchers also available

Private walking tour
Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

Changing of the Guard is better when you know where to stand

Changing of the Guard is a magnificent bit of theatre. It’s also very easy to spend an hour staring at the back of somebody’s raincoat. Your guide knows the routes, the regiments, and where to stand for the movements scheduled on your date.

Starting outside St James’s Park Underground Station, you’ll spend 2.5 hours walking through the ceremonial heart of London: Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, The Mall, St James’s Park, and Horse Guards. The order follows the confirmed Guard schedule for the day, so you’re in the right part of Royal London when the action starts.

You’ll learn how to tell the regiments apart, what the uniforms mean, and what all that marching is actually for. There’s palace history, regimental rivalry, and a sensible amount of royal gossip too. Because it’s private, there’s room for questions and photos, and knowing what your group needs helps your guide plan the best workable route.

Duration

2.5 hours

Private group

Your party • Up to 8

Suitable for ages

All ages welcome

Times

Mon, Wed & Fri at 10:00; Sun at 09:15 on standard Guard dates

Pace

Brisk between stops

Perfect for

First-time London visitors • Families and multigenerational groups • Anyone curious about royal ceremony

Meeting point

Outside St James’s Park Underground Station, Petty France, London SW1H 0BD

Dates and booking details

Check dates, fares and booking options for this tour.

Check dates and booking details

Highlights

  • Private 2.5-hour walk for 1 to 8 guests
  • Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, The Mall, St James’s Park, and Horse Guards
  • A viewpoint chosen for the Guard movements scheduled on your date
  • Regiments, uniforms, royal ceremony, and palace stories explained
  • Finish outside Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly

What to expect

Included

  • Private Tally Ho guide
  • 2.5-hour Royal London walk
  • Route planned around the confirmed Guard schedule

Not included

  • Afternoon tea and other paid refreshments
  • Fortnum & Mason reservations
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities

Good to know

Guard schedules vary by date and can change at short notice because of weather or state events. We’ll confirm the start time for the date you book. The full Changing of the Guard ceremony isn’t guaranteed, but your guide will plan the walk around what’s happening in Royal London that day.

This walk includes brisk sections between Guard locations and several periods of standing. Every person, including young children, counts towards the maximum group size of eight. Pushchairs can be awkward on this route. Tell us when you book if you’re bringing one, or if anyone uses a walking stick or wheelchair or may need fewer stairs or extra pauses, so we can plan what will work best for your group.

Anyone aged 17 or under must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a waterproof layer if the forecast looks lively.

Changing of the Guard

Royal London tour datesAs of 13 Oct 2026

Mon, Wed & Fri tours start at 10:00; Sunday tours start at 09:15. Only confirmed standard Guard dates are shown.

Wed 14 Oct10:00
Guard: F Company Scots Guards
Musical Support
  • Band of the Welsh Guards
  • Band of the Scots Guards
Fri 16 Oct10:00
Guard: 26 Engineer Regiment
Musical Support
  • Band of the Welsh Guards
  • Band of the Household Cavalry
Sun 18 Oct09:15
Guard: 26 Engineer Regiment
Musical Support
  • No Music
Mon 19 Oct10:00
Guard: 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
Musical Support
  • Band of the Grenadier Guards
  • 1st Bn. Scots Guards Pipes and Drums
Wed 21 Oct10:00
Guard: Number 12 Company Irish Guards
Musical Support
  • Band of the Grenadier Guards
  • 1st Bn. Scots Guards Pipes and Drums
Fri 23 Oct10:00
Guard: 26 Engineer Regiment
Musical Support
  • Band of the Grenadier Guards
  • 1st Bn. Scots Guards Pipes and Drums
Sun 25 Oct09:15
Guard: 26 Engineer Regiment
Musical Support
  • No Music
Click to see more

Meet your guide

Meet outside St James’s Park Station

Meet outside St James’s Park Underground Station. Your confirmation will include the exact start time for your date.

Meet your London tour guide outside St. James' Underground station.

Palaces and processions

St James’s Palace and The Mall

Walk past St James’s Palace and along The Mall, learning how this stretch of London works on a Guard day, from the palace gates to the route used by marching troops.

