London: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard Tour

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.86 (140 reviews) 94% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/9

Duration3h 30m

GroupUp to 20

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Watch the Guards, Then Walk Through a Palace That's Only Open Two Months a Year

You watch the Changing of the Guard from a vantage point where you can actually see it, then spend a few hours exploring Buckingham Palace's State Rooms and gardens with an audio guide at your own pace. Your guide handles the ceremony explanation and entry logistics; you handle the palace on your own time. The whole day is a few hours, and it only happens August through September.

3h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Changing Guard and Palace Tour

Watch Changing of the Guard ceremony
View St. James's Palace exterior
See Clarence House from outside
Begin self-guided Buckingham Palace tour
Explore State Rooms with audio guide
Visit 16-hectare Palace Gardens

The Experience

You're standing in a London crowd at 11am on a Tuesday, and nothing's happening yet. Then the drums start, and suddenly there's precision and scarlet uniforms and those impossible tall hats moving in perfect time. That's the Changing of the Guard—and it's the opposite of the tourist trap you might expect. Your guide positions the group where you can actually see it, not crammed at the forecourt where you'd see nothing but the backs of other people's phones. The ceremony itself lasts about forty minutes, and your guide explains what's happening as it unfolds: the Old Guard handing over to the New Guard, the marching, the significance of each movement. It's choreographed down to the second, and it's genuinely absorbing.

After that, you head into Buckingham Palace itself—and here's the thing: it's only open to the public in August and September, which is why tickets are always tight. Your guide sets the scene with stories and context before you go in, then you're loose with an audio guide, moving through the State Rooms at your own pace. The rooms are genuinely opulent: gifts from heads of state, furniture that's been there for centuries, paintings you'd normally only see in a museum. You're not rushed, and you're not herded. The 16-hectare gardens are included too, and they're quieter than the palace itself—a good place to sit for a minute if your feet need it. The whole thing takes a few hours, and you're moving at a steady clip, so wear shoes you can actually walk in and bring water.

One practical thing: the ceremony can be altered or occasionally cancelled by the British Army, but the announcement doesn't come until after 10:30am. That means you show up regardless of the weather—and London weather in summer can be unpredictable. The tour runs in all conditions, so dress for rain if there's a chance. And there are no toilet or refreshment breaks during the tour itself, so plan accordingly before you start. If you're thinking about this, book early if you're visiting in August or September, because slots fill fast.

What’s included

Your day includes entrance tickets to Buckingham Palace, a guided Changing of the Guard experience with an English-speaking local guide who positions you for the best views, and an audio guide for the palace's State Rooms and gardens. Public transportation is available nearby to reach the starting point.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Urban Saunters

Is this one for you?Right for travelers visiting London in August or September who want to see both the ceremony and the palace interior without arranging tickets separately. Expect a steady pace and about a few hours on your feet—that's what lets you fit both experiences into one morning and still have the afternoon free.