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.
On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the "Sunday Parade".
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 Foot Guards
Changing of the Foot Guard: Witness the Changing of the Foot Guards and visit the interior of the Buckingham Palace.
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
Reviews
1,615 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Morning Out
Danielle S,
Sep 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable and kept a pace that the group could follow. Very friendly and helpful.
Royal Morning
LeeAnn G,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Peter did an excellent job of getting us to all the key spots for changing of the guard whilst providing informative commentary. We found this to be a great royal morning Thanks Peter🫶🏻💂♀️🏰🇬🇧
Change of the Guards and Buckingham Palace - Informative, Exciting & Astonishing
Ulrich G,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Informative, Exciting & Astonishing. About 2 hours to observe the various changing of the guards activities. Impressive tradition which we were told hasen't changed in 300 hundred years! Colorfull, exact steps, impressive horses and riders. Really enjoyed that "spectacle". Angie was our tour guide; very knowledgable, lots of explanation and in between witty comments and stories in clear understandable englisg. After about two hours entrance to Buckingham palace. On our own with the provided audio guide we went through slowly which took us about two hours. Have seen many palaces, Buckingham is way on the top. Impressive architecture with lots of art. Most of all one can hardly seen any wear & tear and it is spotless clean without dirty corners or dusty surfaces. Really impressive! Worthwhile spending the time!
Good
Miriana P,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
4.00There is so much walking directions for the start of the tour was a little hard at first.You need to have gps
Overall we enjoyed the...
Julie P,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
4.00Overall we enjoyed the experience but were disappointed in how disorganised things were at the beginning of the tour as communication with people gathered for the tour was very poor. Our tour started late so we were hurried along so we could be at Buckingham Palace at the appropriate time.
Related Experiences
Operated by City Wonders UK