A tour group outside of St James's Palace.

Park and parade ground

St James’s Park and Horse Guards

Cross St James’s Park, past its resident pelicans, and into Horse Guards Parade, where royal ceremony meets the working life of the Household Division.

Horse Guards riding past St. James's Park.

The main event

The day’s Guard movements

Your guide chooses the best available viewpoint for the confirmed schedule, then talks you through the uniforms, music, and movements as they happen.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Finish on Piccadilly

Fortnum & Mason

Finish outside 181 Piccadilly, close to Green Park Underground Station. Tea, biscuits, and a browse are entirely up to you from here. Food, drinks, and reservations aren’t included.

A tour group outside of the Burlington Arcade.

Instant confirmation

Private group pricing

1–4 guests
£295
5–8 guests
£325

One price for your private group

Next departurestap one to book it

  • Instant confirmation for your private group
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Only with Tally Ho

Why book it privately

Smart viewpoints

Clever positioning for the best royal moments without the crush.

Gentle pace

A relaxed, well-paced route designed for easy exploring.

Brilliant stories

History brought to life with warmth, humour, and sharp local insight.

“The perfect mix of royal pageantry and local secrets. Our guide knew every shortcut and every great photo spot. Felt like seeing London with a friend who knows all the good gossip.”
L

Lisa D.

New York, USA

Born in London. Built on stories

We started Tally Ho in 2011 because London is much better when somebody tells you what you’re actually looking at. Our guides know the famous sights, the back streets, and the stories that make both worth your time.

On a Guard day, that local knowledge matters. Routes change, crowds gather quickly, and the best view isn’t always the obvious one. We’ll check the schedule, find a sensible place to stand, and make sure the ceremony makes sense.

Meet the team
Meet the core tour team

Rascals, raconteurs, and very good company

Quiet lanes, cracking stories, proper laughs.

James

James

Glorious beard; shaves for panto each winter, returns spring triumphant again.

Katie

Katie

Mary Poppins energy; vintage queen with endless costumes, sells treasures at weekends.

Ed

Ed

Knows more routes than Waze; actor on the rise, you'll say you knew him first.

Tom

Tom

Retired drummer; tours with rock-solid timing, charm, and applause guaranteed.

Meet the whole team
Guest reviews

What our guests say

4.97/55,095 Tally Ho reviews

We’re trying not to let it go to our heads.

· 45 new in the last month
Guest photo 1 from a Tally Ho review
Google · 9 Aug 2026

“Absolute best way to enjoy London! It’s engaging, informative, and covers more ground than you can on foot. We have 6 and 8-year-old boys who love riding bikes, but haven’t ever been on a four-hour informational tour… Thanks to Edward, they “want to do that again every single day for a whole year!” He told stories in a way our kids could understand and opened up their curiosity for more. The route was a lovely mix of bike paths and roads through neighborhoods we never would’ve wandered otherwise. Couldn’t recommend this enough. Thank you, Edward!

Caroline H.

Google

Guest photo 1 from a Tally Ho review
TripAdvisor · 4 Mar 2026

“Excellent Guide, SUPER interesting yet not a ride for a beginner cyclist! - This one was a little tough to review so I am rating based on the guide - Edward! The cycling turned out to be a little scary and difficult for a beginner cyclist with us (along side cars and people who are walking everywhere!). Edward could not have been better in handling this situation with a variety of different people present and he was so incredibly kind to the beginner cyclist. The sites we saw were outstanding, interesting and Edward was very knowledgeable, funny and thoughtful. Super call out to Edward!! Note to potential cyclists - Our tour was 2 - 6 pm on a weeknight. Around 4:00 people started flooding to the streets so we were not only navigating cars, and other cyclists, now we had people EVERYWHERE, and there are many uber eats/other delivery drivers / E-bikes sharing the biking lanes and they ride very quickly, expect us to move, and the bikes had 1 gear.

