Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
London, United Kingdom

Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

Outty Ranking 47 4.1 · 46 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $142
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

47/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.1/5

Based on 46 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard worth booking?

Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard is a 4-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $142 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 46 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
47 / 100
Rating
4.1/5 (46)
Duration
4 hours
From
$142 per person

Take a 5-hour panoramic tour of London from an air-conditioned vehicle. With your guide, visit St Paul's Cathedral, see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and go inside Buckingham Palace with special timed entry. Tour includes all necessary entrance fees.

What you get

    About this experience

    Take a 5-hour panoramic tour of London from an air-conditioned vehicle. With your guide, visit St Paul's Cathedral, see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and go inside Buckingham Palace with special timed entry. Tour includes all necessary entrance fees.

    What's included

    Included

    • Entry to Buckingham Palace State Rooms
    • Panoramic tour of London
    • Entry to St Paul's Cathedral

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. London Victoria Station

      Start your tour from Bus Stop 8, Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria SW1W 9SZ and enjoy Royal London with a whistle stop tour of London's famous monuments; marvel at the history of London's modern masterpieces from the comfort of your seat. Have your cameras ready for a photo stop at the spectacular Westminster Abbey.

      15 minutes here

    2. Changing of the Guard

      See the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. As iconic an image of London as red telephone boxes and double–decker buses, the Changing of the Guard is a not–to–be–missed royal ceremony. A mass of red tunics, and bearskins, this will be an unforgettable experience. (When the ceremony is not available, a stop at Horseguards Parade will replace it).

      45 minutes here

    3. Buckingham Palace

      Once you've seen the Changing of the Guard, make your way inside Buckingham Palace with special timed entry and multimedia tour. Your escorted tour finishes outside the Palace at approximately 12pm. You can then enjoy your visit to the Palace and spend as much time as you wish inside. Special timed entry ensures your visit to the official residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837 will be a breathtaking experience. Open for just 8 weeks a year, viewing the State rooms is an opportunity not to be missed! Marvel at the splendor of the rooms used on official occasions by the King to entertain his guests. Be dazzled by the beautiful ballroom and throne room, before completing your royal tour with a walk through the stunning south garden.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    4. St. Paul's Cathedral

      Towering high over the City of London, the magnificent cathedral is widely considered to be Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece. Enter the Quire, and marvel at the beautiful mosaics inside. (On Sundays, due to Church services, there is no guided tour inside St Paul’s Cathedral).

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    Departure point: Stop 8, Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria SW1W 9SZ (Closest Station is Victoria) what3words location: gross.mining.spout Check-in: 07:30am, Departure: 08:00am

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Departure point: Stop 8, Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria SW1W 9SZ (Closest Station is Victoria) what3words location: gross.mining.spout Check-in: 07:30am, Departure: 08:00am

    Options you can book

    • Royal London Tour, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

    • Signature - English

      Signature - All Entries + Premium Seating & Lunch Pack

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Golden Tours Gray Line London

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • You must bring the e-ticket provided to gain entry to this tour.
    • On Sunday due to Church services, there is no guiding inside St Paul’s Cathedral.
    • Our vehicles are modern, comfortable, and kept to the highest standards of cleanliness, including a deep clean every day.
    • Cancelled bookings up to 48 hours before travel receive a full refund.
    • We always stop for photos at Buckingham Palace, unless security or safety issues prevent this. The area often gets very crowded so on days when there is no Guard Change we stop here early in order to get best photos.
    • NB Changing of the Guard ceremony does not take place every day and is also subject to weather conditions. It may occasionally be possible to see the Horse Guards but this is subject to daily operational viability.
    • Signature Tour Option: Take advantage of the best views on the bus with our premium seating option and a knowledgeable live guide. Plus, enjoy a lunch pack. This option includes entry to St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace State Rooms. You will also witness the Changing of the Guard, giving you a complete and immersive experience.

