Changing of the Guard - Small Group Tour

Witness one of the most dazzling ceremonies in the world with an expert guide - get closer to the action.

Tour description

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​England is known for fish and chips, four seasons in a day, warm ale, history in spades and of course, a deeply ingrained age-old love for pomp and ceremony.  Join Urban Saunters as we serve a slice of world-famous ceremonial action with this small-group Changing of the Guards experience.

There is so much more to this extravagant shift change than meets the eye though- with your expert guide to lead the way, you’ll soon know your Welsh from your Grenadier guard, understand what the deal is with those fuzzy bearskin hats, hear the astounding origins of this dazzling spectacle and truly get a handle on the significance of every colour, button, mascot, symbol and movement in this most British of traditions.

From the best possible viewing point, your small group will join the guards on their journey towards Buckingham Palace as you march to the beat of their drums... but what will the music be today?

What's Not Included

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• Gratuities 
   

• Food & drink 

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• Hotel pick-up & drop-off

Meeting Place

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Meet our guide outside Westminster Station. Please follow the signs for Exit 2 Victoria Embankment, and then take the stairs up to street level to Victoria Embankment. The group will be meeting at the top of the stairs next to The Boudiccan Rebellion Statue

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Cancellation Policy

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• Free cancellation up to 72 hours prior to the tour. Learn More

The Important Stuff

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• Please arrive fifteen minutes before the start time on your voucher

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• The tour starts at 9:30 am on Sunday and 10:00 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 

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• The experience will end outside Buckingham Palace at around 11:30am-12:00pm

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• We tend to move pretty fast to keep up with the guards, so please wear comfortable shoes and always carry water.

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• We will not stand at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as, due to crowds, you see very little and the experience would be ten times less fun. We want to get you as close as possible with the opportunity to take some amazing snapshots.

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• It is at the discretion of the British Army to change or cancel the Ceremony. The announcement will not be made until after 10.30am so come rain or shine, the Urban Saunters Changing of the Guard experience will go ahead. If the full ceremony is cancelled, there will still be the chance to see the guards marching, just without the music.