D

Deannatami

TripAdvisor

Google · 5 Apr 2026

“Our day trip with Dean was honestly one of the highlights of our trip. From the moment he picked us up at our hotel, the whole day felt easy and relaxed and he immediately won over our teenagers with a stash of snacks ready for them. He made both Stonehenge and Windsor Castle so much more interesting than we ever could have experienced on our own. At Stonehenge, he walked us around, explained the history in a way that actually kept everyone engaged (not always easy with teens!), and took tons of great family photos so we didn’t have to worry about it. On the way to Windsor, he stopped at a really great pub by the Thames, which was such a nice, local touch we never would’ve found ourselves. Then at Windsor, he gave us just the right amount of background and guidance so we could explore confidently on our own without feeling rushed. The absolute highlight for our kids though was that he let them try on his real King’s Guard bearskin hat and coat from his service. They’re still talking about it and have told family and friends that the day trip was their favorite experience of our 8 day trip to London/Paris! Dean just went above and beyond all day. Super knowledgeable, thoughtful, and genuinely fun to spend time with. We’d book him again in a heartbeat.

Emily C.

Google

Read all 5,095 Tally Ho reviews
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

The private group price is £295 for 1–4 guests or £325 for 5–8. Every traveller, including young children, counts towards the group size; the age bands help your guide tailor the tour rather than creating separate ticket charges.

The tour starts at 10:00 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday standard Guard dates, and at 09:15 on Sundays. Published military fixtures override the repeating pattern, so afternoon ceremonies, Captain’s Inspections, Admin Mounts, Trooping the Colour and other major parades are not offered as this tour.

Dates open up to 90 days ahead with a 48-hour booking lead time. Beyond the military timetable’s published range, the calendar follows the standard Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday pattern; confirmed fixtures replace those provisional dates as they are released. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day are unavailable.

Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Yes, bring your umbrella. There's still plenty to see and explore!

Gladly — Contact us with your hotel location, and we'll provide you with a tailored quote.

Yes. Short distances, lively stories, and snack stops nearby.

Outside St James’s Underground Station (District & Circle), street level. Your confirmation includes a pin and photo of the exact spot.

Usually — but the Army can amend or cancel at short notice. If that happens, we pivot to Horse Guards and St James’s Palace so you still get the pageantry.

See Royal London with someone who knows where to stand and what on earth is going on.

Private group pricing: £295 for 1–4 guests · £325 for 5–8 guests

See all dates & book
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.Instant confirmation

You might also like

Guests smiling from a black cab passing the Houses of Parliament on a private London taxi tour
Tally Ho driver-guide in a flat cap grinning from the window of a black cab near Big Ben
A Tally Ho black cab parked outside Buckingham Palace with guests inside
PRIVATE TOUR

Best of London Taxi Tour

Hotel pickup and your own driver-guide. A relaxed private ride through London’s greatest hits, tailored just for you.

£395 / group4 hoursMax 6Relaxed
View tripView tripView trip
Girls on a Guided London bike tour with vintage bicycles exploring iconic landmarks, perfect for travellers seeking a unique cycle experience
Spectators watching the Changing of the Guard parade with drummers marching in bearskin hats
Friends posing for a group photo with vintage bikes and the Houses of Parliament behind
PERFECT DAY ONE

Landmarks & Gems: Royal London Bike Tour

Ride from Big Ben to the Changing of the Guard, a historic pub, and vibrant street art. The essential first stop in London.

From £52 / person3.5 hoursMax 10Easy
View tripView tripView trip
A group raising pints outside The Seven Stars pub on a guided London pub walking tour
Guests walking through the vaulted stone undercroft of Lincoln's Inn on a pub tour
Tour group entering a hidden historic London pub through an arched doorway
Private walking tour

Secret London Pub Tour

A ramble through characterful historic pubs. Proper pints, cracking stories, and cozy corners you’ll never find alone.

£350 / group3 hoursMax 15Easy
View tripView tripView trip
A Kings Guard in a red tunic on standing on Duty

Tell us what you’re imagining

Bikes delivered to your hotel. Private guides through the places you’ve read about. Chauffeured tours beyond the city, or a full week across the UK. We design every detail around your group and your curiosity.

Start planning

Every itinerary built from scratch by our planning team

Looking for something ready to book? Explore our Signature Tours →

Private group pricing: £295 1–4 guests£325 5–8 guests