    Photos

    St Paul's Cathedral, Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the GuardRoyal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard, photo 3Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard, photo 4Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard, photo 5Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard, photo 6Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 46 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    46 verified traveler reviews for Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    33
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    8
    Sort
    noranenz · October 2026

    A wave from the King

    Marc greeted me on a wet bleak day for this tour. However, a personable tour followed, and was altered according to the wet day minimising the ‘change of guards’ performance and him realising that King Charles was in residence and about to head to Buckingham Palace. Marc’s expert knowledge of the timing of this placed me at a perfect point to give, and receive a wave from The King, as he headed out from Clarence House, an unexpected highlight, despite not seeing other highlights due to weather. So a great tour and all due to Marc’s years of guiding this tour. Thanks Marc!

    via Tripadvisor

    lynnellen2018 · September 2026

    A royal time

    The guide was good and well-informed. He did not stay with us for the palace tour, but that was fine. He found a good place from which to watch the changing of the guard.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your royal experience and found the guide knowledgeable and helpful. We’re especially glad he found a great spot for you to enjoy the Changing of the Guard. We hope to welcome you again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Bob556666 · September 2026

    Golden Tours will change your tour plan without notice

    The tour was book with no statement that guard change was not going to take place on a Sunday, only that it could if weather was bad. Most of the bus was very disappointed to find out that it wouldn't take place. Golden tours instead just changed our tour to a half day morning tour of London with St. Paul's. But St. Paul's has mass on Sunday, so we could see much of St. Paul's either. The tour guide was nice but the rest of the tour was terrible. Also, every Golden Tour doesn't give you a clear meeting point. It askes you to ask the chat bot. But the chat bot comes back with nothing. Only location for the meeting point is the receipt from the original order. Not on your ticket or every provide by the chat bot. If you call the help desk, they are very very unhelpful and a bit rude. Nice to start your tour with a panic trying to find the meeting point.

    Response from the operator: We’re sincerely sorry for the inconvenience and panic caused, and we understand how disappointing it must have been when the Changing of the Guard was not available. For clarity, our tour information does state that due to Sunday church services, there will be no guiding inside the cathedral. It also explains that if the Changing of the Guard ceremony is unavailable, we will visit Horseguards Parade instead. We’re also sorry to hear about the confusion regarding the meeting point. Your voucher states that the departure point is Bus Stop 8, Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, SW1W 9SZ. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience. We’ll follow up with our team to ensure that clear and accurate information is provided to all guests and that the meeting-point details are communicated more effectively. Thank you for your understanding.

    via Tripadvisor

    peggycZ3060FJ · September 2026

    Roy Al London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guards not as advertised

    This tour is not what is advertised. It does not include the “Iconic Changing of the Guards”. When we got to the location for the changing of the guards we asked what time that would take place and the tour operators said we don’t do that. We were extremely disappointed as that is why we booked this tour. She told us we needed to come back to this location on our own the next day at 10:30. I would definitely not recommend this tour at all.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear about your disappointment regarding the Changing of the Guard and the information provided during your tour. We understand that this was an important part of your reason for booking, and we would like to look into what happened further. Please email us at customerservices@goldentours.com with your booking reference and details of your experience, and our team will be happy to investigate this for you.

    via Tripadvisor

    aimeesE5483KT · July 2026

    Informative and enjoyable Royal tour!

    Fantastic tour, our guide Marc was incredibly knowledgeable and very friendly, shared a lot of information and found great vantage points for us to watch the Changing of the Guard. Given how busy the area was and the necessity to move from place to place quite quickly, the tour was fairly fast paced, for us it wasn't a problem but it might be something to bear in mind if you have any mobility issues. Great tour, thanks Marc!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed the tour and that Marc's knowledge, friendly approach, and expert guidance helped you get great views of the Changing of the Guard. We also appreciate you mentioning the pace of the tour as it is helpful for future guests. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    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
    16
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Golden Tours Gray Line London, who run 85 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.0.

    See everything Golden Tours Gray Line London runs

    Why this scores 47

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)48
    Review evidence (18% weight)51
    Booking momentum (14% weight)44
    Value for money (12% weight)94
    Listing quality (10% weight)62
    Local standing (8% weight)1
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.

    How much does Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard cost?

    +

    Prices start at $142 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 Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 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 Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 46 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard?

    +

    Around 16 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard start and how do I get there?

    +

    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 Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard?

    +

    Included: Entry to Buckingham Palace State Rooms; Panoramic tour of London; and Entry to St Paul's Cathedral. Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel pick-up and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard?

    +

    Departure point: Stop 8, Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria SW1W 9SZ (Closest Station is Victoria) what3words location: gross.mining.spout Check-in: 07:30am, Departure: 08:00am Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard offered in?

    +

    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 Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard?

    +

    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 Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard?

    +

    Across 46 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Royal London Tour, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard, Signature - English. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Royal London, Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard.

    Pick your date