Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour
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
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.
What's included in Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
Buckingham Palace
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.
Inclusions
- 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
- 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.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- 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 Points
- Inside Buckingham Palace
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• 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 baby carriages. • 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). • Gratuities for your guide that provided excellent service are appreciated! • 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. • 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.
