Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour
At a glance
Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour is a 2h 30m guided experience in London, United Kingdom, operated by City Wonders UK. Travellers rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 2,165 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $96.90 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Free time to explore Buckingham Palace at your own pace, Expert English-speaking guide for the walking tour, Changing of the Guard viewing: Foot Guards (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun) or Horse Guards (Tue/Thu/Sat).
Highlights
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 10 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 2h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 30 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
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
What's included
What's included
- Free time to explore Buckingham Palace at your own pace
- Expert English-speaking guide for the walking tour
- Changing of the Guard viewing: Foot Guards (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun) or Horse Guards (Tue/Thu/Sat)
- Official Buckingham Palace self-guided audio guide available in 9 languages
- Pre-reserved entry to Buckingham Palace State Rooms (open July – September only)
- Audio headsets when required for clear commentary
- Insider commentary on royal history and traditions
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Meet your guide in central London near the impressive Duke of York Column, a prominent landmark commemorating Prince Frederick, Duke of York, and marking the gateway to Royal London.
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Stop 2
Stroll along The Mall, London's grand ceremonial avenue connecting Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. Lined with Union Jack flags during royal celebrations, this iconic route is used for state visits, coronations, and royal processions.
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Stop 3
Pass these elegant memorials dedicated to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother while learning about their lasting impact on modern British history and the Royal Family.
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Stop 4 · 20m
Enjoy a guided walk through St. James's Park, London's oldest Royal Park. Take in beautiful lake views, seasonal flower displays, and some of the best views of Buckingham Palace while hearing stories of British royalty and royal traditions.
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Stop 5
See St. James's Palace, the oldest royal palace in London and an important working royal residence. Your guide will share its fascinating history and continuing role in royal ceremonies today.
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Stop 6
Pass Clarence House, the official London residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Situated beside St. James's Palace, this historic royal residence has been home to members of the Royal Family for generations and remains an important part of royal life in London.
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Stop 7
Pass the magnificent Lancaster House, a lavish 19th-century mansion renowned for its opulent interiors and frequent use for state receptions, diplomatic events, and film productions.
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Stop 8 · 30m
Head to a prime viewing location to witness one of London's most iconic traditions: the Changing of the Guard. Depending on the official schedule, you may see either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Horse Guards, featuring ceremonial uniforms, military precision, and centuries-old royal traditions.
If the ceremony is canceled due to weather or operational reasons, your guide will instead provide an extended Royal London walking tour. -
Stop 9
Pass Wellington Barracks, home to the Foot Guards responsible for protecting the monarch and carrying out ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace and other royal residences.
Please note: The Foot Guards can typically be seen at Wellington Barracks only on Foot Guard days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday). On other days, ceremonial guard duties are generally carried out by the Horse Guards instead. -
Stop 10 · 1h
Arrive at Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. After an introduction from your guide, enter with your included audio guide and explore independently.
Step inside the spectacular State Rooms, open to visitors for a limited season each year, and admire glittering chandeliers, priceless artworks, grand staircases, and lavishly furnished reception rooms used for royal ceremonies and state occasions.
Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace before your experience concludes at Buckingham Palace.
Meeting point
By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. It is the tall column with a statue on top, located at the top of the steps leading down to The Mall.
Good to know
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour take?
The experience lasts about 2h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $96.90 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Free time to explore Buckingham Palace at your own pace; Expert English-speaking guide for the walking tour; Changing of the Guard viewing: Foot Guards (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun) or Horse Guards (Tue/Thu/Sat); Official Buckingham Palace self-guided audio guide available in 9 languages; Pre-reserved entry to Buckingham Palace State Rooms (open July – September only); Audio headsets when required for clear commentary.
Where does it start?
By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. It is the tall column with a statue on top, located at the top of the steps leading down to The Mall.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 2,165 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in London.
