London: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard Tour
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.
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
- Changing of the Guard 1h 30m
- St. James's Palace 20m
- Clarence House 10m
- Buckingham Palace Entry included 1h 30m
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.
Next departure: 9 Jul 2027
Information
Changing of the Guard ceremony with prime vantage points, then self-guided Buckingham Palace State Rooms and gardens with audio tour. Tickets included, small groups.
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Traveler reviews
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.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (18 to 24 years); Child (5 to 17 years); Infant (under 5): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
When does the Changing of the Guard happen?
The ceremony typically occurs in the morning. Your guide will secure the best viewing spot, and the ceremony itself lasts around forty minutes.
Is Buckingham Palace open year-round?
No. The palace is open to the public only in August and September, which is why this tour is seasonal and tickets are in high demand.
Do I need to stay with the guide inside the palace?
No. After your guide sets the scene, you explore the State Rooms and gardens at your own pace using the official audio guide.
What if the ceremony is cancelled?
The British Army can alter or cancel the ceremony, but the announcement doesn't come until after 10:30am. If the full ceremony is cancelled, you may still see the guards marching without the music. The tour goes ahead regardless of weather.
Are there breaks for toilets or food?
No. There are no toilet or refreshment breaks during the tour, so plan ahead before you start.
How long is the whole tour?
A few hours total, including the ceremony and the palace exploration. You'll be moving at a steady pace, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Can I film or photograph?
You can photograph, but you cannot film the guide without their permission.
What's the difference between the ceremony and the "Parade" on Sundays?
From April 2025, Sundays feature a slightly different version called a "Parade" instead of a "Change." It involves the same guard movements and locations, but the format is adjusted. This is a trial with no confirmed end date.
Operated by Urban Saunters. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
London: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard Tour
3h 30m · EN
from £ 75 per person
≈ US$ 101 in your currency
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