Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
On occasional Sundays may be rescheduled to early morning, this will then be replaced with an extended walking tour.
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
There is no Changing of the Foot Guards on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday so you'll be provided with a Walking Tour of Westminster City. You may be able to see the Changing of the Horse Guards at Horse Guards parade but that's not guaranteed.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Audio guided Buckingham Palace Tour
New for 2025: The King’s Tour Artists Exhibition
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
What To Expect
St. James's Park
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
Changing of the Guard
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.
Options
w/Changing of the Horse Guards
Changing of the Horse Guards: Witness the Changing of the Horse Guards and visit the interior of the Buckingham Palace
w/Changing of the Foot Guards
Changing of the Foot Guard: Witness the Changing of the Foot Guards and visit the interior of the Buckingham Palace.
Reviews
1,491 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent
Raquel T,
Aug 20, 2025
- Viator
4.00Tour was excellent. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The only thing complaint is you are not allowed to take pictures inside Buckingham Palace. Other than that it was great. I highly recommend
Buckingham Palace
Tracy C,
Aug 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great tour. We had a wonderful guide who got us right up front for changing of the guard. We had two kids 11 and 13 they enjoyed the tour as well. You meet at the statue of st james. Walk around the area first with the tour guide. After about an hour, he bring you to Buckingham. You then get a headset for the tour in the palace. Those were wonderful beciase they had a version specifically for children. There is food at the end of the tour and then past the bathrooms there is also ice cream. Only vanilla. But delicious. YOu are at your own pace once you hit Buckingham. We had to catch a flight out, but we could of explored the gardens as well. Great tour!
Bad
Sarah D,
Aug 20, 2025
- Viator
1.00Very bad experience and will not recommend this tour to my friends and family because the tour says change of guard and we didn’t even see that because the tour was late and I paid money to see that . Also inside the castle we didn’t have the tour person to explain stuff for us , we were on our own Please refund my money
Natalie was our tour...
Lacy G,
Aug 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Natalie was our tour guide and she was amazing! She told us great stories and got us in the best spot to view the changing of a guards! Buckingham Palace is just a must see!
Buckingham fun
Daniel D,
Aug 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great amount of info and right amount of time. Great guide and company. Super informative and fun. Highly recommend seeing the inside of the palace. Awesome tour!
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Operated by City Wonders UK