The Changing of the Guard Tour
Piccadilly Circus Tube, meet by the Eros statue
Guided by Rick Jones or Ronnie Haydon
Adult: £20 · Students & Seniors: £15 · Children: £5
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Weekly | 10 am | 12 pm | Winter Summer | Reserve Online |
Blue Badge guide and music writer Rick Jones leads a tour to March in time with the military band and account for the long history of the manoeuvre with special emphasis on the 1790s when militarism was in the air and Austrian composer Joseph Haydn was tripping the light fantastic here in London
HERE’S HOW TO FIND RICK
“I have a Blue Badge on my lapel. I may well wear an 18th-century wig. I have a vuvuzela with the words Property of Joseph Haydn on the side which I blow to announce the start. I have a drum roll for the Drumroll Symphony. Either way, I will draw attention to myself.”
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD
The tour incorporates the Changing of the Guard which Haydn also witnessed and which partly inspired his 100th Symphony The Military.
He blest the City with a dozen symphonic masterpieces, half of which were popular enough to acquire nicknames – The Clock, The Miracle, The Surprise, The Drumroll and the London itself, No104, the last he composed. The tour not only tells the story of these works but also meets the composer’s English girlfriend and the German Musicianer who was here before him….
Anne Johnson –
Took this tour on a beautiful spring day (10:15, March 31st). Thought the tour informative and moved at a good pace. However, when the subject of Canada being part of the Commonwealth came up, the tour guide joked about Canada being annexed by the United States. As a Canadian, I found this highly offensive. The US president has said he plans to destroy our country and take it over. This is not funny. If the tour guide finds the situation amusing, perhaps he should better inform himself.
Arian –
An absolute must-do when in London.
Mr. Jones’s explanations hit the spot at every moment, enhancing the experience to higher levels of enjoyment on a tour that is full of absolute beauty and awe.
I’ll never forget when he recited a verse from The Charge of the Light Brigade near the statue of Florence Nightingale… he hijacked my brain’s complete attention.
Alick –
A thoroughly enjoyable walk, and highlighted by being shown where exactly to stand for the best views on various occasions.
Oliver –
Ich möchte allen deutschsprachigen Gästen eine unbedingte Empfehlung für London Walks geben. Mit Grundkenntnissen der Englischen Sprache kann man den Guides sehr gut folgen.
Changing of the Guard mit Rick Jones: Großartiger Witz (very british), scharf auf den Punkt und unglaublich informativ. Brilliant chap!
Steve p –
Just done tour rick was great guide very enjoyable walk
Cary –
Rick gave a great tour around the Japanese state visit. Another in the London walks hit parade.
Steven –
Rick had to busk it a bit, as they were rehearsing for the Japanese Emperor’s state visit the day after. He is clearly very knowledgeable and ready for anything; it was excellent – Rick clearly has much ad libbing experience! Looking forward to doing the walk with him again when friends come to visit. Highly recommended.
Tim Quick –
An exceptional guide for an exceptional walk. Richard is knowledgeable, funny and alround great company. He navigates you through time and through London, to land you right on cue for the changing of the guard. If you’re really lucky you might be treated to a small musical interlude en route as well. Highly recommended.
Jean Piazza –
Rick was absolutely entertaining & very knowledgeable on this walk. He stopped and pointed out all the hidden walkways & knew the history inside & out on Haydn & all the British monarchy from the beginning of time. Very fun way to get my week & morning started going on a Changing of the Guard walk. Highly recommend this walk!
Julie –
We thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour with Rick, learning about Haydn and his time in London, walking along with the Changing of the Guard, and visiting several hidden corners along the way including an old shopping arcade and a Christopher Wren church. Rick was a friendly and knowledgable guide.