Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 2,166 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour worth booking?
Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $98 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 2,166 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (2,166)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $98 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
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
What you'll see and do
Duke Of York Column
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.
Pass by without stopping
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.
Pass by without stopping
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial
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.
Pass by without stopping
St. James's Park
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.
20 minutes here
St. James's Palace
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.
Pass by without stopping
Clarence House
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.
Pass by without stopping
Lancaster House
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.
Pass by without stopping
Changing of the Guard
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.
30 minutes here
Wellington Barracks
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.
Pass by without stopping
Buckingham Palace
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.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Inside Buckingham Palace
Options you can book
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
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Wonders UK
Know before you go
- 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".
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,166 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
2,166 verified traveler reviews for Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Dont miss when in London !
Fantastic day and something I will remeber forever. When you think England this is it. I went wirh my daughter and Husband we did not want it to end fealt like we waa watching a film . Get very crowded so we were happy we booked the taur and then got the best view . Book on GetYourGuide with code NEFEAST5 and get discount on your tickets (use the code on different trips excursions also you may just need to change the email you are booking with to use it again )
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour and guide!
Aaron was our guide and he was terrific. He got us to all the right places to see the different parts of the Guard changing ceremony and added so much information about the history and traditions surrounding it. We really enjoyed how he pointed out the different homes and told us who in the Royal family lived in them and why. Highly recommend this tour!
via Viator
Palace visit
Great value, very well organised and impressive rooms. I would recommend this to anyone considering this trip. Unfortunately we could not see the changing of the guard (owing to them preparing the streets for a marathon that weekend) but our guide make up for it with a well informed talks about the houses along Pall Mall and the royal family.
via Viator
Great time with Guide Joseph.
Joseph was a perfect guide to see the changing of the guards with horses. Knowledgeable and passionate about the history surrounding us and willing to answer questions. He walked us to the palace safely, offered to take pictures of everyone and guided us to the entrance of Buckingham palace where the self guided tour began.
via Tripadvisor
Tour of Buckingham and changing if the guard pomp and circumstance
The tour was great. Umar was an amazing guide. He was very funny and witty. Changing of the guard was very crowded as we expected but Umar got us through the crowds and into the palace with ease. I would totally recommend this tour.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 758
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by City Wonders UK, who run 15 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.2.
See everything City Wonders UK runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour cost?
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Prices start at $98 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 Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 2,166 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard 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 Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour?
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Around 758 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard 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 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?
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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.
What is included in Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour?
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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; and Pre-reserved entry to Buckingham Palace State Rooms (open July – September only). Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard 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.
What happens to Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard 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 Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour?
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Across 2,166 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including w/Changing of the Foot Guards, w/Changing of the Horse Guards. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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