Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Changing of the Guard Tour
- Duration2.5 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
Combine London's most famous royal ceremony with a visit inside the King's official residence. Our English-speaking guide leads a walk through royal London to a good viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard, then you enter Buckingham Palace with a pre-reserved ticket and explore the State Rooms at your own pace with the official audio guide. The palace opens to visitors only for a few weeks each summer, so this tour runs during that opening. It suits families, first-time visitors and anyone curious about the monarchy.
Highlights
- Guided walk through royal London with an expert guide
- A good viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard, subject to the official schedule
- Pre-reserved entry to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms
- The Throne Room, the Ballroom and the Picture Gallery with masterpieces from the Royal Collection
- Official palace audio guide and time to explore at your own pace
- Headsets provided when needed so you hear the guide clearly
Full Description
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
The Changing of the Guard, known officially as Guard Mounting, is the ceremony in which the King's Guard at Buckingham Palace hands over duty to the New Guard, accompanied by a military band. The soldiers of the Foot Guards regiments wear their famous red tunics and tall bearskin caps, and the parade follows a routine that has changed little in more than a century.
What time is the Changing of the Guard? It usually takes place in the late morning on set days of the week, and it does not take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays, or in very bad weather. On those days our guide leads a walking tour of Westminster instead, and you may see the mounted Household Cavalry change at Horse Guards Parade.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Bought by King George III in 1761 and first used as the monarch's London residence by Queen Victoria in 1837, Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. Its 19 State Rooms, used by the King for official receptions and state banquets, open to the public only during the summer, usually from mid-July to late September.
With Buckingham Palace tickets reserved in advance, you climb the Grand Staircase and walk through the Throne Room, the white and gold Music Room and the Ballroom, the largest room in the palace. The Picture Gallery holds works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer and Canaletto from the Royal Collection. Allow about an hour for the visit with the audio guide.
Royal London: The Mall and St James's
Before the ceremony, our guide walks you through the royal heart of London, around The Mall, the broad processional avenue lined with flags on state occasions, and past St James's Palace, the oldest royal palace in London, where the Old Guard assembles. The tour starts near the Duke of York Column above The Mall.
Along the way the guide shares stories of the monarchy, royal weddings and coronations. A Buckingham Palace tour with a guide helps you understand what you are watching during the ceremony, which can otherwise look like a crowd and a distant band.
Practical Tips for Visiting Buckingham Palace
Is Buckingham Palace worth visiting inside? Yes: the State Rooms are among the most richly decorated interiors in Europe, and they are open only for a short season. Entry includes airport-style security, so leave large bags at your hotel; photography is not allowed inside the State Rooms, and pushchairs are not permitted on the route.
The best time to visit Buckingham Palace is a weekday in July or September, when summer crowds are a little lighter. How to get to Buckingham Palace? Green Park and St James's Park Underground stations are both within a short walk of the meeting point.
Itinerary
- Meeting point near The MallMeet our guide in the morning near the Duke of York Column and receive your headset.
- Royal London walkGuided walk past St James's Palace and along The Mall, about 30 minutes.
- Changing of the GuardWatch the ceremony from a good viewing spot with the guide's commentary, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Buckingham Palace State RoomsEnter with your pre-reserved ticket and explore with the official audio guide, about 1 hour or more.
- Finish at Buckingham PalaceThe tour ends at the palace, about 2.5 hours after the start.
What's included
- Expert English-speaking guide for the Changing of the Guard walk
- Prime viewing spot for the ceremony (subject to the official schedule)
- Pre-reserved entry to Buckingham Palace State Rooms
- Official palace audio guide
- Free time to explore the palace at your own pace
- Audio headsets when needed
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 5–14
- History and culture lovers
- A half-day plan — about 2.5 hours
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- People with limited mobility
- Travellers with pushchairs or large bags
Meeting point
There is no hotel pickup. We meet in the morning in the St James's area near the Duke of York Column, at the top of the steps above The Mall, a short walk from Buckingham Palace; the exact spot is confirmed with your booking. The nearest Underground stations are Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross and Green Park. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Important information
- The State Rooms open only in summer, so this tour is available during the palace's annual opening
- The Changing of the Guard does not take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays; a Westminster walking tour replaces it
- The ceremony can be cancelled at short notice for weather or official reasons
- On Sundays a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place
- Photography is not allowed inside the State Rooms
- Pushchairs and large bags are not allowed; expect airport-style security
- Wear comfortable shoes; the tour involves standing and walking
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard tour cost?
The booking panel on this page shows the current price for this tour, for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. We meet near the Duke of York Column above The Mall, a short walk from the palace.
How long is the tour?
About 2.5 hours, including the guided walk, the ceremony and your visit to the State Rooms.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children love the soldiers and the band, and there is a child rate. Pushchairs are not allowed inside the palace.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and a small bag only. Bring your booking on your phone.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
It depends on availability during the summer opening. Check your date in the booking panel.
What is the difference between the options?
This page offers one option: the guided Changing of the Guard walk with pre-reserved State Rooms entry and the official audio guide.
When is Buckingham Palace open to visitors?
The State Rooms usually open from mid-July to late September each year, and dates are set by the Royal Collection.
What happens if the Changing of the Guard is cancelled?
Our guide leads a walking tour of Westminster instead, and your State Rooms visit goes ahead as booked.
More in London
Getting to & around London
Popular across United Kingdom
-
-
-
-
-
-
