Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 42 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour worth booking?
Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $15 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 42 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (42)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $15 per person
Uncover the rich history of Westminster on this engaging walking tour, showcasing the iconic Buckingham Palace and the historic Changing of the Guard ceremony. With an expert tour guide, stroll through London’s royal l
What you get
- Expert tour guide
- Changing of the guard (only on select days; Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday)
About this experience
Uncover the rich history of Westminster on this engaging walking tour, showcasing the iconic Buckingham Palace and the historic Changing of the Guard ceremony. With an expert tour guide, stroll through London’s royal landscapes, taking in stunning views of Clarence House and St. James’s Palace. This outdoor experience highlights the significance of landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Whitehall, known for its WWII history. Enjoy viewing spots for the guard change and captivating storytelling, perfect for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike, this 2-hour tour offers a unique glimpse into Britain’s royal heritage. - Explore the majestic exterior of Buckingham Palace and other royal residences. - Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony (takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). - Witness the Horse Guards Parade in full ceremonial uniform (takes place daily). - Guided walk through the scenic Green Park and Westminster district.
What's included
Included
- Expert tour guide
- Changing of the guard (only on select days; Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Buckingham Palace entry
What you'll see and do
Green Park
Escape the city bustle and step into the royal greenery where your premium London experience begins. As we stroll beneath the canopy of historic trees, your expert guide will bring the hidden history of the British monarchy to life with fascinating storytelling, no dry textbook lectures here. It’s the perfect, scenic introduction to Royal London.
15 minutes here · Admission included
St. James's Palace
Step away from the massive crowds and discover London’s most underrated royal gem. St. James's Palace is rich in Tudor history and royal drama, having been built by King Henry VIII. You'll see the stunning red-brick architecture and the traditional guards on duty. Our guides share gripping, lesser-known stories of royal scandals, marriages, and secrets that shaped British history. It’s a captivating stop that most generic tours skim right past!
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Clarence House
Get a glimpse into modern royal history at Clarence House, the much-loved former home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and the official residence of King Charles III. Here, we connect the past to the present, discussing the current Royal Family and daily life behind the palace walls. We keep the pacing relaxed so you can admire the elegant architecture, ask your burning questions about modern royalty and take stunning photos.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Lancaster House
Tucked away in the heart of Westminster, Lancaster House is one of London's most breathtaking architectural masterpieces. Walking past its golden stone facade makes you feel like you've stumbled into a beautifully preserved piece of royal history.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Buckingham Palace
Stand before the world’s most famous royal residence! Your guide knows the best vantage points to see the King's Guard and will share the inside scoop on royal life, palace secrets, and the history of the Changing of the Guard. Our expert guides give you the best views and an unforgettable, interactive experience. Please note, the tour does not go inside Buckingham Palace.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Whitehall
Walk down the political heartbeat of the UK! On Whitehall, you will see the historic Horse Guards, the entrance to Downing Street (home of the Prime Minister), and stunning government architecture. Your guide will effortlessly weave together tales of political power, royal executions, and historic pageantry.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Westminster Abbey
Conclude your royal journey outside the spectacular Westminster Abbey, the epicentre of British royal coronations, weddings, and burials for nearly a thousand years. Marvel at the jaw-dropping Gothic architecture while your guide shares the incredible history of the heroes, poets, and monarchs honored inside. We wrap up our experience right here in the heart of Westminster.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
St. James's Park
Strolling through St. James's Park is the perfect way to escape the busy city streets and take in some beautiful greenery. With its peaceful lake and views stretching toward Buckingham Palace, it feels like walking through a postcard.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Please wait outside Santander Bank, where your guide awaits your arrival. If arriving by tube, exit Green Park Station and turn left onto the main road where you will find the bank directly across.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Within a 2 minute walk you will find Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge and Parliament Square.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Empire Tours - London
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 54 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
54 verified traveler reviews for Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great value!
Yasine was a great guide! He provided loads of good and practical information and made the tour fun and worthwhile.
via Tripadvisor
Informative guide must see interesting tour!!
Meeting at Piccadilly‘s was a good location because it was right across the park going directly to the sites that we needed to see and Ali our guide was absolutely great. He was well informed of all the sites that we did see and very helpful in any questions that we had.
via Viator
Jude was really good.
Jude was an amazing guide. Easy flat walk. Best tour we have done.
via Tripadvisor
Appreciating your services
Jude was really informative..we learnt lots of information..he even helped us with our kids pram. We enjoyed the tour. Thanks
via Tripadvisor
First day in London
Awesome guide, Jude! Lots of great stories and information.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $15 to $48
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $15 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 42 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour?
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Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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