Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 80 4.9 · 98 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $26
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Outty Ranking

80/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 98 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 $26 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 98 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
80 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (98)
Duration
2 hours
From
$26 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 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 you get

    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

    • Changing of the guard (only on select days; Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday)
    • Expert tour guide (choose from English, German, Spanish or French)

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Buckingham Palace entry

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. 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

    4. 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

    5. 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

    6. 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

    7. 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

    8. 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.

    Options you can book

    • English speaking guide

    • French speaking guide

    • Spanish speaking guide

    • German speaking guide

    • Upgrade to a private tour!

      Guided Private tour in English: An exclusive, private experience created solely for your group! This will be led by an English speaking guide.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, en, fr, es
    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

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    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 85 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    85 verified traveler reviews for Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    78
    4 star
    5
    3 star
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    2 star
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    Sort
    Hector_H · October 2026

    Changing of the Guard Experience

    Barbara our travel guide was excellent. She provided in depth explanation to the history highlights of the monarchy. She placed us in the best spot to view the changing of the guard- it was awesome. We also were able to see the Horse Guard Sentry Box Swap ceremony at Whitehall castle ( which our guide offered to do for our group)

    via Viator

    Joe_F · October 2026

    Easy to book and easy to...

    Easy to book and easy to find the guide. They were not changing guards the day we went so we got to take pictures in front of Buckingham Palace.

    via Viator

    958teund · October 2026

    Sympathetic Shepard for visiting the Royal Route.

    The tour guide (Yaseem, I believe) was pleasant and approachable. Incidentally, I was touched to (accidentally) catch part of the story of his daughter’s premature birth, which helped to endear him to me. The best part of the tour was seeing the place where parts of ‘Diana: The Mourning After’ were filmed (i.e., the road in front of Buckingham Palace). Long live Hitch!

    via Tripadvisor

    T4070XYscotth · October 2026

    Yasin did great

    Yasin our guide did an excellent time. He controlled the group and kept things moving seamlessly. He also doke loud enough to hear. Thank you!

    via Tripadvisor

    ashwinir545 · October 2026

    Amazing tour with Yasin

    Yasin was amazing. We had a great time at the tour and learned about history. He’s knowledgeable and we had a very interactive tour

    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
    $26 to $320
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    34
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 80

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)61
    Booking momentum (14% weight)55
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)75
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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 $26 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 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 98 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 34 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour?

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    Included: Changing of the guard (only on select days; Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday); and Expert tour guide (choose from English, German, Spanish or French). Not included: Gratuities; and Buckingham Palace entry. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour?

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    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 is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour offered in?

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    It is offered in German, English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour?

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    Across 98 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour?

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    There are 5 options to choose from, including English speaking guide, French speaking guide, Spanish speaking guide, German speaking guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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