Changing of the Guard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in London

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   St. James's Park

   Starting outside St. James‘ Park, you‘ll see the iconic guards in their bright red jackets and black bearskin helmets, supported by their regimental bands which provide a tuneful backdrop to your walk.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

2. 2

   Royal Observatory Greenwich

   Stand on the Mall, where the world comes to get a grandstand view of royal events like weddings, coronations, and funerals.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

3. 3

   As you witness the ceremony, you’ll learn to identify the different guards, by looking at the feathers in their caps and the buttons on their jackets.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free

4. 4

   Royal Observatory Greenwich

   You‘ll also walk in the footsteps of Charles I on his way to being executed, and see a statue of the famous French General, Charles De Gaulle, in the very square where he set up his government while in exile during World War II.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

5. 5

   By the end of this hour-long tour, you‘ll have witnessed the Changing of the Guard from a different perspective, and gained a new appreciation for the ceremony.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free

6. 6

   Royal Observatory Greenwich

   On this tour, you'll hear the stories behind the Duke of York Memorial.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

7. 7

   Royal Observatory Greenwich

   Take in the National Police Memorial while learning about it on this self-guided audio tour.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

8. 8

   Royal Observatory Greenwich

   The changing of the guard ceremony in London is known around the world for its precision and spectacle. Most visitors view the event from Buckingham Palace, but on this walking tour with Context Travel and London-based scholar and royal expert, Sean Moran, you‘ll experience it from three less common vantage points.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

9. 9

   Banqueting House

   The tour ends with a visit to the Household Cavalry where you‘ll be able to get up close to the guards and their stunning black horses. You’ll also find out what the requirements are for a horse to join the cavalry!

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

The map shows London. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

Pickup

• Everyone meets at the start point

Know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please Note: Tickets or entrance fees are not included in the price of this tour.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• VOICEMAP CODE ─── Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS ─── Once you've received your code, please follow these steps: 1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app 2. Create an account 3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes 4. Enter your code then select Download Now PLEASE NOTE ─── • You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. • This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next. • When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point. • Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour. SUPPORT ─── For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]

Cancellation and refunds

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.