Overview
Experience London’s royal heritage and pageantry on a 2.5-hour experience that combines a visit to Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard. Enjoy the colorful spectacle of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and then enter the magnificent palace with a tour host for an independent audio tour of the State Rooms, an experience only available for two months of the year.
Admire the lavish rooms that are used by the royals for State and ceremonial events, as you discover the palace’s history from the audio guide.
Please note: Buckingham Palace is only open to the public for approx. eight weeks each year. Tickets sell out fast, so book now to avoid disappointment
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
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- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Audio guided Buckingham Palace Tour
Changing of the Guard ceremony
English Speaking Expert Guide for Changing of the Guard
Entrance ticket for Buckingham Palace
Headsets when appropriate
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. This is the tall column with a statue on top.
End point
Inside Buckingham Palace
Good to know
• Please be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure.
• Our City Wonders guides will have a City Wonders sign with the name of the tour at the meeting point for easy recognition.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
• We may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering the venue.
• Only very small bags are allowed.
• To change the date or time of your tour, please contact your travel agent at Viator customer care: 1-866-648-5873 (Toll Free) / +1 (702) 648-5873 (International).
• The Changing of the Guards is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.
• Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either Foot Guards or Horse Guards.
• Depending on the schedule of the Household Cavalry, you may experience either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Changing of the Horse Guards:
- Changing of the Foot Guards involves foot soldiers from the Household Division and occurs Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday.
- Changing of the Horse Guards features mounted cavalry from the Household Cavalry and takes place daily, this is what you will see if you book a tour on Tuesday and Thursday.
- On Saturday, the show that takes place is known as the "Guard Mounting" or "Inspection of the New Guard" at House Guards Parade. The inspection involves the Captain of the New Guard inspecting the soldiers to ensure they are in proper order with their uniforms and equipment in pristine condition, before they take over their duties from the Old Guard.
What to expect
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St. James's Park
20 min
Greet your courteous guide at a central London location and stroll near the verdant splendor of St. James’ Park to Buckingham Palace, the majestic official residence of several monarchs including the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh
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Changing of the Guard
30 min
Stop at a prime position before the gates to behold the impressive Changing of the Guards Ceremony, a colorful and traditional performance that combines vibrantly dressed soldiers with rhythmic drum beats.
Depending on the schedule of the Household Cavalry, you may experience either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Changing of the Horse Guards in London. These events are renowned for showcasing British tradition and military precision, further adding to London's fame.
Please note: If there is heavy rain — or if the Changing of the Guard is rescheduled to early morning (as on some Sundays) — the ceremony will be replaced with a walking tour. -
Buckingham Palace
1 hour
Listen to illuminating commentary from your guide as you stroll to the entrance of the regal residence, only open for two months of the year. Pop in your audio guide and embark on independent exploration of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla's luxurious State Apartments. Delight in opulent ornaments like sparkling chandeliers, classic artworks and elegantly upholstered furniture as you discover the historical rooms.
Return to the outside of Buckingham Palace and bid your guide farewell at this central location.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/London).
Additional Information
- Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either Foot Guards or Horse Guards.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour
Can I cancel Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours 30 min.
Where does it start?
By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. This is the tall column with a statue on top.
What's included?
- Audio guided Buckingham Palace Tour
- Changing of the Guard ceremony
- English Speaking Expert Guide for Changing of the Guard
- Entrance ticket for Buckingham Palace
- Headsets when appropriate
What's not included?
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits St. James's Park, Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by City Wonders UK
