Buckingham Palace Tour and Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Highlights

  • Watch the precision skills of the King's Foot Guards or Household Cavalry

  • Explore the lavish State Rooms of the King's official London residence

  • Learn about the royal residence of Buckingham Palace

  • See treasures from the Royal Collection

Summary

Explore the many marvels of Buckingham Palace and experience the renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony alongside an expert host so that no sight goes unnoticed. 

Tour info

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
30
Pricing (From)
Commentary
English
Meeting Point

Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton Terrace, Greater London, England, SW1Y 5AJ

Dropoff location

Buckingham Palace, Greater London, England, SW1A 1AA

Why take this tour?

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 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 approximately eight weeks each year. Tickets sell out fast, so book now to avoid disappointment.

What’s included?

  • Changing of the Guard ceremony

  • Entrance ticket for Buckingham Palace

  • Audio guide for Buckingham Palace

  • Headsets when appropriate during Changing of the Guard

  • Professional host

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

  • Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

  • We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance.

  • We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.

  • Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, you’ll experience the change of the Household Cavalry.

  • The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to changes in date, time, and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. Even when canceled, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music and parade.

Before you go

  • It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure.

  • We may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering the venue.

  • Only very small bags are allowed.

  • Photography is not permitted within Buckingham Palace but is allowed within the gardens.

  • This tour involves a reasonable amount of walking. We recommend comfortable shoes for all guests.

Cancellation Policy

    Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Redemption information

    • Extra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. As a result, we may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. Extra measures may also restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, we strongly suggest that you avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour.
    • Gratuities to guides providing excellent service are appreciated.
    • It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
    • For help with meeting points or other urgent issues, please phone UK Free Toll +44 800 098 8019
    • Our City Wonders guides will have a City Wonders sign with the name of the tour at the meeting point for easy recognition.
    • We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
    • Photography is not permitted within Buckingham Palace but is allowed within the gardens.
    • Please note weather is very changeable in London, please ensure you have rainproof clothing
    • This tour involves a reasonable amount of walking. We recommend comfortable shoes for all guests.
    • We will do everything within our power to ensure timings and itineraries are respected; however, due to issues beyond our control, timings and sites are subject to last minute changes on rare occasions.
    • Changing of the Guard will not operate in rain and will be replaced with an extended walking tour.

    DISCLAIMER
    • Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, you’ll experience the change of the Household Cavalry.
    • The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities.
    • Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music or parade.
    • Depending on the day you will see either the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade.


    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

About operator:

Created for travel enthusiasts with inquisitive minds, City Wonders is a global tour operator specializing in exclusive and expert tours throughout Italy, France, Spain and the UK. Its intimate tours and day trips invite travelers to go beyond sightseeing, bringing the wonders of each destination to life through behind-the-scene experiences. All City Wonders tours are guided by local experts that know the ins and outs of their city.