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Ultimate Changing of the Guard Experience with Westminster Dome Climb

Ultimate Changing of the Guard Experience with Westminster Dome Climb

Immerse yourself in the pomp and circumstance of Royal London on this special tour that lets you see not one, but two Changing of the Guards with an expert guide. Watching from special vantage points, you’ll see the Changing of the Guard and Horse Guards and learn all about the military traditions that have made them so famous. Then head across St. James’s park to Parliament Square, for an exclusive dome climb that gives you the very best views available of Westminster Abbey and Central London.

There is no better way to see the Changing of the Guard than going with an expert guide who can take you to the best vantage points and explain the significance of everything from the marching style of the guards to the number of buttons on the uniforms.

Your tour starts when you meet your guide and small group of 15 people at the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace for a brief introduction to the ceremonies you are about to witness. While the front of the Palace is mobbed with spectators, you’ll head over to a series of special vantage points near Wellington Barracks, where most of the protocol that makes up the ceremony happens, including music from the band and highly formal uniform checks. As you watch these traditions play out, your guide will bring you into the highly symbolic world of the British military, where every badge, button, and color is imbued with centuries-old stories and traditions. As the guards process by, you’ll have front row seats to witness this ancient display of military power, then head across the park for a special treat.

The Changing of the Queen’s Life Guard at the Horse Guards Parade features much of the ceremony of the more famous guard change in front of Buckingham Palace but with the added bonus of armored soldiers and highly trained horses. Unlike the guards at Buckingham, you can also stand right next to the horse guards and take pictures with them.

After you’ve witnessed these two jaw-dropping ceremonies, we have one more surprise in store for you. We end our tour atop an exclusive dome in Westminster that has the best views in the city of Westminster Abbey and 360-degree views over the rest of the city. Spared from the Blitz because of its similarities (in the eyes of German bombers) to St. Paul’s Dome, it is one of the hidden gems of the area, and it’s only open to your group!

Note: Children under 16 are not allowed to participate in the Westminster Dome climb. 

Tour Highlights

  • St. James’s Park
  • Buckingham Palace (exterior)
  • Westminster Dome
  • Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
  • Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade
  • Westminster Abbey (exterior)
  • Houses of Parliament (exterior)
  • View Calendar
    • Changing the Guard ceremony from special vantage points
    • Live Guide
    • Exclusive rooftop access for panoramic views

  • This tour meets at the top of the steps of the Victoria Memorial (golden statue), in front of Buckingham Palace. The closest underground station is St. James's Park (Circle, District lines) or Green Park Station (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines).

  • English
  • 15
    • Changing the Guard ceremony from special vantage points
    • Live Guide
    • Exclusive rooftop access for panoramic views

    • Westminster Abbey

    • The Palace of Westminster

    • The Horse Guards Parade

    • St. James's Palace

    • Buckingham Palace

  • This tour meets at the top of the steps of the Victoria Memorial (golden statue), in front of Buckingham Palace. The closest underground station is St. James's Park (Circle, District lines) or Green Park Station (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines).

  • English
  • 15
    • Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.
    • This tour ends with access to an exclusive panoramic viewpoint. Due to security reasons this viewpoint is not accessible to children under the age of 16, pregnant women and people with heart conditions. Access may be limited due to local events.
    • Please note that during inclement weather conditions the Guard Change might not take place. We will only know this on the day of the visit. In these rare cases, you will still get a tour of the main sites, and will see the Horse Guard change.
    • Please note that access to the panoramic viewpoint may be limited due to local events.
    • This tour is not suitable for children. The dome climb is not allowed for children under 16.

FAQ

  • Expand/Collapse Where does the tour meet?

    This tour meets at the top of the steps of the Victoria Memorial (golden statue), in front of Buckingham Palace. The closest underground station is St. James's Park (Circle, District lines) or Green Park Station (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines).

  • Expand/Collapse What does 'Fat Tire Tours Approved' mean?

    We've been perfecting our tours since 1999, and we are always looking for new ways to improve our tour menu for our guests. We are committed to expanding the activities offered during your stay in London to make for an unforgettable experience. So for all of the experiences that we aren't able to deliver on our own, we've hand-selected the best local providers to offer a wide-range of unique and fun activities for our guests.

    With anything Fat Tire Tours Approved, you still receive our spectacular customer service ready to assist you in any way we can, 24/7, as well as the guarantee that we have hand selected the best possible partners to supplement our tour menu.

  • Expand/Collapse Is tour suitable for children?

    Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for children. The dome climb is not allowed for children under 16.

  • Expand/Collapse Are reservations required?

    Reservations are required for all our walking tours.

  • Expand/Collapse What is your cancellation policy?

    We're happy to offer free changes and 100% refund up to 24 hours before tour* Failure to cancel a reservation at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure may result in forfeited travel funds. Fare difference may apply.

    *See restrictions here

  • Expand/Collapse How long before my tour should I arrive?

    The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.

  • Expand/Collapse How long does the tour last?

    The tour will last roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes, although this varies slightly dependent on group size.

  • Expand/Collapse Does this tour run in all weathers?

    Although we will run our tours in all weathers, unfortunately The British Army do not have the same policy and in bad weather the ceremony may be cancelled at short notice. In these rare cases, you will still get a tour of the main sites, and will see the Horse Guard change.

  • Expand/Collapse How many people will be in my group?

    This tour operates with a maximum group size of 15 guests.

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